News Archive 2011

Congress says ‘tide is turning against austerity’

01 May 2012

Congress General Secretary David Begg has said the tide is turning against the austerity agenda across Europe as unemployment climbs to record levels and countries feel “the full force of these bankrupt policies.” Speaking ahead of May Day, Mr Begg said: “The imposition of austerity across Europe has proven economically toxic and socially corrosive. We have record unemployment across the European Union, with some 24 million people out of work, including 5.5 million young people. Indeed, the impact of this crisis is global as the latest International Labour Organisation (ILO) figures demonstrate.”
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Celtic legends visit Vita Cortex workers

10 April 2012

The spirits of the Vita Cortex workers were raised over the Easter weekend with a visit from Celtic football legends Bertie Auld and Joe McBride. The two members of the 1967 Celtic European cup winning squad called into the workers sit-in at the Vita Cortex plant on the Kinsale Road, Cork, on Saturday (7th April) to express their solidarity with the workers campaign to secure agreed redundancy payments.
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Congress to call for postponement of pension changes

04 April 2012

Congress General Secretary David Begg is to publicly call on Government to postpone changes to the state pension in order to properly assess their impact and ensure they do not “contribute to and deepen inequality.”
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Jobless figures show need for plan to boost demand

29 February 2012

New figures showing that unemployment remains at 14.2% means there is an urgent need for a growth plan that will focus on boosting domestic demand, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said on Wednesday (29th February).
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Whistleblower law must be backed by effective protection and sanctions

28 February 2012

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said on Tuesday (28th February) that proposed new measures on whistleblowing must be backed by tough sanctions, not just in law but in practice, to stop employers attempting to “victimise or target people who blow the whistle on bad or illegal practices.”
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Campaign to protect construction workers livelihoods

14.02.2012
A nationwide campaign to resist an attempt by the Construction Industry Federation to slash workers’ wages by up to 40% and down to the level of the minimum wage will begin within days. The campaign, which will include general meetings on building sites across the country, will be co-coordinated by a sub-group of the Construction Industry Committee of Congress (CICC) involving representatives drawn from all unions in the industry, including SIPTU, BATU, Unite, TEEU, UCCAT and OPATSI.
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SIPTU's Manufacturing Division to escalate dispute at Vita Cortex

30 December 2011

At a full meeting of workers at the Vita Cortex plant in Cork on Thursday (29th December) a decision was taken to escalate the dispute in order to achieve a just outcome for the workers and their families.
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SIPTU calls for LRC intervention in Lagan Brick dispute

29 December 2011

SIPTU has called on management at Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, to commit to Labour Relations Commission (LRC) conciliation aimed at reaching satisfactory redundancy and severance terms for 29 workers who have lost their jobs due to the sudden closure of the construction material manufacturing plant earlier this month.
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SIPTU health workers visit Vita Cortex protestors

27 December 2011

A delegation representing health workers in Cork and the greater Munster area met today (27th December) with Vita Cortex workers now in their second week of a sit-in at the plant in their struggle to secure outstanding redundancy payments.
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SIPTU will mobilize in support of Vita Cortex workers

26 December 2011

SIPTU President Jack O’Connor has said that his union members will mobilize in support of a campaign by Vita Cortex workers, currently maintaining a sit in at the company’s Cork plant, to secure the redundancy entitlements they are due.
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SIPTU President Jack O’Connor to visit protesting Vita Cortex workers

23 December 2011

Vita Cortex workers maintaining a sit in at the company’s Cork plant will be visited by SIPTU President Jack O’Connor on Saturday (24th December) in an expression of solidarity with their campaign to secure the redundancy entitlements due to them following the facility’s closure last week.
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Vita Cortex workers will continue sit-in protest over Christmas

22 December 2011

Vita Cortex workers are preparing to mark Christmas at the company’s Cork plant as they maintain a sit-in aimed at securing the redundancy entitlements due to them following the facility’s closure last week.
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SIPTU disappointed at exclusion of Sunday premium from Joint Labour Committee proposals

22 December 2011

SIPTU has said that it is disappointed that the premium for working on Sundays has not been included in the proposed changes to the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) wage setting mechanism announced today by the Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton.
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SIPTU calls on FAS to withdraw directive on Community Employment grants

22 December 2011

SIPTU has sought a meeting with the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, to discuss a Directive issued by FAS Community Services Unit in relation to its Materials and Training Budget for 2012. The Directive states that FAS will impose a proposed cut of 66% in materials and training grants for community employment schemes from January next.
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SIPTU condemns community sector cuts in Dublin

21 December 2011

SIPTU has condemned proposed new cutbacks to vital community projects in Dublin and has called on the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, to review and reverse this decision without delay.
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Vita Cortex workers will maintain sit in

20 December 2011

Vita Cortex workers have vowed to maintain a sit in at the company’s Cork plant over the Christmas period in their campaign to secure the redundancy entitlements due to them following the facility’s closure last week.
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SIPTU calls for investigation into Lagan Brick redundancies

20 December 2011

SIPTU has today (20th December) called on Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the closure of Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, to ascertain whether the company adhered to legalisation governing compulsory redundancies.
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SIPTU calls for immediate investigation into use of Vita Cortex funds

19 December 2011

SIPTU has called for an immediate investigation into how funds held in the accounts of the Cork company, Vita Cortex company accounts, have been used since coming under the control of the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA). Workers occupying the foam manufacturing plant on Kinsale Road want to establish whether they can secure their redundancy entitlements from the accounts which have been frozen by NAMA.
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SIPTU calls for immediate investigation into use of Vita Cortex funds as workers continue sit in

19 December 2011

SIPTU has called for an immediate investigation into how funds held in Vita Cortex company accounts have been utilised since coming under the control of the National Assets Management Agency, to ascertain if they can be used to pay staff redundancy entitlements.
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Vita Cortex workers stage sit-in to demand redundancy payments

16 December 2011

Workers at the Vita Cortex plant in Cork have unanimously decided to stay on the premises until they receive the redundancy entitlements due to them following the closure of the facility today (Friday 16th December).
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Austerity is making recovery ‘almost impossible’

16 December 2011

The continued austerity programme is costing jobs and making recovery almost impossible, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said.
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SIPTU condemns closure of Cork Employment Resource Centre

15 December 2011

SIPTU has condemned a decision by FÁS to close the Employment Resource Centre in Cork city at the end of this month.
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SIPTU says action will be taken to secure Vita Cortex workers redundancy payments

15 December 2011

SIPTU has said a way must be found to provide 32 Vita Cortex workers with their legal redundancy entitlements when the company’s Cork plant ceases operation tomorrow (Friday, 16th December).
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SIPTU calls for immediate payment of Vita Cortex workers redundancy entitlements

14 December 2011

SIPTU has condemned as intolerable the situation of 40 Vita Cortex workers who are facing Christmas with no job or redundancy payment when the company’s Cork plant closes this Friday (16th December).
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Donegal community sector organises to fight cutbacks

14 December 2011

A packed SIPTU protest meeting was held in Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey on Tuesday (13th December) in response to the budget decision to slash funding for Community Employment Schemes.
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SIPTU Community Protest Rally at Dáil

08 December 2011

SIPTU is organising a protest rally at Daíl Eireann for Friday 9th December 2pm to protest against proposed Budget cuts to Community Employment Schemes. The protest rally is being supported by a range of organisations including INOU, OPEN, Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign, North Inner City CE Network, ICTU Community Committee, Congress Centre Network, and Lone Parents Campaign for Change and Mental Health Ireland.
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TASC: Budget 2012 will create greater inequality

08 December 2011

Independent think-tank TASC today (8th December) issued its response to Budget 2012. Entitled ‘Roadmap to Greater Inequality’, the TASC analysis indicates that the measures in this week’s Budget will fail to generate growth and jobs, and will disproportionately impact on low-income groups.
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CWC: Budget 2012 is a blow to the poorest and most vulnerable

07 December 2011

The Community Workers Cooperative has strongly criticised Budget 2012 as amounting to a financial attack on the most vulnerable in our society.
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Governments must tackle record gap between rich and poor says OECD

05 December 2011

The gap between rich and poor in OECD countries has reached its highest level for over 30 years and governments must act quickly to tackle inequality according to a new OECD report.
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Successful SIPTU Home Helps protest at under-resourcing of service in Tullamore

02 December 2011

Over 100 people attended a SIPTU protest outside Tullamore Health Centre on Friday (2nd December) to highlight the under-resourcing of the local Home Help service.
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SIPTU welcomes HSE expenses climb-down

02 December 2011

SIPTU has welcomed the reversal of a HSE decision to withhold payment of staff expenses for travel and subsistence.
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Proposals on possible changes at Eason’s not yet agreed

02 December 2011

SIPTU has stated that contrary to media reports no proposals have be agreed between union representatives and management at Eason and Sons Ltd on possible changes to staff pay or conditions of employment.
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Former Colombian political prisoner to meet schoolchildren who campaigned for her release

02 December 2011

A former Colombian political prisoner will visit Ireland next week and meet with two Kenmare schoolchildren who campaigned for her release.
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Victims of forced labour call for laws to halt the practice

02 December 2011

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) staged a demonstration today (2nd December) outside Leinster House to highlight government failure to adequately address the problem of forced labour.
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Equal rights for agency workers from next Monday

01 December 2011

Agency workers will benefit from the same pay and conditions of employment as their permanent full time colleagues from Monday (5th December) following discussions between trade unions, employers groups and the Government.
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Huge support for strike protest against Tory/Lib Dem pension and public service cuts

30 November 2011

SIPTU members have hailed the support received from the public for the strike action taken by over 200,000 public sector workers in Northern Ireland today (30th November).
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ICTU Assistant General Secretary Peter Bunting address in Belfast

30 November 2011

On behalf of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, public sector workers engaged in industrial action are commended for their sacrifice today in pursuit of enhancing the quality of life of ALL citizens in Northern Ireland.
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Massive strike action in Northern Ireland

30 November 2011

Over 200,000 public servants in Northern Ireland are on strike today (30th November) as part of the largest industrial action in a generation.
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Tax Wealth Campaign stages Dáil protest

29 November 2011

The Tax Wealth Campaign of Claiming Our Future staged a protest this morning (29th November) outside Dáil Éireann on Kildare Street. Protestors dressed in Irish national team rugby and football jerseys with a giant banner asking the Government to “Answer Ireland’s Call: Tax Wealth Now!”
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Tax Wealth Campaign to stage Dáil protest

28 November 2011

The Tax Wealth Campaign of Claiming Our Future is staging a protest on Tuesday, 29th November at 10:00am outside Dáil Éireann on Kildare Street.
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Workers call for a jobs and growth budget

28 November 2011

Over 2,000 people called on the Government to adopt policies aimed at creating jobs and growth in a march through Dublin city centre on Saturday (26th November).
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Lucia Fay address DCTU march 26th November

28 November 2011

My name is Lucia Fay. I am a member of SIPTU, a contract cleaner and I work at Beaumont Hospital. I am here today to represent my union, the hundreds of thousands of members of SIPTU across this island struggling to support themselves and their families through the economic nightmare that our country has become.
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SIPTU calls on workers to support Dublin demonstration

25 November 2011

SIPTU has strongly urged its members to support the demonstration for jobs and growth in Dublin tomorrow (Saturday, 26th November). Union members are requested to assembly at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin, at 12 p.m.
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Construction workers protest secures payment

25 November 2011

A construction worker has received over €8,600 owed to him by subcontractor PJ McLoughlin following protests by workers demanding the company meet its legal obligations.
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Address by Jack O’Connor, SIPTU General President To The SIPTU Manufacturing Division Conference ‘Innovation in Manufacturing – A Driver for Jobs and Growth’ Thursday 24th November 2011, Gresham Hotel, Dublin

24 November 2011

Commissioner, Minister, Guests and Members You are all welcome to this discussion on innovation and manufacturing in Ireland. The event is taking place against the background of the third serious economic crisis which has afflicted us in this jurisdiction within sixty years. We are of course also in the throes of the most serious systemic crisis in the global economic system since the 1930s.
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Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn Speech to SIPTU, "Promoting Innovation in the manufacturing sector in Ireland – a driver for growth and jobs" Gresham Hotel, Dublin, 24 November 2011

24 November 2011

Minister Sherlock, Mr McCormack, Mr O'Connor, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here today at SIPTU's conference on Innovation in Manufacturing – a Driver for Jobs and Growth. I am also pleased thatIreland's largest trade union is so clearly giving the message that innovation is our key weapon in the fight to promote jobs and growth. I could not agree more!
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Congress urges unions to support 26th November demonstration

23 November 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has strongly urged all affiliated unions to support a planned demonstration for jobs and growth in Dublin this Saturday (26th November).
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SIPTU marches in support of Abbeyleix Hospital

21 November 2011

SIPTU members were to the fore among the 5,000 people who took part in a protest march against the closure of the Abbeyleix Hospital nursing unit on Sunday (20th November). Earlier this month the HSE announced it will close the nursing unit, which will result in the moving of 28 long stay residents and redeployment of over 70 nurses and care staff.
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The Hijacking of the MV Saoirse – Public Meeting

21 November 2011

Wynn's Hotel, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 8pm, Thursday, 24th November On Friday 4th November, the Freedom Waves to Gaza flotilla was surrounded and attacked by up to 20 vessels from the Israeli navy. The Freedom Waves ships - the 'Tahrir' (from Canada) and the 'Saoirse' (from Ireland) - were in international waters when the intervention occurred and roughly 40 nautical miles from the port of Gaza.
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SIPTU supports Abbeyleix hospital protest march

18 November 2011

SIPTU is supporting a protest march organised by the Abbeyleix Hospital and District Action Group which is taking place at 2.00 p.m. on Sunday (20th November) in Abbeyleix, county Laois.
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Gilmore launches new James Connolly books by Donal Nevin

18 November 2011

It is a real pleasure for me to be here this evening to launch these two volumes. I want, at the outset, to pay tribute to their editor Donal Nevin. Not just for the work we are launching this evening, but for his years of dedicated service to the Labour movement. It is a remarkable testament to the man, that having retired after 40 years of service to the Congress of Trade Unions, he has effectively taken on a second career, as a scholar of James Connolly.
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SIPTU President says Government must legislate to ensure employers pay sick pay

17 November 2011

Responding to the reports that the Government intends to discontinue sick pay for the first four weeks of an employee’s illness, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has said the Government must legislate to ensure that employers are required to pay the amount."
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Tara Mines Pension Protest for Dáil on Tuesday

17 November 2011

The Tara Mines Pension Group will be picketing Dáil Éireann next Tuesday (22nd November) from 11am to highlight their opposition to the 0.6 per cent levy on occupational pensions. They have called on other pensioners to support them “in getting rid of this most unfair levy that will bring many pensioners who have worked all their lives below the poverty line”.
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‘It’s as if they shine a lamp that lets you see the way forward’

16 November 2011

The SAOL community project offers a fresh start to recovering victims of drug addiction and their families. Based in Amiens Street, Dublin, it is a person-centred, community-based initiative for women in treatment for drug addiction.
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Stark resignation “a good day for Europe”

13 September 2011

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has described as “a good day for Europe” the resignation of German banker, Jürgen Stark, from the executive board of the European Central Bank. Stark was seen as one of the main proponents of austerity policies which have led to a worsening of the European economy and cuts in the living standard of ordinary workers. He announced his resignation from his position as ECB board member last Friday after policy disagreements with other members.
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School strike in East Wall remembered 100 years since school boy strike of 1911

13 September 2011

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the East Wall school boys strike. On 13th September 1911, teachers arriving at the East Wall Wharf National School found a message chalked on the door, “Any boy cot going into school and not following other schoolboys examples will be killed by order Strike Strike Strike”. Pickets were placed in the vicinity of the school, and boys paraded around carrying flags with their demands. These included “shorter hours, cheaper books and an end to canings”. The strike was to continue for three days, with pupils attempting to enter the school being branded as scabs and pelted with stones and cabbage stalks. The age of those involved was between 8 and 13 years old.
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Restaurant Association of Ireland survey a collection of “biased and untested claims”

12 September 2011

SIPTU has called for greater media scrutiny of claims made by the Restaurant Association Ireland (RAI) that the collapse of the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) system has led to the creation of new jobs. On Sunday (11th September) the RAI released what it claimed are the findings of a survey of 148 restaurants. The RAI has refused to release any information on the restaurants surveyed or the exact questions asked. The survey would seem to be based on a self-selected sample of businesses conducted by the RAI itself.
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Public opinion against sale of state assets

08 September 2011

The 2011 Equality Survey carried out by Independent think tank, TASC, has found that more people oppose the sale of state assets, such as ESB, Bord Gáis or Bórd na Mona, than support the controversial proposal. Just 31%, or fewer than one-in-three, of respondents to the 2011 Equality Survey believe that state assets should be privatised, as against 42% who strongly disagree/disagree with the proposition, while 27% did not know or expressed no opinion. Publication of the results comes on the day the cabinet discussed a memorandum detailing which State assets could be sold to raise revenue. It has been reported that among those under consideration for possible disposal are the Government’s remaining 25% stake in Aer Lingus and a stake in the ESB.
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NESC report brings balance to debate on unemployment

10 August 2011

The latest National Economic and Social Council (NESC) report brings a welcome balance to the debate on social welfare and how it functions according to SIPTU Economist Marie Sherlock. Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseekers highlights the fact that with two in every five of those currently on the Live Register signing on for twelve months or longer, a one size approach will not fit all and that different policy responses are urgently needed to address the varying profiles of unemployed people.
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Intern scheme must focus on quality

09 August 2011

In its first week of operation, around 28 jobs advertised on a Government website as part of the State’s new internship scheme were removed for not meeting quality standards. A number of employers offered kitchen porter, caretaker and driver positions as internships on the JobBridge.ie site. These positions would have involved participants receiving their social welfare benefit plus €50 for working up to 40 hours a week. This works out at a payment rate of less than €2 an hour.
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Unions welcome Government decision to maintain unity of ESB

28 July 2011

The ESB Group of Unions has welcomed the Government decision to maintain ESB ownership of the State’s electricity transmission assets and the publication of the Frontier Economics Report on this issue.
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David Begg tells MacGill school that Government austerity programme is not working

26 July 2011

The General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, David Begg, has warned that taking €4 billion out of the economy in the December budget will compound the deflationary impact of the austerity measures of the last three years.
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Book of Condolences for victims of the Norwegian massacre

25 July 2011

A book of condolences has been opened at the Labour Party offices in 17 Ely Place, Dublin 2 for the victims of the massacre and attacks in Norway.
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Famine in Horn of Africa

22 July 2011

This week, the United Nations (UN) declared a state of famine in parts of southern Somalia - highlighting a crisis that has killed tens of thousands of people, and urging the international community to greater action.
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Major strike movement in west Kazakhstan

22 July 2011

A major strike is raging in the Mangistau oblast in the west of Kazakhstan, where at its height; up to 16,000 workers in the oil industry have been on strike. This strike started at the end of May and has now been ongoing for over two months. These are workers for the national oil company, KazMunaiGas, the national oil giant which is closely linked to the government and President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The strike also involves workers from subsidiary companies and contractors for KazMunaiGas.
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Michael D. Higgins

18 July 2011

In an interview with Liberty presidential candidate Michael D. Higgins talks about his life and work as a trade unionist, socialist and politician.
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Troika did not seek cut in wages of low paid workers

18 July 2011

The EU/ECB/IMF Troika did not seek to scrap the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) wage setting mechanisms during last year’s talks on securing an €85 billion loan facility with the Fianna Fáil-Green Party government.
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SIPTU strike action at Cliffs of Moher continues

15 July 2011

Strike action by SIPTU members at the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre in county Clare will continue this weekend (15th-16th July) after the tourist attraction’s management refused to enter negotiations following the rejection of their latest pay proposals. Pickets were placed at the coach park and at the pedestrian entrance to the Cliffs of Moher centre on Thursday (14th July). A static protest took place at the car park entrance. Many tourist buses did not enter the coach park as the result of a picket. Describing the proposals as “seriously deficient” SIPTU Organiser, Tony Kenny said that staff had overwhelmingly rejected them in a ballot on Wednesday (13th July).
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SIPTU to meet with Creevelea Nursing Home manager

13 July 2011

SIPTU representatives will meet the manager of the Creevelea Nursing Home in Laytown, County Meath, on Saturday (17th July) to discuss the closure of the facility and staff redundancies. The nursing home was closed on Monday (4th July) following the cancellation of the facility’s registration as a nursing home. The de-registration of the nursing home had been requested after an inquiry by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) raised concerns over the standard of care at the facility.
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Urgent legislative solution to JLC issue needed says Congress

13 July 2011

Congress says that the decision by the Government not to proceed with emergency legislation to protect low paid workers in the wake of the High Court decision on Joint Labour Committees leaves many people in a state of insecurity about their conditions of employment.
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Conrad finally pays worker his wages

04 July 2011

Celebrity chef Conrad Gallagher finally paid a worker the wages owed to him for more than a year to prevent a threatened protest outside his Salon des Saveurs restaurant in Dublin. Rishi Mohiputlall, from Mauritius, was finally paid the €1467 still due to him from more than a month’s work in Gallagher’s restaurant in early 2010. Following numerous attempts to retrieve his wages, including an official complaint to the Labour Relations Commission, Rishi decided to go public on the issue.
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Government’s focus on restoring economic independence, Gilmore tells ICTU conference

06 July 2011

The Government’s central aim is the restoration of Irish economic sovereignty Tánaiste and Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, told the Congress Biennial Delegate Conference in Killarney this afternoon (Wednesday, 6th July). Gilmore told Congress delegates that the Fine Gael/Labour coalition, which brought together the two largest parties in the State, was “in effect a national Government with the aim of saving the national economy.” Although the crisis inherited by the coalition Government was a decade in the making Gilmore said “our focus now must be on the future.”
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Labour Party united in support of low paid workers

04 July 2011

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte has stated that the Labour Party is united in its belief that low paid workers should not have their incomes reduced due to changes to the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system. Speaking on RTE’s The Week in Politics on Sunday (3rd July) Pat Rabbitte said; “The entire Labour Party is of one mind on this, which is we’re not in favour of affecting the incomes of people on very modest incomes, and that’s the position, and I don’t think there will be any division in government on it. I think the consultations being conducted by Richard Bruton on it (changing the JLC system) have been very helpful.”
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Conrad finally pays worker his wages

04 July 2011

Celebrity chef Conrad Gallagher finally paid a worker the wages owed to him for more than a year to prevent a threatened protest outside his Salon des Saveurs restaurant in Dublin. Rishi Mohiputlall, from Mauritius, was finally paid the €1467 still due to him from more than a month’s work in Gallagher’s restaurant in early 2010. Following numerous attempts to retrieve his wages, including an official complaint to the Labour Relations Commission, Rishi decided to go public on the issue.
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Celebrity chef promises to pay worker

01 July 2011

The Restaurant and Catering Workers Forum postponed a lunchtime “name and shame” protest outside Conrad Gallagher’s Salon des Saveurs restaurant in Dublin today (1st July) after the ‘celebrity chef’ gave a commitment to pay a former employee the wages due to him by Monday (4th July).
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Protest at celebrity chef’s failure to pay worker

01 July 2011

The Restaurant and Catering Workers Forum is today (1st July) holding a lunchtime “name and shame” protest outside Conrad Gallagher’s Salon des Saveurs restaurant in Dublin demanding the ‘celebrity chef’ pays a former employee the wages owed to him.
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Sabotage of MV Saoirse ‘an act of international terrorism’

30 June 2011

The Irish-owned ship, the MV Saoirse, that was meant to take part in Gaza Freedom Flotilla 2 has been sabotaged in a dangerous manner in the Turkish coastal town of Göcek, where it was berthed.
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Congress warns of 'zero tolerance' for employers abusing Intern Scheme

29 June 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today (29th June) that there should be “zero tolerance” for employers who abuse the new internship scheme and exploit participants.
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Long term jobless figures are ‘a serious concern’

29 June 2011

Congress today (29th June) said Government must target long-term unemployment with a specific reskilling programme following confirmation that the numbers out of work for a year or more continues to rise.
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Freedom Flotilla will sail to Gaza, MV Saoirse crew tells protest

29 June 2011

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is being subjected to a campaign of pressure and disinformation to prevent it from fulfilling its humanitarian mission, passengers on the MV Saoirse told a demonstration in Dublin on Tuesday (28th June). Due to customs delays involving vessels participating in the Freedom Flotilla the MV Saoirse is currently in a Mediterranean port awaiting the signal to join the other ships before sailing to Gaza. Speaking by satellite phone from the MV Saoirse’s base to hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy, the Irish Ship to Gaza’s crew explained why the flotilla has not already sailed.
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MV Saoirse awaits signal to sail for Gaza

28 June 2011

The crew and passengers of the Irish Ship to Gaza, the MV Saoirse, are in good spirits and eager to embark on their voyage to the besieged Palestinian enclave. Due to customs delays involving vessels participating in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla 2 the MV Saoirse is currently in a Mediterranean port awaiting the signal to join the other ships before proceeding to Gaza.
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Taoiseach & Tánaiste to Address ICTU Biennial Conference in Killarney

27 June 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has confirmed that both the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore are scheduled to address its Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC), in Killarney from Monday, 4th July to Wednesday 6th July.
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Tackling forced labour in Ireland

27 June 2011

A joint framework for tackling the problem of forced labour in Ireland has been published by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI). The paper was presented at a seminar in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on Thursday (23rd June). At the event trade unionists, migrant workers and NGO representatives discussed the framework document and future actions to tackle forced labour.
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SIPTU secures payments for Rostrevor House workers

24 June 2011

Following contact between SIPTU officials and the owner of Rostrevor House in Rathgar, Dublin, this afternoon (Friday, 24th June) redundancy entitlements, outstanding pay and references were secured for all but one of the nursing home’s former employees. SIPTU Sector Organiser Louise O’Reilly said; “The Union has now secured payment for almost all former employees of Rostrevor House. The worker who is still awaiting payment was central in bringing allegations of elder abuse at this facility to the attention of the statutory agencies. SIPTU will continue to engage with the owners of the nursing home to pursue this worker’s right to her outstanding monies and a reference.”
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Bruton must back up his job claims with evidence

28 June 2011

Trade unions and social justice organisations have written to the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, calling on him to release the economic analysis upon which he based the claim that his proposals to effectively dismantle the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms will lead to increased employment.
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SIPTU to meet with Rostrevor House owner to discuss workers’ pay

24 June 2011

The owners of the Rostrevor House nursing home in Rathgar, Dublin have agreed to meet with SIPTU officials this afternoon (Friday 24th June) to discuss arrangements for the payment of redundancy entitlements, outstanding pay, references and P45 forms to their former employees.
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SIPTU calls for an end to East Belfast violence

23 June 2011

SIPTU, which represents the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, has appealed for calm in East Belfast.
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Bruton to be questioned by Labour TDs and Senators on his wage proposals

22 June 2011

Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, will be questioned by Labour TDs and Senators on his proposals to effectively dismantle the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms at a special meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Thursday morning (23rd June).
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SIPTU concern over loss of professional expertise in local authorities

20 June 2011

SIPTU has warned that savings by local authorities of more than €223 million under the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement) have come at the cost of declining professional expertise in the sector.
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Falling wage rates adding to economic decline

20 June 2011

Wages fell in Ireland by an average of 2.6% in the first quarter of 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 while they rose in all other EU member states except Greece. Responding to the latest Eurostat wage figures SIPTU General President, Jack O’ Connor, said; “These figures confirm what we have been saying for many months. Wages have been falling across the economy and the effect of this is to further depress consumer demand. This is contributing to the downward spiral in the economy. It confirms the economic stupidity of those who wish to cut wages, particularly those of low paid workers, who invariably spend all of their incomes.”
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Attempt to impose losses on senior Anglo bondholders welcome

17 June 2011

Responding to a statement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan that he intends to seek ECB agreement to impose losses on senior un-guaranteed bondholders of Anglo-Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor said; “The decision by the Government to seek ECB approval to impose losses on senior bondholders in Anglo-Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society is a step in the right direction.
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Bruton to be questioned by Labour TDs on his wage proposals

16 June 2011

Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, will be questioned by Labour TDs on his proposals to effectively dismantle the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party. On RTE radio’s Morning Ireland on Thursday (16th June) Tánaiste and Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, confirmed that Bruton has been requested to attend a parliamentary party meeting to explain his proposals that will be brought to cabinet before the end of the month.
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SIPTU Fair Deal for Cleaners protest against Bruton’s plans

15 June 2011

Up to 100 cleaners and their supporters protested at the offices of Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, on Kildare Street and then across the road at the Dáil on Wednesday (15th June).
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Responsible Contractor Agreement signed at Liberty Hall meeting

15 June 2011

The SIPTU Fair Day for Cleaners campaign has launched a new Responsible Contractor Agreement which ensures both respect for workers and an even playing field for business. The announcement of the new agreement was made at an event marking International Justice Day for Cleaners in Liberty Hall on Wednesday (15th June) which was attended by cleaners, representatives of contracting companies, some major procurers of cleaning services, the Migrant Rights Centre and a number of other NGO’s.
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IT’S A CLEAN SWEEP!

15 June 2011

Research shows cleaners beat bankers when real value to society of their jobs is assessed
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Unequal societies are sicker ones - TASC

14 June 2011

Independent think-tank TASC has launched a major new report on health inequalities in Ireland which finds that higher levels of economic inequality result in poorer health for everyone, but especially for those on the lowest incomes.
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Bruton attacks jobs and wages

13 June 2011

Proposals by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, to effectively dismantle the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms threaten the jobs of tens of thousands of Irish workers in low paid employments. Bruton who is spearheading an attack on the long established wage setting system is to bring his proposals to cabinet within weeks. He is promoting the agenda of certain employers in the hospitality, security, catering, cleaning and construction sectors to remove vital labour protections, and to cut rates of pay as well as overtime and Sunday premiums, for more than 250,000 of the lowest paid workers in the country.
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Bruton seeks to enforce race to the bottom for low paid

05 June 2011

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton has outlined plans to create two tier workplaces and construct the conditions for a race to the bottom in pay rates for over 300,000 low paid workers. In media interviews Bruton has claimed his proposed changes to the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms will only affect new employees with existing workers protected from wage cuts by their existing contracts.
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Major issues remain following ICTU and Bruton JLC talks

03 June 2011

Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary David Begg has outlined four key sticking points in negotiations with Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton on reform of the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms. Following a meeting between an ICTU delegation, including SIPTU vice-president, Patricia King, and Richard Bruton on Wednesday (1st June) David Begg said the talks were “business like” but indicated four major points of disagreement with the Minister.
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Congress expresses concern to Government over Vodafone plan to 'export' 130 jobs

03 June 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions confirmed today that it has expressed concern to Government at the plans by Vodafone Ireland to ‘offshore’ over 130 jobs. Congress General Secretary David Begg has confirmed that he raised the matter with Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton and expressed serious concerns at the plan to “export jobs from Ireland, at a time of record unemployment.”
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New Lord Mayor of Belfast visits cross community disability project

02 June 2011

In one of his first public engagements the new Lord Mayor of Belfast on Wednesday (1st June) visited a community project for children and young adults with disabilities in East Belfast. Sinn Féin councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, at 26 years old Belfast's youngest ever Lord Mayor, visited the Art Ability project in Agnes Street, just off the Shankill Road where he met users and staff of the project which provides respite for parents and young adults with disabilities. Funding for the project was halted by the health department two months ago and four members of staff have been forced to seek alternative employment despite having initially worked on without pay to protect the needs of the clients of the centre.
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Congress to warn Minister of job losses from dismantling JLC/REA’s

01 June 2011

Congress warned today (1st June) that dismantling the JLC/ REA regulatory system could lead to job losses and damage growth prospects. Congress General Secretary David Begg said they wanted to know if the Minister for Enterprise Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, intended to depart from the recommendations made in a recent independent review of the JLC/REA system.
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Leading economists say attack on low paid will damage the economy

31 May 2011

Cutting the wages of the lowest paid workers will damage the prospects for an Irish economic recovery according to 36 economists, economic analysts and social scientists. In a statement released by the TASC Economists’ Network on Tuesday (31st May) the academics said any changes to wage-setting mechanisms must protect the spending power of low paid workers or they would further shrink consumer demand and damage the wider economy.
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No economic sense in attacking the low paid

31 May 2011

There is no economic sense in cutting the wages of low paid workers whose spending is crucial to maintaining activity in the local economy Labour Galway East TD, Colm Keaveney, has stated. Addressing proposals by the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Burton’s to slash the wages of low paid workers, Colm Keaveney said the move should be opposed for moral and economic reasons.
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Attack on low paid

30 May 2011

Low paid workers should not be the first sector facing income cuts if the Government’s actions are to be seen as “fair” according to Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte. Discussing Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Burton’s proposals to slash the wages of low paid workers on RTE Radio’s Marian Finucane show on Sunday (29th May) Pat Rabbitte said; “The lowest paid in our society ought not necessarily be the first focus of government confronted with the economic challenges we are now confronted with.”
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Building a more equal Ireland

30 May 2011

The Claiming Our Future citizens’ network has called for the protection of low paid workers and the beginning of a national dialogue on the issue of the massive income inequality in Irish society. These key concerns emerged from the network’s second national forum held in NUI Galway on Saturday (28th May) which involved over 300 participants discussing the issue of income inequality in round table groups of no more than seven people.
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Attempt to force cuts on low paid could result in industrial action

27 May 2011

Any attempt by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Burton, to force through changes to the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms which result in cutting the pay of low paid workers could result in industrial action, SIPTU vice president Patricia King has warned. “The proposals put forward by the Minister have effectively ignored the recommendations made in the comprehensive Independent Review of the wage setting mechanisms carried out by Kevin Duffy and Frank Walsh and published only a few days ago. They represent a serious assault on the most vulnerable, lowest paid workers in the country,” Patricia King said.
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SIPTU will resist attack on low paid

26 May 2011

SIPTU will resist proposals made on Thursday (26th May) by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton to significantly alter the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms. In a document entitled “ERO/REAs: Outline Reform Agenda” Bruton has set out a series of measures that represent a drastic assault on the JLC/ERO’s and threaten the future existence of the REA’s which affect the wages and conditions of employment for up to 300,000 low paid workers. The proposals recommend a cut in pay rates for working anti-social hours (including Sundays), allow employers to withdraw from JLC agreements in certain circumstances and necessitate the revising of all existing ERO's in accordance with “the new criteria.”
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Protesters call on The Restaurants Association of Ireland to halt attacks on low paid workers

26 May 2011

Members of the Restaurant and Catering Workers Forum organised an action at the Annual Irish Restaurant Awards, hosted by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) on Wednesday (25th May). The action called on RAI to stop its attack on workers' minimum wages and conditions. Outside the awards members of the Forum offered gift bags to dinner guests, asking fellow chefs, workers and restaurant owners attending the event to support their call for fair and decent wages and conditions for restaurant workers.
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A stronger JLC System will be good for workers and the economy

25 May 2011

The Coalition to Protect the Low Paid and independent think tank TASC has welcomed publication of the Independent Review of the Employment Regulation Orders (ERO’s) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms. “The finding that the JLC wage setting mechanism should be maintained to protect reasonable employment standards for vulnerable workers is welcome,” said Bill Abom on behalf of the Coalition to Protect the Low Paid.
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Public Demonstration at Irish Restaurant Awards Ceremony

25 May 2011

Members of the Restaurant and Catering Workers Forum are holding a public demonstration at the Annual Irish Restaurant Awards, hosted by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), to call on the Association to stop its attack on workers' minimum wages and conditions. Helen Lowry of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland said; “The Restaurants Association of Ireland has continued to call for abolition of the Catering Employment Regulation Order which sets the minimum pay and conditions for restaurant workers. The Catering ERO is one of a number of agreements established to provide protection to workers in sectors of the economy with a particular propensity for exploitation.”
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President Obama visits Ireland with message of hope

24 May 2011

In a whistle stop visit to Ireland on Monday (23rd May) President Barack Obama spoke of “best days still ahead” for a nation struggling with the effects of economic recession. In his keynote speech to a an estimated crowd of 50,000 in the centre of Dublin, President Obama paid homage to the joint progressive struggles of the US and Irish people;
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EAPN calls for the immediate publication of JLC Review

23 May 2011

Members of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) have cautiously welcomed media reports on the findings of the review of the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process for setting the minimum wage in certain low paid sectors.The EAPN’s 2020 Ireland Europe Working Group has called on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Richard Bruton to immediately release the full review, stating that “while the report itself is not available, initial information indicates that the report recommends that the system should be maintained to protect reasonable standards for vulnerable workers and that ending it would not lead to an increase in employment.”
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Restaurant workers protest in support of JLC system

23 May 2011

Public action at the Irish Restaurant Awards Wednesday 25th May at 6pm Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4
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Obama Visit Gives Hope to Undocumented - MRCI

23 May 2011

30,000 Undocumented Migrants in Ireland Require Humanitarian Solution The Irish Government’s call for the regularisation of undocumented Irish in the US during Barack Obama’s visit highlights the need for a response to the situation of undocumented migrants here in Ireland.
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Greencore sell-off left a bitter taste... not to be repeated

23 May 2011

Ireland has a history of disastrous privatisations of states assets with the Greencore experience indicating that such ventures cost jobs and damage the wider economy writes Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris.
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Progressive banking strategy needed – TASC

20 May 2011

Independent think tank TASC has published a discussion paper calling for a radical rethinking of the government’s strategy towards the banking crisis, including the removal of the blanket bank guarantee and it’s replacement by a guarantee covering deposits only. ‘The Debt and Banking Crisis: Progressive Approaches for Europe and Ireland’, a discussion paper authored by TASC policy analyst and economist Tom McDonnell, suggests that an ‘Extend and Pretend’ strategy should be used to avoid the government paying out billions of euro in Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes
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Horsey set attacks low paid workers’ wages

19 May 2011

One of Ireland’s richest horse owners has launched a constitutional challenge to the Joint Labour Committee agreement which protects the wages of agriculture workers. The Coolmore and Ballydoyle studs, owned by multi-millionaire, John Magnier, have lodged papers outlining the constitutional challenge to the legally-binding Joint Labour Committee (JLC) in the High Court. The current minimum hourly rate for an adult worker under the agricultural JLC is €9.10.
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Bailout Policies ‘Pushing Ireland to Default’

19 May 2011

Congress General Secretary David Begg has told a major economic gathering in Brussels that the austerity programme connected to the EU/ECB/IMF loan facility to Ireland was undermining any chance of growth and long term recovery. “It makes no sense to persist with a policy which is pushing the country towards default in circumstances which, if they could be separated from (private bank) debt, are manageable,” David Begg told the conference in Brussels on Wednesday (18th May).
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Irish rugby player to join Ship to Gaza

19 May 2011

Former Leinster and Munster rugby player, Trevor Hogan, is to join thirty other Irish volunteers who will sail with the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza next month. Hogan, from Nenagh in Tipperary, will sail on the Irish vessel ‘Saoirse’ one of 11 ships carrying medical and other humanitarian aid and hoping to break the Israeli sea blockade of the Gaza strip.
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32 employers convicted over breaches of workers’ rights

18 May 2011

The Director of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), Ger Deering, has stated that following over 5000 workplace inspections in 2010, the agency has prosecuted 143 employers and secured convictions in 32 cases. In an address to the IBEC employment law conference on Tuesday (17th May) the NERA Director added that €48,000 had been secured in fines from non-complaint employers.
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Bailout Policies ‘Pushing Ireland to Default’, Begg tells Brussels Economic Forum

18 May 2011

Congress General Secretary David Begg will tell a major economic gathering in Brussels today (18th May) that “Ireland is being pushed towards default” as a result of the policies governing the EU/IMF/ECB bailout.Mr. Begg is speaking at the Brussels Economic Forum, an annual event that is described as “the European Union’s premier platform for debate on economic issues.”
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British files on Dublin and Monaghan bombing “must be released”

17 May 2011

The British government must take the Queen’s visit as a “golden opportunity” to release files concerning a series of bomb attacks in the Republic in the 1970’s. The families of those killed and injured were entitled to know the truth said Justice for the Forgotten spokeswoman, Margaret Urwin, told those attending a memorial event commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
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Action taken against 60 building companies over sick pay

17 May 2011

SIPTU has taken action against 60 building companies over the last year for failure to comply with industry requirements in relation to workers’ pensions and sick pay funds.
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Putting income inequality on the agenda

16.05.2011
Free Registration for the event is now open on www.claimingourfuture.ie. The conference will be based around participative discussion, where all present will get a chance to contribute to the debate.
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Labour must meet the challenge of building a fair and just Ireland

16 May 2011

SIPTU vice president Patricia King has called on the Labour movement to rededicate itself to the task of creating “a fairer, more just society” out of the wreckage of the Ireland’s neo-liberal experiment. Speaking at the Labour Party annual James Connolly commemoration at Arbour Hill on Sunday 15th May Patricia King said “we in the trade union movement have no illusions about the challenges facing Labour” in fulfilling its task”.
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Way of the warrior!

16 May 2011

Skills mastered a thousand years ago used in innovative Viking Longboat project. FEATURE ARTICLE: They came to rape and pillage the wealth of Ireland but a thousand years later the Vikings are giving something back, with a revival of their ancient boat-making crafts aimed at providing new job opportunities in the Waterford area.
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MFG workers meeting in Galway

13 September 2011

SIPTU is calling a meeting tonight (13th September) of all employees of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo in the union’s offices in Forster Court, Galway. The meeting will discuss what action workers will take in response to the MFG board decision on Wednesday (7th September) that the company was ceasing business with immediate effect.
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SIPTU President welcomes inauguration of Michael D Higgins

11 November 2011

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has welcomed the inauguration of Michael D Higgins as ninth President of Ireland. President Higgins received his seal of office at a ceremony in Dublin Castle today. “We are very pleased to welcome the inauguration as President of Ireland of Michael D Higgins, a long-time member and activist of our union. His vision of a society based on equality and social solidarity is one we share and we look forward to assisting in his endeavours to achieve it in the years to come,” Jack O’Connor said.
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Fiji trade unionist released: ITF comment

11 November 2011

Commenting on the release of Fijian trade union leader Felix Anthony, ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: “This news gets a cautious welcome. Felix is out, but charges haven’t been dismissed. That earns the government a well done, but must do better.
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Major victory for US trade unions in Ohio

10 November 2011

The US trade union movement won a major victory on Tuesday (8th November) when the people of Ohio voted overwhelmingly to back workers right to collective bargaining in a State wide referendum.
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Michael D - second SIPTU member to become President

10 November 2011

Michael D. Higgins has become the second member of SIPTU to become President of Ireland. Michael D. was announced the clear winner of the challenging election race when he won over a million votes after transfers were distributed during the count on Saturday 29th October.
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Pension funds could save abandoned capital projects

10 November 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) said today (10th November) that key projects such as Metro North, the Grangegorman DIT campus and DART Underground could be saved by attracting investment from some of the €75 billion currently held in Irish private pension funds.
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SIPTU staff call for release of Mags O'Brien

10 November 2011

The Staff Representative Council (SRC) of SIPTU has called for the immediate release of its chairperson, Mags O’Brien, who is being detained against her will by the Israeli authorities.
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Seven Irish Ship to Gaza activists return home delayed

09 November 2011

The Department of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest with the Israeli Foreign Ministry after seven of the 14 Irish citizens detained in Ashdod failed to board a flight home this morning (10th November) for unknown reasons.
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Growth is the Key! Congress Pre Budget Talks Series

09 November 2011

Over the coming weeks the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) will hold a series of public talks nationwide to outline why it believes that restoring growth and creating jobs is the most effective way out of the crisis facing the country.
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Government fiscal plan is wrong approach

08 November 2011

Unions outline proposals for investment and greater tax yield from the wealthy The strategy contained in the Government’s fiscal statement is the “wrong approach” and will not succeed in achieving the jobs and growth needed for Ireland’s economic recovery, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has said.
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Action needed on Israel’s illegal detention of Irish citizens

07 November 2011

Fourteen Irish citizens illegally detained by the Israeli authorities, following the seizure of the MV Saoirse humanitarian aid vessel on Friday (4th November), are expected to spend at least one more day in custody before being deported.
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Plaques to be unveiled in honour of Irish Citizen Army members

02 November 2011

The Kilmainham and Inchicore Heritage Group will unveil plaques to William Partridge and Michael Mallin, leading members of the Irish Citizen Army, at Emmet Hall, Inchicore, on Friday 4th November at 3 p.m. Speakers at the event will include SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor, locals TDs, labour historians and members of the Mallin family.
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Congress calls on Government not to repay unsecured Anglo bond

01 November 2011

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions today (1st November)added its voice to the calls for the Irish Government not to repay the $1billion or €700 million bond to the unsecured and unguaranteed senior Anglo-Irish ‘Bank’ bondholders, tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd November.
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TASC budget proposals support jobs and protect low-income groups

01 November 2011

Launching the independent think-tank’s pre-budget submission today (1st November) TASC Director, Nat O’Connor, said that the narrow focus in previous budgets on government finances, rather than the health of the whole economy has been economically and socially damaging.
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Student nurses to consider pay proposals

01 November 2011

Student nurses will be consulted in the coming weeks on changes to their pay and conditions proposed by Minister for Health James Reilly.
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HSE reliance on agency staff entails unacceptable costs

01 November 2011

An over-reliance on agency workers in the health service is costing the State millions of euro which could be better utilised on recruiting full time professional health staff, according to SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell.
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Student Nurses to protest against pay cuts

28 October 2011

SIPTU student nurses will hold a public protest in Dublin on Wednesday 9th November against Government plans to cut their pay during mandatory placement periods in hospitals.
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Congress launches a plan for economic growth

27 October 2011

“Ireland needs a new plan for growth,” Congress General Secretary David Begg said on Thursday (27th October). Speaking at the launch of Growth is the Key - the Congress Pre-Budget submission – David Begg said: “The most important deficit facing Ireland is the deficit in the demand for labour. That needs to be tackled as a priority.
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Minister for Health must focus on the real issues

24 October 2011

SIPTU has called on Minister for Health, James Reilly, to focus his efforts on the major challenges of underfunding, overcrowding and staff shortages facing the health service rather than attempt to provoke a dispute over nurses’ rosters.
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Over 100 protest against waste collection privatisation

21 October 2011

Over 100 workers took part in a protest against the further privatisation by Fingal County Council of waste collection services in Swords town centre, county Dublin, yesterday (20th October).
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Aviva disaster highlights need for growth strategy

20 October 2011

The announcement on Wednesday (19th October) that 950 workers are to lose their jobs at the insurance company, Aviva, highlights once again the urgent need for a Government strategy to protect employment and promote economic growth, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has said.
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Congress tells ‘Troika’ Ireland needs a Plan for Growth

19 October 2011

Congress today (19th October) told officials from the ‘bailout troika’ that Ireland desperately needs a plan for growth and not more prescriptions for austerity.
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Ireland's human rights record under scrutiny at UN

19 October 2011

Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, faced questioning at the United Nations on Thursday (6th October) on why it has failed to introduce or enact legislation upholding trade union rights, in line with international treaties and its human rights’ obligations.
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Agency workers must be given equal rights

17 October 2011

SIPTU Vice President Patricia King has reiterated the union’s complete opposition to any attempt by the Government to seek a derogation which would alter or delay the introduction of an EU directive giving agency workers equal rights with other employees.
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Connolly Centenary to be marked in Belfast City Hall

17 October 2011

The centenary of the arrival of James Connolly in Belfast to organise dockers and mill workers will be marked by an event in City Hall on the evening of Friday 28th October.
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Successful Liberty Hall concert in aid of Somalia

14 October 2011

Cheers and applause rang out around Liberty Hall last night (13th October) for the rousing performance by singer Damien Dempsey during a highly successful ‘The Forgotten Famine’ benefit concert in aid of the victims of the famine in Somalia. The night began with a an address from former President of Ireland and UN Human Rights Commissioner, Mary Robinson who spoke movingly of her visits to Somalia this year and in 1992, when that country last experienced a major famine. Concern Worldwide's chairperson, Frances O'Keeffe also outlined her work with the Irish charity in East Africa.
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Community workers prepare to fight for recognition

13 October 2011

More than 100 community activists attended an open forum in Liberty Hall today (13th October) to discuss the challenges facing the sector due to government funding cuts, and how workers and communities can best defend local services and projects.
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Mid-Western Regional Hospital nurses meet Health Minister

12 October 2011

Representatives of SIPTU and INMO members working in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, met with Minister for Health James Reilly today (12th October) to discuss the unacceptable conditions for patient safety in the unit.
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Campaign results in Government action on JLCs

07 October 2011

Trade union and campaign group pressure has resulted in the Government committing to introducing legalisation to re-establish a strengthened Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system to protect low paid workers. Today (7th October) the Government said it would not oppose the Industrial Relations (Amendments) Bill 2011, proposed by Sinn Féin, which seeks to place JLCs on a stronger constitutional footing.
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Supporting Quality consumer campaign launched

07 October 2011

A new consumer campaign aimed at protecting jobs in Ireland and supporting quality Irish products has been launched with the support of the SIPTU Manufacturing Division. Supporting Quality encourages consumers to consider the wider economic and social impact of their shopping choices. The campaign will grant products which are produced in unionised workplaces in Ireland the right to indicate this with a Supporting Quality mark.
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Ireland's human rights record under scrutiny at UN

06 October 2011

The Irish Government faced questioning at the United Nations today (6th October) on why it has failed to introduce or enact legislation upholding trade union rights, in line with international treaties and its human rights’ obligations.
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Ireland in the dock at the UN over union rights

05 October 2011

Ireland is to face questioning at the United Nations tomorrow (6th October) on why it has failed to introduce or enact legislation upholding trade union rights, in line with international treaties and its human rights’ obligations. The Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, will face questioning from other member states on Ireland’s human rights’ record, as part of the country’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at UN headquarters, in Geneva.
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Call on TDs to support new JLC legislation

05 October 2011

The Coalition to Protect the Lowest Paid has today (5th October) sent a letter to all TDs calling on them to do everything in their power to protect the lowest paid by supporting legislation to re-establish the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system.
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Speech by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore to SIPTU Biennial Conference Wednesday, 5th October, 2011

05 October 2011

Firstly, I want to thank you for the opportunity to address our conference this morning. I say ‘our’conference, because I have been a member of this union for 35 years, and intend to continue my membership for many years to come. These are difficult times for the trade union movement, and for trade union activists. Whether you are a shop steward, or a paid official, or an activist in some other capacity, it’s tough going. Your membership is under pressure, pay and conditions are under pressure, and a lot of people are losing their jobs.
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Labour Party will honour its commitments to workers

05 October 2011

The Government is currently working on legalisation to create a functioning system of Joint Labour Committees (JLC) and support workers’ right to collective bargaining Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore told the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference today (5th October). Addressing over 500 people at the conference in the West County Hotel, Ennis, the Labour Party leader said; “There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the current law on employee’s rights to engage in collective bargaining so as to ensure compliance with recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights.”
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Workers golden years will not be spent in poverty

04 October 2011

Employers, the pension industry and the Government will not be allowed saddle workers with the costs of an economic crisis they did not create was the stark message from SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, to the Union’s Biennial Delegate Conference on 4th October. Addressing over 400 people assembled in the West County Hotel, Ennis, Patricia King called for urgent “direct engagement” with government to ensure that the effect of the 0.6% pension levy and new funding standards for pension schemes was not to impoverish workers in their “golden years.”
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Address by SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, to SIPTU Biennial Conference on Tuesday 4th October 2011 at West County Hotel, Ennis, County Clare.

04 October 2011

You do not need to be reminded that working people in Ireland are enduring extremely harsh and difficult times as the result of the most serious collapse of any developed economy. Conditions for those at work and for those tens of thousands who have lost their jobs have been deteriorating at a steady pace since the financial and banking disaster of 2008. The failed economic strategy employed by the former government over the past three years, and enforced since late 2010 by the EU/ECB/IMF troika has served to make matters worse. Across Europe, the doomed strategy of driving down wages and conditions has been employed by the mainly centre-Right led governments that dominate the political landscape.
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Protection of low paid a “litmus test” for Labour

04 October 2011

The urgency and effectiveness with which the government implements legislation to protect the country’s 200,000 low paid workers previously covered by the Joint Labour Committee system will be a “litmus test” for the Labour Party, according to SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor.
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SIPTU welcomes EU transaction tax

29 September 2011

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has welcomed the introduction of an EU transaction tax which could raise up to €55 billion a year. The tax was proposed in the European Parlaiment by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, on Wednesday (28th September). Barroso told Parliament that member states had granted aid and provided grant aid and guarantees worth €4.6 trillion to the financial sector over the past three years and that it was now “time for the financial sector to make a contribution back to society.”
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Sale of ESB stake would represent "net loss" to State

28 September 2011

A partial sale of the ESB would make a minimal impact on the national debt and represent a financial loss to the state balance sheet, Congress Chief Economist Paul Sweeney has said. Addressing a major conference on the Future of State Assets - organised by Eolas - Sweeney said that any stake in the ESB would be “priced to sell” and would raise between €1-2 billion, but even that figure might be ambitious in the current climate.
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Nurses to undertake work stoppage in Mid-Western Regional Hospital

27 September 2011

SIPTU Nursing members working in Accident and Emergency department in the Mid-West Regional Hospital Limerick will undertake a work stoppage tomorrow (28th September) between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. The industrial action is being taken to highlight the unacceptable conditions that have resulted for patients in the A and E department due to HSE underfunding and understaffing.
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Austerity must be moderated and domestic demand stimulated

22 September 2011

The Government should use the forthcoming budget to “significantly moderate” the ongoing austerity programme and move immediately to stimulate domestic demand, ICTU Chief Economist Paul Sweeney has told a major conference on Ireland’s debt crisis. Sweeney said the Government should not proceed with the planned €3.6 billion of cuts and tax rises in the forthcoming budget.
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Crisis in A and E departments at critical level

22 September 2011

Irish hospitals came under unprecedented pressure during the summer of 2011, with trolleys being placed on wards - contrary to best nursing practice - in several general hospitals. Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, University Hospital Galway and Wexford General all resorted to the desperate measure, viewed by staff as only one step away from an outright closure of a hospital to new admissions, while Tallaght Hospital was ordered by health watchdog HIQA to cease its practice of placing patients on trolleys in corridors just outside the emergency department.
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Assassination campaign continues in Colombia

21 September 2011

The death toll of Colombian human rights activists and trade unionists is continuing to mount. Among those who were murdered by suspected right wing death squads during September are campaigning priest Jose Reinel Restrepo and trade unionist Jorge Alberto Durante. Another leading human rights activist, peasant leader Juan Antonio Ariza Carrillo, ‘disappeared’ at the beginning of the month after receiving death threats form a right wing paramilitary group that styles itself the “Black Eagles.”
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International: Campaigning priest assassinated in Colombia

20 September 2011

On 2nd September the body of Jose Reinel Restrepo was found beside his motorbike on the road between Mistrato and Belen de Umbria in central Colombia. Media reports portrayed his killing as linked to a robbery, but local people and human rights groups are convinced it was due to the priest’s stand against the opening of a massive open cast mine on the land where the town of Marmato currently stands.
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Budget must respect human rights, even in recession, says FLAC

16 September 2011

At a pre-budget forum with Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, today (16th September), the Free Legal Aid Centres (FLAC) laid out what it said were strict legal duties to maintain human rights standards, even in a recession. FLAC Director General, Noeline Blackwell, said; “Human rights begin at home and we cannot pretend they do not exist just because times are hard. Ireland still has a binding duty to respect, protect and promote the rights of every person in the State. Human rights are fundamentally about respect for human dignity. Do we really want to drop our standards, especially around vulnerable groups? We should think smarter, not cut harder, if we want to budget. FLAC has presented some ideas on how to achieve this in the area of social welfare."
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Greek economist states EU and Ireland face ruin if Euro currency allowed to collapse

16 September 2011

At a crowded meeting in central Dublin last night (15th September) influential Greek economist, Yanis Varoufakis, stated that the European Union and Ireland faces complete financial ruin unless swift action is taken to create European Central Bank (ECB) backed bonds. The policy proposal outlined by the Professor of Economics at the University of Athens would see the ECB take over the responsibility for borrowing funds for the Eurozone’s 17 member states. The new funds would then be utilised to implement an EU wide investment programme to reinvigorate the economies of member states.
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Soaring Long Term Jobless Numbers a ‘Chilling Commentary on Austerity’

15 September 2011

Congress said on Thursday (15th September) that the soaring long-term unemployment figures were a ‘chilling commentary on austerity’ that demanded urgent and immediate action from Government. Commenting on the dramatic rise, Congress Economic Advisor Paul Sweeney said: “A full 54% of those out of work are now long-term unemployed, without jobs or a decent income for over a year.
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SIPTU hosts successful information session with MBNA workers

14 September 2011

The SIPTU Services Division held a successful information session with Bank of America (MBNA) workers in Carrick on Shannon on Tuesday (13th September). SIPTU Insurance, Finance, Print and Media Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane, met with a number of workers from the local non-unionised Bank of America (MBNA) facility.
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MFG management actions show disregard for workers and local communities

14 September 2011

SIPTU members are demanding that the management of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo (MFG) immediately meet with union officials and pay all monies owed to workers following the closure of the community development company’s operation.
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Carrick on Shannon MBNA information meeting

13 September 2011

SIPTU is hosting an information meeting for workers at the Bank of America (MBNA) in the Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim, between 5pm and 8pm tonight (13th September). At the meeting SIPTU Insurance Finance Print & Media Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane, will advise workers on their employment rights and provide information on how they can become organised in the workplace.
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Ireland must criminalise forced labour

13 September 2011

A Labour Court order that €86,000 be paid to a restaurant worker for breaches of employment rights has highlighted the need for the Government to introduce a law to criminalise forced labour, according to Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) and SIPTU. Muhammad Younis, originally from Pakistan, was awarded the payment following a complaint against restaurateur Amjad Hussein, trading as Poppadom.
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Call on Ireland to support UN membership for Palestine

13 September 2011

Dear Friends, We are rapidly approaching the day on which Ireland may side with Israel and the United States by voting against the Palestinian bid for UN membership. It is a well established fact that the vast majority of Irish people are totally opposed to the Israeli occupation and the continued building of settlements on Palestinian land. Therefore it is inconceivable that we might find ourselves on the side of Israel and the United States at the expense of the Palestinian people - but as it stands - this is very much a possibility. We must show the Irish Government in the strongest possible terms that the overwhelming majority of Irish people support the Palestinian people.
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Polish Finance Minister rejects Stark message from Germany

13 September 2011

The highly publicised ‘slash but don’t burn’ policies of European Central Banker Jurgen Stark are in marked contrast to the largely unreported comments of Polish Finance Minister Jan Vincent-Rostowsk on his visit to Ireland last weekend. While Stark is effectively yesterday’s man, having just resigned as the ECB’s chief economist, Vincent-Rostowski is currently President of ECOFIN, the EU Council of Finance Ministers.
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MFG workers meeting in Galway

13 September 2011

SIPTU is calling a meeting tonight (13th September) of all employees of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo in the union’s offices in Forster Court, Galway. The meeting will discuss what action workers will take in response to the MFG board decision on Wednesday (7th September) to cease business with immediate effect.
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Temporary Agency Workers Directive.

05 December 2011

As and from December 5th 2011 the Temporary Agency Workers Directive has become effective in the Republic of Ireland.
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Jobless figures show urgent need for growth plan

12 December 2011

A major investment and job creation programme is urgently required to combat rising unemployment, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said. The call on Monday (12th December) for a new jobs plan came as official figures confirmed that the number of people at work continues to decline as unemployment increases.
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Vita Cortex workers describe employer’s inability to pay claim as ‘incredible’

05 January 2012

SIPTU members sitting in at the Vita Cortex foam manufacturing plant in Cork have described as ‘incredible’ a claim by the company owner, Jack Ronan, that he cannot release money to pay the redundancy payments due to the workforce.
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