News Archive
SIPTU to attend further talks regarding Section 39 pay dispute at the WRC
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has contacted the ICTU to reconvene the parties for negotiations regarding the Section 39 pay dispute.
SIPTU Address Joint Oireachtas Health Committee on HSE Staffing Levels
On Wednesday, 2nd October, SIPTU Health Division representatives and the INMO addressed the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee regarding staffing levels in the HSE.
SIPTU Protests HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU members have been participating in a series of lunchtime protests across the country in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy. In the summer of 2023, the HSE implemented a recruitment embargo, leaving thousands of previously approved positions...
Respect Transport Workers to present Travel Safe proposal in Leinster House
SIPTU will host an information meeting for Oireachtas members and the media on the Union’s proposal for a new Public Transport Police Service contained in its recently published report Travel Safe. SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation, and Construction Divisional...
PAC Division BDC passes local authority motions on pensions and sick pay
The theme of the conference was ‘Our Communities, Our Services, Our Futures’. The two motions below were submitted by the Local Authority Sector and passed unanimously by delegates.
Support for Oireachtas proposals on waste regulator and re-municipalisation pilot
SIPTU representatives have expressed support for proposals for a waste regulator and a pilot scheme in Dublin for the re-municipalisation of domestic waste collection
Implementation of the Water Services Framework
The implementation of the Water Services Framework is ongoing with members currently considering their options regarding staying with their Local Authority or transferring voluntarily to Uisce Éireann
Workforce planning a priority in reorganisation of frontline services
The Local Authority Sector has identified Workforce Planning as a priority issue, as frontline services are reorganised due to the transition of water services staff to Uisce Éireann and resourcing issues.
United We Stand: Our Fight for a Fairer Future
From the picket lines of Sweden to the factories of Ireland, workers across Europe and beyond are facing unprecedented challenges writes Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe.
SIPTU calls for workers’ right to unionise to be central to General Election debate
SIPTU’s Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, has called for workers’ rights and the right to unionise to be central to the debate in the upcoming General Election.
Union busting leads to “climate of fear” in Irish workplaces, new report finds
A damning new report launched today by the Respect at Work campaign exposes the scale and human cost of union busting activity across Ireland. #StopUnionBusting
SIPTU outlines proposal for new Transport Police pilot scheme for Dublin, Cork and Limerick
SIPTU has launched a costed proposal for a new National Public Transport Police (NPTP) with an initial pilot scheme involving 125 officers based in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Tara Mines unions welcome its return to full operation after an 18-month lay-off
The Tara Mines Group of Unions has welcomed the facility’s return to full operation this week, following an 18-month lay-off for the majority of its employees, and an end to the uncertainty surrounding its future. SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “There is a...
Workers’ agenda must be central to the upcoming election
Our Union will provide financial support to some candidates but in return, they will have to fully adhere to the ten points contained in the SIPTU Political Fund Pledge.
Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin report proposals on waste and transport must be implemented
SIPTU believe that proposals on waste re-municipalisation and increased security on public transport contained within the Dublin City Taskforce report must be implemented as a matter of urgency.
Importance of Collective Bargaining reform emphasised at PAC BDC
Collective bargaining and the transposition of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages was a key theme at the SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Conference held in Galway earlier this month.
SIPTU says Budget 2025 is an irresponsible attempt to buy the election
SIPTU branded Budget 2025 as an irresponsible attempt by the Government to buy the impending General Election and a recipe for long-term instability in our public finances.
Our Union, Our Team campaign secures positive engagement with the FAI
SIPTU has welcomed the progress that has been made by the Our Union, Our Team campaign on issues concerning FAI staff including pay and conditions.
Talks seek to resolve Becton Dickinson redundancies dispute
Redundancy negotiations for over 100 SIPTU members affected by the planned closure of the Becton Dickinson plant have entered into a mediation process overseen by former Labour Court Chair Kevin Duffy
HSE staffing plan provokes protest campaign
SIPTU members, along with those in colleague health unions, are conducting a campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy with public protests across the country in recent weeks.
SIPTU escalate campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU has escalated the campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy with further protests this week, highlighting member concerns the policy will have a detrimental impact on services.
SIPTU members to protest the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU Health Division will continue its campaign in opposition to the Health Service Executive’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week at several additional locations this week across the country.
HSE policy on recruitment is a ‘blunt instrument’ that will impact services
SIPTU representatives told a hearing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health that the HSE policy on recruitment is a ‘blunt instrument’ which if implemented in its current form will not improve public health services to the extent necessary.
SIPTU wins €45m for Early Years pay in Budget 2025
SIPTU-The Early Years Union has won €45 million in Budget 2025 to raise the pay of Early Years educators and managers, calling it a significant step in progressing the Sector away from a low pay model.
Budget 2025 is an irresponsible attempt to buy the election
SIPTU has branded Budget 2025 as an irresponsible attempt by the Government to buy an election and a recipe for long-term instability in our public finances.
Cork Council of Trade Unions rally for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon
Workers must continue to pressure the Irish Government to take the lead in opposing the rogue state which Israel has become. #CeasefireNow
Our Union must renew to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world
Rather than technology freeing up service industry workers the spread of platform work, where workers’ lives are tied to the algorithms of digital apps, has only resulted in increased pressures and demands.
SIPTU members in Becton Dickinson in Drogheda commence industrial action
SIPTU members employed in the Becton Dickinson manufacturing plant in Drogheda, commenced a ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action today due to the failure of management to meaningfully engage.
SIPTU members working at CIS vote for strike action
SIPTU members employed in the Citizens Information Service have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay. Strike action is to commence on October 7th.
SIPTU welcomes that changes to ambulance services in South West will not proceed
SIPTU representatives have welcomed correspondence from management at the National Ambulance Service confirming that changes to rosters planned for the South West region will not be implemented.
Workers rally in Strasbourg urging EU to end exploitation in subcontracting chains
SIPTU activists rallied in front of the European Parliament to call upon the EU institutions for urgent action to stop exploitation in subcontracting chains.
Proposals for public childcare provision doomed unless low pay addressed
Proposals from Fine Gael and the Green Party to develop a public Early Years education system are doomed to failure unless low pay for workers in the sector is adequately addressed.
SIPTU call on National Ambulance Service to reverse proposed cuts in South West
SIPTU representatives have called on the management of the National Ambulance Service to reverse proposed cuts to overtime which could reduce the number of available ambulance crews in the South West.
SIPTU members in Citizens Information Service ballot on strike action
SIPTU members employed in the Citizens Information Service (CIS) have begun a ballot for strike action which could close dozens of Citizens Information Centres around the country.
SIPTU welcomes progress towards a better FAI
SIPTU has welcomed progress made by the ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign and the FAI Senior Leadership Team on issues concerning staff, including pay and conditions.
Labour Court calls on Decotek Automotive to engage with SIPTU
SIPTU members employed in Decotek Automotive have secured a Labour Court recommendation that the company should engage with them as a collective, through their Union.
SIPTU at the WRC regarding Job Evaluation Scheme
The Union attended the WRC on 27th August to discuss this with the HSE. Members of the National Support Grade Sector Committee attended this meeting.
Jimmy Gralton – A Legacy of Struggle and Solidarity
Commemorating James Gralton, a forgotten Irish socialist, we reflect on his legacy of struggle, solidarity, and social justice as well as his impact on trade unionism and the enduring fight for workers’ rights in Ireland.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ suspends actions to allow meeting with FAI
We wish to thank the support we have received so far from the football community in Ireland for the ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign and we will update them on developments as they arise.
Countdown is on to win Respect at Work
Workers want to unionise and be protected from employer retaliation. This is the message from the Respect at Work campaign. Join the campaign.
Latest HSE Circulars
Latest circulars from the Health Service Executive.
Liberty View – The Road to Recognition; HCAs Leading the Way
Despite the challenges, the journey toward recognition has proven worthwhile. HCAs, once undervalued, are now acknowledged as key to delivering quality care.
Engagements ongoing regarding staffing in Mental Health Services
SIPTU has continued to engage with health service employers, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission on issues regarding staffing in our mental health services.
Injury Grant for members Section 38 Voluntary Employers
Members within the Section 38 disability providers have raised the fact that some of these employers have stated they will not be applying the Article 109 injury grant due to not receiving the funding to do so.
Support Grades in Bon Secours Hospital Group secure full implementation of Job Evaluation Scheme
Eligible members within Support Grades in the Bon Secours Hospital Group have voted to accept the implementation of Phase IV of the support grade job evaluation scheme.
Discussions ongoing regarding the Framework Agreement at the National Ambulance Service
In-depth consultation with members on the status of these talks will be commencing shortly. Members are encouraged to make sure their contact details are up to date in advance of this, to ensure they have the correct information going forward.
Lockout Series: Recalling the women of 1913
One of the lessons we might learn is that unless we make a real effort to document the achievements of our female trade unionists, we are losing opportunities to point to Union women as role models.
SIPTU calls on Amnesty to secure the jobs of laid off staff in Ireland
SIPTU has called on the Board of Amnesty International Ireland to use every means at its disposal to work to secure the employment of its staff in Ireland who are due to be laid off next month.
Lockout Series – Revealed: the face of 1913 martyr
A plaque commemorating four “Lockout Martyrs” of 1913 can be found attached to a wall on the ground floor in Liberty Hall.
Credit Union sector’s financial position provides positive context for pay talks
The latest update on the financial situation of the Credit Union sector issued by the Central Bank should provide a positive context to the enterprise level pay talks which will shortly be undertaken.
Amendment to contract cleaning ERO includes improvements to pay and conditions
An amendment to the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the contract cleaning sector came into force on 1st June and includes a new minimum hourly pay rate of €13.30 for all workers over 20 years of age. The ERO not only sets minimum pay rates, the number of paid...
Welcome for new minimum rates of pay in the security industry
Security industry workers have welcomed a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector that came into force on 1st July and increased minimum hourly rates of pay.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ FAI workers’ campaign to ramp up actions
Our Union, Our Team’, which demands respect for FAI workers, will increase its activities next month with the announcement of several high-profile supporters and a campaign of political pressure.
21% pay increase for craft workers employed in the motor industry
SIPTU has agreed a new three-year pay deal which secures a 21% increase in wages for craft workers employed across the motor industry sector.
Government’s planned funding model for RTÉ will lead to greater privatisation
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have made clear that they do not agree with the Government’s plan, announced in late July, regarding the future funding of the national broadcaster.
FAI must respect its workers’ right to collective bargaining in line with EU policy
SIPTU has called on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to respect its workers’ right to collectively bargain on pay and conditions
Too many people are living in a low-wage Republic
A higher minimum wage is unquestionably good for workers, businesses and the economy. The Government has a decision to make, not just about a modest minimum wage increase, but a vision for Ireland.
SIPTU Campaign to reform the Waste Sector
Ireland is unique within the EU in having an entirely free-market approach to the collection of domestic waste. This model is not sustainable. It is, in summary, bad for the environment, bad for citizens and bad for workers. Ireland must reform its domestic waste...
SIPTU members fight to prevent sale of Bord na Móna Recycling
Bord na Móna is conducting a strategic review of the operation of Bord na Móna Recycling. This is code for its intent to sell it to the highest bidder. SIPTU is campaigning to prevent the privatisation
SIPTU Organiser tells politicians about the reality of waste workers’ pay
SIPTU’s campaign for pay justice for waste workers and reform of the domestic waste sector is paying political dividends. A cross-party Group has been established in the Dáil to reform the domestic waste sector. SIPTU waste representatives met the cross-party group in...
Employers respond to SIPTU’s agenda in waste sector
SIPTU’s membership across the Waste Sector has grown dramatically in the last nine months, increasing by over 70%, as workers in the industry get organised across the country
Government must support minimum €15 hourly rate for Early Years Educators
SIPTU Early Years Union is calling for ring-fenced State funding to support a €15 minimum wage rate for educators and a 10% increase to all Employment Regulation Order (ERO) rates
SIPTU secures €11,500 for worker unfairly dismissed by TD
SIPTU has secured €11,500 against Deputy Violet Anne Wynne in a case concerning a worker who was unfairly dismissed, without any proper recourse to fair procedures.
Victimisation highlights need for protections for union activists
Claims of worker victimisation on a state-funded construction project on the North Quays in Waterford City highlights the need for Government action on a new EU Directive.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ target Sligo vs Shels match
‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign, which demands respect for FAI workers, carried out a leaflet and banner drop at the Sligo Rovers vs Shelbourne match.
Unions are a moral voice in society says President Higgins
In a rousing speech, President Higgins said it was a day to “celebrate trade unions, a movement without borders, opposing sectarianism and racism”.
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.
SIPTU members shocked and saddened by closure of Aer Lingus Cargo Operation in Shannon Airport
SIPTU members working in Aer Lingus Cargo in Shannon Airport were left shocked and saddened by a sudden announcement yesterday that the cargo operation is set to close.
Organising Health and Safety at Work
Having proper training equips the Safety Rep with the correct skills and knowledge to carry out the role effectively, by identifying and mitigating any potential hazards, which reduces the risk of injuries and accidents at work.
Learning is key to building effective trade unionism
SIPTU College is Ireland’s only trade union college and has responsibility for the training, education and upskilling of activists and staff.
Unleash Your Potential: Explore Trade Union Studies at the SIPTU College Open Day
SIPTU College invites you to continue your journey to workplace leadership at our online open day on Monday, 12th August. Participants will choose from two sessions 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm or 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm and learn about our unique two-year Level 6 Trade Union...
Launch of restructured SIPTU scholarship scheme aimed at rewarding activism
SIPTU College has launched a restructured SIPTU Education and Development Support (Scholarship) Scheme, following its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic.
€3,889 for worker not provided with written terms of employment
The SIPTU Workers’ Rights Centre has secured awards totalling €3,889 for a worker who did not receive a statement of his terms of employment.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ FAI workers’ campaign target Shels vs Derry match
The SIPTU ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign, which demands respect for FAI workers, carried out a leaflet and banner drop at the top of the table League of Ireland match between Shelbourne and Derry City.
New SIPTU supported doc on ‘Ireland’s forgotten housing rebellion’
This forgotten rebellion saw over 350,000 tenants across Ireland withhold payments in protest against skyrocketing rents, deplorable living conditions and a lack of basic amenities.
Launch of new SIPTU Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit for Pride
SIPTU launched a new Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit developed by the Union’s National Equality Committee, during Pride week in June.
Uni Europa conference hears Ireland is an outlier on collective bargaining
EU member states with low collective bargaining rates are in the final stages of transposing a Directive strengthening collective bargaining.
Politicians told low pay is driving staffing crisis in Early Years sector
A new survey by SIPTU has revealed shocking realities for Early Years Educators where low wages are leading to stress and burnout which is leading to an unsustainable turnover of staff.
Stronger Together – Standing Up to Racism
‘Stronger Together: Anti-Racism Workplaces and Trade Unions Project’ is a new ICTU initiative to combat racism and champion the contributions of migrant workers in society.
The rise of platform work in the care sector
Yielding to the pressure from gig workers, trade unions and civil society, the European Council adopted in March 2024 a directive to improve the working conditions for platform workers.
We must face down racism in our workplaces and communities
Unity among workers is essential to progress in our workplaces and society. It underpins all we do as trade unionists, our work is based on building collective power and the greatest threat to that is division.
21% pay increase for craft workers employed in the motor industry
SIPTU has agreed a new three-year pay deal which secures a 21% increase in wages for craft workers employed across the motor industry sector.
SIPTU calls on Stryker to engage with the Union
SIPTU representatives have written to the management of the Stryker plant to engage in collective bargaining with its workers’ trade union.
Staff at National Advocacy Service to ballot on proposals to resolve pay dispute
Staff at the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) are to ballot on proposals that emerged following talks between their SIPTU representatives and management.
Launch of SIPTU ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign for respect for FAI workers
The ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign, which demands that FAI management respects its workforce and engages with them as a collective, through SIPTU, was launched at football grounds during July.
SIPTU welcomes completion of National Radiation Therapist Review Report
SIPTU representatives have called on the Minister for Health to accept the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review Report on adequate staffing levels for cancer services.
Investment crucial to ensure sustainable waste disposal services
SIPTU has called for investment in Bord Na Móna Recycling to ensure the creation of a sustainable semi-state waste disposal service.
Recently released HSE HR Circulars
Latest circulars from the HSE.
SIPTU Support Sector attends NERI Seminar on outsourcing in the public sector
The research seems to demonstrate that the trade union movement has been on the correct side of the argument regarding the outsourcing agenda.
Two Sector Organisers join the Health Division
Sharon Cregan and Shonagh Byrne have recently been promoted to the position of Sector Organiser in SIPTU’s Health Division.
Liberty View – The rise of platform work in the care sector
Yielding to the pressure from gig workers, trade unions and civil society, the European Council adopted in March 2024 a directive to improve the working conditions for platform workers.
Focus needed on the recruitment of radiation therapists
SIPTU representatives have highlighted the need to address the staffing crisis through the progression of the radiation therapy review and the need for a comprehensive strategy for retaining experienced staff.
Collective Bargaining in Care Sector essential to resolving recruitment issues
SIPTU, the Union for Care Workers, has said that collective bargaining rights in the care sector will be essential to addressing low pay and recruitment issues with in-home support services.
Call for employer and union engagement on Disability Services
The ICTU Staff Panel has written to the HSE regarding the change of responsibility for disability services to the Department of Children, Equality Inclusion, Youth and Disability Services.
Talks on local bargaining clause of the Public Service Agreement commence
The current Public Service Agreement provides for a 3% payment under a local bargaining clause of which the first instalment of 1% is due for payment on 1st September 2025.
Campaign to address staffing deficits in Mental Health Services
SIPTU Nursing members are continuing a campaign of highlighting and putting pressure on the HSE and Department of Health to address staffing deficits in Mental Health Services.
New HSE recruitment policy means 2023 vacancies are now lost
The ICTU group of healthcare unions has said it remains concerned over the ability of the HSE to staff its services adequately as it’s latest staffing strategy shows vacancies have been effectively suppressed.
Sunday Read: Ireland’s Forgotten Housing Rebellion
This summer, the CATU is hosting a series of local screenings of the documentary “The Rent Strike” all over Ireland including a major Dublin screening at the Irish Film Institute on Tuesday 6th August at 6.30pm.
SIPTU members disagree with Government’s planned funding model for RTÉ
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have made clear that they do not agree with the Government’s plan, announced today regarding the future funding of the national broadcaster.
Minister Ryan refuses to meet with Bord na Móna recycling workers
Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has refused a request by workers employed in Bord na Móna Recycling to meet with them to discuss privatisation threat.