Press Releases 2022Go-Ahead accepts invite to WRC talks after SIPTU members vote for industrial action
22 December 2022
The management of Go-Ahead Ireland has agreed to attend conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) following an overwhelming vote for industrial action by SIPTU members employed by the private bus operator in a dispute over pay.
Read More
SIPTU bus drivers in Go-Ahead Ireland to ballot for industrial action in pay dispute
19 December 2022
SIPTU members employed by private bus operator, Go-Ahead Ireland, will commence a ballot for industrial action tomorrow (Tuesday, 20th December). The dispute is in response to the refusal by the company to attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss compensating drivers for the decrease in their real earnings due to inflation.
Read More
SIPTU members defer strike action at Zenith Bantry Bay Terminal
12 December 2022
The planned strike action by SIPTU members employed Zenith Bantry Bay Terminal, county Cork, has been deferred in order to allow workers an opportunity to consider proposals put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) today.
Read More
SIPTU calls on Rehab Group to urgently pay redundancy owed to Limerick workers
06 December 2022
SIPTU members who worked at Rehab Enterprises in, Raheen, county Limerick, have expressed their deep frustration at the delay by the Rehab Group in implementing a Labour Court recommendation that they should be paid outstanding redundancy payments.
Read More
Irish woman Esther Lynch elected to top job in European trade union movement
06 December 2022
Irish woman and former Irish Congress of Trade Unions official, Esther Lynch has been elected General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
Read More
SIPTU says employment permits do not resolve retention issues of home care workers
05 December 2022
A recent government announcement that 1,000 General Employment permits will be made available for home care workers from January 2023 will not address the core issues of recruitment and retention of carers in the home care sector, according to SIPTU Organiser, Pat Flannery.
Read More
Workers now legally entitled to receive tips and gratuities paid in electronic form
01 December 2022
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has welcomed new laws governing the practice of tipping to hospitality workers that have come into force today. Under the Payment of Wages Act employees now have a legal entitlement to receive tips and gratuities paid in electronic form.
Read More
SIPTU serves strike notice at Zenith Energy Bantry Bay Terminals Limited
28 November 2022
SIPTU members have today (Monday, 28th November) served notice of strike action at Zenith Energy Bantry Bay Terminals Limited, located on Whiddy Island, county Cork, to commence on Tuesday, 13th December, in a dispute concerning compulsory redundancies at the energy company.
Read More
SIPTU seeks urgent meeting on bus driver shortages with National Transport Authority
24 November 2022
SIPTU members employed as bus drivers with Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann handed in a letter at the offices of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in Dublin, today (Thursday, 24th November), calling for an urgent meeting to discuss recruitment issues which are adversely impacting public transport services.
Read More
SIPTU member in Wexford awarded €40,000 for constructive dismissal
23 November 2022
A SIPTU member secured an award of more than €40,000 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) following his unfair dismissal by his employer, McGuire Haulage Limited, with a head office in Thomastown, county Kilkenny.
Read More
Meath Trades Council backs Raise the Roof and Keep Water Public campaigns
23 November 2022
Delegates attending a meeting of the Meath Trades Council in Navan on Tuesday (22nd November) called on people to attend the Raise the Roof march in Dublin on Saturday, 26thNovember, and voted to back the Keep Water Public campaign for a referendum to ensure the public ownership of water services.
Read More
SIPTU calls on Rehab Group to respect Labour Court and pay redundancy to Limerick workers
15 November 2022
SIPTU representatives have called on the Rehab Group to honour a Labour Court recommendation that states that it should pay outstanding redundancy payments due to 38 workers formerly employed by one of its subsidiaries in county Limerick who lost their jobs in 2021.
Read More
SIPTU delegates told focus is on rolling back the privatisation of public services
11 November 2022
SIPTU activists are focused on bringing community services back under public control as part of a global shift away from the privatisation model, the SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Biennial Delegate conference has heard.
Read More
Construction unions to seek early compensation for soaring rise in living costs
11 November 2022
The unions which make up the ICTU Congress Construction Industrial Committee (CIC) will commence lodging claims with employers in the construction sector for improvements in pay to restore the living standards of workers in the sector.
Read More
SIPTU members protest at Bunratty over failure to transfer Shannon Heritage tourism sites to Clare County Council
03 November 2022
SIPTU members working for Shannon Heritage protested at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Friday, 28th October, to highlight the continued failure of the Government to announce the funding required to facilitate the transfer of Shannon Heritage tourism sites to Clare County Council.
Read More
‘Keep Water Public’ campaign launched calling for referendum on public water services
27 October 2022
A coalition of trade unions today (Thursday 27th October) launched the ‘Keep Water Public’ campaign, which calls on the Government to confirm a date for a constitutional referendum on the public ownership of water services. The campaign is supported by SIPTU, Fórsa, Unite, Connect and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Read More
Sláintecare essential to reform of dysfunctional healthcare system says Shortall
26 October 2022
Full implementation of the Sláintecare policy is essential for the effective reform of our health and social care services, Social Democrats co-leader, Róisín Shortall, told the SIPTU Health Division Biennial Delegate Conference in Waterford today (Wednesday, 26th October).
Read More
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary says public sector funding faces 5% cut by 2025
26 October 2022
Funding for the public sector faces a 5% cut in real terms by 2025, which will result in a decline in services, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, told the SIPTU Health Division Biennial Delegate Conference in Waterford today (Wednesday, 26th October).
Read More
SIPTU member wins €18,000 for discriminatory dismissal due to temporary disability
24 October 2022
The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre secured an award of €18,000, at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), for a member who was dismissed by a private parking company because he needed time off following shoulder surgery.
Read More
SIPTU calls on employers to provide €1000 tax free cost of living voucher payments for workers
14 October 2022
Employers should utilise a rise in the tax free limit for once off voucher payments announced in the recent Budget to provide workers with €1000 to help offset the rising cost of living, according to SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack.
Read More
SIPTU members meet Minister for Health to demand Covid-19 payment for contract workers
21 October 2022
SIPTU worker representatives met with the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, this morning (Friday, 21st October) to demand that the Covid-19 recognition payment is paid to frontline healthcare workers employed by contract companies.
Read More
INMO and SIPTU statement on HSE decision to close Clifden District Hospital
21 October 2022
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and SIPTU have said the sudden decision to close Clifden District Hospital is shocking and emergency engagement is needed with staff and representatives through the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission.
Read More
SIPTU member wins compensation for being forced out of work at 65 years of age
20 October 2022
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded compensation to a SIPTU member employed by Prenco Manufacturing Limited in Skibbereen, County Cork, after he was forced to retire at 65 years of age when he was in a position to continue working.
Read More
SIPTU members ballot for industrial action in two health facilities in Clifden
20 October 2022
SIPTU members in Clifden District Hospital and St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit in Clifden, county Galway, are to ballot on industrial action in a dispute resulting from unilateral changes to their conditions of employment including their sick leave scheme.
Read More
SIPTU says low paid workers falling behind as new Living Wage is launched
20 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have said that workers paid the minimum wage are seeing their wages fall further behind the level which is adequate to even maintain a basic standard of living following the announcement of a new Living Wage level of €13.85 per hour.
Read More
SIPTU says pay for Early Years professions must keep pace with Living Wage
20 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have called for the pay rates of Early Years professionals to keep pace with the Living Wage following the announcement today (Thursday, 20th October) that it is to increase by 95 cents per hour.
Read More
SIPTU says government report does little to resolve staffing crisis in care sector
19 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have said that a Department of Health report on the recruitment and retention crisis for home carers and nursing home healthcare assistants will do little to resolve a problem which is threatening services across the country.
Read More
SIPTU calls on State funded advocacy service to recognise staff right to union representation
17 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have called on the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities to respect the right of its staff to union representation for the purposes of collective bargaining and to end attempts to unilaterally cut their terms of employment.
Read More
SIPTU opposes proposed concrete levy due to negative impact on construction jobs
12 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have expressed opposition to the proposed introduction of a concrete block levy saying that it will negatively impact on construction sector jobs in Ireland.
Read More
SIPTU writes to Cork politicians to highlight DePuy Synthes unfair treatment of staff
11 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have written to politicians in Cork to highlight the continued failure of medical devices manufacturer, DePuy Synthes, to respect the right of its workers to be represented by a union and their dissatisfaction with the arbitrary nature of pay increases in the company.
Read More
SIPTU calls for clarity on funding of care and community sector pay rises
07 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have called for clarity from the Government concerning the funding of pay increases for workers employed by independent organisations which provide care and community services on behalf of the State.
Read More
Public Service Committee of ICTU ratifies pay agreement proposals
07 October 2022
The Public Services Committee of the ICTU has today (Friday, 7th October) formally ratified the decision by members of SIPTU and other unions to vote in favour of accepting the terms of the revised pay proposals in the ‘Public Service Agreement: Building Momentum’.
Read More
SIPTU members support public service pay proposals by overwhelming majority
06 October 2022
SIPTU members in the public service have voted by a resounding majority to accept the pay proposals in the review of the ‘Public Service Agreement: Building Momentum’. Following a count of ballots today (Thursday, 6th October), 90% of votes were in favour of the proposals.
Read More
SIPTU condemns IBEC objection to leave for victims of domestic violence
05 October 2022
The objection of employers group, IBEC, to the introduction of a specific category of paid leave for workers who are the victims of domestic violence has been strongly condemned by SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley.
Read More
SIPTU will use industrial action to secure adequate pay rises in private sector
05 October 2022
SIPTU representatives will authorise industrial action in order to secure adequate pay rises across the private sector delegates were told today (Wednesday, 5thOctober), at the union’s Services Division Biennial Delegate Conference in Kilkenny.
Read More
SIPTU condemns failure to fund transfer of Shannon Heritage sites in Budget 2023
29 September 2022
SIPTU members have condemned the failure of the Government to include in Budget 2023 the funding required to facilitate the transfer of tourism sites currently managed by Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council.
Read More
SIPTU says budget fails to tackle threat of recession
28 September 2022
The Government is taking a huge gamble on energy prices in Budget 2023 through large credit payments to companies in order to provide relief to households and businesses, according to SIPTU Researcher, Michael Taft.
Read More
SIPTU calls on Sisk to ensure cost of living payment goes to all on-site workers
27 September 2022
SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with the construction company, John Sisk and Son, to seek clarification on the workers who will be included in a once off €1,000 cost of living payment which it announced today (Tuesday, 27th September).
Read More
SIPTU members consider industrial action at Dublin Airport in wages dispute
23 September 2022
SIPTU worker representatives employed by the daa in Dublin Airport have declared no confidence in their management and have begun preparations for balloting union members for industrial action in a dispute over the repeated failure to pay staff wages on time.
Read More
Government intent on provoking more strikes in care and community sector
23 September 2022
The Government is intent on provoking more strikes in care and community organisations as it seeks to ignore three days of industrial action in the sector this week as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign and with more workers demanding to join the dispute.
Read More
SIPTU members picket and protest locations in five counties over next three days
23 September 2022
Hundreds of SIPTU members in the community and care sector will take strike action over the next three days (Wednesday, 21st to Friday, 22nd September) in more than 20 organisations in counties Cork, Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
Read More
Community and care workers forced on to picket lines by government inaction
23 September 2022
Hundreds of community and care sector workers will be forced on to picket lines this week because of the complete failure of the Government to engage with them on their reasonable request for a first pay rise in 14 years, according to SIPTU Public Administration and Community Organiser, Adrian Kane.
Read More
SIPTU welcomes decision to keep pension age at 66 and end mandatory retirement
23 September 2022
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, has welcomed the Government’s decision to retain the pension age at 66. Ms Buckley said that the proposal to allow workers to remain in employment until they reach 70, while allowing those in arduous jobs earlier access to pensions, is also welcome.
Read More
Workers in thirteen community organisations in Donegal to strike on 22nd September
23 September 2022
Staff in thirteen community organisations in county Donegal will strike on Thursday, 22nd September, as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign to highlight the demand for a first pay rise in 14 years for workers in the sector.
Read More
Workers in Ability West in county Galway to strike on 22nd September
15 September 2022
Staff in Ability West in county Galway will strike on Thursday, 22nd September, as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign to highlight the demand for a first pay rise in 14 years for workers in the organisation.
Read More
SIPTU says government should raise minimum wage to €12 per hour
03 February 2023
The Government should raise the minimum wage to at least €12 per hour, according to SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Teresa Hannick.
Read More
SIPTU calls on community and care workers to receive terms of public service pay deal
14 September 2022
SIPTU has called on the Government to extend the terms of the public service pay deal to workers in the community sector and Section 39 organisations who have not received a pay rise since 2008.
Read More
Meath County Council votes to support Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign
09 September 2022
Meath County Council unanimously endorsed a motion in support of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign for pay justice for workers in Section 39 and community sector organisations at its meeting in Navan on Monday, 5th September.
Read More
Early Years Professionals secure first pay deal setting minimum wages in sector
07 September 2022
SIPTU members working in early childhood care and education have welcomed the establishment of an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) that sets minimum pay rates for the sector, which was signed off by the Government today (Wednesday, 7th September).
Read More
SIPTU demands Department of Social Protection attend WRC talks on LES and Job Clubs dispute
07 January 2022
SIPTU representatives have called on Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, to reverse a decision that Department of Social Protection officials will not attend proposed talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concerning the Local Employment Services (LES) and Job Clubs dispute.
Read More
Irish Equity calls for reform of film industry tax credit in Budget 2023
05 September 2022
Irish Equity, the union which represents professionals in the live performance and theatre sector, has called for reform of film industry tax breaks in Budget 2023 to ensure a fair return for taxpayers and greater protection of the interests of all those employed in the sector.
Read More
SIPTU demands date set for referendum on public ownership of water services
01 September 2022
SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to set a date for a referendum on the public ownership of water services to ensure against any future privatisation of the national utility.
Read More
SIPTU calls on government to take immediate action to honour terms of security ERO
25 August 2022
SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to immediately act to ensure that the terms of an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the security industry are honoured following an injunction being secured yesterday (Wednesday, 24th August) by a small group of employers against the measure.
Read More
Survey reveals childcare facilities face potential closures due to staffing crisis
22 August 2022
A survey of more than 1,977 managers and staff in the Early Years (childcare) sector has indicated that many services may be restricted or face potential closure due to an inability to recruit and retain staff.
Read More
SIPTU members at De La Salle College, Waterford to ballot for strike action in outsourcing dispute
18 August 2022
SIPTU members employed by De La Salle College, Waterford are to ballot for industrial and strike action and strike following a decision by management to unilaterally outsource their employment to a private sector provider.
Read More
SIPTU members at Kyte Powertech in Cavan to take strike action
15 August 2022
SIPTU members employed by Kyte Powertech in Cavan will begin a campaign of strike and industrial action due to a pay dispute, with a 24 -hour work stoppage commencing at 12.01 a.m. (midnight) on Friday, 19th August.
Read More
SIPTU general secretary presents strike donation to RMT leader
15 August 2022
SIPTU general secretary, Joe Cunningham, today gave a donation on behalf of his members to Mick Lynch, the leader of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) in a gesture of solidarity with striking rail workers in the UK.
Read More
SIPTU Meath District Council meets with HSE to discuss future of Navan Hospital
09 August 2022
Members of the SIPTU Meath District Council met with the General Manager of Our Lady’s Hospital, Anita Brennan, to discuss the threat to the future of the Accident and Emergency Department at the facility in Navan, county Meath, on Thursday, 4th August.
Read More
SIPTU public service members commence consultation process for industrial action
02 August 2022
SIPTU organisers in the public service representing members in the Health, Local Authority, Education and State sectors, are today commencing a consultation exercise with its members in advance of ballots for industrial action over pay later in August.
Read More
SIPTU local authority members prepare for industrial action ballot in pay dispute
25 July 2022
SIPTU members employed by local authorities across the country are preparing to ballot for industrial action as a result of the failure of the Government to conclude a deal on public sector pay that takes account of the increasing cost of living and high inflation rate.
Read More
SIPTU public service members to prepare for industrial action over Government failure to review Agreement
25 July 2022
SIPTU members across the public service will commence a consultation exercise in advance of ballots for industrial action over the failure of the Government to conclude an acceptable review of the pay provisions of the ‘Building Momentum’ Public Service Agreement. The consultation will involve union members and activists in the health service, local government, education and the State sectors in the coming weeks.
Read More
Department of Social Protection assist Roadbridge workers with redundancy payments
19 July 2022
SIPTU representatives have engaged with the Department of Social Protection concerning the delay in processing payments to workers made redundant by the civil engineering and construction firm, Roadbridge, after it was placed in receivership.
Read More
Care and community sector pay dispute to escalate following Government inaction
18 July 2022
Workers in the care, community and voluntary sector will escalate their campaign of industrial action to secure a first pay rise in 14 years after the Government failed to engage with their unions following strikes in selected workplaces earlier this month.
Read More
Care and Community Sector campaign will escalate after successful first wave of strikes
06 July 2022
SIPTU members in the care and community sector have committed to escalating their campaign of industrial action following a successful first wave of strikes this week which saw hundreds of workers join picket lines and attend protests across the country.
Read More
Protests in Dublin, Galway and Waterford on day-two of community sector strike tomorrow
05 July 2022
SIPTU members will hold protests in Dublin, Galway and Waterford tomorrow (Wednesday, 6th July) to mark the second day of strike action by care and community sector workers in a long running dispute in which they are seeking their first pay rise in 14 years.
Read More
Hundreds attend public meeting on survival of RSS and Tús schemes in Castlebar
05 July 2022
More than 500 people attended a SIPTU organised public meeting on the need to protect the operation of Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Tús projects in the Travellers Friend Hotel in Castlebar, county Mayo, last night (Monday, 4th July).
Read More
IWA strike to go ahead tomorrow following Government failure to engage with unions
04 July 2022
SIPTU members in the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) will conduct a 24-hour work stoppage tomorrow (Tuesday, 5th July) following the refusal of the Government to discuss with their union their need for a pay rise for the first time in 14 years.
Read More
SIPTU members in Kostal vote for industrial action to protect terms of employment
04 July 2022
SIPTU members in Kostal Ireland GmbH have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, at the company’s plants in Abbeyfeale, county Limerick and Mallow, county Cork, as part of a dispute to protect their agreed terms and conditions of employment.
Read More
SIPTU members at Dublin airport given assurances over deployment of Defence Forces
03 July 2022
SIPTU representatives and shop stewards met with daa management on Friday, 1st July, to discuss the implications for union members following the request from transport minister, Eamon Ryan, for the Defence Forces to be put on standby at the vehicle control posts (VCP) at Dublin airport as a contingency.
Read More
Community Sector workers in seven more counties vote to join pay dispute strike action
01 July 2022
SIPTU members employed in selected community schemes in seven additional counties have voted to join their colleagues in the Irish Wheelchair Association and numerous organisations in county Galway and county Waterford in a one-day work stoppage next week as part of a long running pay dispute.
Read More
ICTU Film and Television Construction Group of Unions accept new National Construction Agreement
01 July 2022
The ICTU Film Construction Group of Unions (FCGU) has welcomed the introduction today (Friday, 1st July) of a new National Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Irish film and Television industry. Members of the unions involved, SIPTU, BATU, OPATSI and the Irish National Painters' and Decorators' Trade Union (INPDTG) voted by secret ballot to accept this agreement which comes in to force upon signing and will remain in place until December 31st 2025.
Read More
Galway Rape Crisis Centre workers to strike on Wednesday to highlight failure on pay
30 June 2022
SIPTU members in the Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) are conducting a 24-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, 6th July, to demand a first pay rise in 14 years and the restoration of pay which was removed from them during the economic crisis.
Read More
Community sector strike escalates following government failure to engage with unions
28 June 2022
SIPTU members employed in community organisations in county Waterford and county Galway have announced a 24 hour work stoppage on Wednesday, 6th July, as part of a wider campaign by workers in the sector seeking to secure their first pay rise in 14 years.
Read More
SIPTU members campaign for union recognition in DePuy Synthes in Cork
28 June 2022
SIPTU representatives met with workers employed by the medical devices manufacturer, DePuy Synthes, to discuss their fight for union recognition in the St Vincent’s GAA Club, Knocknaheeney, Cork, on Saturday,18th June.
Read More
Meath Council of Trade Unions holds inaugural public meeting in Kells
27 June 2022
The Meath Council of Trade Unions held its inaugural public meeting on the topic of decent work, democracy and citizenship as part of the Hinterland Festival in Kells, county Meath, on Sunday, 26th June.
Read More
SIPTU members in Irish Wheelchair Association across the country to strike on 5th July
26 June 2022
SIPTU members employed by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) have voted by 97% to 3% to conduct a work stoppage on Tuesday, 5th July, at its care centres across the country in a pay dispute in which they are demanding their first wage rise for 14 years.
Read More
Unions win strong protections for workers when Irish Water takes control of water services
24 June 2022
There will be no compulsory transfer of local authority staff to Irish Water when it becomes the single national water authority next year. This protection has been underpinned in a new ‘Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services,’ hammered out between unions representing water workers, Irish Water and local authority representatives in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Read More
SIPTU wins construction worker compensation for underpayment
23 June 2022
The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre has secured an adjudication award of €3500 for a member, Lazaros Saridis, in compensation for breaches of the terms of the Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction industry.
Read More
SIPTU hosting ‘Pride at Work’ meeting in Liberty Hall on Saturday
23 June 2022
SIPTU is hosting a meeting to discuss LBGTQI+ community issues as they impact on the workplace and working lives in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, on Saturday, 25th June, at 11.00 a.m. as part of the Dublin Pride festival.
Read More
SIPTU says pay deal for childcare workers essential to ending staffing crisis
22 June 2022
SIPTU representatives have said that a good pay deal for childcare workers is the only way to deal with the worsening staffing crisis in the sector which is at the root of many of the other issues affecting services.
Read More
SIPTU members in Bausch and Lomb to ballot on WRC pay proposals
17 June 2022
SIPTU members employed at the Bausch and Lomb manufacturing plant in Waterford will ballot on pay proposals issued by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) this evening (Friday, 17th June) following intensive negotiations involving union representatives and management.
Read More
SIPTU member underpaid by New Ross manufacturing company receiving Covid supports
17 June 2022
A SIPTU member employed by Lake Region Medical Limited at its plant in New Ross, county Wexford, has won a case at the Labour Court for underpayment of wages while his employer was availing of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
Read More
SIPTU members in community organisations in Galway to ballot for industrial action
17 June 2022
SIPTU members in several care and community organisations in county Galway have begun a ballot for industrial action in a long running pay dispute which could result in a 24-hour work stoppage by workers providing vital services on Wednesday 6th July.
Read More
SIPTU members in community organisations in Waterford ballot for industrial action
16 June 2022
SIPTU members in several community organisations in county Waterford have begun a ballot for industrial action in a long running pay dispute which could result in a 24-hour work stoppage by workers providing vital services on Wednesday 6th July.
Read More
SIPTU members in care and community organisations ballot for strike action
16 June 2022
SIPTU members in several care and community organisations, including the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) as well as numerous local social services in county Galway and county Waterford, have begun a ballot for strike action in a long running pay dispute.
Read More
SIPTU suspends industrial action to facilitate WRC talks in Bausch and Lomb dispute
15 June 2022
SIPTU members employed by Bausch and Lomb have suspended industrial action scheduled for this weekend at the company’s plant in Waterford to facilitate talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that will begin on Friday (17th June).
Read More
SIPTU to hold meeting on union recognition for DePuy Synthes workers on Saturday
14 June 2022
SIPTU representatives will hold a meeting for workers employed by the medical devices manufacturer, DePuy Synthes, to discuss their fight for union recognition in the St Vincent’s GAA Club, Knocknaheeney, Cork, at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday,18th June.
Read More
SIPTU members to begin industrial action in Bausch and Lomb plant in Waterford
09 June 2022
SIPTU members employed by Bausch and Lomb will begin a campaign of industrial action, in a pay dispute at the multinational company’s manufacturing plant in Waterford City, with a two-hour work stoppage commencing at 12.00 p.m. (noon) this Saturday (11th June).
Read More
Raise the Roof meeting hears that rents rose by 10% in the last year in Meath
02 June 2022
A meeting of the housing campaign group, Raise the Roof, in the Dan Shaw Centre in Navan, yesterday (Wednesday, 1st June), heard that new research has found that asking rents for properties in county Meath have risen by 10% in the last year.
Read More
SIPTU says inferior pay and conditions for daa workers key factor in Dublin Airport crisis
31 May 2022
SIPTU representatives highlighted the impact of inferior pay and conditions of employment for new daa staff as a key factor in the current crisis at Dublin Airport at a meeting with Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, this afternoon (Tuesday, 31st May).
Read More
Hundreds attend Athenry meeting demanding action on RSS and Tús schemes crisis
31 May 2022
More than 400 people attended a meeting to discuss the threatened collapse of Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Tús programmes at a public meeting attended by several local elected representatives in the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry, County Galway, on Monday (30th May).
Read More
SIPTU calls for action in relation to health and safety concerns in Munster fire
20 May 2022
SIPTU members will ballot for industrial action if there is a failure to take immediate steps to resolve critical safety concerns relating to the operation of the software system of the Munster Regional Control Centre (MRCC) which controls fire service responses in the south of the country.
Read More
EU Commission serves infringement notice on government over failure to apply EWC Directive
19 May 2022
The EU Commission has today launched an infringement notice against Ireland over the Government’s failure to properly transpose the EU Directive on European Works Councils (EWC). The notice was issued following a complaint made by SIPTU representatives, according to its EWC expert, Denis Sheridan.
Read More
SIPTU construction worker secures €6000 in compensation for SEO breaches
19 May 2022
A construction worker has secured an award of €6000 in compensation from the Labour Court for not being provided with the correct rates of pay, pension entitlements and annual leave applicable under the Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO).
Read More
SIPTU members brief Joint Oireachtas Committee on threat to community schemes
16 May 2022
SIPTU members attended a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands on Wednesday (11th May) to brief it on the growing threat to the operation of community schemes across the country.
Read More
SIPTU LAPO backs constitutional referendum to counter threat of privatisation of water services
12 May 2022
SIPTU Local Authority Professional Officers (LAPO) has backed a campaign of industrial action in order to ensure the public ownership of water services, through a constitutional referendum, at their conference in Portlaoise, county Laois today (Thursday, 12th May).
Read More
SIPTU says unfair dismissal case win highlights the right of workers to privacy
04 May 2022
SIPTU representatives have said that the over €12,500 awarded to a worker at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) following his unfair dismissal from Dawn Meats in Grannagh, county Waterford, highlights the right of employees to have their privacy strictly respected.
Read More
Community sector and Section 39 health workers march for better pay and respect in Dublin
03 May 2022
Trade union members working in the community sector and for Section 39 healthcare organisations protested in Dublin city centre today (Tuesday, 3rd May) to highlight the need for better pay and respect of their roles.
Read More
Community sector and Section 39 health workers to march for better pay and respect
29 April 2022
Trade union members working in the community sector and for Section 39 healthcare organisations from across the country are holding a major protest to highlight the need for better pay and respect of their roles in Dublin on Tuesday, 3rd May.
Read More
SIPTU calls for renewed focus on workplace health and safety on Workers’ Memorial Day
28 April 2022
SIPTU representatives have called for a renewed focus on all aspects of health and safety in workplaces following a commemorative event in the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, to mark Workers’ Memorial Day today (Thursday, 28th April).
Read More
Unions dismayed at Department of Social Protection handling of employment services
20 April 2022
SIPTU and Fórsa members employed in local employment services (LES) and Job Clubs are losing confidence in the ability of the Department of Social Protection to manage these vital social services following a further change in the contracts for their provision.
Read More
SIPTU secures €10,000 award for lecturer for Working Time Act breach
19 April 2022
The SIPTU Workers’ Rights Centre has secured a €10,000 award at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under the Organisation of Working Time Act in a case where a member, employed by the Independent College Dublin (ICD), was found to, in effect, be funding her own annual leave.
Read More
SIPTU member awarded €15,000 at Workplace Relations Commission in case against UCD
14 April 2022
SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) has won a €15,000 award at the Workplace Relations Commission for a union member employed at University College Dublin (UCD) after she was denied her entitlements under the Fixed Term Workers Act.
Read More
SIPTU defers industrial action at Lisk Ireland following offer on pay and conditions
13 April 2022
SIPTU representatives decided on Wednesday, 13th April, to defer industrial action at LISK Ireland in Gort, Co. Galway, which was scheduled for Thursday 14th April.
Read More
SIPTU to seek greater pay increases across private sector to offset inflation
11 April 2022
SIPTU members across the private sector will seek pay increases to match the rising costs of living and will re-negotiate existing pay deals which fall short of inflation.
Read More
Unions say artists basic income scheme a positive development but more clarity needed
05 April 2022
Unions representing performance workers, SIPTU, Irish Equity and the MUI, have welcomed the announcement today (Tuesday, 5th April) of a Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme which will provide a security of income for three years for up to 2,000 participants.
Read More
SIPTU members in LISK Ireland Ltd in Galway begin industrial action
04 April 2022
SIPTU members employed in LISK Ireland Ltd commenced a campaign of industrial action at its manufacturing plant in Gort, county Galway, this morning (Monday, 4th April) with a work stoppage that began at 8.00 a.m. and will conclude at 12 midnight.
Read More
SIPTU members to take industrial action at LISK Ireland Ltd on 4th April
31 March 2022
SIPTU members employed in LISK Ireland Ltd will commence industrial action at its manufacturing plant in Gort, county Galway at 8.00 a.m. on Monday, 4th April, in a dispute resulting from the failure of the company to engage with union representatives on a number of issues of concern to workers.
Read More
SIPTU elects new Honorary President and Vice President at conference in Sligo
30 March 2022
SIPTU delegates have elected a new Honorary President, Mary O’Sullivan, and Honorary Vice President, John Montgomery, at the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo today (Wednesday, 30th March).
Read More
ICTU President highlights need for collective bargaining rights at SIPTU conference
30 March 2022
ICTU President, Kevin Callinan, called for a focus on securing collective bargaining rights for workers in Ireland and protecting living standards in the face of a record high inflation rate, at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo, today (Wednesday, 30th March).
Read More
Irish Equity backs call for collective bargaining legislation at SIPTU conference
30 March 2022
Irish Equity has expressed its support for motions passed at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo which call for legislation to secure collective bargaining rights for workers in Ireland in line with those available in the rest of the EU.
Read More
SIPTU to seek private sector pay rises in line with inflation
29 March 2022
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack, said his union members will make “no apology” for seeking pay rises which ensure workers and their families standard of living is not eroded by a record high inflation rate which he warned could reach 8.5%.
Read More
President Michael D Higgins tells SIPTU conference that unions to lead workplace and social change
29 March 2022
President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, has called on trade unions to lead workplace and social change in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in a speech to the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference today (Tuesday, 29th March).
Read More
SIPTU conference told community workers to begin protest campaign on 11th April
29 March 2022
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, has told the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference that members within the community sector will begin a national campaign of protest, industrial and strike action aimed at ending “the neglect of this sector by the state”.
Read More
SIPTU General Secretary says union will pursue wage increases which offset inflation
28 March 2022
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has told his union’s Biennial Delegate Conference that it will pursue wage increases which offset the impact on workers of an inflation rate which is expected to reach heights not seen since the 1980s.
Read More
SIPTU conference recognises work of Frontline Heroes during pandemic
28 March 2022
Delegates at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo recognised the work of union members across the public service and private sector during the Covid-19 pandemic with a parade, short film and motion of appreciation for the SIPTU Frontline Heroes.
Read More
SIPTU conference calls for collective approach to overcoming gender pay gap
28 March 2022
SIPTU members will use collective bargaining to close the gender pay gap according to a motion passed unanimously at the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo today (Monday, 28th March).
Read More
SIPTU warns Fine Gael that pension age rise will be signing its ‘political death warrant’
28 March 2022
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, has warned the Fine Geal party that it will be signing its “political death warrant” if it attempts to press ahead with raising the age of entitlement to the state pension to 67 years.
Read More
SIPTU and Irish Red Cross to inform Ukrainian refugees on employment rights
24 March 2022
The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has committed to co-operate with the Irish Red Cross (IRC) in assisting refugees from the war on their employment rights.
Read More
SIPTU rally in support of sacked P&O Ferries workers on Saturday in Dublin Port
24 March 2022
SIPTU members will demonstrate their support for the 800 P&O Ferries workers, who were sacked without notice last week, with a protest outside the transport company’s offices at Terminal 3 North Quay Extension, Dublin Port, at 12 noon on Saturday, 26th March.
Read More
Irish Equity and Equity UK join forces to call for equal treatment of Ireland-based performers
15 March 2022
Members of Irish Equity and Equity (UK) have joined forces to call for equal treatment for performers working on international co-productions in Ireland. Currently, international production companies are applying lesser terms and conditions to Ireland-based performers.
Read More
SIPTU calls for meeting with ILCU management over pension scheme concerns
28 January 2022
SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) concerning media reports of a €78 million deficit in its Defined Benefit Pension (ROI) scheme.
Read More
TUF supports South Dublin County councillors call for compliance inspections on sites
20 January 2022
Trade Union Federation (TUF) representatives met with South Dublin County councillors today (Thursday, 20th January) to discuss the implementation of an inspection regime for all construction sites operated on behalf of South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to ensure full compliance with employment agreements.
Read More
SIPTU and Fórsa seek meeting with Taoiseach on LES and Job Clubs dispute
18 January 2022
SIPTU and Fórsa have written today (Tuesday, 18th January) to the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, seeking a meeting with him to discuss the long running dispute over the future provision of Local Employment Services (LES) and Job Clubs.
Read More
SIPTU cleaners employed by private contractors welcome reward commitment
21 January 2022
SIPTU members employed as cleaners by private contractors in public hospitals have welcomed the commitment by Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, to reward their work on the frontline against Covid-19.
Read More
SIPTU members call for urgent recommencement of Security ERO process
21 January 2022
SIPTU members have called for the urgent recommencement of the process to establish an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the security industry, a sector in which most workers have not received a pay rise in nearly three years.
Read More
Unions condemn treatment of LES and Job Clubs workers made redundant in Dublin
05 September 2022
Unions representing staff in Local Employment Services (LES) and Jobs Clubs have condemned the treatment of workers who provide vital community services and who have been made redundant in Dublin due to a controversial new tendering process.
Read More
SIPTU opposes proposed concrete levy due to negative impact on construction jobs
12 October 2022
SIPTU representatives have expressed opposition to the proposed introduction of a concrete block levy saying that it will negatively impact on construction sector jobs in Ireland.
Read More
SIPTU says recommendation to restore working time is good for the public service
10 January 2022
SIPTU supports a recommendation by the independent body set up to examine additional working hours for public servants that working time in the civil and public service is restored to pre-austerity levels from 1st July 2022.
Read More
Workers in Western Care Association in Mayo to strike on 22nd September
12 September 2022
Staff in the Western Care Association in county Mayo will strike on Thursday, 22nd September, as part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign to highlight the demand for a first pay rise in 14 years for workers in the sector.
Read More
Irish Equity and MUI welcome grant awards through the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme
08 September 2022
Irish Equity and the Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI) have welcomed the awarding of 2,000 grants for artists and creative arts workers through the new Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme, which were announced today (Thursday, 8th September).
Read More
Unions support Congress call for a significant rise in the minimum wage
08 September 2022
A group of the country’s main private sector unions have supported the call by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, in its pre-budget submission, for a significant rise in the minimum wage.
Read More
SIPTU supports law to ensure monies paid as service charges go to workers
30 June 2022
The SIPTU Hospitality Sector Committee has welcomed changes to the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill 2022, which will ban the display of service charges on bills unless the payment is going directly to staff, which were passed in the Seanad Éireann yesterday (Wednesday, 29th June).
Read More
Covid test centre swabbers condemn failure to honour review of pay rates
22 June 2022
SIPTU members employed as Covid test centre swabbers are calling on the Minister for Health, Simon Donnelly, to directly intervene to resolve their dispute with the HSE and the Department of Health concerning a review of pay rates for these essential workers.
Read More
SIPTU member secures €40,000 award from PepsiCo for being forced to retire
22 February 2022
The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) has secured an order for a €40,000 award for a SIPTU member who was dismissed due to his age by multi-national company PepsiCo at its plant in Little Island, county Cork.
Read More
SIPTU condemns attempt by Tesco Ireland to outsource security staff roles
14 February 2022
SIPTU representatives have condemned an attempt by the management of Tesco Ireland to outsource almost 100 security worker roles at the supermarket chain and have called on the company to engage in negotiations concerning any proposed changes.
Read More
Irish Equity seeks parity of treatment with UK/NI colleagues on ROI film productions
11 April 2022
Members of Irish Equity have approved the use of UK Equity collectively bargained agreements on international film co-productions shooting in Ireland. These agreements allow for its members to be engaged on terms and conditions equal to, and not less than, their colleagues in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Read More
SIPTU wins award for unfairly dismissed Galway hospitality worker
03 February 2023
The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) secured an award for a hospitality worker who was dismissed from her job at a busy bar and restaurant in county Galway after she requested time off over the Christmas period.
Read More
SIPTU calls for more investment to support increase in local authority apprenticeships
01 February 2022
SIPTU members have welcomed the commitment from the Department of Further & Higher Education to significantly increase the number of apprentices in local authorities.
Read More
SIPTU Head Office 
Liberty Hall
Dublin 1
Tel: 01-8586300
Fax: 01-6865567