Press Releases 20141913 Lockout martyr to be commemorated in Glasnevin Cemetery on Saturday
02 January 2014
The 100th anniversary of the funeral of Alicia Brady will be commemorated in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, on Saturday, 4th January, at 2.00 p.m.
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SIPTU General President calls on the left to provide leadership towards a New Republic
04 January 2014
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called on the left to unite in providing a “coherent vision” of how Irish society can move beyond “the culture of the quick buck” which has devastated Irish society towards building a “New Republic”.
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SIPTU commends Dublin fire-fighters role in flood safety operation in Belfast
03 January 2014
SIPTU has commended the co-operation between the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Dublin Fire Brigade whose members are engaging in a joint operation in Belfast this afternoon (Friday, 3rd January) in preparation for threatened flooding.
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SIPTU says Live Register fall is positive but numbers of unemployed women concerning
08 January 2014
The Live Register figures for December 2013, which were published today (Wednesday, 8th January), show a seasonally adjusted monthly fall of 3,300 people signing on but also indicate continued difficulties for women seeking employment, according to SIPTU Economist, Marie Sherlock.
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SIPTU calls for HIQA review into ambulance response times to consider resources
12 January 2014
SIPTU has demanded that the terms of reference of a forthcoming Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) review into ambulance response times includes consideration of the resourcing of the ambulance service and those which aim for similar targets.
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Launch of James Connolly and the Re-conquest of Ireland in Liberty Hall
13 January 2014
James Connolly and the Re-conquest of Ireland by historian Dr. John Callow is an illustrated book which introduces the political ideas of the labour leader drawing on recently discovered documents from the Marx Memorial Library in London.
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Resources Facilities Services Ltd workers vote to accept LRC proposals
14 January 2014
SIPTU members employed by Resources Facilities Services Ltd at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, voted on Monday, 13th January, to accept Labour Relations Commission (LRC) proposals to end a dispute at the contract cleaning company.
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SIPTU members at Liebherr reject Labour Court Recommendation
15 January 2014
SIPTU members at Liebherr Container Cranes have rejected a Labour Court Recommendation by means of a secret ballot on Tuesday, 14th January.
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SIPTU calls on Minister to withdraw claim that a strike at Irish Rail is inevitable
15 January 2014
SIPTU has called on Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, to withdraw his claim that a strike by Irish Rail workers in opposition to cost cutting plans is “inevitable”.
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SIPTU says public debate needed on proposed bus privatisation
15 January 2014
SIPTU representatives appearing before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications today (Wednesday, 15th January) called for a “real public debate” on the proposed privatisation of up to 10% of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes.
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SIPTU members at Aer Lingus and DAA to ballot for industrial action over pensions scheme
16 January 2014
Following yesterday evening’s general meetings of the staff in Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority it was unanimously decided to conduct immediate ballots for industrial action, including strike action, as a result of the failure of the employers to engage in meaningful discussions on the deficit in Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS).
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SIPTU Vice-President says Kiely’s CRC package exposes double standard in the Community & Voluntary Sector
16 January 2014
SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, has said double standards within the Community and Voluntary (C&V) sector have been exposed with the retirement package of over €740,000 for the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Paul Kiely.
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SIPTU members place pickets at Tyndall Institute over pay inequity
20 January 2014
SIPTU members have placed pickets at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC) today (Tuesday, 21st January) since 7.00 a.m. and concluding at 6.00 p.m.
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SIPTU honours Joe Duffy for his contribution to the 1913 commemorations
21 January 2014
Broadcaster, Joe Duffy, was presented with a specially commissioned trade union badge from 1913 to mark his contribution to the commemorations of the Dublin Lockout.
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SIPTU Vice-President welcomes ‘Review of Apprenticeship Training’.
22 January 2014
SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, has welcomed the publication of the ‘Review of Apprenticeship Training’ which proposes the development of an expanded dual-system of education in Ireland, combining on-the-job and class-based training.
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SIPTU members to intensify industrial action at Tyndall Institute
23 January 2014
SIPTU members at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC) will intensify industrial action over the coming days in a dispute of over pay inequality.
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SIPTU to meet with provisional liquidators appointed to Mount Carmel Hospital
24 January 2014
SIPTU representatives will attend an emergency meeting at 4.30 p.m. today (Friday, 24th January) with the joint provisional liquidators appointed to the Mount Carmel Hospital, Dublin, by the High Court.
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SIPTU calls on NAMA to assist in sale of Mount Carmel Hospital
27 January 2014
SIPTU has called on the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to immediately enter into serious negotiations with possible buyers of Mount Carmel Hospital, Churchtown, Dublin, and take into account the cost to the State if the planned closure of the facility goes ahead.
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SIPTU says apprenticeships offer best prospect to resolve youth unemployment crisis
28 January 2014
The ‘Pathways to Work’ plan which was published today by the Government has the potential to deliver certain opportunities for young people but must be developed in tandem with a broader apprenticeship system in order to cultivate viable, long-term, career prospects, according to SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King. The plan involves the implementation of the EU Council recommendation for a Youth Guarantee.
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SIPTU and MANDATE welcome reinstatement of Joint Labour Committees
29 January 2014
SIPTU and MANDATE have welcomed the news that the establishment orders for the Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) have been signed. The JLCs, once they are formed by trade union and employer representatives under the auspices of Kieran Mulvey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), will set basic levels of pay, above the minimum wage, for tens of thousands of low paid workers.
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SIPTU calls on Ministers to support jobs and development in rural communities
29 January 2014
The SIPTU Local Development Company (LDC) Committee has called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney, to support rural communities by ensuring that 10% of the next European Union (EU) funded Rural Development Programme (RDP) is allocated to LEADER.
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SIPTU members in St. Leo’s College vote for industrial action
30 January 2014
SIPTU members in St. Leo’s College, Carlow voted, yesterday (Wednesday, 29th January), in favour of industrial action in a dispute concerning unilateral changes to their terms and conditions of employment.
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SIPTU calls on Government and HSE to assist Mount Carmel Hospital workers
30 January 2014
SIPTU has called on the Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) to assist workers being made redundant due to the closure of Mount Carmel Hospital, Dublin, in finding new jobs in the Health Service.
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SIPTU ambulance drivers in fire service welcome Oireachtas committee hearings
31 January 2014
SIPTU members in the Fire, Ambulance and Rescue service in Dublin Fire Brigade have welcomed the decision by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children to hold a hearing into ambulance response times on Tuesday, 25th February.
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Kerry Group shop stewards call for intervention in BCD Travel dispute
31 January 2014
SIPTU shop stewards representing workers at Kerry Group plants have called on the CEO of the company, Stan McCarthy, to intervene in a dispute concerning redundancy payments for BCD Travel workers.
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SIPTU launch major private sector wage offensive
02 February 2014
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has said his union is engaged in a major push for pay increases across the private sector to recover ground temporarily lost during the crisis years.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail to vote on LRC proposals
04 February 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail will begin balloting next week on proposals presented by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) yesterday (Monday, 3rd February), in relation to changes to their terms and conditions of employment.
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SIPTU members at Tyndall Institute to picket main UCC campus
05 February 2014
SIPTU members at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC) will undertake two one-day work stoppages on Wednesday, 19th and 26th February, as part of an intensification of their campaign of industrial action in a dispute of over pay inequality.
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SIPTU welcomes increase in staff numbers at Tallaght Hospital
07 February 2014
SIPTU has welcomed commitments from the management of Tallaght Hospital, Co. Dublin, to increase staffing levels in order to ensure patient safety at the facility.
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SIPTU members at DAA vote for strike action over pensions
10 February 2014
Following a record turnout, SIPTU members at Dublin and Cork airports have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action, including all out strike, to bring about an acceptable resolution of the dispute on the pension issue. Staff at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have been unsuccessfully seeking to have their employer deal with the significant deficit in the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) for several years.
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SIPTU members at Aer Lingus vote for strike action over pensions
11 February 2014
Following a record turnout, SIPTU members at Aer Lingus have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action, including all out strike, to bring about an acceptable resolution of the dispute on the pension issue. Staff at the airline have been unsuccessfully seeking to have their employer deal with the significant deficit in the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) for several years.
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SIPTU members at Shannon Airport Authority vote for strike action over pensions
11 February 2014
Following a record turnout, SIPTU members at the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action, including all out strike, to bring about an acceptable resolution of the dispute on the pension issue. Staff at the airline have been unsuccessfully seeking to have their employer deal with the significant deficit in the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) for several years.
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SIPTU members at Shannon Aerospace serve notice of industrial action
17 February 2014
SIPTU members at Shannon Aerospace, Co. Clare, today (Monday, 17th February), served management at the company with notice of industrial action that will commence on Tuesday, 4th March.
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SIPTU members picket Tyndall Institute
18 February 2014
SIPTU members at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC) are undertaking two one-day work stoppages, today (Wednesday, 19th February), and a week later on (Wednesday 26th February), as part of an intensification of their campaign of industrial action in a dispute of over pay inequality.
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SIPTU warns over HSE threat to cut funding at St Vincent's University Hospital
19 February 2014
SIPTU has warned that the threat by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to withdraw 20% of its funding from St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin would have a major impact on patient services and on staff in the hospital.
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SIPTU to attend LRC talks concerning Shannon Aerospace dispute
20 February 2014
SIPTU members and management in Shannon Aerospace, Co. Clare, have today (Thursday, 20th February) agreed to attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) concerning a dispute involving the company’s pension scheme.
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SIPTU hosts major event in Liberty Hall to mark LGBT History Month
24 February 2014
The SIPTU LGBTQ members’ network is marking LGBT History Month with discussions and a screening of the film ‘Did Anyone Notice Us? Gay Visibility in the Irish Media 1973-1993’ in Liberty Hall on Wednesday, 26th February.
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SIPTU members in Tyndall Institute/UCC vote to accept binding arbitration in dispute
25 February 2014
SIPTU members at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC) have voted today (Tuesday 25th February), by an overwhelming majority of 88% to 12%, to enter into a binding resolution process aimed at securing a solution to a dispute of over pay inequality.
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SIPTU members appalled at sudden closure of G&K training centre on Cork’s north side
25 February 2014
SIPTU members and their union representative are to meet tomorrow, (Wednesday 26th February), following the shock announcement of the closure of the G&K (Gurranbraher and Knocknaheeney) Community Training Centre on the north side of Cork city.
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SIPTU condemns “shameful” privatisation of community programme
26 February 2014
SIPTU has condemned as “shameful” a decision by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to subject the Local Community Development Programme (LCDP) to competitive tendering from 2015.
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Unions call for early Referendum Commission to inform Same Sex Marriage debate
27 February 2014
SIPTU and the NUJ have jointly called on the Government to establish a Referendum Commission coinciding with publication of the proposed legislation on same sex marriage rather than waiting until the date has been set for the referendum.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail reject LRC proposals
27 February 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail have voted by 71% to 29% to reject proposals presented by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in relation to changes to their terms and conditions of employment, in a ballot which was counted today (Thursday, 27th February) in Liberty Hall, Dublin.
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SIPTU serves notice of industrial action at Aer Lingus and Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports
27 February 2014
SIPTU has served notice of industrial action on Aer Lingus, the Dublin Airport Authority and the Shannon Airport Authority this afternoon (Thursday, 27th February).
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SIPTU condemns Minister Varadkar’s “spin” against Irish Rail
28 February 2014
SIPTU has strongly condemned Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, for using “spin and misinformation” in an attempt to undermine Irish Rail and its employees during an appearance on RTE’s Primetime last night (Thursday, 27th February).
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SIPTU calls for review of school building programme complaints procedure
28 February 2014
SIPTU has called on the Department of Education and Skills (DES) to undertake a review of the access provided to trade union organisers to school building sites and its complaints procedure, in order to counter a worrying level of non-compliance by building contractors.
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SIPTU says employment growth indicates recovering economy but wages remain flat
28 February 2014
The strong growth in the numbers in employment, with the seasonally adjusted figure of 59,900 more people in work over the year to the end of 2013, is a sign of economic recovery but concerns remain about stagnant wages, according to SIPTU Economist Marie Sherlock.
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SIPTU condemns appalling treatment of G&K training centre workers
28 February 2014
SIPTU has condemned the treatment of workers at the G&K (Gurranbraher and Knocknaheeney) Community Training Centre, Cork, who have been denied their redundancy entitlements and access to personal possessions. The staff were told without any prior notice they were losing their jobs with immediate effect on Tuesday (25th February).
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SIPTU warns Irish Water over non-compliance by contractors
03 March 2014
SIPTU has warned Irish Water that several main contractors and sub-contractors working on its Water Meter Installation programme are not honouring agreements in relation to rates of pay and other benefits due to workers.
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SIPTU to fully co-operate with expert panel on DAA and Aer Lingus pension dispute
04 March 2014
SIPTU members in the Pension Committees at Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have decided unanimously to co-operate with the four person expert panel appointed by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to investigate the pensions dispute at the companies.
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SIPTU condemns UK Government refusal of visa to René González
05 March 2014
The SIPTU Cuban Solidarity Forum has condemned the decision of the UK Government to refuse a visa for former political prisoner René González to attend an International Commission of Inquiry into the case of the Cuban Five to be held in London on Friday, 7th March, and Saturday, 8th March.
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SIPTU seeks urgent meeting with Bristol-Myers Squibb management
07 March 2014
SIPTU has requested an urgent meeting with the management of Bristol-Myers Squibb following an announcement this afternoon (Thursday, 6th March) that the pharmaceutical company is seeking 30 redundancies at its manufacturing plant in Swords, Co. Dublin.
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SIPTU calls for suspension of Review of Dublin Ambulance Services
07 March 2014
SIPTU has called on the Dublin City Manager, Owen Keegan, to comply with an Emergency Motion passed by Dublin City Councillors on Monday, 3rd March, seeking the suspension of a Review of Dublin Ambulance Services.
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SIPTU General Secretary expresses condolences on death of RMT leader Bob Crow
11 March 2014
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn, has expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of his union at the death this morning (Tuesday, 11th March), of RMT General Secretary, Bob Crow.
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Tax cuts for the rich a non-starter
11 March 2014
SIPTU will continue its campaign for pay increases in profitable employments across the economy in order to improve living standards for members, grow the economy and create jobs, Jack O’Connor has said.
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ICTU Women’s Conference calls for immediate release of Margaretta D’Arcy
07 March 2014
Delegates at the ICTU Women’s Conference have overwhelmingly backed an emergency motion calling for the immediate release of 79-year-old peace campaigner Margaretta D’Arcy on humanitarian grounds.
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SIPTU disappointed at decision to close Baileborough Community Training
10 March 2014
SIPTU has expressed disappointment at the decision to close Baileborough Community Training, Baileborough, Co. Cavan.
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Injunction granted to DAA in pensions dispute
12 March 2014
A legal injunction has been granted at the High Court in Dublin to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which has resulted in the suspension of a planned four hour work stoppage by SIPTU members at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports which was scheduled for Friday (14th March).
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SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade call for fully independent review of ambulance services
18 March 2014
SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) are extremely concerned at the contents of a document drawn up by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in March 2013 which proposes to remove the delivery of Dublin's ambulance service from Dublin Fire Brigade, by 2015. SIPTU has called for a fully independent review of the service to include agreed terms of reference, stakeholder representation and persons with fire based emergency medical experience.
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SIPTU and the CWU launch social media campaign against racism in the workplace
19 March 2014
SIPTU and the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) today (Wednesday, 19th March) launched an online social media campaign to highlight racial discrimination in the workplace in the run up to the UN Anti-Racism Day 2014 on Friday, 21st March.
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SIPTU NEC resolves to continue industrial campaign on airport worker’s pension
21 March 2014
The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU meeting in Dublin has voted unanimously to reiterate total and complete support for the union’s members and other workers in their dispute with Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) over savage cuts in their pension entitlements.
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SIPTU General President expresses condolences on death of Shane MacThomáis
24 March 2014
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of his union at the death yesterday (Thursday, 20th March), of resident historian for the Glasnevin Trust, Shane MacThomáis.
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Donkey Sanctuary refuses to engage with union in relation to job losses
26 March 2014
Management of The Donkey Sanctuary has refused to engage with SIPTU concerning attempts to make 16 welfare staff at the charity redundant in June.
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SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade concerned by Primetime revelations
28 March 2014
SIPTU members in the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have expressed concern about revelations concerning the provision and inadequate funding of ambulance services contained in the RTE Primetime Investigates programme broadcast last night (Thursday, 27th March).
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Donkey Sanctuary refuses to attend LRC hearing
28 March 2014
Management of The Donkey Sanctuary has refused to attend a hearing of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to discuss its proposals to make 16 welfare staff at the charity redundant in June.
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SIPTU says million-euro bonus for Aer Lingus CEO shows contempt for workers
28 March 2014
SIPTU has condemned the payment of a bonus of more than €1 million to Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, Christoph Mueller, while at the same time the company is refusing to respect the pension entitlements of its workers.
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SIPTU will defend Health Service whistleblowers
31 March 2014
SIPTU will not tolerate the punishment or disciplinary sanctioning of whistleblowers in the Health Service.
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Agreement between SIPTU and USI to benefit students
31 March 2014
SIPTU and the Union of Students of Ireland (USI) will this evening (Monday, 31st March) announce an agreement between the two organisations that will provide third level students with support in the workplace.
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Unions condemn removal of Bord na Móna workers from payroll
02 April 2014
The Bord na Móna Group of Unions has condemned a decision of the management to implement what amounts to a lockout by removing eight workers from the company payroll.
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SIPTU criticises Varadkar for threatening to withdraw funding from Irish Rail
03 April 2014
SIPTU has criticised comments made by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, indicating that funding maybe withdrawn from Irish Rail and directed into other transport companies.
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SIPTU clarifies and corrects HSE comments on DFB Ambulance Service
04 April 2014
SIPTU has moved to clarify and correct a number of comments made by Health Service Executive (HSE) representatives concerning the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) Ambulance Service at a meeting today (Thursday, 3rd April) of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.
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SIPTU Firefighters to protest outside Dublin City Council at 5.30 p.m.
07 April 2014
SIPTU is calling for the public to support a protest by members of the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) Ambulance Service which will take place outside City Hall in Dublin this evening (Monday, 7th April) at 5.30 p.m.
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SIPTU welcomes deferral of Dublin ambulance service review
07 April 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the announcement today (Monday, 7th April) of the deferral of the proposed Health Service Executive (HSE) and Dublin City Council review of the ambulance service in the city.
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SIPTU welcomes Dublin City Council rejection of Community Sector privatisation
08 April 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the passing of a motion at a meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday (7th April), calling on Minister for Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to reject the privatisation of community programmes and services.
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Bord na Móna dispute to go to Labour Court
11 April 2014
A dispute resulting from a unilateral action by management at Bord na Móna to remove eight workers from the company payroll will be the subject of a Labour Court hearing on Wednesday (16th April).
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SIPTU Irish Rail workers to consider Labour Court recommendation
11 April 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail will consider a Labour Court recommendation issued today (Friday, 11th April) in relation to cost containment plans at the transport company.
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SIPTU activists welcome rejection of privatisation plan by Kerry councillors
15 April 2014
SIPTU activists from the South Kerry Development Partnership and North and East Kerry Development led a crowd of over 300 people in a protest over plans to privatise Local Development Companies (LDC’s) outside the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council in Tralee yesterday.
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Cork Young Workers’ Network calls for decent jobs and decent pay
16 April 2014
The Cork Young Workers’ Network has called on young people to orgainse in order to campaign for decent jobs and decent pay, following the success of the group’s first meeting on Tuesday (15th April) evening.
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Wage increases must play a central role in reversing income decline and inequality
16 April 2014
Data published today from the EU-wide Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) confirms a stark reduction for Irish workers and welfare recipients in 2012 of 4.6% in the real value of median income i.e. after accounting for inflation.
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SIPTU members at Haulbowline naval base in Cork seek clarity on asbestos
16 April 2014
SIPTU members at the Naval Base in Haulbowline in Cork have asked the Department of Defence to provide a medical person with competence in the area of asbestos related diseases and illnesses to answer a series of questions about the nature of their exposure to the substance while working on the Le Ciara vessel last month.
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Staff at Donkey Sanctuary to ballot for industrial action
17 April 2014
SIPTU members at the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Mallow, county Cork, who have been told they will be made redundant on 31st May, are to ballot for industrial action.
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SIPTU President Jack O'Connor rejects attempts to pit private and public service workers against each other
25 April 2014
In a statement to address any misunderstandings which might arise from a front page article in today's Irish Independent SIPTU President Jack O'Connor rejected any attempt to pit private and public service workers against each other in the matter of pay increases.
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SIPTU Firefighters launch campaign calling on election candidates to protect service
28 April 2014
SIPTU Retained Firefighters today (Monday, 28th April) launched a nationwide campaign calling on local election candidates to make a commitment to oppose the implementation of measures that will endanger the lives of the public and firefighters.
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Politicians told to fear the ‘grey army’ at launch of Secure Retirement campaign
30 April 2014
The SIPTU Retired Members Section on Wednesday, 30th April, launched the Secure Retirement campaign with the aim of organising retired members of the union under the slogan “It’s time for us to take back what has been taken from us.”
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Collective bargaining agreed between employers and unions in the Community Sector
01 May 2014
An agreement which secures collective bargaining rights for 2000 workers in the Community Sector has been agreed between the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), the representative body of Local Development Companies (LDCs), and trade unions.
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May Day celebrated in Dublin
02 May 2014
May Day was celebrated in Dublin with a colourful and musical march from the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, to Liberty Hall.
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SIPTU to hold public meeting over threat to Bus Eireann service in Waterford
13 May 2014
The proposal by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to put out to tender 10% of Bus Eireann routes and 100% of Waterford city services by 2016 will be the subject of a public meeting which will take place at 7.30 p.m. in the Tower Hotel in Waterford on Thursday 15th May.
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SIPTU Vice-President describes cabinet decision on collective bargaining as ‘very positive step’
13 May 2014
SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, has described the approval by the Government, today (Tuesday, 13th May), of a new law to support the right of workers to participate in collective bargaining with their employers as a “very positive step” for Irish society.
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Win for Stobart workers
15 May 2014
In a significant decision, trucking company, Stobart, has been ordered to compensate eighteen SIPTU members who were denied their rights when they transferred their employment from the food distributor Keelings in October 2010.
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SIPTU Meath and Louth District Councils to campaign in support of A&E Services at Navan Hospital
16 May 2014
The SIPTU Meath District Council and SIPTU Louth District Council are jointly calling for the retention of full services in the newly built Accident and Emergency Department in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.
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Donkey sanctuary staff begin strike action on Monday
16 May 2014
Welfare staff working for The Donkey Sanctuary will commence a series of two-hour strike actions on Monday (19th May).
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Official naming of Rosie Hackett Bridge
19 May 2014
A ceremony marking the official naming of the Rosie Hackett Bridge, which spans the Liffey between Marlborough Street and Hawkins Street, took place on Tuesday, 20th May.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail vote to reject Labour Court recommendation
21 May 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail have today (Wednesday, 21st May) voted by 51% to 49% to reject a Labour Court recommendation issued in relation to cost containment plans at the transport company.
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Donkey sanctuary workers disgusted at treatment by management
21 May 2014
Welfare staff working for The Donkey Sanctuary have expressed disgust at their treatment by management following its failure to accept union representation at a meeting held today (Wednesday, 21st May) to discuss the ongoing dispute at the registered charity.
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SIPTU expresses full support for Paris Bakery workers
26 May 2014
SIPTU Services Division Organiser, John King, has expressed the union’s full support for the workers protest at Paris Bakery in Dublin over the behaviour of their employer in ceasing trading and leaving their workers without thousands of euros of wages and other entitlements. He said:
“The treatment of these workers in this way is nothing short of disgraceful and should be roundly condemned. This situation presents the clearest reason why workers in this country must have strong robust employment protective legislation to protect them from such exploitative practices by unscrupulous employers, circumstances that unfortunately are too common an occurrence in certain sectors of our economy.
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SIPTU to seek meeting with Bausch and Lomb over proposed job cuts
29 May 2014
SIPTU has called on the Government to redouble its efforts to retain jobs at the Bausch and Lomb/Valeant manufacturing plant in Waterford following the announcement today that 200 jobs are to go at the company.
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Donkey sanctuary workers to discuss further industrial action
30 May 2014
Welfare staff working for The Donkey Sanctuary are undertaking a two-hour strike today (Friday, 30th May) before meeting to discuss an escalation of their industrial action at the registered charity based in Liscarroll, Mallow, county Cork.
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SIPTU Vice President calls for urgent meeting with Minister over Bausch and Lomb job and pay cut threat
30 May 2014
SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King, has called on the Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise, Richard Bruton, to convene an urgent meeting of unions, government and state agencies in response to the threatened job and pay cuts at Bausch and Lomb/Valeant in Waterford.
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SIPTU holds positive meeting with local politicians on Bausch and Lomb restructuring plan
03 June 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the positive outcome to a meeting held this afternoon (Monday, 2nd June) with local Waterford politicians concerning the threat to pay and jobs faced by workers in the Bausch and Lomb manufacturing plant in Waterford.
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SIPTU members to conduct work stoppage at National Gallery on Thursday
03 June 2014
SIPTU members will conduct a one-day work stoppage at the National Gallery, Dublin, on Thursday (5th June) in dispute related to the removal of seven annual leave days.
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Latest statement from Paris Bakery workers
29 May 2014
“Seven days in, we’re staying strong. Today (Thursday 29 May) workers and supporters will again take our demands to the estate of multi-millionaire company director Ruth Savill in Wicklow. It’s the end of the month: our rent is due, we have bills to pay. Giving up is not an option.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail ballot in favour of industrial action
04 June 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail have balloted by a ratio of 2-1 to support official industrial action in the event that management unilaterally implements changes to their conditions of employment.
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SIPTU President says no further need for cuts affecting working families
04 June 2014
Speaking today after the publication of May’s exchequer returns, SIPTU President, Jack O’ Connor, has called on the Government to make it clear that there will be no further requirement for cuts affecting working families in Budget 2015. The figures show that the exchequer returns are €1.2 billion ahead of target for the first five months of this year.
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Rate of job creation 'too slow' to end crisis
05 June 2014
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today (Thursday, 5th June) that the current rate of job creation was too slow to make ‘significant inroads’ into, or end the ongoing jobs crisis.
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Joint statement from SIPTU, the TEEU and Bausch and Lomb management
05 June 2014
Union representatives and management at Bausch and Lomb in Waterford have invited Labour Relations Commission (LRC) Director of Conciliation, Kevin Foley, and LRC Deputy Director of Conciliation, Anna Perry, to co-chair talks between the parties with a view to reaching agreement on a plan to keep the Bausch and Lomb plant open and to secure its future.
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SIPTU welcomes publication of HIQA report on safety risks at University Limerick Hospitals Group
06 June 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the publication by Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) of the report on the safety, quality and standard of services at the University Limerick Hospitals Group.
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Bausch and Lomb talks conclude without agreement
12 June 2014
Negotiations between trade union representatives and management of Bausch and Lomb concerning the company’s contact lens manufacturing plant in Waterford concluded this morning (Thursday, 12th June) without agreement.
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SIPTU members strike at Roadstone Woods Ltd
16 June 2014
SIPTU members began strike action at Roadstone Woods Ltd facilities across the country this morning (Monday, 16th June) in a dispute concerning an attempt by management to implement major cuts to workers’ wages.
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SIPTU seeks immediate meeting with Covidien management
16 June 2014
SIPTU has requested an immediate meeting with the management of Covidien following the announcement today (Monday, 16th June) that the medical device manufacturer has agreed to be acquired by Medtronic.
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SIPTU members to ballot on Irish Rail proposals
16 June 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail are to ballot on fresh proposals for cost saving measures in the company.
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SIPTU to study Aer Lingus/DAA pensions report
16 June 2014
SIPTU has said that it will carefully study the final report of the Expert Panel on the resolution of industrial relations issues in the Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme (IASS) which was issued today.
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SIPTU members in Bausch and Lomb accept management proposals
16 June 2014
SIPTU members in Bausch and Lomb in Waterford have today (Monday, 16th June) voted by 563 in favour to 157 against to accept cost saving proposals which management has stated will secure the long-term future of the plant.
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Dispute at Greyhound plant in Clondalkin halts waste collections
17 June 2014
Greyhound waste collection workers have been unable to work at the company’s plant in Clondalkin since 6.00 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, 17th June) following an attempt by management to unilaterally implement cuts to their wages and changes to their conditions of employment.
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SIPTU HSE Ambulance Service staff to ballot for strike action
19 June 2014
SIPTU members in the HSE National Ambulance Service including advanced paramedics, emergency medical technicians, controllers and patient transport service professionals are to ballot for strike action over the refusal by the HSE to implement two binding Labour Court recommendations. Addressing a meeting in Liberty Hall today of union shop stewards and activists in the HSE, SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell said:
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SIPTU serves strike notice on Greyhound Household
19 June 2014
SIPTU has served seven days strike notice on Greyhound Household in west Dublin where workers have been prevented from attending work under their current terms and conditions of employment since 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 17th June.
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Liberty Hall lights up for Dublin’s Pride Festival
20 June 2014
In a demonstration of solidarity with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and to celebrate Dublin’s Pride Festival, SIPTU will illuminate the rooftop of Liberty Hall in rainbow coloured lights on Saturday 21st June.
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SIPTU and TEEU Roadstone shop stewards condemn company bully boy tactics
24 June 2014
A meeting of SIPTU and TEEU shop stewards at Roadstone Woods Ltd. condemned the bully boy tactics of the company management following its threat to close some of its operations and to place all employees on protective notice.
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SIPTU members in National Gallery give notice of strike action
25 June 2014
SIPTU members in the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 2, have given notice to management that they intend to undertake two days of strike action on Monday, 7th July, and Monday, 14th July, in a dispute related to changes to their conditions of employment.
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Construction unions to protest at Department of Education tomorrow
25 June 2014
Construction Workers from the SIPTU and BATU trade unions will hold a protest outside the Department of Education and Skills on Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, tomorrow, Thursday, 25th June.
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SIPTU welcomes Valeant investment in Bausch and Lomb plant
25 June 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the announcement today (Wednesday, 25th June) of a major investment in the Bausch and Lomb plant in Waterford by the company’s owners, Valeant.
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Unions protest at failure of the Department of Education to protect workers’ rights
26 June 2014
Construction workers from SIPTU and BATU trade unions are holding a protest this lunchtime (Thursday, 26th June) outside the Department of Education and Skills, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, to highlight its failure to uphold agreed terms and conditions of employment for workers on projects under its remit.
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SIPTU says partial merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte presents opportunities for expansion
27 June 2014
SIPTU has called for advantage to be taken of the opportunities for expansion that are presented by the partial merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte following a meeting of the union’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Portlaoise, yesterday (Thursday, 26th June).
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SIPTU condemns use of strikebreakers by Greyhound Household
27 June 2014
SIPTU has condemned the use of strikebreakers by Greyhound Household stating that it is unclear whether the individuals now carrying out domestic waste collection in Dublin can provide a professional service.
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Unions united in support of Dublin pride
27 June 2014
A number of major trade unions representing workers in all sectors of the economy participated in the 2014 Dublin Pride Parade, which took place on Saturday, 28th June.
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Greyhound workers welcome High Court lifting of interim injunction
01 July 2014
SIPTU has welcomed today’s decision by the High Court which lifted the three interim injunction orders granted to Greyhound Household Ltd on 17th June last.
The decision means that management cannot interfere with official union pickets or prevent workers from describing its actions as a Lockout.SIPTU Organiser, Henry O’Shea, said: “The pickets at two Greyhound plants in west Dublin will continue until the management sits down to discuss and find an agreed resolution. This dispute arose because management unilaterally imposed wage cuts of up 35% from mid-June.
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SIPTU says privatisation of bus routes will damage free travel scheme
01 July 2014
SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Owen Reidy, has said the free transport scheme for senior citizens is under threat given the fact that the National Transportation Authority (NTA) has decided to privatise up to 10% of Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann services by 2016. In the case of Waterford 100% of the Bus Eireann service is to be privatised.
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SIPTU endorses call for a Living Wage of €11.45 per hour
03 July 2014
SIPTU has endorsed the setting of a Living Wage for workers in Ireland of €11.45 per hour, as calculated by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ).
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Locked out Greyhound workers to march to Dublin City Hall on Monday
03 July 2014
SIPTU members who are locked out of their work at Greyhound Household Ltd will march to Dublin City Hall on Monday, 7th July.
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SIPTU suspends strike at Roadstone Woods Ltd. pending ballot on Labour Court Recommendation
04 July 2014
SIPTU has today (Friday, 4th July) suspended strike action at Roadstone Woods Ltd., pending a ballot of members, in accordance with a Labour Court Recommendation.
SIPTU Organiser, Davy Lane, said: “The decision to suspend the strike was made this afternoon by the National Committee of SIPTU members in Roadstone Woods Ltd.
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SIPTU members win wage increases across the Manufacturing Sector
03 July 2014
SIPTU members employed across the manufacturing sector continue to receive pay increases with over 210 wage agreements finalised so far. The increases are part of a strategy by SIPTU’s Manufacturing Division which has secured pay increases across the sector by on average 2% per annum.
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SIPTU President calls for Government ‘task force’ to review waste industry
07 July 2014
SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has called on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, to urgently establish a Government task force to review the current conditions of employment and other matters in the waste disposal industry. His request arises from the increasingly bitter dispute at Greyhound Household Ltd where more than 70 members of SIPTU have been locked out since 17th June 2014 for refusing to accept a draconian cut of around 35% in their pay and drastic changes to their terms of employment.
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SIPTU welcomes Pfizer decision to reverse job cuts decision at Ringaskiddy plant
10 July 2014
SIPTU Organiser Alan O'Leary has said that the announcement by Pfizer that it will not proceed with the planned cut of 60 operator jobs at its Ringaskiddy plant in Cork is very welcome. The planned cuts were announced in 2012 but following intensive discussions an agreement has been reached which has resulted in the retention of the operator jobs.
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SIPTU members join in public service strike across the North
10 July 2014
SIPTU members along with sister unions in local authorities across the North took part in a one day over pay today (10th July) over pay. The public service worker’s strike was a great show of solidarity and strength with SIPTU members engaging in vibrant pickets along with other unions, according to SIPTU Orgniser Niall McNally.
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SIPTU criticises false claims by Greyhound owner in waste dispute
08 July 2014
SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Owen Reidy, has described as ‘completely misleading and false’ claims by the owner and management of Greyhound Recycling and Recovery that its enforcement of a 35% wage cut on workers is in line with a Labour Court recommendation.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail reject amended Labour Court Recommendation
11 July 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail have voted by 53% to 47% to reject an amended Labour Court Recommendation on a cost cutting plan for the transport company.
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SIPTU members in Roadstone Woods accept Labour Court Recommendation
11 July 2014
SIPTU members in Roadstone Woods Ltd have accepted a Labour Court Recommendation and concluded a three week strike at the building materials company.
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SIPTU seek meeting with Minister for Transport to discuss flawed bus privatisation plan
15 July 2014
SIPTU has written today (Tuesday, 15th July) to the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, seeking an early meeting to discuss plans to tender out up to 10% of routes operated by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus.
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Greyhound workers lockout entering fifth week
14 July 2014
The lockout of workers by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery is entering its fifth week with the solidarity of the men unbroken and the employers’ disinformation campaign being increasingly exposed in the media.
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Construction unions to launch protests at school building sites on Friday, 18th July
18 July 2014
The Construction Group of Unions has announced that it is to stage a number of protests at school buildings and other projects throughout the country as part of its Campaign for Decent Work in the Construction Industry.
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SIPTU puts Irish Rail on notice of industrial action
18 July 2014
SIPTU has placed Irish Rail on notice of the intention of its members to engage in industrial action if the company implements pay cuts to workers on 24th August.
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SIPTU accepts invitation to LRC talks on bus route tendering dispute
18 July 2014
SIPTU has confirmed it will attend talks next week at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) concerning plans to privatise some routes currently operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.
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Unite donates €10,000 to locked out Greyhound Workers’ Support Fund
22 July 2014
Unite Regional Secretary, Jimmy Kelly, presented a cheque for €10,000 to the SIPTU Greyhound Workers’ Support Fund during a visit to the picket line outside the Greyhound Recycling and Recovery headquarters in Crag Avenue, Clondalkin, west Dublin, today (Tuesday, 22nd July).
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SIPTU accuses HSE of being soft on salary compliance
23 July 2014
SIPTU has accused the management of the HSE of being soft on salary compliance for the highest earners following the announcement that many senior managers in Section 38 Health Service Providers are being allowed to maintain salary 'top up' payments.
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Greyhound worker hospitalised with a spinal injury after a suspected hit and run
24 July 2014
A locked out Greyhound worker was hospitalised with a severe spinal injury after being hit by a van as it exited the company’s depot in Knockmitten, west Dublin, on Tuesday, 22nd July.
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SIPTU seeks urgent meeting with liquidator of Berehaven Credit Union
24 July 2014
SIPTU has requested an urgent meeting with the liquidator of Berehaven Credit Union to discuss the redundancy terms of staff members who have lost their jobs after the High Court granted an application by the Central Bank to wind up the financial institution yesterday (Wednesday, 23rd July).
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Cork Young Workers’ Network to protest in support of the locked out Greyhound workers on Saturday
24 July 2014
The Cork Young Workers’ Network is holding a protest in solidarity with the locked out Greyhound workers outside The Peace Park, Grand Parade, Cork, at 3.00 p.m. on Saturday, 26th July.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail to conduct 24 hour work stoppage on 25th August
25 July 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail will launch a campaign of industrial action and participate in a one day work stoppage if the transport company carries out a threat to cut workers wages on Sunday, 24th August.
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Statement of the National Excutive Council of SIPTU condeming the Israeli aggression in Gaza
25 July 2014
The National Executive Council of SIPTU unreservedly condemns the latest Israeli aggression in Gaza which has resulted in the deaths of more than 800 people, the overwhelmingly majority of which are civilian non combatants many of them children, as well as the maiming of thousands of others.
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Christy Moore and Don Baker to play concert in Support of Greyhound workers
29 July 2014
Christy Moore and Don Baker will perform a concert in support of the locked out Greyhound Recycling and Recovery workers in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, on Saturday, 16th August at 8.00p.m.
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SIPTU Shannon Aerospace members accept LRC pension proposals
31 July 2014
SIPTU members at Shannon Aerospace Ltd voted this week by 75% to 25% to accept pension proposals issued by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).
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SIPTU launches discussion paper on four-year plan to resolve housing crisis
01 August 2014
SIPTU has today (Friday, 1st August) launched a ‘Discussion paper on Ireland’s housing crisis’ (attached) which sets out a four year plan to deal with the shortage of adequate social housing in the State.
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Hero binmen call on Greyhound to stop using their names to publicise company
01 August 2014
Greyhound Recycling and Recovery workers who were hailed as heroes for saving a homeless man from being crushed in a refuse collection truck have written to the company requesting that their names and pictures be removed from its website.
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SIPTU calls for research into the health impact of shift work
05 August 2014
SIPTU has called on the Government to commission and fund research on the health risks associated with shift work.
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British trade unionist Anne Scargill visits locked out Greyhound workers
06 August 2014
The co-founder of Women Against Pit Closures, Anne Scargill, visited Greyhound workers at their picket line in Clondalkin, west Dublin, today (Wednesday, 6th August) in a show of solidarity with the SIPTU members who have been locked out of their workplace for eight weeks.
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Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan meets locked out Greyhound workers
07 August 2014
Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, visited locked out Greyhound workers at their picket line outside the Greyhound Recycling and Recovery headquarters in Crag Avenue, Clondalkin, west Dublin, today (Thursday, 7th August).
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SIPTU seeks urgent meeting with management of St. Vincent de Paul
07 August 2014
SIPTU has requested an urgent meeting with the senior management of The Society of St Vincent de Paul to discuss threatened job losses resulting from its decision to close the organisation's Area Office in Drogheda, Co. Louth.
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Locked out Greyhound workers will continue peaceful picket of company
14 August 2014
SIPTU members in Greyhound Recycling and Recovery will continue their peaceful picket of the company’s depots in Crag Avenue, Dublin 22, and Knockmitten Lane, Dublin 12, tomorrow (Friday, 15th August).
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail to conduct 48 hour and 24 hour work stoppages during September
15 August 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail will conduct a 48 hour work stoppage from 12.01 a.m. on Sunday, 7th September, and a further 24 hour work stoppage from 12.01 on Sunday, 21st September, if the transport company carries out a threat to cut workers wages. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “The SIPTU Rail Committee today (Friday, 15th August) decided to issue Irish Rail with notice of two further work stoppages if the company follows through on its stated intention to implement pay cuts without agreement.
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Locked out Greyhound workers receive €10,000 donation and gift cards
19 August 2014
SIPTU members in Greyhound Recycling and Recovery, who have been locked out of their jobs for more than two months, have received gift vouchers for stores with unionsied workforces and a €10,000 donation for their support fund.
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SIPTU expresses concern at number of patients on trolleys at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
19 August 2014
SIPTU has written on (Tuesday, 19th August) to the management of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co. Louth, to express the concern of its members at the number of patients on trolleys in the facility’s Accident and Emergency Department.
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SIPTU attends LRC talks concerning NTA plans to privatise some bus routes
20 August 2014
SIPTU representatives will today (Wednesday, 20th August) attend preliminary talks at the Labour Relations Commission concerning a National Transport Authority (NTA) plan to privatise some bus routes.
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Locked out Greyhound workers address community meeting in East Wall, Dublin
22 August 2014
Locked out Greyhound workers and their partners addressed over 50 local residents at a SIPTU organised meeting in the Sean O’Casey Community Centre, East Wall, Dublin 3, on Wednesday (20th August).
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail left with no option other than industrial action
22 August 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail will engage in a 24-hour work stoppage on Monday, 25th August, if the management of the transport company carries out its threat to introduce pay cuts without agreement.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail conduct work stoppage in response to wage cuts
25 August 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail are today (Monday, 25th August) manning pickets at stations across the rail network as part of a 24-hour work stoppage called in response to a unilateral cut to their wages.
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SIPTU invited by LRC to meeting on Greyhound dispute
26 August 2014
SIPTU has confirmed that it has been invited by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to a meeting tomorrow to update it on the continuing lockout of workers at the Greyhound Recycling and Recovery depots in west Dublin.
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Locked out Greyhound workers to march to Dublin City Hall on Monday
29 August 2014
Locked out Greyhound workers and their families will march to City Hall, Dublin 1, on Monday, 1st September, to demand that the City Council use all its powers to bring to an end the 11-week-old dispute at the waste disposal company.
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Greyhound workers vote to attend LRC talks
02 September 2014
SIPTU members locked out of their jobs at Greyhound Recycling and Recovery have voted today (Tuesday, 2nd September) to accept a Labour Relations Commission (LRC) offer to engage in talks with representatives of the waste disposal company.
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SIPTU expresses sympathy over death of musician John Lynch
02 September 2014
SIPTU members in the Arts and Culture Sector have expressed their sympathy to the family and friends of RTE musician, John Lynch, who tragically died while on holiday in Crete on Friday (29th August).
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SIPTU members to ballot on Irish Rail proposals
03 September 2014
SIPTU members at Irish Rail are to ballot on proposals which emerged from discussions with company management which concluded early today at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).
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Greyhound workers reject proposals to end lockout by significant majority
08 September 2014
SIPTU members at Greyhound Recovery and Recycling have rejected proposals in the long running dispute at the company which emerged from the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) last week.
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Heroes Then and Now
14 September 2014
Oration by SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, to the memory of Limerick’s International Brigade Volunteers Merchant’s Quay, Limerick City and County Hall, Sunday 14th September
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New guidelines for domestic workers employed by diplomatic staff
15 September 2014
Domestic workers employed by foreign diplomatic staff will enjoy increased protection following the publication of new guidelines by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday, 12th September.
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SIPTU President calls for Water Tax Credit in budget
16 September 2014
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called for the introduction of a “Water Tax Credit” in the October budget and has said that under no circumstance should tax reductions be funded by cuts to public expenditure.
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SIPTU nurses to protest at University Hospital Galway tomorrow
16 September 2014
SIPTU nurses will protest outside University Hospital Galway to highlight their concerns over the number of patients on trolleys in the Accident and Emergency Department, tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th September) from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.
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Young Workers' Network warn returning politicians of the crises facing young people
17 September 2014
The Young Workers' Network (YWN) greeted TDs and Senators returning to Leinster House after their summer break with a protest to highlight the impact on young people of the housing crisis and rising costs, on Wednesday, 17th September, at 1.00 p.m.
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Unions say Labour Court recommendation a major breakthrough for residential care staff
18 September 2014
The group of unions representing residential care staff have described a Labour Court recommendation, dealing with sleepover duty as a major breakthrough. The recommendation, issued today (18th Thursday), calls for the recognition of sleepover duty as working time, requires all employers in the sector to comply with the Working Time Act and sets the rate of pay for sleepover duty at not less than the minimum wage of €8.65 per hour. This is an increase of €3.27 on the exisiting hourly rate.
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SIPTU sets out issues it will campaign on in a Vision for Dublin 2020
22 September 2014
The SIPTU Dublin District Council has launched ‘A Vision for Dublin 2020 – Improving Our City’, a document which sets out five priority areas on which union members will campaign over the coming years to improve the city.
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Greyhound workers vote in favour of agreement to end 14-week lockout
22 September 2014
SIPTU members employed by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery voted by a substantial majority in favour of an agreement to end a 14-week long lockout at the company, at a meeting in Liberty Hall, Dublin, this afternoon (Monday, 22nd September).
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SIPTU welcomes launch of Trade Unions ‘Support Poles Abroad’ in Dublin tomorrow
25 September 2014
SIPTU welcomes the launch of the Trade Unions Support Poles Abroad initiative in Ireland which will take place in the Conference Centre of the Communications Workers’ Union, Dublin 1, tomorrow (Friday, 26th September) between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.
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SIPTU members shocked at closure of profitable Beckman Coulter plant in Galway
02 October 2014
The announcement today that the Beckman Coulter plant in Mervue in Galway is to close with the loss of 140 jobs has come as a shock to many of the company’s employees, according to SIPTU Organiser, Frank Jones.
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SIPTU members in Irish Rail vote to accept LRC proposals
03 October 2014
SIPTU members in Irish Rail have voted by 71% to 29% to accept Labour Relations Commission (LRC) proposals in relation to cost containment at the transport company in a ballot counted today (Friday, 3rd October) in Liberty Hall, Dublin.
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SIPTU members at Kerry Women’s Refuge vote for industrial action
07 October 2014
SIPTU members in the Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Services, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute concerning a unilateral change to workers' shift patterns.
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SIPTU calls on hotel and restaurant owners to enter talks on new Joint Labour Committee
08 October 2014
SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King, will outline the reasons why a new Joint Labour Committee (JLC) for the hospitality industry is urgently required when she gives a press briefing in Liberty Hall 1.00 p.m. on Thursday, 9th October. She will also argue why the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, should withdraw the reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% in 2011, as the benefits have not been passed on to customers, employees or the exchequer.
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SIPTU President supports ‘Education IS’ campaign by USI
08 October 2014
SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has endorsed the ‘Education IS’ initiative by the Union of Students in Ireland.
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SIPTU hospital support staff members vote for strike action
10 October 2014
Support Staff in six of Dublin’s major teaching Hospitals have voted by a substantial majority in favour of protective strike action in a dispute over rosters and pay.
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SIPTU call on DSPCA to attend LRC in relation to working hours dispute
11 October 2014
SIPTU has called on the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) to attend a conciliation conference hosted by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to discuss a dispute at the animal welfare charity resulting from a unilateral change to workers hours of employment.
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SIPTU President says Budget 2015 is a positive step but an opportunity missed
14 October 2014
SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor has said that Budget 2015 contains a number of positive measures but represents a missed opportunity to tackle the water charges controversy comprehensively.
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Budget fails to address poverty among young unemployed
15 October 2014
The Young Workers Network has today (Wednesday, 15th October) criticised Budget 2015 for failing to reverse cuts to Jobseekers Allowance for young people which had been imposed in the previous budget.
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SIPTU calls for beginning of a ‘pay recovery process’ for health workers
16 October 2014
SIPTU has called for the Government to begin a process of pay recovery for its members in the Health Sector and the ending of the restrictive FEMPI legislation.
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Neither King nor Kaiser – meeting to commemorate Irish Neutrality League
17 October 2014
Soon after hostilities broke out in Europe in August 1914, the Irish Neutrality League brought together a broad alliance of those opposed to the First World War including:
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'No World Cup in Qatar without Migrant Workers Rights' campaign comes to Ireland
17 October 2014
The Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) brought its global ‘No World Cup in Qatar without Migrant Workers Rights’ campaign to Ireland during the union federation’s European Regional Conference held in Dublin this week.
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SIPTU calls for focus on job creation in Lisheen due to mine wind down
21 October 2014
SIPTU has called on the Government to ensure that new high quality jobs are created in Lisheen, Co. Tipperary, following the agreed wind down of operations at the local mine.
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SIPTU President says Government must step back on water row
21 October 2014
The Government needs to take a step back on the water controversy and find a way of providing the new investment required to deliver a proper supply of treated water in a way that meets with widespread acceptance, if not approval, while retaining it in public ownership and control, SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor has said.
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Speech by SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, at the centenary commemoration of the founding of the Irish Neutrality League
21 October 2014
I want to compliment the Peace and Neutrality Alliance for its initiative in launching two publications and arranging this meeting to mark the centenary of the founding of the Irish Neutrality League in October 1914 by James Connolly, Tom Clarke, Eamon Ceannt, Sean McDiarmada, Joseph Mary Plunkett, Padraig Pearse and Thomas McDonagh, all future signatories of the 1916 proclamation.
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SIPTU members shocked at sudden closure of All-Tex Recyclers in Ballymena
24 October 2014
SIPTU members at the All-Tex Recyclers plant in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, have expressed shock at a management decision to sent its 140 staff home on Thursday (23rd October) with no notice.
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SIPTU NEC statement on water charges
24 October 2014
At its monthly meeting today (Friday 24th October), the National Executive Council of SIPTU agreed the following statement on the issue of water charges.
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SIPTU welcomes reopening of All-Tex Recyclers on Monday
25 October 2014
SIPTU members at the All-Tex Recyclers plant in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, have welcomed the announcement by management that the plant will reopen on Monday (27th October) following its closure on Thursday (23rd October).
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SIPTU calls emergency meeting of language school staff
28 October 2014
SIPTU has called an emergency meeting of the staff of language schools in response to growing uncertainty in the sector. The meeting, which is open to SIPTU members and non-members, will be held in Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Saturday, 1st November, at 11.00 a.m.
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Christy Moore benefit concert raises almost €28,000 for children of Gaza
29 October 2014
A benefit concert by Christy Moore for the children of Gaza has raised €27,871.41 ($34,338.60). The concert held at Vicar Street in Dublin on Sunday 12th October featured musicians Declan Sinnott, Vickie Keating, Jimmy Higgins, Mick Blake and poet, Paula Meehan, along with Christy Moore, and was enjoyed by over 1000 people. The event included a raffle of a print of a painting by artist, Brian Maguire, depicting the death of peace activist Rachel Corrie in Gaza in 2003 and a platinum disc of Christy Moore’s 1978 album ‘The Iron behind the Velvet’.
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SIPTU calls on restoration of pay for all health workers not just consultants
29 October 2014
SIPTU has called on the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, to commit to full pay restoration for lower and middle income health workers who have borne the brunt of cuts in order to maintain services to the public.
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SIPTU public service members welcome decision to delete coercive FEMPI clause
30 October 2014
SIPTU members in the pubic service have welcomed the Government’s decision to delete a section of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009 which gave public service employers the ability to cut workers’ core pay and adjust working hours without agreement.
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SIPTU welcomes beginning of the unwinding of FEMPI legislation
30 October 2014
SIPTU has welcomed the Government’s decision to delete a section of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009 which gave public service employers the ability to cut workers’ core pay and adjust working hours without agreement.
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SIPTU says NMBI fee increase may breach Haddington Road Agreement
31 October 2014
SIPTU and other health sector unions have asked Department of Health officials to examine whether an attempt by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) to increase members’ retention fees from €100 to €150 next year breaches the Haddington Road Agreement.
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SIPTU repeats call on Government to defer water charges
31 October 2014
SIPTU has repeated its call on the Government to defer the water charge payment due in Spring of 2015. SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, said that each family must be guaranteed a free and adequate supply of treated water to meet its normal domestic needs. He said that the Government must find a way of providing for the new investment required to fund the provision of the treated water supply while retaining it in public control and ownership.
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SIPTU calls for cancelling of planned cuts to anti-poverty programme in Dublin
03 November 2014
SIPTU has called on the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to abandon a proposal to cut Dublin’s main anti-poverty programme by more than €740,000 in 2015.
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SIPTU members to begin industrial action at Kerry Women’s Refuge
04 November 2014
SIPTU members in the Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Services, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, will begin industrial action on Tuesday, 18th November, in a dispute concerning a unilateral change to workers' shift patterns.
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Federica Mogherini urged to suspend EU-Israel Association Agreement by 309 human rights groups and unions
06 November 2014
More than 350 human rights groups, trade unions and political parties from across Europe - including 16 from Ireland - have called for the EU to hold Israel accountable for its massacre of Gaza earlier this year by suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the main treaty between the EU and Israel.
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SIPTU Manufacturing Biennial Conference takes place tomorrow
07 November 2014
The biennial delegate conference of the SIPTU Manufacturing Division will take place on Friday, 7th November, in Liberty Hall, Dublin.
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SIPTU calls for compensation for beef plant workers for losses due to IFA blockades
11 November 2014
SIPTU has called for workers in the beef industry to be compensated for the loss of earnings they have suffered as a result of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) blockade on beef processing plants.
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SIPTU calls on management of Kerry Women’s Refuge to refrain from using strikebreakers
14 November 2014
SIPTU has called on the management of the Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Services, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, to refrain from using strikebreakers to undermine industrial action at the facility which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 18th November.
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SIPTU seeks early meeting with Minister over bus privatisation plan
14 November 2014
Following talks at the Labour Relation Commission (LRC) today (Friday 14th November) on proposals to privatise bus services, SIPTU has sought an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe.
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SIPTU calls for zero-hour contracts study to inform essential legal changes
17 November 2014
SIPTU has said the outcome of a study announced today (Monday, 17th November) by Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash, into the prevalence of zero-hour and low-hour contracts must be used by the Government to end these exploitative employment conditions.
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SIPTU calls for replacement of agency health workers with directly employed staff
17 November 2014
SIPTU has called for the Government to implement a policy of replacing agency workers with directly recruited staff following the release of figures indicating that the Department of Health and HSE paid out €238 million to private recruitment companies during 2013.
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SIPTU members will not accept unilateral pay cuts in Irish Water
18 November 2014
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane, has said that SIPTU members in Irish Water will not accept any unilateral changes to their terms and conditions of employment.
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Industrial action at Kerry Women’s Refuge
20 November 2014
SIPTU members in the Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Services, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, commenced industrial action on Tuesday, 18th November, in a dispute concerning a unilateral change to workers' shift patterns.
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SIPTU members welcome Bausch & Lomb investment
20 November 2014
SIPTU members in Bausch & Lomb have welcomed the announcement by its owners, Valeant, to invest €41 million in its Waterford facility over the next 18 months.
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SIPTU NEC response to the Government’s policy on public water supply
21 November 2014
The Government’s initiative of 19th November 2014, while offering clarity and certainty on water charges, will not provide a comprehensive long-term solution for the challenges confronting the development of the public water system.
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SIPTU calls for HSE interns to be given permanent posts
25 November 2014
SIPTU has demanded that workers employed under the HSE support staff intern scheme be made permanent with immediate effect instead of continuing the creeping privatisation of the health service.
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SIPTU describes the HIQA Ambulance Service report as challenging but achievable
02 December 2014
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) are studying the recommendations contained in the HIQA “Review of pre-hospital emergency care services” which they have described as “challenging but achievable”.
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Irish Equity warns members of unscrupulous activities of film companies
02 December 2014
Irish Equity has called on members to display caution before committing to projects due to the unscrupulous activities of some production companies which include false claims about the other actors involved and the underpayment or non-payment of fees.
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SIPTU concern at HEA findings on gender divide in academic appointments
03 December 2014
SIPTU members have expressed disappointment and concern at the findings of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) review of the gender divide in senior academic posts across publicly funded higher education institutions. The HEA review has confirmed that while the overall academic staff gender divide in higher education is 50/50, males significantly outnumber females in senior posts.
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Statement by the National Executive Council of SIPTU on the Right2Water Protest
05 December 2014
The SIPTU NEC statement of 21st November 2014 concluded: “Therefore, in the absence of a declaration by the Government of its intention to provide every household with an adequate supply of water to meet all its domestic needs, at no direct cost, while retaining a tariff on non-essential use only and to legislate for a Referendum to prohibit privatisation, we will work with other trade unions and civil society organisations, including those involved in Right2Water, to campaign through peaceful protests and other democratic actions, to achieve these objectives”.
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Unions seek urgent meeting with Bord Na Móna management over AES sale
08 December 2014
The Bord Na Móna Group of Unions has requested an urgent meeting with management to discuss a reported plan to sell its subsidiary waste collection company, AES, which was disclosed in a newspaper report on Sunday (7th December).
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SIPTU calls on Government to respect Labour Court recommendation on community sector talks
09 December 2014
SIPTU has called on the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to respect a Labour Court recommendation, published on Thursday, 4th December, which states that policy makers should enter into talks with unions on the future of jobs in the community sector.
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SIPTU academic staff at NUI Galway to vote on equality audit
11 December 2014
SIPTU members on the academic staff of NUI Galway will vote on 8th January on a proposal to call for an external body to carry out a comprehensive equality audit throughout the university to reassure workers that gender equality is practised within the institution.
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SIPTU members reject pension proposals at DAA and SAA by huge majority
15 December 2014
SIPTU members in the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have voted by an overwhelming majority against management proposals to resolve the pensions dispute in the company.
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SIPTU says new law on collective bargaining a positive step for Irish workers
16 December 2014
SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, has said that cabinet approval today for proposed new legislation on collective bargaining can help to improve the terms and conditions of employment for very many Irish workers. She was responding to confirmation from the Government that the cabinet has agreed a revised Heads of Bill on a collective bargaining law which is expected to be enacted by mid-2015.
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Alicia Brady’s death to be commemorated on Pearse Street
17 December 2014
At 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 18th December, the Young Worker’s Network and the SIPTU Dublin District Council will hold a commemoration to mark the 101st anniversary of the day striker ,Alicia Brady, was struck by a bullet during the 1913 Lockout.
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Alicia Brady’s death to be commemorated on Pearse Street
17 December 2014
At 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 18th December, the Young Worker’s Network and the SIPTU Dublin District Council will hold a commemoration to mark the 101st anniversary of the day striker, Alicia Brady, was struck by a bullet during the 1913 Lockout.
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SIPTU General President calls for referendum on public ownership of water
02 November 2014
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called on the Government to promote a referendum to amend the constitution to prohibit the privatisation of public water supply.
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SIPTU Head Office 
Liberty Hall
Dublin 1
Tel: 01-8586300
Fax: 01-6865567