Workers in the pharmaceutical industry in Cork and throughout Ireland are organising themselves in trade unions.
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, across your industry has been to unionise in greater numbers than we have seen in many years.
For many in the industry and across Cork, we have longstanding collective bargaining agreements in place with employers, the workers in these plants regularly negotiate fair pay agreements, have a say in how changes in their workplaces take place and maintain terms and conditions that give workers a decent standard of living.
As you are aware, not all employers allow workers to have a collective voice and representatives of their choosing. This is a denial of workplace democracy. Workplace democracy is the norm in Western Europe. However, the law in this country allows employers to hold a veto over this right. The irony of employers being in a position to choose their own representatives is not lost on those of us in the trade union movement.
We want you to know that SIPTU Manufacturing Division and its 35,000 members stand with workers that are having their rights to collectively bargain with their employer vetoed.
We are continuing to lobby Government to legislate to protect union members in their workplace and make the promotion of collective bargaining the law of the land.
We are also highlighting in a very public way the fights workers in your industry are involved in to ensure fairness and democracy in the workplace. Please spread the word about our campaign in your workplace and be assured that you have the full support of SIPTU to achieve fairness in your workplace and industry. We have consistently demonstrated the ability to meet challenges and protect high quality employment and we stand with you.
To find out more visit: www.respectatwork.ie
To join SIPTU click here
Main photo: Respect at Work campaigners with Senator Alice Mary Higgins (centre) alongside elected representatives from Labour, Green Party, Social Democrats following a cross-party political briefing in Leinster House.
Photo 2: SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan addressing a packed room of politicians in Leinster House.