News Archive 2015 www.siptu.ie

Media

Congress calls for pay rise of 5% next year

21 December 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has said that workers in the private sector of the economy should seek pay increases of up to 5% next year.
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Undocumented in Dublin and New York: Irish man and Filipina woman speak out for the first time in new film

16 December 2015

Patrick is from Cork, Ireland. Marites is from Batangas in the Philippines. He lives in New York and works in construction; she lives in Dublin and works as a childminder. On the surface, their lives are very different, but they have a shared story: both Patrick and Marites are undocumented. In new 5-minute documentary Half the World Away: Undocumented in Dublin and New York, Patrick and Marites open up about the lives they have built over the past decade, the fear they experience daily, and the pain of being away from their families.
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SIPTU says action needed as study shows half of wealth in Ireland held by top 10%

10 December 2015

SIPTU has called for greater action on wealth redistribution after a new study published by the think tank TASC indicated that half of all wealth in Ireland is held by the top 10% of households, with the bottom 50% having only 5%.
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'Bogus self-employed' in construction may have cost taxpayer over €600 million

03 December 2015

The Irish State could have lost over €600 million since 2007, due to the huge growth in ‘bogus self-employment’ in the construction sector, a new report from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has revealed.
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Call to end ‘if and when’ contracts

10 November 2015

SIPTU is seeking action from the Government in relation to so-called ‘if and when’ contracts which have been highlighted as a major concern for precarious workers.
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SIPTU President warns against single party Fine Gael government

10 November 2015

SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has warned against complacency concerning the threat of a single party Fine Gael Government to “working people or those who depend most on public services.”
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Trade deal ‘will force privatisation of Irish Water’  

09 November 2015

International CETA Speaking Tour Monday, 9th November, 7.30pm Liberty Hall, Dublin 1
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Trade deal ‘will force privatisation of Irish Water’

06 November 2015

EU TRADE deals such as CETA and TTIP are a threat to Irish water, public services, food standards, environment and democracy, international experts will tell a Dublin audience Monday.
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Congress says EU competitiveness boards could cause wage 'race to the bottom'

27 October 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has expressed "deep concern" at new EU proposals to establish National Competitiveness Boards that would “inform the wage setting processes” in all Eurozone member states.
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ITF statement on Ankara bombing

12 October 2015

Commenting on the bomb attacks on a peaceful pro-democracy and justice demonstration in Ankara, Turkey, on Saturday (10th October), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) general secretary Steve Cotton stated: “A nation’s heart is breaking today. These attacks targeted what is best about Turkey, and some of its most idealistic and motivated people. We in the international union movement share that grief.
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'Make Youth a Priority' in Budget 2016

12 October 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Youth Committee has called on the Government to “make youth a priority” in the forthcoming budget and introduce measures to tackle both high youth jobless levels and precarious work for those in employment.
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SIPTU delegates unanimously back launch of decent work campaign

06 October 2015

Delegates at the SIPTU Biennial National Conference have voted unanimously this afternoon (Tuesday, 6th October) to launch a campaign seeking to considerably improve workers terms and conditions of employment across the economy.
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New disability strategy a 'building block for workplace integration'

02 October 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Friday (2nd October) welcomed the launch of the new Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities.
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Congress Charter campaign 'can win' the Living Wage

30 September 2015

Congress General Secretary, Patricia King, said on Wednesday (30th September) that companies who pay the living wage in the UK must ensure their Irish subsidiaries and branches do likewise and go further by pledging support for the Congress Charter for Fair Conditions at Work.
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Congress critical of Minister Bruton's failure to remove Clery's 'legal loophole'

23 September 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Wednesday (23rd September) strongly criticised Minister Richard Bruton’s failure to close a major loophole in company law that means directors can engineer a firm’s closure to maximise profits and deny workers their entitlements, which Congress says occurred in the shutdown of Clerys department store in Dublin.
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New report reveals poor treatment of migrant home care workers in Ireland

22 September 2015

‘Migrant Workers in the Home Care Sector: Preparing for the Elder Boom in Ireland’, published on Tuesday (22nd September) by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), tracks Ireland’s impending ‘elder boom’ and details the messy reality of Ireland’s care sector.
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Right2Change Road Show to discuss principles for a progressive government

19 September 2015

The group of unions affiliated to the Right2Water campaign will host a series of ‘town hall’ meetings in the coming weeks at approximately 30 locations across the country.
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Congress offers Government use of training network to assist with refugee programme

18 September 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has urged the Irish Government to seek an effective and humane EU response to the refugee crisis and offered the use of Congress training and education facilities across the country to assist with any refugee settlement and integration programme.
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Pay increments restored for Irish Water staff

17 September 2015

SIPTU members in Irish Water will receive pay rises following a ruling by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on Wednesday (16th September) that the company had reengaged on an agreement with workers on increments.
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Congress Public Services Committee approves Lansdowne Road Agreement

16 September 2015

The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has voted to approve the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
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Trade Union Studies course starting in Waterford on Monday

16 September 2015

A Certificate in Business Studies (Trade Union Studies) course will begin in the SIPTU Office, Waterford on Monday, 21st September. The Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 6 course consists of a series of modules, each consisting of 10 lecture and discussion sessions on Monday nights from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
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Workers Right Centre dealt with over 5,600 cases during 2014

07 September 2015

The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) provides information, advice and representation to SIPTU members who find themselves in individual disputes with their employers.
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SIPTU to attend Labour Court hearing on Luas workers pay claim

27 August 2015

SIPTU representatives will attend a hearing of he Labour Court concerning a claim by Luas workers for a pay increase on Tuesday, 29th September.
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National Demonstration on the public water supply

21 August 2015

A national demonstration concerning the future of the public water supply has been called for Saturday, 29th August, at 2.00 p.m. The assembly points are Heuston Station and Connolly Station, Dublin. Participants will then march to O’Connell Street.
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Workers Right Centre recovers €3.9 million for workers during 2014

04 August 2015

The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) provides information, advice and representation to SIPTU members who find themselves in individual disputes with their employers.
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Employers oppose 50 cent minimum wage rise

21 July 2015

Trade unions will continue the fight for the introduction of a living wage of €11.50 following the reported recommendation by the Low Pay Commission of a 50 cent increase in the minimum wage.
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Congress says living wage essential for creation of 'properly-functioning economy'

08 July 2015

Congress General Secretary Patricia King today (8th July) called for the implementation of a Living Wage as part of wider drive against inequality, north and south of the border.
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Supreme Court overturns High Court judgment in Mohammed Younis case

25 June 2015

Former chef Mohammed Younis has been vindicated in a unanimous Supreme Court judgment today (Thursday, 25th June) which upheld a 2011 Rights Commissioner decision – endorsed by the Labour Court – to award him €92,634.42 in unpaid wages and compensation for 7 years’ work in a Clondalkin restaurant.
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Over 3,000 march in support of Dunnes Stores workers

08 June 2015

Thousands of people showed their support for SIPTU and Mandate members employed at Dunnes Stores in a national protest in Dublin on Saturday, 6th June.
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Buses to Dunnes Stores workers protest

05 June 2015

Free buses to attend Dunnes Stores workers protest and contact details for bookings
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Support the Dunnes Stores workers march on Saturday

04 June 2015

All SIPTU members are being called upon to join their colleagues and Mandate members employed at Dunnes Stores in a national protest in Dublin on Saturday 6th June.
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Welcome move on workers rights

03 June 2015

Workers will have the right to force employers to deal with claims on with wages and conditions of employment under new collective bargaining legislation.
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SIPTU members in Dunnes Stores satisfied with concession of union’s 3% pay claim

12 May 2015

SIPTU members in Dunnes Stores have expressed their satisfaction with an announcement by the company, today (Tuesday, 12th May), that it has conceded a 3% pay claim made by SIPTU and Mandate last month.
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SIPTU to attend LRC talks concerning bus dispute

12 May 2015

SIPTU representatives are today (Tuesday, 12th May) attending talks facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) aimed at finding a resolution to a dispute over plans to privatise 10% of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann routes.
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Students and workers join forces with unveiling of Vote Yes banner over Liberty Hall

08 May 2015

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and SIPTU have joined forces in a show of solidarity between workers and students for the unveiling of a massive Vote Yes – Students for Marriage Equality banner over Liberty Hall.
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Launch of Workers Rights Centre

07 May 2015

Earlier this month SIPTU officially launched the Workers Rights Centre, Ireland’s first specialist employment rights ‘one stop shop’ which will provide empathetic and professional advice and representation for individual SIPTU members.
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Liberty Hall meeting hears of marriage equality success in Denmark

06 May 2015

A meeting of SIPTU ‘Yes Equality’ held in Liberty Hall on Tuesday, 5th May, heard about the success of the introduction of marriage equality in Denmark and the need to maintain the momentum of the ‘Yes’ campaign.
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Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers lead Dublin May Day march

05 May 2015

Striking Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers led the Dublin Council of Trade Unions annual May Day march through Dublin city centre on Friday, 1st May.
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Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers to lead Dublin May Day march

01 May 2015

Striking Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers will lead the Dublin Council of Trade Unions annual May Day march this evening (Friday, 1st May).
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Save our bus services

28 April 2015

Bus drivers across the country will engage in four days of strike action during May to defend the public transport service and decent jobs from the threat of privatisation.
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NERI Labour Market Conference in Belfast

24 April 2015

The third annual NERI Labour Market Conference will be held in Queen’s University Belfast on Friday, 1st May.
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Yes Equailty campaign takes to the road

22 April 2015

‘Yes Equality’ took to the road on Wednesday (22nd April) with the launch of its nationwide bus tour that will cover 66 locations in 26 counties over 27 days.
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Sinn Féin commits to introduction of living wage

22 April 2015

Sinn Féin has pledged to introduce a mandatory living wage, of €11.45, if it is in Government after the next election.
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May Day to be celebrated in Dublin with rally and social night in Liberty Hall

17 April 2015

International Workers’ Day on Friday, 1st May, will be celebrated in Dublin with a trade union march and rally followed by a social night in Liberty Hall.
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SIPTU NEC appoints Gene Mealy as new union Vice President

16 April 2015

The SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Gene Mealy as the new Vice President of the union at its monthly meeting today (Thursday, 16th April) in Liberty Hall.
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SIPTU Health workers to rally in Dublin for better services and jobs

10 April 2015

The SIPTU Health Division is organising a major rally outside of the Department of Health inDublin at the end of this month, as part of its campaign for greater investment in healthcare services and workers.
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Lunchtime Dail demo today calling for end to Irish arms trade with Israel

11 March 2015

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) will today, Wed 11 March, hold a lunchtime demonstration outside Dail Eireann between 1pm and 2pm calling on the Irish government to place an immediate arms embargo upon the state of Israel.
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Sinn Féin supports a living wage for workers

09 March 2015

Delegates voted to endorse proposals aimed at establishing a living wage for workers throughout Ireland at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis held in Derry last weekend.
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Unions remain 'unconvinced' on Aer Lingus takeover

06 March 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today (Friday, 6th March) that unions at Aer Lingus “remain unconvinced” of the proposed takeover of the company by International Airlines Group (IAG), following a meeting with IAG head Willie Walsh and members of the airline management.
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Au pairs and domestic workers launch new Labour of Love campaign in Dublin

06 March 2015

Au pairs, carers, and domestic workers will today (Friday, 6th March) launch Labour of Love, a new campaign focusing on the rights of workers in private homes across Ireland.
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Minister breaks commitment to DFB on ambulance service

05 March 2015

The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, gave a written commitment to SIPTU members in the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) that there would be “full consultation with stakeholders” before any changes to the running of the city’s ambulance service is implemented.
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Jack O’Connor backs creation of new social and economic forum

04 March 2015

The Government’s proposal to create a new forum, involving trade unions and other civil society organisations, to discuss pay, tax and overall spending priorities has been supported by SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor.
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Aer Lingus assurances met with scepticism

02 March 2015

SIPTU members are sceptical about assurances from Aer Lingus Chief Executive, Stephen Kavanagh, that they would retain their existing terms and conditions if the proposed International Airlines Group (IAG) take-over of the formerly state owned company goes ahead.
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Labour Conference supports call for action on collective bargaining

02 March 2015

At its annual conference, the Labour Party passed a motion calling for a debate on withdrawing from Government if collective bargaining legislation has not been enacted by this autumn.
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O’Connor calls on Labour Party to re-assert left wing values

02 March 2015

The Labour Party must re-assert its own identity and work towards securing a government of the Left, according to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor.
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Threat to ‘Cadburys jobs’ a dark day for manufacturing in Ireland

27 February 2015

The threat of over 200 job losses at three Mondelez Ireland (formerly Cadburys) plants amounts to a “dark day for manufacturing in Ireland”, according to SIPTU Organisers.
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SIPTU nurses and midwives organise local protests against NMBI fee increase

20 February 2015

SIPTU nurses and midwives are organising lunchtime protests at hospitals across the country on Monday, 2nd March, to highlight the attempt by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) to increase its retention fee by 50%.
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Congress criticises Government 'failure' to support Greece on debt resolution

19 February 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions today (February 19) strongly criticised the government for its failure to be ‘more sympathetic’ to attempts by Greece to secure a resolution of its debt problem, at European level.
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Low Paid Commission line up announced

18 February 2015

The membership of the Low Paid Commission, which will decide on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage, has been announced by Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ged Nash.
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Childcare workers rally outside Dáil

17 February 2015

Over 500 childcare workers held a rally outside Leinster House, Dublin, at lunchtime on Tuesday (17th February) demanding better funding for the essential service they provide.
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SIPTU to attend LRC talks on SDCC security dispute on Friday

17 February 2015

SIPTU members employed as security officers by G4S Secure Solutions Limited on a contract to supply services to South Dublin County Council will attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on Friday (20th February) relating to a dispute concerning transfer of undertakings regulations.
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Ireland moving towards US levels of inequality

16 February 2015

A major new report from the progressive think tank, Tasc, has found that income inequality in Ireland is moving further away from the distribution found in other Europe countries towards the levels of gross inequality experienced in the United States.
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Civil marriage campaign launched in Liberty Hall

16 February 2015

Trade Unionists for Civil Marriage Equality, an alliance of trade union members that will campaign for a Yes vote in the May referendum, was launched in Liberty Hall on Friday, 13th February.
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1913 Lockout Tapestry on display in Pearse Street Library

13 February 2015

The 1913 Lockout Tapestry, produced as part of the centenary commemoration of the 1913 Lockout, will be on display at Pearse Street Library in Dublin from 17th February until 28th March.
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Congress to Support 'Yes Vote' in Civil Marriage Equality Referendum

13 February 2015

Love & Pride at Liberty Hall for Valentine’s Eve
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Defending the Right to Strike

11 February 2015

In towns and cities, court rooms and corridors, workplaces and street corners the battle lines have been drawn for workers to hold on to their right to strike.
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NERI director calls for solidarity with Greek government

09 February 2015

The director of Ireland’s leading progressive think tank has called for solidarity with the new Greek government and serious consideration of its proposals for restructuring Eurozone debt.
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NMBI Board to consider unions’ position on fees

06 February 2015

The Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) is considering a demand that it reverse a decision to implement a 50% increase in its retention fee following a meeting between its senior staff and union representatives on Thursday, 5th February.
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SIPTU saddened at death of NEC member Tim Fitzgerald

04 February 2015

It was with great sadness that union members heard the news that SIPTU National Executive committee (NEC) member Tim Fitzgerald had passed away on Sunday, 1st February.
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Students for Decent Work Awards 2015

02 February 2015

The 'Youth for Decent Work Awards' is fast approaching - 26th February, 2015. The all Ireland second level student video competition run by ICTU's Youth Connect Programme is now in its second year and building on the success of last year's event which hosted over 400 students in the Savoy Cinema, Dublin.
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SIPTU to attend NMBI talks

30 January 2015

SIPTU has accepted an invitation to enter into talks with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) on Thursday 5th of February.
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Dunnes workers being consulted on dispute

23 January 2015

SIPTU members in Dunnes stores across the country are being consulted on how they wish to proceed with an ongoing dispute concerning temporary contracts and working hours.
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Protest over treatment of Saudi blogger

23 January 2015

The National Union of Journalists and Amnesty International held a protest outside the Saudi Embassy in Dublin on Thursday, 22nd January, to call for the release of blogger Raif Badawi.
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Patricia King is new Congress leader

22 January 2015

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions announced on Wednesday (21st January), that SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King, is to succeed outgoing General Secretary David Begg, when he steps down in March.
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Call for pay rises for all workers

05 January 2015

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called for pay rises for workers across the private and public sectors as the economy makes a faster than expected recovery.
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Congress and Ministers express support for social partner talks

19 January 2015

Government Ministers and out-going Congress General Secretary, David Begg, have signaled support for renewed talks between the social partners.
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LGBTQ workers heartened by Ireland’s first openly gay Minister

19 January 2015

The public disclosure by Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, that he is gay will bring confidence to workers still struggling against discrimination, according to the SIPTU LGBTQ members’ network.
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NERI Director tells economic conference there were alternatives

19 January 2015

An international economic conference held in Dublin on today (Monday, 19th January), heard that alternative decisions could have been taken by Government, which would have lessened the impact of the recession on working people, following the IMF-EU bail out.
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SIPTU Home Helps hold 'Right to Work' protests

16 January 2015

SIPTU Home Helps held protests outside three hospitals on Thursday (15th January) to highlight the role they can play in solving the overcrowding crisis in our hospitals.
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MRCI welcome pledge to increase national minimum wage

15 January 2015

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) welcomes the announcement by Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, that the minimum wage will increase in 2015. The minimum wage has not risen since 2007 despite the mounting cost of living, such as in transport and rent. Other EU countries such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have higher minimum wages, yet their cost of living is considerably lower.
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Trade unionists to commemorate Paris deaths

09 January 2015

SIPTU members have been invited by the NUJ to attend a commemoration for those murdered this week in Paris at the Dubh Linn Garden, Dublin Castle, on Saturday (10th January) at 11.00 a.m.
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NERI Director tells economic conference there were alternatives

19 January 2015

O’Connor says SIPTU focus is on pay in private sector

20 January 2015

SIPTU is focused on its ongoing campaign for pay rises across the private sector, according to the union’s General President, Jack O’Connor.
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SIPTU Yes to Equality campaign welcomes referendum date confirmation

23 February 2015

The SIPTU Yes to Equality campaign has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that the Civil Marriage Equality referendum will be held on Friday, 22nd May.
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