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 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.
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...
Sky Handling Partner and SIPTU agree union recognition deal
A collective bargaining agreement has been reached between Sky Handling Partner, which was...
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.
Report shows major pay gap between Health Care Assistants in public and private employment
A new report from EPSU has revealed a significant pay gap between the earnings of Health Care Assistants in the public and private sectors in some European countries, including Ireland.
SIPTU DGS calls on left parties to build a real alternative government while in opposition
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, has called on Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats to work together to build a real alternative government to present to voters in time for the next General Election
SIPTU to consult Section 39 Organisation members on industrial action on pay claim
SIPTU is to begin a process of consultation with members in Section 39 Organisations concerning...
Respect at Work campaign hails ‘new political consensus’ on workers’ rights
The Respect at Work campaign has today hailed a “new political consensus on workers’ rights” after its General Election pledge received support from across the spectrum.
SIPTU DGS says Irish failure on workers’ rights will see industrial action and protest
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis, has forecast industrial unrest and protest due to the Government’s failure to implement a new EU Directive that should necessitate the introduction of greater protections for trade union activists
SIPTU calls for public childcare Provision in Election Campaign
The Early Years Union – SIPTU has today (Friday, 15th November) published its election demands to radically transform childcare for parents, children, educators and providers.
SIPTU Private Sector Demands – General Election 2024
When candidates come knocking to your door looking for a vote ensure that they leave knowing that the SIPTU Private Sector has these clear demands for any in-coming Government. #Unionise
Join us for a Rally for Unity and Hope
The trade union movement was built on the simple idea of uniting working people to stand stronger...
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...
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
National Advocacy Service Staff pause Strike Action for talks
National Advocacy Service staff protested outside the constituency office of the Taoiseach, Simon Harris to highlight their demand for a fair pay rise and for Government to respect the Labour Court.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign for respect for FAI workers
The ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign launched at League of Ireland football grounds this weekend. #OurUnionOurTeam.
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Dublin Fire Brigade operating with ‘one hand tied behind its back’
Dublin Fire Brigade resources were operating with ‘one hand tied behind its back’ in its response to the major civic disturbance in Coolock in Dublin according to SIPTU representatives.
Sunday Read: A Tapestry of Hope
The 1913 Lock-out Tapestry was unveiled by President Higgins describing it as an imaginative work of art that connects us. Next month, we launch its online exhibition.
Urgent action on transport safety needed after shooting
SIPTU has called for urgent action on measures to combat anti-social behaviour on our public transport network following the shooting with an airgun of a Bus Éireann driver.
SIPTU welcomes the success of Tara Mines campaign to link Jobseeker’s Benefit to previous pay
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the partial success of its Tara Mines campaign in the form of new legislation which was passed in the Dáil this week.
National Advocacy Service strike action resumes
National Advocacy Service members will return to the picket lines on Monday 8th July following management’s failure to adhere to a Labour Court recommendation.
Ireland’s Productivity Challenge
Productivity is something we should all be worried about. In large part, productivity determines the living standards we all enjoy through wages and through the taxes it generates.
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.
Low pay is driving force behind Early Years staffing crisis
SIPTU has published the results of an Early Years survey which shows low rates of pay for workers is the main driving force behind a worsening staffing crisis.
SIPTU calls for Government intervention following shock BD plant closure announcement
SIPTU has called for an immediate Government intervention to protect the local economy in county Louth, following the announcement that BD intends to close its plant in Drogheda
Unions deeply troubled by new pensions Bill for uniformed services
Trade unions representing Prison Officers, Fire Fighters and the Defence Forces have expressed extreme concern with proposed pension changes.
SIPTU members in RTÉ will oppose attempts to outsource shows to the private sector
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have committed themselves to opposing any attempt to outsource the national broadcaster to the private sector.
Research reveals productivity gap between Irish domestic economy and European counterparts
Ireland’s productivity problem is not an issue which should divide workers and employers. Increasing productivity raises wages while increasing business prosperity.
SIPTU members will fight the privatisation by stealth at RTÉ
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ are committed to fighting for the future of the national broadcaster following the announcement management is seeking to outsource many operations.
Sky Handling Partner meets with SIPTU at WRC to discuss union recognition
The move follows a successful union organising campaign with Sky Handling Partner staff based in Dublin and Shannon. This is a significant development.
FAI refusal of employees’ right to collective bargaining to be referred to Labour Court
SIPTU members employed by the FAI have accused the Board of the sporting organisation of hypocrisy by denying them the right to be part of a team in the workplace.
SIPTU members in National Advocacy Service suspend strike after management climbdown
SIPTU members employed in the National Advocacy Service have suspended their strike action over pay and conditions for people who provide vital assistance to disabled citizens.
SIPTU calls for swift government action on worsening situation for public transport workers
SIPTU representatives have called for immediate action by the Government to protect public transport workers from increasing rates of anti-social behaviour.
SIPTU members welcome new minimum rates of pay in the security industry
SIPTU members employed in the security industry have welcomed the announcement by the Government that a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector.
SIPTU European Elections Hustings
As we prepare to go to the polls, our European election hustings held in Cork, Galway and Dublin offered the ideal platform to election hopefuls.
SIPTU welcomes long-awaited increase to Early Years workers’ minimum pay rates
SIPTU members employed in the Early Years education sector have welcomed the announcement that increased minimum pay rates will come into force on 24th June.
SIPTU retained firefighters seek urgent WRC meeting on retainer increase
SIPTU retained firefighters are seeking an urgent meeting at the WRC concerning the failure of the Government to follow through on a commitment for a significant second increase to their retainer payment.
SIPTU members in the National Advocacy Service vote for strike action starts 12th June
SIPTU members employed in the National Advocacy Service, who provide free representation for adults with disabilities across Ireland, have voted overwhelmingly for strike action on June 12th
President hails Tressell Festival as a celebration of union culture
Liberty Hall theatre was alive with debate and song for the Robert Tressell Festival which was held on 11th May. A daylong event of debate, drama and music
SIPTU NEC condemns attack on union activist running for election in Dublin
There are many candidates across the country in both council and European elections running on an agenda of anti-migrant hate. Several election candidates are undeniable members of the extreme right.
Government must not betray workers while showering largesse on business
The Government would seem to be considering a betrayal of workers while showering its largesse on business according to SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis.
May Day is when we renew our resolve to win Respect at Work
If we want to organise the next generation into the trade union movement, we have to turn the tide on the right to organise and demand the respect we deserve at work.
Politicians told lack of clarity on job losses and irregular contracts damaging RTÉ
SIPTU is the largest trade union in RTÉ, including workers in Administration, Operational, Technical and Directing Grades, Musicians and Actor members of Irish Equity.
Secure Our Future campaign calls for pension reform for uniformed services
SIPTU and a coalition of eight other representative bodies came together to highlight a serious problem in the pension scheme for new entrants.
Pay and growth top of the agenda
Newly appointed SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Neil McGowan, has highlighted pay increases and utilising the EU Directive as his top priorities.
The past we inherit, the future we build
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley calls out Ireland’s rigged economy and encourages people to get behind the Respect at Work campaign.