Unfurling the Starry Plough
During Easter week, the standard of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA), the Starry Plough, flew over the Imperial Hotel (former Clerys building) on O’Connell Street. In this Sunday Read we explore its origins.
SIPTU calls out employers as childcare crisis deepens
SIPTU has warned that up to €45 million in ring-fenced state funding for early years pay is at risk following the continued refusal of employers’ groups to enter pay talks with the Union.
SIPTU demands halt to hospitality VAT break to fund cost-of-living relief for workers
SIPTU has called on Government to halt the planned reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sectors and invest in targeted electricity credits for low to average-income households.
SIPTU ambulance workers’ survey reveals lack of confidence in HSE to address welfare issues
A survey of SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service has found 78% of respondents express a lack of confidence in the HSE’s ability to adequately address welfare and health and safety issues.
Union access, legal limits and IR convergence to the fore at the IRN Conference
How is collective bargaining faring in Ireland? What does the State’s new Action Plan for promoting collective bargaining mean to practitioners? To read more about this click here.
SIPTU General Secretary warns cost-of-living crisis will impact wage negotiations
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, has warned that the added cost-of-living increases, resulting from the crisis in the Middle East, will mean additional pressure for wage increases in negotiations.
Irish Equity celebrates Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar awards win
Irish Equity, which represents performers and creative workers across Ireland, hailed Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar win, which will act as an inspiration to a new generation of Irish performers.
Leading political, trade union, academic and other voices call for end to siege on Cuba
We are calling on the Irish government to urgently intervene with the EU and the US administrations to immediately lift the illegal blockade of Cuba.
SIPTU’s Kevin Figgis urges commitment to universal high-quality public services
SIPTU’s Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, is urging the Government to commit to providing high-quality universal public services following the adoption of a resolution by the EPSU.
Healthcare unions express concern about AI policy
The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions has stated that any integration of AI into the health service must be done in consultation with the human backbone of the health service – its workers.
SIPTU calls for action on safe staffing following UHL site purchase announcement
SIPTU has given a cautious welcome to the statement by Minister for Health confirming the purchase of a site near University Hospital Limerick (UHL) to support the future provision of healthcare services
SIPTU welcomes decision to offer contracts to graduate paramedics
SIPTU representatives have welcomed a resolution of a dispute affecting 70 graduate paramedics who will now be offered permanent contracts in the National Ambulance Service.
SIPTU seeks urgent North Cork Creameries meeting on jobs threat
SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at North Cork Creameries, following an announcement last week that the company is proposing to enter a redundancy process
Looking ahead to a significant year for many
This year is pivotal, as it marks the end of the Public Sector Pay agreement and the potential for future pay talks later this year. Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis outlines his Division’s priorities for 2026.
SIPTU says venue support scheme is inadequate support for Night-Time Economy
SIPTU representatives say the Government’s new Grassroots Venue Support Scheme the latest support package for the night-time economy, falls drastically short of the investment required
SIPTU members in Dublin Home Care provider vote for strike action
SIPTU members working in Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay inequality in a ballot result released today.
SIPTU warns of ‘race to the bottom’ as union challenges ‘EU Inc.’ deregulation plans
SIPTU has issued a stark warning regarding the proposed new pan-European “28th company/EU Inc. regime,” stating it risks dismantling decades of hard-won workers’ rights and labour standards in Ireland.
SIPTU calls on HSE to address dispute over radiographer tutor retention crisis
SIPTU representatives have urged the HSE to take immediate action to resolve a dispute arising from a recruitment and retention crisis affecting Clinical Practice Tutors in Radiography.
Pay increase for HSE workers starts 1st February 2026
Members in the HSE and section 38 employments will receive an increase in annualised basic salary...
SIPTU host urgent political discussion on public broadcasting
SIPTU members in RTÉ held an urgent political briefing regarding the escalating crisis in public service broadcasting. The meeting followed a recent 89% vote of no confidence by members in ‘New Direction’
Sunday Read: You need your Union in this crazy world
A union provides not only protection in the workplace, but also a collective voice in shaping how employers and governments respond to uncertainty. In uncertain times, union membership is essential.
Workers will put humanity before football points in Israel match crisis
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, has reiterated his Union’s call on the Government and FAI to boycott the proposed Ireland vs Israel Nations League matches.
National Ambulance Service dispute intensifies following student jobs decision
SIPTU members are urging the HSE’s National Ambulance Service to reverse its decision not to offer student paramedics full-time contracts following graduation.
Significant pay gains secured across manufacturing employments
The Manufacturing Division has kicked off 2026 with a wave of successful pay agreements, securing vital wage increases and improved conditions for thousands of workers across the Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Food manufacturing sectors.
National Ambulance Service to ballot for industrial action in salary scales dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are balloting for industrial action in a...
Donegal HSE Home Support HCAs secure overtime payments
Health Care Assistants in the HSE Home Support Service in County Donegal have secured back payment of overtime owed since 2018 after a threat of industrial action
Nationwide Health Care Assistants’ strikes suspended
SIPTU has suspended all planned Health Care Assistant strikes in the Northwest, West and South regions following agreement with the HSE on key issues regarding underpayments and conditions
SIPTU members vote no confidence in RTÉ management plan
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have voted overwhelmingly to reject a management plan that will result in the endless outsourcing of jobs at the national broadcaster.
SIPTU FAI members say safety concerns should rule out Israel fixtures
SIPTU members employed by the FAI have raised serious safety concerns regarding any proposed Nations League match between Ireland and Israel, calling on the organisation to show consistency.
SIPTU Donegal HSE Health Care Assistants’ industrial action postponed pending talks
A 24-hour strike involving Health Care Assistants in Home Support in Donegal, has been suspended after progress was made between SIPTU and the HSE regarding key dispute issues.
Joint Statement by Together for Early Years
As provider and employee representatives across both private and community Early Years services,...
SIPTU and Sofina Foods confirm union recognition at Carroll’s Cuisine
SIPTU and Sofina Foods have jointly confirmed the formal recognition of SIPTU as the representative trade union for employees at the Carroll’s Cuisine site in Tullamore, County Offaly.
SIPTU commits to protecting jobs at Glen Dimplex after redundancy threat
SIPTU representatives have committed to saving the high-quality employment provided by Glen Dimplex at its manufacturing plant in Newry following a proposed 51 redundancies in the facility.
National protocol and fair pay for extreme weather work needed
As Storm Chandra continues to batter Ireland with heavy rain, high winds, and flooding, resulting in travel disruption and power outages, SIPTU has renewed its call for a binding national protocol.
HSE Home Support HCAs announce regional strike action dates
SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants in the HSE Home Support Service across counties Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry will engage in strike action during February.
SIPTU to meet Newbridge Silverware management following redundancy threat
SIPTU representatives will meet with management at Newbridge Silverware today to discuss its threat to make up to 11 workers redundant at its manufacturing plant in Newbridge, County Kildare.
Caredoc workers accept pay proposal ending threat of further industrial action
SIPTU members employed by Caredoc have voted to accept a pay proposal in a ballot counted which brings to an end a pay dispute involving support staff employed by the out of hours GP service.
Home Support workers vote for strike action
SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the HSE Home Support Services have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
SIPTU to work to minimise any compulsory redundancies at KOSTAL plant
SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of the KOSTAL manufacturing plant to minimise any compulsory redundancies arising from the company’s decision to move production overseas.
Government must honour commitment on apprentice pay
SIPTU has called on the Government to honour a commitment to present legalisation to tackle the practice of paying apprentices less than the national minimum wage, in order to combat youth poverty
SIPTU Caredoc members defer industrial action to consider pay proposals
SIPTU members employed by Caredoc have agreed to defer further industrial action until they have fully considered new pay proposals.
SIPTU Health: Covid-19 Nursing Home Survey
This confidential survey is to hear about your experience of working in a nursing homes during the pandemic and how Government measures affected you, your workplace, and residents.
SIPTU Members at Caredoc Begin 24-Hour Work Stoppage Over Unpaid WRC Pay Increase
Today 120 SIPTU members employed by Caredoc across the south east region of the country engaged...
SIPTU welcomes €45 million investment to pay for childcare workers
SIPTU members have welcomed the announcement of a €45 million investment to improve the pay of Early Years Educators in 2026 by Minister for Children, Norma Foley.
Why 2026 Matters – Public Sector Pay Talks
Over the coming weeks, SIPTU will begin a structured engagement process with our members in the public service ahead of potential pay talks in 2026. Get involved.
Non-EEA permit holders pay floor must apply to all workers
SIPTU has called on the Government to ensure that all workers in low paid industries benefit from a new floor on annual salaries for holders of non-EEA employment permits
Family Reunification policy is a direct attack on workers’ rights
SIPTU has today condemned the Government’s newly published Family Reunification policy, calling it a direct attack on workers’ rights and the dignity of essential workers.
Caredoc employees announce dispute over pay
SIPTU and INMO members employed at Caredoc facilities have announced their intention to commence strike action effective from December 18th.
Community workers commit to uniting to defend vital services at Galway meeting
More than 100 community sector workers, activists and service users from across County Galway...
Carroll’s Cuisine strike action suspended as management agree to talks
Strike action at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, has been suspended following...
Further work stoppages at Carroll’s Cuisine following failure to engage with Union
SIPTU members employed at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, will undertake two additional 12-hour work stoppages on Friday (21st November) and Saturday (22nd November).
SIPTU to commence industrial action at Carroll Cuisine and warns of FAI strike
We will continue our campaign to conclude the unfinished business of Connolly and Larkin, as right was, is and will always be on our side and the side of all working people.
SIPTU welcomes ECJ ruling on Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages
SIPTU representatives have welcomed a ruling from the European Court of Justice putting the validity of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages beyond all doubt.
SIPTU General Secretary Elect calls for renewal of trade union activism
SIPTU General Secretary Elect, John King, has called for “a renewal of trade union activism” and urged Union’s members to recapture the hearts and minds of working people
Action Plan on Collective Bargaining a potential game-changer
SIPTU has called the publication of the Government’s National Action Plan on Collective Bargaining a “potential game-changer” provided that it is implemented fully and robustly.
Transport workers survey reports increased antisocial behaviour
SIPTU has released findings from a new snapshot survey of transport workers which reports an increase in incidents of antisocial and abusive behaviour across the public transport network.
FAI management launches attack on grassroots football with job cuts plan
SIPTU has rejected FAI managements proposals to make 60 staff redundant, describing the plan as ill-informed and a devastating blow to grassroots football across the country.
Galway Community Sector to gather to discuss threat to services
Community organisations and workers have announced a major public meeting to discuss the threat to vital services across the county, under the banner Together, We Are Community.
SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore vote for strike action
The campaign of industrial action will commence with work stoppages from 10am to 2pm. on Friday, 31st October, and Saturday, 1st November. SIPTU members will place pickets during these stoppages.
No cooperation with FAI management forum without union representation
SIPTU members employed by the FAI will not engage with a management forum due to a failure to respect their right to trade union representation.
SIPTU welcomes implementation of 10% pay increase for the Early Years sector
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the announcement of the implementation date of the pay agreement benefiting over 30,000 Early Years professionals. Read more here.
SIPTU calls for a ‘Donogh O’Malley Moment’ in Early Years Education and Care
SIPTU has called on the Government to make a transformational change to the Early Years sector and introduce free secondary education for all.
SIPTU condemns Minister over Bord na Móna sale and demands clarity on CEO repayment
SIPTU has condemned Minister O’Brien for seeking to sign off on the private sale of Bord na Móna Recycling without having met with the workers directly affected.
Ballot of all outdoor staff begins in Clare County Council dispute
Clare County Council staff are being balloted for industrial action as part of a major escalation in a dispute caused by management’s refusal to engage with the State’s dispute resolution system.
Major pay increases secured for over 30,000 contract cleaners
SIPTU has successfully negotiated a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) to deliver significant pay rises and new allowances for more than 30,000 cleaners across the sector.
Proposed minimum wage increase is a slap in the face to low paid workers
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis, whose Union represents almost 90,000 workers has said that a proposed increase to the minimum wage is “another slap in the face to low paid workers”.
SIPTU welcomes RTÉ decision on Eurovision boycott if Israel participates
This stance must now be matched by others. In particular our Government, which should lead a ‘coalition of the wililng’ in pushing for the EU to severe all economic, cultural and sporting links with Israel.
SIPTU to ballot ambulance members for industrial action in outsourcing dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service are to ballot for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a dispute concerning attempts to outsource inter-hospital transfers.
SIPTU warns Ministers of industrial disputes increase due to Labour Court weakening
SIPTU has written to three Government Ministers calling for their urgent intervention to ensure the reappointment under warranty of a Labour Court Deputy Chairman.
SIPTU says Government has ‘bottled’ productivity challenge in new Action Plan
SIPTU representatives have called out the Government for ‘bottling’ the challenge to improve Ireland’s economic productivity in its new Competitiveness Action Plan
Minister must protect workers and rescued animals in threatened closure of ISPCA centre in Donegal
SIPTU members employed in the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are calling on the urgent intervention of Minister Martin Heydon, due to the threatened denial of protections for workers and services
Dublin Fire Brigade to begin industrial action over safety concerns
SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade have served notice of industrial action due to serious safety concerns over the introduction of a new call-out and dispatch system.
SIPTU demands major State investment in Early Years Sector in Budget 2026
The Union is calling for urgent State action to address the crisis in waiting lists and high staff turnover, which threatens the quality and sustainability of Early Years care and education in Ireland.
SIPTU condemns FAI over threatened job losses and lack of information on plans
SIPTU has expressed outrage at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) over threatened redundancies at the sporting body, which have been announced without consultation with staff.
SIPTU urges Minister acts to safeguard grassroots football ahead of FAI board meeting
SIPTU has called on Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, to urgently intervene to ensure that decisions made by the FAI do not undermine the health of the game at grassroots level.
Clare County Council workers set for Industrial Action from Monday
SIPTU members working at Clare County Council will begin industrial action from Monday, August 25th, over management’s failure to comply with agreed national dispute resolution procedures.
FAI workers’ Union warn current approach risks undermining Irish football
SIPTU members in the FAI have raised serious concerns over threats to the game at grassroots level ahead of a meeting of the FAI Board next week.
SIPTU to meet with senior management at Leprino Foods following shock closure announcement
SIPTU representatives are to meet with senior management at Leprino Foods following the announcement that the company intends to cease production at the plant in 2026.
Inclusion of social care aspect critical to transport police
SIPTU has welcomed the announcement that recruitment for a new transport policing service could begin in 2026 but warned that inclusion of a social care element will be crucial to its success.
Gaza journalists’ murder an atrocity that is an attack on all media workers
SIPTU representatives have called the targeted killing of five journalists working for Al Jazeera in Gaza overnight an attack on all media and the very basis of international law.
SIPTU says thousands without domestic waste collection service highlights need for reform
The privatisation of our domestic waste collection services has been a resounding failure. SIPTU has renewed its call for the radical reform of domestic waste collection services
SIPTU writes to Stryker CEO following major safety breach at anti-union plant
SIPTU representatives have written to Stryker, expressing grave health and safety concerns after another fire at the company’s facilities which are the centre of an ongoing union recognition struggle.
SIPTU member forced to retire at 65 awarded €18,000
A SIPTU member has been awarded €18,000 by the Labour Court in relation to a claim he instigated following his forced retirement at 65 years of age.
SIPTU Early Years members back pay proposals including an up to 10% wage increase
SIPTU members working in Early Years services have delivered a decisive mandate in support of a proposed pay deal, with more than 90% backing it in a consultative nationwide ballot.
SIPTU recommends members accept proposals in long-running ambulance pay dispute
SIPTU representatives are recommending members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) accept Workplace Relations Commission proposals on pay and work practice changes.
Collection of trade union songs for women enters Irish Traditional Music Archive
A collection of trade union songs related to women at work has been added to the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s digital collection and is the theme of an exhibition at the archive’s offices in Merrion Square.
SIPTU calls for clarity on EU/US tariffs regime and a State plan to deal with its impact
SIPTU representatives have called for clarity on the details of the EU/US trade deal announced and immediate action from the State that will prioritise protecting jobs in the sectors that are worst impacted.
Trade Union leader Mick Lynch links Great Famine and Gaza Genocide at Cork rally
Trade Union leader Mick Lynch will highlight the use of famine and hunger as a weapon of genocide in Gaza, and historically in Ireland, at the Cork Council of Trade Unions Palestinian Solidarity Rally.
Private sector workers short changed by Government on pensions, sick pay and cost of living crisis
Private sector workers have been short changed by a Government which has broken commitments on pensions, increased sick days and measures to offset the cost of living crisis.
SIPTU working to counter threat of job losses at IS Varian in Dublin
SIPTU representatives are engaged in negotiations with the management of brush and houseware manufacturing firm IS Varian concerning the threat of redundancies at its plant in Walkinstown
SIPTU members in Bus Éireann vote to accept above inflation pay increases
SIPTU members have voted by 62% to 38% to accept a Labour Court recommendation on wage increases at the public bus company that will see pay rises of 3.5% and 3.25% over the next two years.
City Hotel Derry management agree to LRA talks with SIPTU representatives
SIPTU members employed in the landmark City Hotel Derry have suspended planned protest action following agreement by the company to engage with their Union representatives.
SIPTU members welcome new minimum rates of pay in the security industry
SIPTU members employed in the security industry have welcomed a new Employment Regulation Order that will come into force on 22nd July which will increase minimum hourly rates of pay.
Artists’ petition delivered to Government calling for safeguarding artists’ incomes
The petition calls on the Minister to protect funding for artists and arts workers following a series of unresolved issues within the Arts Council, which have left the sector in a state of uncertainty.
Early Years Union and employer body call for pay proposal support
SIPTU and the Federation of Early Childhood Providers have jointly called on early childhood care and education employees and employers to support pay proposals which emerged from negotiations at the JLC for the sector.
SIPTU says HSE must address lack of opportunities for Radiographer and Radiation Therapy graduates
SIPTU representatives have called on the HSE to address the lack of opportunities for recent Radiographer and Radiation Therapist graduates to take up employment in the public health service.
Progress on Assault Scheme and sleepover funding for Section 38 staff
After sustained union campaigning, the HSE and Section 38 employers in intellectual disability and community services have confirmed that funding for the Serious Physical Assault Scheme is now available.
Unions secure balanced and sustainable agreement on extended health services
After weeks of intense negotiations between the HSE, the Department of Health, and health workers’ unions, an agreement has been reached on the HSE Principles for Extended Services.
Labour Court recommends a final extension to Long Covid scheme
The Labour Court has issued its recommendation on a Union-wide claim for an Occupational Illness Scheme for Long Covid sufferers. The Government has accepted its recommendations.
Bord na Móna Recycling strike called off following improved offer to workers
SIPTU representatives have agreed to call off a scheduled one-day strike at Bord na Móna Recycling following the securing of a significantly improved offer for workers at talks with the company.