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...
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.
Why the direct engagement model is not working
Remuneration No negotiations on rates of pay commonly results in a lack of pay transparency amongst grades of workers. This can lead to situations where colleagues working side by side carrying out the same role and duties are paid a different rate of pay creating an...
Characteristics of a Unionised workplace
Workers organise themselves into SIPTU to use their individual and collective voice to ensure respect and dignity in the workplace. They also do so in order to create a work environment that is safe and healthy, while also ensuring pay transparency. In a unionised...
Collective Bargaining – what does it mean and how does it work?
Collective Bargaining means a group of workers coming together to discuss matters which relate to their Conditions of employment. In an effort to effectively address these issues workers Organise themselves into a union so they can raise and resolve issues at Local...
Time to Unionise
We are living in a world of increasing uncertainty, geopolitical events such as the Trump administration’s trade policies are the main contributors to this. Workers’ response has been to unionise.
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
Uisce Éireann Shop Steward network expands ahead of R2025 agreement redrafting
SIPTU members in Uisce Éireann have stepped up efforts to reinforce their internal representation infrastructure as they embark on renegotiating the R2000 Agreement, which will form the basis of the forthcoming R2025 Agreement. In an internal update, the state water...
Minister still to meet workers after improved deal accepted at Bord na Móna Recycling
SIPTU members in Bord na Móna Recycling have voted to accept a significantly improved offer from management, bringing an end to the threat of strike action. The agreement follows negotiations held in Portlaoise, County Laois, on 18th June, where union representatives...
Unanimous vote in favour of significant pay deal at Bord na Móna Edenderry Power Plant
SIPTU members at Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Power Plant voted unanimously to accept a significant three-year pay deal, marking an important step in securing clarity on pay progression and reinforcing commitments around workplace engagement. The agreement, which runs...
Pay deals agreed in Bord na Móna Land and Habitats Division and Gas Networks Ireland
Bord na Móna has reached a new three-year pay agreement covering staff in its Land and Habitats Division, marking an important milestone as the company continues to navigate its transition under the Brown to Green strategy. A pay deal for members in Gas Networks...
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.
Survey
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.
Wexford’s iron men faced down the foundry owners
The recourse to a lockout on the part of foundry owners was a pre-emptive blow aimed at ensuring that the newly emergent ITGWU would not get itself established in the industry in Wexford.
Take Action for Workers’ Rights!
Right now, Ireland has some of the weakest workers’ rights legislation in Europe. Sign our petition. Share our petition. Show the Government that your rights at work matter.
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.
Support good jobs, support the Supporting Quality campaign
The Support Quality campaign grants products and services which are produced in unionised workplaces in Ireland the right to indicate this with a Supporting Quality mark and their inclusion on the Supporting Quality campaign.
Sign the Respect at Work campaign petition
It’s time for Minister Burke and the Government to live up to their commitments. Sign the petition!
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.
For Musicians out there
David Agnew Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI) Vice-President From the day I became a professional musician it was important to be in a union. The pride, confidence and sense of belonging, as part of a unique group of creative and talented artists was as significant as...
Call for FAI to protect grassroots jobs and safeguard Football for All
SIPTU representatives have written to the management of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) seeking an urgent meeting following troubling speculation about potential job losses and organisational cutbacks. The Union has also formally contacted the Oireachtas...
Oireachtas broadcast unit workers seek greater job security
SIPTU representatives have welcomed an announcement that the Dáil Public Accounts Committee will review the contract for video and audio coverage of Oireachtas proceedings, which has been requested by Union members employed to provide this service. SIPTU Organiser,...
Major Pay Wins across Arts, Culture, Print Media and Sport Sector
A string of successful pay deals across the Arts, Culture, Print Media and Sport Sector have delivered strong wage growth, improved benefits and better conditions for hundreds of members nationwide. At Horseracing Ireland, Leopardstown Racecourse, and Leopardstown...
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 secures above rate of inflation pay rises in sector
Above inflation pay rises have been secured by Union members in many workplaces organised by SIPTU Wholesale, Retail, Distribution and Related Sector, in recent months. The deals concluded include Primark for 55 cents on basic pay for first 10 months (21st April...
Shop workers abuse must be tackled
An important motion calling for tougher penalties for those guilty of abusing shop workers in their workplaces was passed at the SIPTU Services Division Biennial Delegate Conference in February. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Denis Sheridan, said: “SIPTU members working in...
Crown Paints members’ response to management break with collective bargaining
SIPTU members are considering their response following Crown Paints management’s break with its long established positive relationship with the Union. SIPTU Organiser, Hugh Kennedy, said: “SIPTU has always had a very good relationship with this company and has...
SIPTU gets the best deal for retail sector workers impacted by Brexit
Brexit has had a major impact on the Irish branches of several UK headquartered retailers as adjustments continue to be made in domestic markets and international markets. SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “With the unstable global political...
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.
HSE admits pension misinformation as talks continue
The Department of Health has confirmed that talks with the Department of Public Expenditure on pension abatement rules for people returning to work for the HSE are ongoing.
National Ambulance Service Talks Nearing Conclusion in the WRC
Ambulance worker representatives are set to conclude negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission on a future framework for the National Ambulance Service.
Urgent overhaul of for-profit nursing home sector needed
Following RTÉ’s devastating investigation into private nursing homes, SIPTU is demanding immediate government action to enforce safe staffing levels and end the profit-driven neglect of elderly care.
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.
Section 39 workers win 9.25% pay deal
SIPTU members employed providing vital services including care for the disabled, elderly and youth supports in Section 39 organisations recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of pay proposals
SIPTU members win key commitments in HSE pay dispute
Over the last number of months, SIPTU Health Division members were engaged in a series of workplace actions aimed at resolving a dispute arising from the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy.
We have a Winner!
The winner of Union Week draw, Sharon Slattery, a Catering Assistant in our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
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.
Housing ‘not just a crisis anymore, it’s an emergency’
A number of unions were present on recent Raise the Roof rallies including SIPTU, Fórsa, INMO, Connect, INTO, Mandate and Community Action Tenants Union.
Recognising activism: Robert Courtney
Robert Courtney is the type of committed activist that has provided the backbone to our organisation for decades. A Union Shop Steward since he was the age of 15. A stalwart of our Union. Thank you Robert.
Sectoral bargaining key to lifting working conditions for all contract workers
Securing sectoral bargaining, which involves unions and employer bodies coming together to agree minimum pay and standards throughout an industry, is a key strategy for improving conditions for contract services workers in cleaning, security and catering. Rebuilding...
Ed Kenny discusses public procurement at Uni Global Conference
SIPTU Contract Services Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, discussed how the provisions of EU public procurement directives could be used to protect and improve workplace conditions at the Uni Global Conference held in the Waterfront Centre in Belfast in March. In a...
Respect for Contract Services workers in hospitals
The Sector has embarked on an organising and density building initiative for contract services workers employed in hospitals around the country. The aim of the initiative is to build union power in hospitals against the background of successfully securing the Covid...
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.
SIPTU seeks meeting with Bus Éireann to discuss anti-social behaviour on Limerick services
SIPTU representatives have written to Bus Éireann management to request an urgent meeting to discuss the increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour on one of its Limerick services
EU must deliver a fair deal for all construction workers
The message to the Polish Presidency from the Irish Government should be clear; no more delays, no more exemptions and no more race to the bottom in the construction industry.”
Reclaiming Elizabeth O’Farrell: A Radical Icon for Our Times
A speech by Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley at launch of a new print of Elizabeth O’Farrell by artist Jim Fitzpatrick as a fundraiser for the Moore Street Preservation Trust.
SIPTU members in Eli Lilly secure Labour Court recommendation on union representation
SIPTU members employed at the Eli Lilly plant have secured a Labour Court recommendation stating that their employer should allow them the right to individual and collective representation by their trade union in workplace disputes.
Irish Equity backs Dáil motion linking film and TV tax breaks to respect for artists’ rights
Irish Equity has called on TDs to support a motion which seeks to link the provision of tax breaks to film and TV production companies with an obligation that they respect artists’ rights.
Unions seek management meeting prior to referring Tara Deep dispute to WRC
Tara Mines Group of Unions has written to management requesting an urgent meeting to discuss its failure to commence work on the Tara Deep project.
Bord na Móna Recycling workers reject WRC proposal by 61% to 39%
SIPTU members employed at Bord na Móna Recycling have rejected (61% to 39%) a WRC proposal aimed at resolving the protracted privatisation dispute. The workers will now serve notice of strike.
SIPTU demands an end to the failed policy of for-profit elder care
SIPTU representatives have demanded immediate and swift action from Government to ensure safe staffing levels are implemented across the private nursing home sector without delay.
Awards presented for SIPTU Scholarship Scheme aimed at rewarding activism
The first round of grants from the new SIPTU Education and Development Support (Scholarship) Scheme for 2nd and 3rd level students, recognising involvement in social activism were presented in April in Liberty Hall.
Liberty Hall 60
During a visit to Liberty Hall Senator Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane O’Meara Sanders were presented with a newly commissioned print of the building to mark Liberty Hall 60.
Webinar with the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) on Employment Permits and Right to Change Employer
In this webinar our friends in the MRCI explain what we need to know about the new system and discuss with SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley why the new system is better for both workers and unions.
Educate to Organise!
SIPTU College, Ireland’s only Trade Union College, is committed to the principle of worker empowerment through knowledge.
The Unionise Podcast
Listen to the podcast as we explore the latest from the trade union movement, dive deep into our history and unpack the issues shaping workplaces today.
Trade Union Week sees SIPTU events across the country
Trade Union Week 2025 took place from Monday 28th April to Friday 2nd May with events taking place across the island in SIPTU-organised workplaces and in communities.
SIPTU NEC ratifies new policy on Collective Bargaining
The Union’s National Executive Council has ratified a new policy on collective bargaining, union recognition and protections for members against union busting. The policy, ratified at the May meeting of the Executive, is contained in a major submission to a public...
Vacancies: Organisers Required
Your CV and letter of application must be emailed to organiser2025@siptu.ie to arrive no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, 19th June 2025. Any applications after this date and time will not be accepted.
Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 organisations pay deal accepted
Union members employed providing vital services including care for the disabled, elderly and youth supports in Section 39, 40, 56 and 10 organisations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) pay proposals in a ballot on 1st May....
Respect Transport Workers campaign public survey launched
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 as the next stage of the SIPTU Respect Transport Workers campaign. SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Murphy, said: “The...
Industrial action at AbbVie plant in Cork in pay and collective bargaining dispute
A work-to-rule industrial action in the AbbVie manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill, County Cork began on 19th May in a dispute concerning pay and anti-union practices being implemented by the pharmaceutical manufacturer. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere,...
Government must honour commitments on workers’ rights and collective bargaining
The Government has been called on to honour its commitments to increase statutory sick pay entitlements, introduce a living wage and draw up a realistic plan to increase collective bargaining in the Irish economy, with SIPTU stating that any roll back on these...
SIPTU Our Union, Our Team members seek meeting with FAI on job loss concerns
SIPTU has written to the management of the FAI seeking an urgent meeting to discuss speculation concerning cutbacks at the sport’s governing body which could result in job losses. SIPTU Organiser, Hugh Kennedy, said: “Last year, our members in the FAI conducted the...
National Workplace Moment of Reflection for Peace in Palestine on 4th June
In the past 18 months, more than 15,000 children have been killed in Gaza. We are inviting workers to observe a moment of reflection at 1:05pm on June 4th, in remembrance of those lives lost.
AbbVie Workers Challenge Government ‘Legislate for Collective Bargaining Now’
SIPTU members at AbbVie in Carrigtwohill, Cork, are urging the Irish government to legislate for collective bargaining rights, citing their long struggle for union recognition.
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...