News Archive
SIPTU member’s encounter with Taoiseach brings the spotlight on carers’ pay
The long-running dispute concerning pay for Section 39 and other voluntary sector workers came under the spotlight in the last days of the election after an encounter between a SIPTU member and Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk, County Cork on 22nd November. The...
Highlighting the benefits of union membership during Trade Union Week
The Aviation Sector hosted an information stand at Dublin Airport on 1st May to celebrate Trade Union Week. The stand generated a lot of discussion with existing members and garnered a lot of interest from those workers not in a union. Trade Union Week is a week-long...
Aviation Sector activists discuss future of the Union at AGM
The Aviation Sector Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on 19th March in Portlaoise, County Laois. The well-attended event saw constructive discussions on several issues. SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis and TEAC Divisional Organiser, Willie Noone both...
Why we celebrate May Day
By Niall Phillips The 1st of May, or first Monday in May, is a national public holiday in many countries. Workers in Ireland first benefited from this public holiday in 1994. Do you know why 1st of May is a public holiday in so many countries around the world?...
SIPTU Aviation Sector member dismissed during probation wins €8,000
A member of the SIPTU Aviation Sector who had their employment terminated during their probation period has secured a payment of €8,000 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The worker commenced employment on 5th February 2024 and was informed that their job...
Pay increases of approximately 20% for Aran Islands based Aer Arann workers
A comprehensive pay agreement was reached between SIPTU and Aer Arann resulting in significant pay increases of approximately 20% for our members operating and living on the Aran Islands. Pay talks for our members working on the Aran Islands, where the cost-of-living...
Notable SIPTU Pay Deals in the Aviation Sector
SR Technics Cork Following a conciliation meeting between SIPTU and SR Technics under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission the following proposal was accepted by secret ballot by a large majority of members: A one year pay agreement of 4.1% for 2025 No...
SIPTU recruitment materials
A range of new SIPTU publicity and recruitment materials are available for Shop Stewards and members from their SIPTU Organiser.
Where Have All the Revolutionaries Gone?
The annual Connolly commemoration brings together Union activists, political supporters and members of the Connolly family to remember one of the founders of our Union, James Connolly.
Unions call for nationalisation of Tara Mines if owners fail to develop new ore body
The Tara Mines Group of Unions has called on the Government to take over the running of part or all of Tara Mines if its current owners fail to invest in the development of a major new ore body.
SIPTU Respect Transport Workers campaign launches public transport users survey
An online public survey concerning bus, train and tram users experience of anti-social behaviour on the public transport network was launched on May Day by the Respect Transport Workers campaign
SIPTU members vote for Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 pay proposals
SIPTU members employed in Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 organisations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Workplace Relations Commission pay proposals in a ballot counted in Liberty Hall today.
SIPTU says Government must respect public opposition to U-turn on workers’ rights
SIPTU has called on the Government to honour its commitments to increase statutory sick pay entitlements and introduce a living wage, highlighting the overwhelming Red C poll support.
SIPTU welcomes Dublin Bus support for Union’s transport policing proposal
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the public support of Dublin Bus management, for the establishment of a dedicated transport police service.
The men who printed the Proclamation
This article tells the story of 3 Dublin printers who risked their lives to print the Proclamation highlighting the often-forgotten role of workers in the fight for independence.
Piercing the heart of a giant
Early in Easter Week the ICA’s Starry Plough flag was hoisted over the Imperial Hotel in O’Connell Street, their place in history assured writes Brian Hanley in our special Easter Monday Read.
Supporting Quality discount for members travelling on Aircoach
Aircoach, a member of the Supporting Quality campaign, is offering all SIPTU members a 15% discount
Manufacturing Division calls for end to lower levels of pay for workers on visas
SIPTU Manufacturing has called for sectoral bargaining and raises in the minimum wages payable to work permit holders in its submission to the Government’s stakeholder consultation on ‘Increases to Employment Permit Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Thresholds’. SIPTU...
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis appointed to National Trade Forum
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has nominated SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis as the representative of the trade union movement to the Government’s recently established National Trade Forum. The Forum, which will be chaired by the Tánaiste Simon Harris,...
The Union has your back in an increasingly erratic world
The world is an increasing erratic place, thanks largely to the US Administration of President Donald Trump. Anything that is said about him will probably be out of date by the time you read this, but if you feel like his administration resembles a low budget gameshow...
Redundancy deal secured for workers at Becton Dickinson plant in Drogheda
Management and staff representatives at the Becton Dickinson (BD) plant in Drogheda reached agreement in December last year on redundancy terms after more than five months of negotiations which followed the announcement the facility was to close. The final deal,...
Average above rate of inflation pay rises in 53 companies in last three months
Pay rises negotiated by the Manufacturing Division have averaged 3.8% per annum over the last three months with deals concluded in more than 50 workplaces including major employments including Medtronic, Analog Devices and Tirlán (formerly Avonmore). The pay...
Workers and management meet on sustainable future for Kostal plants
SIPTU representatives have met with workers and management of the German multi-national car parts manufacturer, Kostal, to discuss a sustainable future for its plants in Mallow, County Cork, and Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, as the company undertakes a worldwide...
Government delay on statutory sick pay provision increase condemned
The failure of the Government to honour its commitment on increasing the number of days of entitlement to Statutory Occupational Sick Pay from five to seven, which would bring Ireland closer to the far superior benefits available in other EU member states, has been...
Government must “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk” on Collective Bargaining
SIPTU representatives have today (Tuesday, 15th April) launched a stinging criticism of the Government's contradictory approach to collective bargaining, following the launch of a public consultation on Ireland’s Action Plan under the EU Adequate Minimum Wage...
Stronger Together: Fighting for Fairness in Health, Work and Public Services
The coming years will test us. But if we don’t act, others will fill the void, with division, racism, and fear. We must stand together says Deputy General Secretary John King.
SIPTU says Minister must discuss strict CCPC conditions on BNM Recycling sale
SIPTU has called on Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, to meet Bord na Móna (BNM) Recycling workers.
SIPTU conference is warned of threat to public health care from outsourcing of services
Outsourcing key functions to private companies is the biggest threat facing workers and patients within the public health service says SIPTU’s Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis.
SIPTU condemns Government delay on statutory sick pay provision increase
SIPTU has condemned the failure of the Government to honour its commitment on increasing the number of days of entitlement to Statutory Occupational Sick Pay from five to seven.
SIPTU calls for measures to limit impact of tariffs on productive economy and jobs
SIPTU urges the Government to swiftly address any impact of US tariffs. The union also calls for consideration of shortened working week schemes to protect workers and businesses from any potential fallout.
Neurodiversity — a trade union issue
To mark World Autism Day, we took a look at how our Union can ensure that workplaces are more inclusive and supportive of neurodivergent workers.
SIPTU seeks Taskforce to deal with looming US tariff threat
SIPTU has called on the Government to immediately establish a taskforce to plan for the State’s response to the trade tariffs which have been threatened by the US President Donald Trump.
SIPTU BNM Recycling members defer strike after progress on working conditions protection
SIPTU members at Bord na Móna Recycling, have deferred strike action scheduled to begin on 2nd April to allow for talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.
BNM Recycling workers serve strike notice for 2nd and 3rd April
SIPTU members employed by Bord na Móna Recycling, the country’s last publicly owned domestic waste collection service, have served notice of a two-day strike action for the 2nd and 3rd April.
Building union strength at Stewarts Care: A Shop Steward’s Perspective
At Stewarts Care, a voluntary organisation providing community-based support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, SIPTU’s presence is flourishing thanks to dedicated Shop Stewards like Bernard Kessie. Bernard, a Day Services Support Worker, has been with...
Bowl of shamrock presented to Palestinians as Occupied Territories Bill banner unveiled in Cork
The Cork Council of Trade Unions presented a bowl of shamrock to the Palestinian community at an event marking the unveiling of a new banner on the SIPTU headquarters in the city, Connolly Hall on Lapps Quay, which calls on the Government to enact the Occupied...
SIPTU Health members update: Section 39 pay proposals
Following intensive negotiations we advise that SIPTU has secured a set of Section 39 pay proposals which will now be put to a vote of eligible members. Contact your local official for more details on how and when you can cast your vote.
Bord na Móna Recycling workers vote for strike action
SIPTU members employed by Bord na Móna Recycling have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over the protection of workers’ terms and conditions of employment.
Celebrating the Fighting Spirit of Sheila Conroy
In our Sunday Read, Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley pays tribute to Sheila Conroy, a pioneering trade unionist and feminist whose extraordinary life and legacy have too often been overlooked.
SIPTU calls for funding for specialist HSE ambulance infectious disease unit
SIPTU representatives have called on the Minister for Health to fund the continuation of Ambulance Emergency Threat Teams which deal with outbreaks of infectious diseases across the State.
Government commitment on transport police service must be made reality
SIPTU’s transport police proposal was included in the Programme for Government published in January, with seeking a swift delivery on this undertaking now the main focus of the Respect Transport Workers campaign.
New permanent toilet facilities for Dublin Bus drivers at route termini
Several bus route termini will have dedicated permanent toilet facilities for Dublin Bus workers in operation later this year.
Port of Cork’s key role in development of South-West region
The Port of Cork is set to play a key role in Cork City becoming the fastest-growing urban area in Ireland over the next 20 years.
Statement on behalf of ICTU Group of Unions – WRC talks adjourn
Talks aimed at resolving the long running pay dispute in the community and voluntary sector have been adjourned tonight, at the request of the WRC, until Friday morning (7th March) at 10.00am.
New TEAC Divisional Organiser Willie Noone
Veteran SIPTU Organiser and activist, Willie Noone, was appointed as the new Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction (TEAC) Divisional Organiser earlier this month, taking over from Adrian Kane, who has moved onto the Services Division. Willie has a long history...
Clean Air Site Campaign
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Construction Industry Federation have teamed up with the Construction Workers Health Trust (CWHT) to promote clean air practices that reduce dust and contaminated air on all construction sites. Silica dust, in particular,...
New Construction SEO rates come into force in August
The terms of a new Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) will come into force on 1st August 2025 and result in pay rises of approximately 6.6% over the term of its implementation. The new SEO, which supersedes the previous SEO of 2023, sets updated minimum pay...
Tara Mines campaign wins pay-related welfare for all laid-off workers
A campaign by members of the SIPTU Construction Sector employed in Tara Mines in Navan, County Meath, was crucial in securing reform of the social welfare system, which since October 2024 has resulted in laid-off workers receiving 60% of their previous gross weekly...
Unions seek urgent meeting with Minister on water referendum commitment
The Water Services Group of Unions has written to the Minister James Browne, requesting an urgent meeting in relation to the long-standing Government commitment to hold a water referendum.
Musicians Union of Ireland calls for protection for funding
Funding for arts sector projects must be protected during the review of the operation of the Arts Council following the revelations concerning spending on an unsuccessful IT transformation scheme.
BNM Recycling workers commence strike ballot
SIPTU members employed in Bord na Móna Recycling will commence a ballot for strike action in response to the threat to their terms and conditions.
Section 39 workers ballot for strike over inaction on pay
The Government has announced that it intends to meet with Unions representing staff in Section 39 community and voluntary organisations in the face of an ongoing SIPTU Health Division ballot.
HSE HR Circulars Recently Released
HR Circular 025 2024 - 2006 Annual Radiographer - Radiation Therapist Allowance HR Circular 026 2024 Job Evaluation Scheme for Support Staff Phase IV 6083 General Assistant - Addiction Services HR Circular 027 2024 International Returning Emigrants Recruitment...
Report shows major pay gap between Health Care Assistants in public and private employment
A new report from the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) has revealed a significant pay gap between the earnings of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the public and private sectors in some European countries, including Ireland. The report, Wage Watch:...
Progress on local bargaining with allocation of grades
Following weeks of negotiations at the national level, agreement has been reached between SIPTU, HSE and Department of Health representatives on the allocation of grades to create Local Bargaining Units
Disability care workers’ pay left short as providers fail to increase sleepover rates
SIPTU has condemned the failure of publicly funded disability providers to increase pay, in line with National Minimum Wage (NMW) increases.
SIPTU welcomes united political opposition to the sale of Bord na Mona Recycling
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the public and political support for the campaign to prevent the privatisation of Bord na Móna Recycling. #StopTheSale
Shop Stewards needed to organise growing membership in Uisce Éireann
As staff numbers continue to grow in Uisce Éireann so does its SIPTU membership necessitating the need for people to step forward and become Shop Stewards.
More than 7% pay increase over two years secured at Westland Horticulture
A two-year pay agreement has been accepted in a ballot by members employed Westland Horticulture, based in Offaly, and previously traded as Erin Peats.
Coillte pay increases secured in three-year agreement
A comprehensive three-year agreement that affords considerable pay and allowances increases has been secured by SIPTU members at Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company. The agreement, which covers the period 1st January 2025 until 31st December 2027 provides...
BNM Recycling sale an act of economic vandalism that will be opposed
SIPTU has demanded a halt to the sale of Bord na Móna (BNM) Recycling and an investigation into the attempt to privatise part of a profitable public company in a manner which runs counter to economic and environmental best practice. SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian...
BNM Recycling sale is an act of economic vandalism says SIPTU
SIPTU has demanded a halt to the sale of Bord na Móna Recycling and an investigation into the attempt to privatise part of a profitable public company.
Disability care workers’ pay left short
SIPTU has condemned the failure of publicly funded disability providers to increase pay, in line with National Minimum Wage (NMW) increases, for workers in disability services who carry out sleepover shifts.
SIPTU conference told we need an economy for workers not billionaires
An economy which works for workers rather than billionaires must be built in Ireland, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, told delegates attending the Union’s Services Division Conference
SIPTU will demand TDs honour their pledge to improve workers’ rights
The 89 TDs, a majority of TDs in Dáil Eireann, who signed the ‘Respect at Work’ pledge will be held to account by trade unions to ensure they keep their commitment to improve workers’ rights, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, told the Union’s Services...
SIPTU conference told unions must help build left alternative to the Government
Trade unions must work with left-wing parties to ensure that the electorate has a credible alternative to the ‘most conservative Government in living memory’
Building a better world as one big union
Sunday Read: SIPTU Deputy General Secretary keynote address at the annual Jim Larkin Commemoration in Glasnevin. #LarkinLives
SIPTU calls on Kent Playgroup Ltd to rethink closure of vital childcare service
SIPTU – The Early Years Union has called on the management of Kent Playgroup Ltd to rethink a decision to end an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme at its facility in Stoneybatter.
Support Quality Jobs by buying Union-made
SIPTU wishes to remind members to always consider purchasing goods from companies which are part of the Union-backed Supporting Quality campaign.
Skellig Michael workers win earnings battle
Workers maintaining one of the country’s most breathtaking tourist attractions, the island of Skellig Michael have successfully fought to have their earnings protected.
Local bargaining claims served on all employers in State Related Sector
Securing further pay rises for members through the new Local Bargaining Fund is a key priority for the State Related Sector which has lodged claims with each of the agencies and bodies where SIPTU members are organised.
SIPTU members win union recognition in Research Ireland
SIPTU has secured sole collective bargaining rights in Research Ireland following an organising campaign by Union activists in the new agency which funds research and innovation.
Progress towards resolution of Castletown House dispute
SIPTU members employed as Groundskeepers and Tour Guides in Castletown House in County Kildare are considering proposals to end a long-running dispute.
Major staffing increase in National Parks and Wildlife Service
Engagement between SIPTU and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has resulted in agreements which have seen nearly a 40% increase in the number of staff.
Major new countrywide OPW apprenticeship programme rolled out
A new apprenticeship recruitment campaign has commenced in the Office of Public Works (OPW) following an agreement between SIPTU representatives and management.
Dublin Firefighters call out Government pensions betrayal
Younger members of Dublin Fire Brigade, who feel betrayed by the new Government due to its failure to honour commitments on pension reform.
SIPTU has commended Local Authority workers for their work during Storm Éowyn
SIPTU has commended members in Local Authorities for their tireless efforts in delivering essential frontline services during and after Storm Éowyn, despite working with severely limited resources.
Storm Éowyn Weather Warning Update
This is an update from the Early Years Division at the Department of Children. Following yesterday’s communication on Storm Éowyn, please be advised that a Red warning is now in place for every county tomorrow Friday, 24 January. As advised, the National Directorate...
Legacy of the Lockout
The Great Dublin Lockout remains the seminal event in the history of the Irish working class. That epic struggle also ranks as one of the great battles in the history of the workers’ movement.
SIPTU Section 39 workers to ballot for strike over Government inaction on pay
SIPTU’s Health Division is to begin a ballot of up to 5,000 members working in Section 39 Organisations for strike action due to the failure of the Government to honour a pay agreement
SIPTU The Early Years Union welcomes public childcare provision commitment
SIPTU The Early Years Union has welcomed a commitment in the Programme for Government, published today (Wednesday, 15th January), for the rollout of public childcare provision.
SIPTU seeks meeting with new Transport Minister on transport police commitment
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the inclusion in the Programme for Government of a commitment to establish a new transport police service with powers of arrest and under the control of the NTA.
Action on care workers’ pay needed due to recruitment crisis
SIPTU calls on the Irish Government to increase the Minimum Annual Remuneration for Health Care Assistants & Home Support Workers to €30,000.
Concerns over increased assaults on Dublin City Council workers
SIPTU representatives are calling for action to safeguard Dublin City Council workers from physical assaults while they are carrying out their duties assisting communities throughout the city
Strike action to save bin collection service
SIPTU members working in Bord na Móna Recycling will consider industrial action, up to and including a strike, to safeguard the future of Ireland’s last publicly-owned domestic waste collection service.
Incoming Government must not renege on water referendum commitment
SIPTU has called on the incoming Government to hold a referendum to provide constitutional protection against the future privatisation of public water services.
The Red Hand of union solidarity
Trade union badges first became commonplace with the rise of the ‘New Unionism’ of the 1890s among the previously unorganised dockers, carters and general workers in Britain and Ireland.
The Union makes us strong
SIPTU was established in 1990 – with the merger of the country’s two largest unions, the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union and the Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland.
Supporting quality union jobs at Christmas
The aim of Supporting Quality is to protect quality jobs by promoting the goods and services produced in unionised workplaces in Ireland.
Retained Fire Service members awarded €30,000 in age discrimination cases
Two SIPTU members employed in the Retained Fire Service were awarded €15,000 each due to being forced to retire at age 60 when both wished to continue in their jobs.
Incoming Government must expand public nursing home and home care provision
SIPTU, the Union of Health Care Assistants (HCA), has called on the incoming Government to expand and improve the public provision of nursing home and home care, following its release of the initial results of a survey of HCAs which highlights their concerns about low...
Christmas Message from the Aviation Sector Staff
As 2024 comes to a close, the SIPTU Aviation Sector would like to extend its warmest wishes to all our members and your loved ones for a happy Christmas and a peaceful and a prosperous New Year on behalf of our Union. We would like to thank all of our Shop Stewards...
Retirement of long serving Union activist Barry Nevin
The SIPTU Aviation Sector Committee extended its best wishes and gratitude to Barry Nevin who recently retired from daa Dublin Airport after more than 30 years working in the Airport Police and Fire Service. Barry was a long-time Union activist and Shop Steward in the...
Transport Energy Aviation and Construction (TEAC) Divisional Conference
The Aviation Sector Committee moved two motions at the TEAC Divisional Conference which was held in the Tower Hotel, Waterford on the 21st-22nd November, 2024. Our first motion on the General Officer Structure of the Union was first raised at the SIPTU Biennial...
SIPTU College training courses
Throughout 2024 many Aviation Sector Shop Stewards and Health & Safety Representatives have availed of training through SIPTU College. Four of our daa Dublin Shop Stewards took part in training in Tullamore during the summer, more recently nine Shop Stewards from...
Closure of IAG Cargo Shannon
Aer Lingus announced the closure of its IAG cargo operation at Shannon Airport in August. This followed a review by the parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) which recommended the operation’s closure due to the need for significant capital investment in...
Sky Handling Partner and SIPTU agree union recognition deal
A collective bargaining agreement has been reached between Sky Handling Partner, which was previously a non-union employer, and SIPTU, after several months of negotiations with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The deal provides for trade...
SIPTU says EPA report findings make sale of Bord na Mona Recycling untenable
SIPTU has stated that the proposed sale by the State of Bord Na Mona Recycling is untenable in light of a new EPA report which says Ireland will miss its mandatory EU recycling targets applying from 2025.
Electric Ireland Lights Up the Festive Season
Every Christmas, Dylan Walsh, a beloved community figure in Finglas, Dublin, transforms his home into a spectacular festive light display. His dazzling decorations not only light up the neighbourhood but also raise vital funds for local charities. This year marks the...
See the full list of Supporting Quality Brands and Services
Our campaign is to protect quality jobs in Ireland by promoting quality brands manufactured in Ireland and quality services provided in Ireland. To see all the brands and services which are part of the Supporting Quality campaign visit: https://supportingquality.ie
Irish Distillers and Maynooth University partner on a robotics project
Supporting Quality brand Irish Distillers and Maynooth University re partnering on a pilot research project to develop an autonomous regenerative agriculture platform through robotics and sensing solutions, to improve the sustainability of cereal crop production....