Our History

SIPTU was established in 1990 through the historic merger of Ireland’s two largest trade unions: the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union (ITGWU) and the Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland (WUI).

Both founding unions trace their roots back to ‘Big’ Jim Larkin in the early years of the twentieth century. Before then, most Irish workers seeking workplace representation had to join British-based unions.

The Early Years and The 1913 Lockout

Jim Larkin founded the ITGWU in 1909 to unite all workers, skilled and unskilled, men and women, of every occupation into “One Big Union.” With its headquarters at Liberty Hall in Dublin, it rapidly became the first all-Ireland union, establishing branches in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Wexford, Dundalk, Sligo, Bray, Waterford, New Ross, and Kilkenny.

At a time when over 80,000 people lived in Dublin’s severe slum tenements, the union fought for basic human dignity. By the summer of 1913, the ITGWU had secured pay increases of 20% to 25% for its members, provoking a fierce backlash from employers.

This tension culminated in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, when tens of thousands of workers were locked out by bosses determined to smash the right to unionise. Key union pioneers including Jim Larkin, James Connolly, William O’Brien, Constance Markievicz, and Rosie Hackett led the workers through six gruelling months of resistance, successfully preventing the employers from destroying the union.

Defying the Ban: Unlike many other unions of the era, the early ITGWU worked alongside organisations like the Irish Women Workers’ Union (IWWU) to ensure female workers were represented in the struggle.

The Fight for Irish Independence

When Larkin went on a US fundraising tour, James Connolly stepped in as Acting General Secretary. Connolly also took command of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA), which had been formed during the Lockout to protect striking workers from police brutality.

SIPTU’s founding generation played a central role in the fight for Irish independence:

  • Liberty Hall hosted the planning meetings for the 1916 Easter Rising, and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was composed and printed on its presses by Connolly and Pádraig Pearse.

  • 220 trade unionists from the ICA took part in the Rising under Connolly’s command.

  • Following the uprising, two union leaders James Connolly and Michael Mallin were executed by British forces.

Despite military raids and the execution of key leaders, members refused to be intimidated. Rebuilt under General President Tom Foran and General Treasurer William O’Brien, the ITGWU grew to over 100,000 members across 350 branches by 1919, making it the largest union in Ireland’s history.

The union led major national resistance movements, including the 1918 Anti-Conscription Campaign and the 1920 Motor Permits and Munitions Strikes against military occupation.

Growth and Reunification

Larkin returned from the US in 1923, but friction with the new leadership led to a split and the establishment of the Workers’ Union of Ireland (WUI) in 1924.

Despite operating separately through the economic depression of the 1920s and the difficult war years of the 1930s and 1940s, both unions remained vital to the social and economic development of the country.

  • 1945–1950s: Following a split in the broader trade union congress, young Jim Larkin (who succeeded his father as WUI General Secretary) and John Conroy (General President of the ITGWU) spearheaded reunification efforts.

  • 1959: Their leadership brought about the creation of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

  • 1969: A full merger of the ITGWU and WUI was on the brink of completion when both Larkin and Conroy tragically passed away within weeks of each other, stalling the amalgamation.

  • 1990: A new generation of union leadership finally cemented the historic merger, giving birth to SIPTU.

Over the years, several other dedicated trade unions have joined SIPTU, including:

  • Irish National Painters’ and Decorators’ Trade Union (INPDTU)

  • Marine, Port and General Workers’ Union (MPGWU)

  • Irish Print Union (IPU)

  • Irish Writers’ Union (IWU)

  • Automotive, General Engineering and Mechanical Operatives’ Union (AGEMOU)

  • Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI)

  • Irish Equity

Modern Campaigns and Workers’ Rights

Since 1990, SIPTU has continued the fight for fairness at work and justice in society across the entire island. Key victories and campaigns include:

  • Legal Protections: Successfully campaigning to quadruple minimum statutory redundancy payments, establishing the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), and banning mass redundancies aimed at replacing staff with lower-paid non-union labour.

  • Workplace Justice: Leading high-profile worker campaigns at Vita Cortex and Clery’s, as well as advancing equal recognition for players in Irish women’s football.

  • Social Progress: Active participation in broader civil rights movements, including Marriage Equality, the Right to Choose, and migrant rights.

Standing Together Today

For over a century, our movement has stood on the front lines for Irish workers. We remain firmly committed to Jim Larkin’s defining motto:

“An injury to one is the concern of all.”

We continue to fight against exploitation, harassment, and workplace injustice because every worker deserves respect, fair pay and a strong voice.

Stand in the tradition of Jim Larkin, Rosie Hackett and James Connolly.

Join SIPTU today.