http://www.siptu.ie SIPTU News Feed en-IE http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU shop stewards representing members in the four Dublin local authorities have called on the managers of those authorities to honour the terms of their agreement with the union to develop waste disposal services in the metropolitan area. Their statement follows a meeting in Liberty Hall this afternoon where arrangements were made to extend the dispute in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown should the current talks at the Labour Relations Commission fail this week. /rss/Name,11818,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Following the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to decline an invitation to attend a Hearing of the Labour Relations Commission, Donal Tobin, Branch Organiser SIPTU, Killarney, has confirmed a protest by members of SIPTU and the TEEU, scheduled to take place on the 29th July, 2010 at the commencement on the Irish Open, will go ahead as planned. /rss/Name,11816,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The number of Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) nursing and midwifery posts in HSE West fell by over 380 in the two years ending December 31st, 2009, according to an internal report conducted by the organisation which has been seen by SIPTU. The moratorium on recruitment has hit frontline services hardest with 67 per cent of vacancies occurring in this area, as opposed to 33 per cent from management and specialist grades. SIPTU National Nursing Official Louise O’Reilly says, “The situation has worsened significantly in the seven months that have passed since the data was collected on which the survey was based”. /rss/Name,11815,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members in HSE West are to be balloted for industrial action following the failure of management to engage in discussions over threatened job cuts. The Union’s Senior Health Organiser, Paul Bell, said today that it was necessary to hold a protective strike ballot in case management decides to act unilaterally and implement the sort of cuts being leaked to the media in recent days. /rss/Name,11811,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The European Court of Justice in another damaging ruling has held that above a certain threshold, the social partners in the public sector cannot, on their own accord, award service contracts for their occupational old age pensions. The case was taken by the EU Commission against Germany. The Commission argued that the practice whereby local authorities awarded contracts for pension services on the basis of the selection criteria agreed under the collective agreements violated EU public procurement directives. Despite substantial legislative underpinning for the practice the ECJ found that Germany had infringed the EU public procurement directive and ruled that in accordance with the public procurement Directives, a call for tender must be advertised at EU level. /rss/Name,11810,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU shop stewards representing members in the four Dublin local authorities have called on the managers of those authorities to honour the terms of their agreement with the union to develop waste disposal services in the metropolitan area. Their statement follows a meeting in Liberty Hall this afternoon where arrangements were made to extend the dispute in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown should the current talks at the Labour Relations Commission fail this week. /rss/Name,11818,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Following the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to decline an invitation to attend a Hearing of the Labour Relations Commission, Donal Tobin, Branch Organiser SIPTU, Killarney, has confirmed a protest by members of SIPTU and the TEEU, scheduled to take place on the 29th July, 2010 at the commencement on the Irish Open, will go ahead as planned. /rss/Name,11816,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The number of Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) nursing and midwifery posts in HSE West fell by over 380 in the two years ending December 31st, 2009, according to an internal report conducted by the organisation which has been seen by SIPTU. The moratorium on recruitment has hit frontline services hardest with 67 per cent of vacancies occurring in this area, as opposed to 33 per cent from management and specialist grades. SIPTU National Nursing Official Louise O’Reilly says, “The situation has worsened significantly in the seven months that have passed since the data was collected on which the survey was based”. /rss/Name,11815,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members in HSE West are to be balloted for industrial action following the failure of management to engage in discussions over threatened job cuts. The Union’s Senior Health Organiser, Paul Bell, said today that it was necessary to hold a protective strike ballot in case management decides to act unilaterally and implement the sort of cuts being leaked to the media in recent days. /rss/Name,11811,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU, which represents the majority of workers in local authorities, says it will give the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group careful consideration. It welcomes the acknowledgement in the Report of the importance of protecting and developing services to the public. /rss/Name,11809,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The European Court of Justice in another damaging ruling has held that above a certain threshold, the social partners in the public sector cannot, on their own accord, award service contracts for their occupational old age pensions. The case was taken by the EU Commission against Germany. The Commission argued that the practice whereby local authorities awarded contracts for pension services on the basis of the selection criteria agreed under the collective agreements violated EU public procurement directives. Despite substantial legislative underpinning for the practice the ECJ found that Germany had infringed the EU public procurement directive and ruled that in accordance with the public procurement Directives, a call for tender must be advertised at EU level. /rss/Name,11810,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Senior SIPTU Health Organiser Paul Bell has accused the HSE of “kite flying with proposed cuts in services to the public rather than sitting down and engaging with the unions to agree a strategy for dealing with the present crisis”. He said that besides the several hundred job cuts being flagged so far there were 4,000 people on temporary contracts “who are absolutely terrified that they will be among the first to face the axe. /rss/Name,11798,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members in Dublin City Council’s waste collection services have voted for industrial action to protect those services in the greater Dublin area. Waste Collection workers in all four Dublin local authorities have now voted for industrial action. After the ballot SIPTU Sectoral Organiser Paul Smyth said, “This dispute is about protecting a vital public service to householders. /rss/Name,11797,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council has agreed to defer signing contracts with Panda to provide a private waste collection service from next Monday. /rss/Name,11796,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Talks have adjourned for the day in the negotiations between unions and management in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown refuse dispute. They will resume at the Labour Relations Commission at 2.30pm tomorrow. /rss/Name,11794,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has accepted an invitation to attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow (Monday, July 19) to resolve the refuse dispute in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown ahead of the Festival of World Cultures, which begins on Friday. If the threatened strike goes ahead it could also affect other local authority services in the borough and spread to South County Dublin, Fingal and Dublin city. /rss/Name,11791,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The strike due to begin at Galway airport tomorrow (Saturday, July 17th) has been deferred, pending a ballot on settlement proposals. /rss/Name,11790,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Workers who lost their jobs at the Tipperary Hostel Limited project last month are to hold a protest outside the Regional Headquarters of FÁS in Waterford tomorrow (July 15th) from 10.30am until 3pm. The 23 workers concerned have received no redundancy payments, or even an offer of payment from the project, which was jointly funded by FÁS and Pobal. /rss/Name,11785,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Merlin Park University Hospital will protest at the hospital gates on Monday (19th July ) between 12.30pm and 2pm. The rally, which will not affect services to patients, is intended to highlight the failure of HSE management to inform and consult nurses, health care assistants, porters, transport staff, catering staff and domestic staff on proposed changes including the closure of some units at the hospital, while briefing senior medical consultants and Dublin-based administrators. /rss/Name,11786,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has served notice of strike action on behalf of its members in the waste collection service of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council over plans to outsource bin collection to private company, Panda. The strike action is due to commence on Thursday 22nd July. /rss/Name,11775,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Receiver of B3 Solutions in Longford has been unable to confirm whether there have been any expressions of interest in the plant which employs 104 people in Longford. /rss/Name,11770,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The revelation that Longford company, B3 Solutions, has been placed in receivership came as a bombshell to its workforce, SIPTU Organiser, Sean Nolan has said. A meeting of staff and the receivers is to take place in the Longford Arms Hotel later today. “The workers at the plant had no indication that the company was in trouble until SIPTU representatives were informed yesterday afternoon. This news has hit workers like a bombshell,” Sean Nolan said. /rss/Name,11768,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ “It is with great regret and sadness that the Board of Directors of the Dublin Inner City Partnership (DICP) announces the winding up of the company after almost twenty years serving the residents and communities in the inner city area of Dublin. /rss/Name,11751,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ In the course of recent days reports in the national media led SIPTU to believe that it would be furnished with all relevant extracts from the HSE internal audit report on the alleged dispersal of some health training funds between 2002 and 2009. /rss/Name,11731,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU’S Strike Committee at Kingspan Ltd in Cavan has deferred an escalation of industrial action due to begin today, if the company had carried out its threat to lay off all of the 90 strong production and engineering staff. The decision to defer the escalation followed notification by the company that is willing to engage in talks. /rss/Name,11732,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has withdrawn notice of strike action at Bitech Engineering, in Dunleer, county Louth over redundancy payments. /rss/Name,11730,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has said that it is willing to discuss the continuing industrial action by its members at Kingspan Building Products Ltd. in Kingscourt, county Cavan following a threat by the company to close the facility at the end of July. /rss/Name,11728,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The recent report of the Mental Health Commission makes for very uncomfortable reading, highlighting as it does the inhumane conditions in some of the country’s mental health hospitals, SIPTU National Nursing official, Louise O’Reilly has said /rss/Name,11727,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Further to its request to the HSE on Monday (14th June) for all available information regarding the dispersal of its health training funds SIPTU has been informed by the chairman of the agency that it is reviewing the matter. /rss/Name,11726,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ In response to the comments made by the chief executive of the HSE, Professor Brendan Drumm, at the launch of its annual report today SIPTU reiterates that it has not received from the Department of Health or the HSE any of the €2.353 million in payments to which he referred. /rss/Name,11721,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Bitech Engineering, Dunleer, Co. Louth, have decided to defer implementation of their strike action due to commence on Thursday 17th June. /rss/Name,11722,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ In response to a report in The Sunday Times of today; “SIPTU can categorically state that it has not received from either the Department of Health or the Health Service Executive any of the reported €2.35 million in payments made for the health care staff training programme. /rss/Name,11719,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members in the public service have voted by a substantial majority to support the Croke Park Proposals on Pay and Reform of the Public Service. Over 65% of those participating in the ballot voted to support the detailed proposals negotiated by public service unions and employers at Croke Park earlier this year. /rss/Name,11718,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Registered Employment Agreement (REA) between Aer Lingus and SIPTU, referred to in an article in the Irish Independent on Wednesday (9th June), does not include a ‘no strike clause’. /rss/Name,11716,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and General President of SIPTU, Jack O’Connor, has warned the Government that past strategies for tackling economic recession will not work in the current global crisis. /rss/Name,11715,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has expressed its deep condolences to the family and colleagues of paramedic, Simon Sexton, who died tragically in County Cavan on Thursday 3rd June. /rss/Name,11713,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members employed at Bitech Engineering in Dunleer, county Louth have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action following the company’s refusal to accept the terms of a Labour Court recommendation on redundancy terms. /rss/Name,11714,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Dr Fintan Lane - a participant in the humanitarian flotilla intercepted and detained by Israeli Defence Forces - will be among the speakers at the ‘End the Siege of Gaza’ rally in Dublin, on Saturday (June 5). /rss/Name,11683,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has called on FÁS to act responsibly in relation to employment rights of workers threatened by redundancy at the Tipperary Hostel Ltd. /rss/Name,11684,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Congress is supporting a mass demonstration on Saturday June 5, which has been called by the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign to protest at the killing of members of the humanitarian flotilla by the Israeli Defence Forces and the illegal detention of Irish and other activists in Israel. /rss/Name,11666,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Ireland is paying too high a price for the bank bailout and it is costing us jobs and damaging prospects for recovery, Congress said on Wednesday (2nd June). /rss/Name,11665,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Israel’s Assault on Aid Convoy akin to actions of a ‘Rogue State’. Congress President Jack O’Connor and General Secretary David Begg have jointly condemned the Israeli assault on the Gaza aid convoy, during which at least 10 civilians were killed. /rss/Name,11618,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU President says plan to target young unemployed in Social Welfare Bill direct result of Government policy reversal on budgetary strategy /rss/Name,11612,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has called on public representatives in county Westmeath to resist the closure by the Health Service Executive of the Loughloe House nursing home in Athlone. /rss/Name,11611,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) has voted decisively in favour of the Proposals for Pay and Reform in the Public Service. 81% of MLSA members in the public service who participated in the ballot voted for the Croke Park proposals. /rss/Name,11610,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ At its meeting today the National Executive of SIPTU reiterated its support for the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s Ten Point Plan, ‘a fairer, better way’, which includes a scheme to assist people threatened with repossession of their homes due to their inability to meet mortgage repayments. /rss/Name,11609,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU has today confirmed the appointment of Patricia King as Vice President of the union. /rss/Name,11608,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU representatives are to meet management at the Covidien plant in Tullamore, county Offaly tomorrow after the announcement today that 199 workers are to be laid off. /rss/Name,11607,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU representatives anxiously await meeting with management of Covidien in Tullamore today at 3:30pm. It is expected that management will announce job cutting measures at a later meeting with staff. /rss/Name,11606,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Fair Hotels campaign to support and promote quality jobs in the hotel industry was launched in Liberty Hall Theatre today (Tuesday 25th May). The campaign is based on the principle that hotels that treat staff fairly should be supported by consumers who care about workers rights. The campaign introduces a new ethical choice for consumers via the website www.fairhotels.ie. /rss/Name,11604,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Fair Hotels campaign to support and promote quality jobs in the hotel industry will be launched at 2.00 p.m. in Liberty Hall Theatre on Tuesday, 25th May. The campaign is based on the principle that hotels that treat staff fairly should be supported by consumers who care about workers rights. The campaign introduces a new ethical choice for consumers via the website www.fairhotels.ie. /rss/Name,11585,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Dublin Inner City Partnership (DICP) is to continue to resist the abrupt withdrawal of its funding by the State agency, Pobal, despite losing its appeal against the decision. /rss/Name,11555,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU and UNITE the unions which represent workers at the Cadburys plants in Ireland have welcomed assurances from the new owners, Kraft Limited, concerning job security. /rss/Name,11525,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Following the Pfizer Restructuring Announcement this afternoon SIPTU officials will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Company in order to seek clarifications on aspects of the Company announcement. /rss/Name,11524,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Congress has called for the creation of a new Office for Debt Resolution (ODR) to ensure that householders with mortgage difficulties are not reliant on the "grace and favour of banks" to keep their homes. /rss/Name,11523,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ We are gathered here to day to commemorate the great trade unionist and socialist, James Connolly, who laid down his life for his country and for his class. /rss/Name,11522,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has called on the Government to employ redundant apprentices to develop new visitor and tourist attractions in order to give employment to hundreds of young people over the next two years. /rss/Name,11521,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ A new report from TASC shows how a small number of interconnected business people control most of Ireland's leading companies and banks. The report shows how a network of just 39 people held directorships in 33 of the 40 top private companies and state-owned bodies between 2005 and 2007. Between them, these 39 - referred to as the Director Network in the TASC report - held a total of 93 directorships. /rss/Name,11516,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ “The rechristening of the mv Linda as the Rachel Corrie in Dundalk port today represents a new beginning as the vessel becomes a symbol of international solidarity instead of exploitation of seafarers”, International Transport Workers' Federation inspector Ken Fleming, of SIPTU, told the Friends of Gaza and others gathered to wish it fair speed. /rss/Name,11515,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and General President of SIPTU, Jack O'Connor, has appealed to politicians in all parties "to refrain from commenting on the proposed Croke Park Agreement in order to allow trade union members time to focus on the intrinsic merit, or otherwise, of the proposals during the balloting period". /rss/Name,11514,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Government has confirmed its “expressed intention and expectation that there will be no further reductions in the remuneration of employees in the public service” for the lifetime of the Draft Croke Park agreement subject to compliance with its terms.” /rss/Name,11513,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ MAY DAY FESTIVAL ATHY COUNTY KILDARE SATURDAY 1st MAY 2010. It is a humbling privilege to speak here to salute the memory of Christopher Supple, farm labourer, trade union organiser and labour man in the presence of members of his family and to reflect on the heroic legacy of the working men and women and their families who suffered and starved in the great lock-out of farm labourers in 1923. This, ironically enough, given our current circumstances in Ireland was fought to resist savage pay cuts. /rss/Name,11512,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Government has ignored the Jobs’ Crisis and has failed the 435,000 people currently out of work, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today. In a May Day statement, Congress General Secretary David Begg said: “Government inaction and failure has seen the numbers out of work triple and has ensured that long term unemployment and emigration are central features of Irish life, once again. /rss/Name,11505,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Kingspan in Kingscourt, county Cavan have deferred strike action which was due to commence today (Friday 30th April). The company has agreed to withdraw the threat of lay-offs and normal working arrangements will resume from Tuesday (3rd May). SIPTU has sought further discussions with the company on a number of outstanding issues of concern to members. /rss/Name,11509,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The call last weekend by SIPTU president, Jack O'Connor and others for politicians serving in the Oireachtas or in the EU institutions to forgo their pensions while they are earning public salaries struck a popular chord. Jack O'Connor said he understood that many had already surrendered their right to receive pensions while they were still serving politicians but, he said, it was critical to the credibility of our democratic institutions for others to follow the same course. /rss/Name,11504,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The President of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU), Phil McFadden, has urged trade unionists to join the May Day parade in Dublin on Saturday 1st May. In a statement issued today he said; “We urge all members of Trade Unions in the city to march with us on May Day - Saturday 1st May. /rss/Name,11503,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU’s General President, Jack O’Connor, who is also President of the ICTU, has called on any public representative serving in the Oireachtas or in EU institutions who is in receipt of State pensions to voluntarily forgo them while they are earning public salaries. /rss/Name,11500,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Public Service Committee of Congress expects to receive some clarification of aspects of the Proposals for Agreement on Public Service Pay and Reform before they go to a full ballot of SIPTU public sector members over the coming weeks. /rss/Name,11499,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Congress and SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has slammed the pension top-up payment for Bank of Ireland chief executive, Richie Boucher, and called on Government to ensure it is rescinded. Speaking after a meeting of the Congress Executive Council today (Wednesday 21st April), Jack O’Connor said the issue of the payment had been discussed at the meeting, particularly the manner in which it reinforced the perception that there was “one rule for working people and another for those at the top.” /rss/Name,11498,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU workers at Kingspan Ltd in Kingscourt, county Cavan, are to commence strike action from Friday 30th April. This follows the decision by the company to lock out SIPTU members from that date in its attempts to enforce wage cuts and significantly reduce conditions of employment at the Kingscourt plant. /rss/Name,11496,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The National Nursing Council of SIPTU has repeated its request that the Nursing Board (An Bord Altranais) reduce the fees which nurses and midwives pay for their registration and retention. /rss/Name,11497,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MSLA) has agreed to support the Proposals for Agreement on Public Pay and Reform. /rss/Name,11495,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU has today concluded that “the balance of advantage rests with acceptance” of the Proposals for Agreement on Pay and Reform in the Public Service. It suggested that an extensive process of consultation will now take place with members across the country prior to voting by public service members of SIPTU on the proposals. /rss/Name,11494,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU meets today to discuss the Proposals for Agreement in the Public Service. The discussions commenced at 2.00 p.m. in Liberty Hall in Dublin and are expected to continue for several hours. /rss/Name,11493,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Polish members of SIPTU, including staff of the Union, to the wider Polish community in Ireland and to the Polish people on the sudden death of their President, Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and the other deceased victims of the air crash in Smolensk, Russia on Saturday (10th April). /rss/Name,11492,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has condemned the proposal by a Government agency to end its contract with the Dublin Inner City Partnership (DICP) which has sent a shock wave through the community sector across the country. /rss/Name,11488,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ There has been extensive media coverage on attitudes in the trade union movement towards the proposals for an agreement in the public service. Our National Executive Council has not yet evaluated the proposals, nor has it made a recommendation one way or the other. A Special Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday next, 13th April to consider them in detail. The choice facing us is very clear. It is a question as to whether we continue the fight with a view to a better outcome or alternatively adopt a medium-term strategy achieving security on jobs, pay and pensions, as well as providing a framework for reinstatement of the agreed pay scales over time. /rss/Name,11487,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The strike by SIPTU members at seven Dublin hospitals due to commence on 7th April has been cancelled. /rss/Name,11486,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Why the Government wants to load the cost of the collapse onto the less well off and why their plan will just make things worse. /rss/Name,11485,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU General President and ICTU President, Jack O’ Connor, has said that the consequences of a public policy premised on pandering to the rich and ‘look the other way’ regulation were staring the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, and the Government in the face as they were today (Tuesday 30th March) forced to commit over €11 billion just to keep the main financial institutions afloat. /rss/Name,11483,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Negotiations conducted under the auspices of agreed LRC mediators have resulted in proposals for an agreement in the Public Service. These will be the subject of consultation and a ballot vote of the membership employed in the Public Service. /rss/Name,11479,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The MV Linda, which was sold at auction in Dundalk today (Tuesday 30th March), will be used to carry urgently needed medical, educational and construction supplies to the Gaza strip. /rss/Name,11482,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The mv Linda, which was detained by an order of the High Court last year, will be auctioned at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dundalk at 12 noon tomorrow (Tuesday 30th March). /rss/Name,11478,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Keelings (Dist.) Ltd in Dublin have voted in favour of an agreement with the company which will gnerate 60 new jobs while preserving existing pay rates and conditions of employment. The ‘2010 Business Reorganisation – Consolidated Agreement’ was negotiated after management reported financial difficulties last year. /rss/Name,11477,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Pay increases to staff at Anglo-Irish Bank are creating "an appalling vista and difficulty" for the current talks on public service pay and transformation, according to Kieran Mulvey, the Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Commission. /rss/Name,11476,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The total value of equipment taken from the mv Linda, which was arrested by the International Transport Workers Federation in Dundalk, is now expected to rise to between €15,000 and €20,000. The revised estimate follows a preliminary examination undertaken today by the Garda Siochana, accompanied by ITF and SIPTU representatives. /rss/Name,11475,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ A ship arrested by the International Transport Federation (ITF) in Dundalk has been robbed of at least €10,000 worth of radio, electrical and navigational equipment a week before it is due to go on auction. The vessel, which was detained by the High Court at the request of the ITF inspector for Ireland, Ken Fleming of SIPTU, will be auctioned at the Plaza Hotel in Dundalk next Tuesday, March 30th at 12 noon. /rss/Name,11474,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ With the Easter break around the corner, and the weather starting to warm up, you may be thinking of getting away for a few days. With this in mind we want to let you know about some great offers for SIPTU members and their families in unionised hotels around the country. /rss/Name,11473,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ An agreement has been reached between SIPTU, the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) and the Mount Carmel Hospital Group whereby pay cuts will be temporarily suspended and a full independent financial review of the hospital will be undertaken. Strike action in Mount Carmel Hospital, Dublin and Aut Even, Kilkenny which was to start on Monday (22nd March) due to the unilateral enforcement of pay cuts from the 1st January 2010 has been averted, according to Kevin Figgis, SIPTU and John Kane of the MLSA. /rss/Name,11471,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has decided to withdraw from the Advisory Council of the Commission for Taxi Regulation and to boycott further meetings of the body. Its representative on the Council, Peter Rodgers, will withdraw from the Council with effect from Tuesday (23rd March). The decision follows a meeting of the SIPTU Taxi Drivers Branch on Thursday (18th March) where members complained that they have derived no benefit from participation on the Advisory Council over the past six years. /rss/Name,11470,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has welcomed the assurance given to the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen by President Barack Obama that his administration’s new immigration policies would weigh in favour of undocumented Irish people living and working in the US. /rss/Name,11469,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Mount Carmel Hospital will see a second day of protests outside its premises tomorrow (Monday, March, 15th). The protest, from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm, is to highlight opposition to recently enforced pay cuts within the hospital. /rss/Name,11465,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Porters working at the Mid-West Regional Hospital in Limerick have rejected allegations made by the hospital management about them last weekend. They were responding to claims by a spokesman for management, reported in local and national media on Friday, 5th March, over levels of sick pay and alleged “issues of misconduct” among the 54 porters at the hospital. The SIPTU members also said they would resist any attempt to privatise the portering service, as threatened by management. /rss/Name,11464,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ John Recto, the third Green Isle Foods worker to join the hunger strike over the unfair dismissal of trade union members at the plant last July received a new work visa today from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. His last visa ran out yesterday. /rss/Name,11463,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has served strike notice on seven Dublin hospitals for 48 hours with effect from Wednesday 7th April. Some 4,500 low paid members of the Union will withdraw their labour from 1.00 a.m. on Wednesday 7th April until 1.00 a.m. on Friday, 9th April. /rss/Name,11462,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ I want to thank the Ard Comhairle for affording me the time on your very busy conference schedule to address you on behalf of my own Union and the wider trade union movement. We were glad to accept your kind invitation as it is our policy to engage with every Democratic Party and with all who are committed to bringing about a better life for all the people who live in Ireland. /rss/Name,11461,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Members of the Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI) are to hold a protest at the Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny where singer Tommy Fleming is performing. The protest follows the refusal by Tommy Fleming and his company, TF Productions, to pay fees owed to a musician whom he contracted to perform with him last year. Earlier this year, the Labour Court ruled that TF Productions owed €4,600 to the musician after she was told just hours before she was due to go on a three month tour with Tommy Fleming in 2009 that she was no longer required. /rss/Name,11456,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The National Pensions Framework announced by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, on Wednesday does not serve the interests of working people. The main elements of the policy are set out below, leading to the conclusion that the Government has side-stepped its responsibility to ensure an adequate income for all citizens in retirement while increasing the strain on the finances and well-being of many. The Government's plan seeks to maintain the value of the State pension at 35% of average earnings. This is inadequate in the view of SIPTU and Congress. Increasing the rate to 50%, rising progressively to 66% would be more appropriate as it would provide an acceptable basic standard of living for everyone. /rss/Name,11455,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Green Isle Foods Limited, a major employer in Co Kildare, and the TEEU (Technical Engineering and Electrical Union) are pleased to confirm that the mediation process to resolve the industrial dispute at the company’s manufacturing site in Naas has been concluded, with both parties agreeing to be bound by the proposals put forward by the independent mediators. /rss/Name,11454,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU’s General President, Jack O’Connor, this evening described the Government’s policy on Pensions, which was announced earlier today, as “worse than expected”. /rss/Name,11453,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ John Recto, who joined the Green Isle Foods hunger strike today (Wednesday 3rd March) had to call to Naas Garda Station this morning, where he was informed that his work visa has not been renewed. He was told he has until 8th March to leave the country. He is from the Philippines and has been working at Green Isle Foods for the past three years. /rss/Name,11452,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Workers in Green Isle Foods have embarked on a course of action not seen in Ireland for many years. They have been left on the picket line for six months by their employer and the parent company, Northern Foods in Britain. /rss/Name,11451,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Dublin City Council unanimously adopted a motion last night expressing its support for the workers at the Green Isle Foods plant in Naas, Co Kildare, and calling on the company to ‘reinstate the men immediately and to engage with the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union, which represents the men, to resolve the dispute’. It was proposed by the Sinn Fein group. /rss/Name,11450,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Jack O’Connor, told a rally in support of the Green Isle Foods workers and hunger strikers today in Naas that all 850,000 union members on the island of Ireland and the seven million trade unionists in Britain would be made aware of the findings of the Labour Court investigation into the real issues in dispute at the plant. This would allow them to make an informed decision when exercising their preferences as consumers with regard to Green Isle Foods products and those of its parent company Northern Foods. /rss/Name,11446,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ There will be a Rally in support of the Green Isle Foods workers and hunger strikers in Naas tomorrow (Saturday, February, 27), organised by the Kildare Council of Trade Unions. /rss/Name,11445,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor, who is also President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has called on union members to support the Naas rally on Saturday in solidarity with the Green Isle Foods workers. He says the men on hunger strike are following in the footsteps of a forgotten hero of the 1913 Lockout. /rss/Name,11444,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Speaking in Galway on Tuesday (23rd February) Congress President, Jack O’ Connor, said that time was running out for a negotiated solution to the current industrial action involving 300,000 public service workers. /rss/Name,11443,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Former All-Ireland footballer John Guinan will be joining Jim Wyse on hunger strike outside the Green Isle Foods plant in Naas, County Kildare tomorrow. /rss/Name,11442,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ A press conference will be held in Naas, County Kildare tomorrow (Wednesday, February 24th) at 2.00pm by the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union over the Green Isle Foods dispute. /rss/Name,11436,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ “I felt the dismissals were wrong from the start and I think everyone picketing there right now feels it was wrong. It was unjust”, Jim Wyse the shop steward at Green Isle Foods said at a press conference today in Dublin to explain why he has gone on hunger strike. One of his colleagues is due to join him next Wednesday, if there is no resolution to the dispute. Another will join in each week that the dispute continues. /rss/Name,11435,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Taxi drivers who are members of SIPTU have expressed concern at some of the requirements proposed by the Commission for Taxi Regulation whereby existing licence holders will have to sit the new Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) examination. /rss/Name,11429,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Dublin Port dispute has been resolved by negotiation, the parties involved announced today. /rss/Name,11428,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Government has blocked proposals made by SIPTU to FÁS that would allow its members to take unpaid leave (12 weeks) this summer to care for their children and would also permit currently unemployed people to do this work at no additional cost to the State. /rss/Name,11427,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has reacted with outrage at the revelation that Kerry County Council paid €5.8 million to private contractors last year while many of the Council’s own workforce were on lay off. /rss/Name,11426,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ MTL, SIPTU and the ITF today confirmed that talks to resolve the Dublin port dispute are continuing and the three parties are hopeful of a successful resolution. A spokesman for MTL said: “Reports of renewed industrial action are premature. We have been actively engaged in constructive, ongoing talks with the ITF for several days and these are continuing in an effort to reach an amicable and sustainable resolution.” /rss/Name,11425,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union shop steward Jim Wyse, who is to go on hunger strike from noon tomorrow (Wednesday, February 17th) outside the Green Isle Foods plant in Naas said the protest will continue until the six months old dispute is resolved. “They told staff inside that we could stay out here until we rot, and they obviously meant it”, he said. “We mean what we say too. /rss/Name,11424,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ TEEU shop steward Jim Wyse is to go on hunger strike on Wednesday (February 17th) in protest at the continued refusal of Green Isle Foods to accept Labour Court recommendations for the settlement of a six months long dispute over the dismissal of union members. If the company continues its policy of refusing to accept the Court’s recommendations or engage in talks with the TEEU, then a second TEEU member will join the hunger strike on February 24th, followed by another worker each Wednesday for as long as the strike continues. /rss/Name,11423,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ It is with great sadness that the International Transport Workers Federation has learnt of the death of yet another seafarer in Irish waters. It is long past time for the Irish authorities to address the problems posed by large numbers of non-EU nationals now crewing much of the Irish fishing fleet, ITF inspector Ken Fleming of SIPTU said today. /rss/Name,11422,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has complained to management in the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the North East that there has been no consultation with recently announced changes in the work of its members in the ambulance services. /rss/Name,11421,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU and IMPACT have called on the Government to enter direct talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) concerning the recent closure of 14 Community Development Projects (CDP’S). /rss/Name,11419,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ A mass meeting of public servants from the health, education and local government sectors will take place at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Renmore Road, Galway at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd February 2010. /rss/Name,11418,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Patricia King, has warned the Government and employers that cutting the pay and conditions of workers on minimum wage rates will only worsen the economic situation and make life intolerable for over 300,000 people in sectors such as agriculture, catering, contract cleaning, hairdressing, hotels, retailing and the security industry. /rss/Name,11414,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Oliver Donlon Developments Ltd/Clarehill Planthire will hold a protest outside the offices of Galway County Council tomorrow (Wednesday 10th February) at 9.00 a.m. as part of their ongoing campaign to secure wages owed to them by the Mullingar based construction company. /rss/Name,11413,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Patricia King, will launch a campaign against the Government’s plans to reduce the incomes of the lowest paid workers in the State at a press conference at 12.00 noon in Liberty Hall on Wednesday (10th February). Along with Union representatives and workers in low wage sectors, Patricia King will also formally launch a new SIPTU publication, “Government Targets the Lowest Paid” which highlights the attempts by Government and employers to enforce pay cuts across the economy. /rss/Name,11412,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ “We wish to express our disappointment at statements made by members of the opposition, and the responses given in the Dáil by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, with regard to the future of Irish jobs as a result of the recent Kraft takeover of Cadbury’s. /rss/Name,11411,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at Bitech Engineering, Dunleer, County Louth, have reacted angrily at the decision of its parent company, Glen Dimplex, to announce the closure of the factory with the loss of over 200 jobs. /rss/Name,11407,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The General President of SIPTU, Jack O’Connor, said this evening that he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the former Workers’ Party President Tomas Mac Giolla. “He was a fearless champion of the interests of working people and the oppressed everywhere”, Mr O’Connor said. “Tomas MacGiolla was a dedicated revolutionary socialist who pursued the objectives of social justice and equality regardless of the consequences for himself.“ /rss/Name,11405,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Talks will commence today at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in an effort to resolve a dispute at the Bon Secours Hospital group over unilaterally enforced pay cuts and job security. /rss/Name,11404,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Now they have slashed public sector pay by 14 per cent, the Government and certain employers are pressing ahead with the real agenda – cutting the pay of workers across the entire economy. /rss/Name,11401,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The strike at the Mater Private Hospital Group in Dublin and Limerick has been averted following talks at the Labour Relations Commission this afternoon. It was due to begin tomorrow morning. /rss/Name,11399,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has lifted its pickets at the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook in Dublin pending talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on Monday (1st February). /rss/Name,11398,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Government policy is providing incentives for meat producers to shed jobs and the latest threat is posed to a Meadow Meats in Rathdowney, Co Laois, in Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s own constituency. Meadow Meats is threatening to close the plant unless workers agree to rates just above the national minimum wage. SIPTU and Dawn Meats, which owns Meadow Meats, met several times in recent months to discuss new pay rates, but the union disputes the need for such drastic cuts, as Dawn Meats continues to make significant profits. /rss/Name,11397,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Government policy is providing incentives for meat producers to shed jobs and the latest threat is posed to a Meadow Meats in Rathdowney, Co. Laois, in Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s own constituency. /rss/Name,11396,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ QK Meats, based in Naas Co. Kildare, has informed its workers that it is to cease production tomorrow (Friday, 29th January). The closure will result in the loss of 90 jobs. There have been some offers of redeployment within the wider Queally group, but SIPTU, which represents the workers, believes the opportunities are limited. /rss/Name,11395,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Talks between the INMO, SIPTU and Mater Private Hospital Management will commence at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow (Friday 29th January) in an effort to resolve the dispute in respect of pay cuts of 5-10% imposed on staff without their consent. /rss/Name,11394,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook are to commence an all out strike on Friday (29th January) in protest at the outsourcing of jobs. The voluntary hospital, which is funded by the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive (HSE), has outsourced the jobs of a laundry operator and a porter to a private contractor, Spring Grove Services Ltd. /rss/Name,11393,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU members at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have voted by two to one to support the Cost Recovery Programme (CRP) agreed after months of discussions with their Union representatives. /rss/Name,11392,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU has served notice of strike/industrial action on Kingspan Building Products in Kingscourt, county Cavan as a result of the company unilaterally implementing a Labour Court recommendation overwhelmingly rejected by its members. /rss/Name,11391,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU’s Dublin Health Services Branch is picketing the VHI headquarters in Abbey Street, Dublin, today (Monday, January 25th) from 1pm to 2pm as part of its campaign to reverse pay cuts in the private hospital sector. /rss/Name,11389,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The Government has been accused of adopting a ‘Yellow Pack’ approach towards 2,000 highly qualified research staff at Irish universities who are expected to produce a ‘knowledge economy’ on the basis of short term contracts and low pay. SIPTU Education Branch Organiser Chris Rowland said today that, “The Irish Government policy of creating a ‘Knowledge Economy’ is seriously undermined by its ‘Yellow Pack’ attitude towards talented young researchers. They are expected to compete with the world’s best while denied any security of employment. /rss/Name,11388,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Members of the SIPTU and UNITE trade unions at the Cadbury’s plant in Coolock in north Dublin have sought assurances about their jobs following the €13.6 billion (£11.6 billion) takeover by US food giant, Kraft. /rss/Name,11387,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Members of SIPTU and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) at Dublin’s Mater Private Hospital protested (Wednesday 20th January) against unilateral, and illegal, pay cuts of 5% to 7.5% imposed by management. Several dozen health workers held an hour long protest at lunch-time which was also attended by officials from both unions including the general secretary of SIPTU, Joe O’Flynn, and the general secretary of the INMO, Liam Doran. /rss/Name,11386,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Following a request by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is to explore aspects of police affiliation to the trade union movement in the context of the European Union with a view to their possible application to the Irish situation. /rss/Name,11383,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Members of SIPTU and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will hold a protest at the Mater Private hospital on Eccles Street, Dublin from 1.00 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. tomorrow (20th January). The joint Union action is in protest at unilateral 5% to 7.5% pay cuts imposed on staff by the hospital management. /rss/Name,11382,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Union (INMO) have served strike notice on the Mater Private Hospital following the unilateral decision by management to impose pay cuts of 5% to 7.5% on staff salaries. Strike action will commence on Monday, 1st February. /rss/Name,11381,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU Vice President, Brendan Hayes, has been appointed by the Government as a deputy chairman of the Labour Court. Announcing the appointment the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary said; "Brendan Hayes will bring a wealth of experience to the Labour Court given his extensive industrial relations experience and his previous service for over thirty years as a trade union official. /rss/Name,11380,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ SIPTU industrial and organising staff members representing workers in the community and voluntary sector have vowed to continue, and escalate, their campaign of resistance to pay cuts and reduced Government funding. /rss/Name,11379,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ Thousands of SIPTU members in local authorities across the country worked night and day over the past week to clear ice and snow from the country's roads and thoroughfares. A shortage of salt for gritting roads has left tens of thousands of secondary roads and estates in treacherous conditions following persistent falls of snow, rain and sleet. The east coast, and Dublin in particular, came to a virtual standstill earlier this week when buses were forced off the roads and cars were unable to cope with heavy ice. /rss/Name,11367,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The proceeds of the SIPTU centenary celebration concert held last month in Liberty Hall were given to members of the union’s Ballinasloe branch committee at a function in the town just before Christmas. The €10,000 raised will be dispersed to hard pressed victims of recent floods in the area including former SIPTU members. A fund was raised at the 7th December concert where performers included singers and musicians Christy Moore, Karan Casey and Niall Vallely, Jinx Lennon and Paula Flynn, Brendan Devereux and Eric Fleming. Poets Paula Meehan and Theo Dorgan also entertained the capacity crowd. /rss/Name,11363,en.rss http://www.siptu.ie/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010/ The General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has condemned the decision of the Government to ‘sneak in’ de facto increases in basic pensionable pay for senior civil servants and others in the higher echelons of the Public Sector, including senior gardaí at deputy and assistant commissioner level. /rss/Name,11361,en.rss