Press Releases 2023

SIPTU members angry over threat to Shannon Heritage jobs

24 November 2023

SIPTU has said that the proposed outsourcing of Shannon Heritage DAC staff will result in redundancies at some of Ireland's most iconic tourist sites.
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SIPTU calls for solidarity with victims of Dublin attack and against far right violence

24 November 2023

SIPTU members have expressed their solidarity with the victims of the vicious attack on Parnell Square in Dublin yesterday and, in particular, of the young girl and childcare worker who were so badly injured. SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King also commended the extraordinary courage and commitment of first responders on what he described as a dark day and night for Dublin.
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SIPTU condemns Tara Mines management as negotiations fail to agree path forward

21 November 2023

SIPTU representatives have condemned the Tara Mines management for its "abject failure" after weeks of negotiations failed to agree a facilitation process.
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Workers at "iconic" tourist sites shocked over Clare County Council outsourcing

20 November 2023

SIPTU members working with Shannon Heritage DAC have said they are shocked at the decision by Clare County Council to outsource the food and beverage, and retail jobs at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience.
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Greg Ennis elected SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector

15 November 2023

Greg Ennis has been elected as SIPTU's Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector at the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway.
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Irish Government may be "complicit in genocide," Palestinian leader says

15 November 2023

The Irish Government could be "complicit" in the genocide that the Israeli government is carrying out against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway was told today.
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"We need a union revival," Mick Lynch tells SIPTU conference

15 November 2023

A trade union revival is needed to push back the "global attack on workers' rights", RMT union General Secretary told SIPTU's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today.
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SIPTU calls for RTÉ job cuts to be reversed

14 November 2023

SIPTU has called for the 400 job cuts announced by RTÉ management as part of its 'New Direction for RTÉ' to be reversed.
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Trade unions must be at the heart of Irish unity debate, SIPTU says

14 November 2023

Trade unions must be at the heart of the debate over Irish reunification, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack, told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today.
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SIPTU acknowledges invitation to public sector pay talks

14 November 2023

SIPTU has acknowledged the invitation by Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, to enter negotiations with the Government on the potential for a new public service pay agreement under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
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SIPTU conference calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

14 November 2023

Delegates at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) have called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in Gaza. The delegates passed the emergency motion proposed by Cathal Rogers of the Meath District Council of the union at the conference in Galway today.
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SIPTU leader says Ireland needs new economic model

13 November 2023

Ireland needs a new economic model to meet the immense challenges of the twenty-first century, SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway.
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SIPTU vows to fight for a workers' agenda in general election

13 November 2023

SIPTU will head into the next general election aiming to fight for a workers' agenda, its Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today.
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SIPTU criticises FAI "double standards" over CEO pay scandal

13 November 2023

SIPTU members working in the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have criticised the organisation's "double standards" after recent pay revelations surrounding its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jonathan Hill.
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Irish Equity to fight for "equal rights" after SAG-AFTRA deal

10 November 2023

Irish Equity, the union representing professionals in the live performance and theatre sector in the Republic of Ireland, has congratulated its counterpart union in the United States, SAG-AFTRA, on the successful conclusion of their strike action.
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SIPTU slams Neart Le Chéile "disrespect" after failure to meet workers

08 November 2023

SIPTU has condemned the actions of Neart Le Chéile after its board refused to meet or communicate with workers facing redundancy.
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Proposed Pfizer redundancies part of "worrying trend," SIPTU says

07 November 2023

SIPTU has called on Pfizer management to meet with the union over today's announcement that the company plans to roll out voluntary redundancies at its Newbridge facility.
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SIPTU calls on minister to expand radiation therapist places or face major crisis

26 October 2023

The Government must urgently expand the number of third-level places in radiation therapy or face a major crisis, SIPTU warned the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, today.
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SIPTU calls for change to Jobseeker's Benefit as Tara Mines workers face poverty

26 October 2023

SIPTU has called for the immediate introduction of pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit to prevent workers like those in Tara Mines "falling into poverty."
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SIPTU members in local authorities demand talks on public service pay

25 October 2023

SIPTU’s Local Authority Sector Committee have condemned the ongoing failure by the Government to engage with the Public Service Unions in relation to a successor agreement to Building Momentum, which expires at the end of the year. While the Government pat themselves on the back for growing exchequer finances, they have ignored the requirements of our members, who are amongst the lowest paid public servants and are struggling to make ends meet in the middle of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
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SIPTU calls for Jobseeker's safeguards for Tara Mines workers

19 October 2023

SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to extend emergency legislation to safeguard Jobseeker's Benefit for workers in Tara Mines, county Meath.
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SIPTU calls for "urgent" meeting as 542 jobs at risk in Nestlé Askeaton plant

19 October 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with Nestlé Wyeth Nutritionals management following today's shock announcement that the company plans to close the Askeaton plant in county Limerick in the first quarter of 2026 with a potential loss of 542 jobs.
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SIPTU seeks "urgent" meeting with HSE over recruitment freeze

13 October 2023

SIPTU Health Division has called for an urgent meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health following the decision to implement a recruitment freeze on many grades represented by the union within the health service.
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SIPTU radiographers disappointed at HSE response to Galway hospitals’ staffing crisis

12 October 2023

SIPTU radiographers at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have expressed their disappointment at the response from management at a meeting today (12thOctober) to discuss staffing levels.
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SIPTU radiographers in Galway vote for industrial action

09 October 2023

Radiographers in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action up to and including strike action in a dispute over safe staffing levels. The result follows months of frustration over recruitment and retention issues at the two hospital sites which have left SIPTU members facing a significant extra workload amid a 20 percent staffing deficit.
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SIPTU and other trade unions threaten strike action over Translink funding fears

03 October 2023

SIPTU and other trade unions at Translink have written to Denis McMahon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Infrastructure, to express the union's concern over the financial sustainability of Northern Ireland public transport company.
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SIPTU calls for "urgent" government intervention as Living Wage rises

28 September 2023

SIPTU has welcomed today's announcement by the Living Wage Technical Group (LWTG) that its calculation of the Living Wage for Ireland has risen to €14.80. This new figure comes in response to the skyrocketing cost of living and calls for urgent government intervention.
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SIPTU demands childcare employers go further on pay

26 September 2023

SIPTU representatives are calling on childcare employers to restart pay talks after an unacceptable proposal for a rate of €13.65 per hour for qualified Early Years Educators was made at the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) yesterday (25th September).
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SIPTU to escalate GMC Engineering dispute after talks fail

20 September 2023

SIPTU has described the management of GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering as "not serious" about finding a resolution to their industrial dispute.
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Bord na Móna unions condemn "double standards" over CEO package

19 September 2023

The Group of Unions (GOU) representing Bord na Móna workers has condemned the "double standards" of the semi-state's management after revelations that the company paid a benefit-in-kind tax bill for the €127,000 electric BMW used by the CEO and for his health insurance at a cost of €64,000.
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SIPTU condemns Bord na Móna "arrogance and hypocrisy" over CEO revelations

18 September 2023

SIPTU, the union representing the majority of workers in Bord na Móna, has condemned the "arrogance and hypocrisy" of the semi-state's management after revelations that the company paid a benefit-in-kind tax bill for the €127,000 electric BMW used by the CEO and for his health insurance at a cost of €64,000.
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SIPTU welcomes construction sector SEO pay rise

18 September 2023

SIPTU welcomes today's application of the construction sector SEO, which will see an increase of 1.9% in the minimum hourly rates of pay for workers.
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GMC picketing suspended after intervention by WRC

15 September 2023

SIPTU has announced that the union has suspended its pickets at GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering today (15th September) following an agreement to enter talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
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Gas supply disruption warning as SIPTU members in GMC to strike

12 September 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Tuesday, 12th September) confirmed that last-ditch talks to avoid an all-out strike of members at GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering have collapsed. This means that strike action will commence from tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 13th September) as planned.
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SIPTU calls for "urgent" government intervention over rising inflation

07 September 2023

Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures released today showing inflation rising to 6.3% will send a shockwave through workplaces across Ireland, according to SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack.
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SIPTU members in GMC Engineering to begin nationwide strike

07 September 2023

SIPTU members at gas network infrastructure company, GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering, will commence nationwide strike action next Wednesday (September 13th) following the company's failure to implement recommendations arising from an agreed industrial relations process.
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SIPTU welcomes new ERO for contract security industry

05 September 2023

SIPTU members have welcomed the new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the contract security industry which takes effect this week.
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SIPTU Retained Fire Fighters accept WRC proposals to resolve dispute

05 September 2023

SIPTU Retained Fire Fighters have today (Tuesday, September 5th) voted to accept proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to resolve their industrial dispute. This follows intensive consultation last week and a secret ballot.
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SIPTU outlines five key priorities for childcare in Budget 2024

31 August 2023

SIPTU representatives today (Thursday, 31st August) launched the union's pre-Budget submission on childcare outlining five priorities for the sector.
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Markievicz/Partridge summer school to focus on valuing care work

28 August 2023

On Friday, 1st September, the SIPTU Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon (SLR) District Council will launch its annual Markievicz/Partridge summer school in the Southern Hotel, Sligo.
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SIPTU members in Clonmel and Waterford reach agreement in Iceland dispute

26 August 2023

SIPTU members working in the Clonmel and Waterford branches of Iceland have today (Saturday, 26th August) reached an agreement with the examiner to fast-track their statutory redundancy payments and secure all outstanding monies owed to them.
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SIPTU negotiates advanced pay rise for Altrad construction sector workers

23 August 2023

Following a postal ballot of members, an agreement has been reached today (Wednesday, August 23rd) between Altrad Services (Ireland) and SIPTU representatives which brings forward improvements in pay for construction sector workers.
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SIPTU calls for immediate meeting over Iceland Waterford "scandal"

23 August 2023

SIPTU has called for an immediate meeting with the examiner responsible for Iceland supermarkets in Ireland over outstanding entitlements to wages, holiday pay and redundancy pay. The call follows an abrupt order to close the Waterford store yesterday evening (Tuesday, August 22nd).
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SIPTU suspends Retained Fire Fighters strike following WRC offer

17 August 2023

Late night talks (Wednesday, August 16th) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) have resulted in an offer of improved terms for Retained Fire Fighters in a bid to resolve the current strike. As a result, SIPTU has decided to suspend strike action while these terms are considered and voted upon.
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SIPTU calls on Government to clarify position on social protection for Retained Fire Fighters

11 August 2023

In the wake of the escalating fire service dispute, SIPTU today (Thursday, August 10th) wrote to the Government to request clarification on whether social protection payments were being deliberately blocked for Retained Fire Fighters.
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SIPTU representatives to hold national consultation for the escalation of the retained fire services dispute

02 August 2023

The SIPTU National Retained Fire Fighter Committee has agreed to undertake a national consultation at all retained fire stations as strike action continues around the country.
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Minister must move to immediately sign Contract Security ERO following lifting of High Court injunction

31 July 2023

SIPTU members have welcomed the lifting of a High Court injunction which has delayed the implementation of the Contract Security Industry Employment Regulation Order (ERO) since 24th August 2022.
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SIPTU seeks immediate engagement with HSE regarding recommendations in the CAMHS report

28 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Friday 28th July) sought immediate engagement with the Health Service Executive (HSE) over the implementation of the Independent Review of the Provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the State by the Inspector of Mental Health Services.
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Unions, Academics and Conservationists combine to stop sale of Derrinlough Briquette factory

27 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have accused Bord na Móna of breaking the terms of the agreement entered into in relation the closure of Derrinlough Briquette factory and engaging in an act of industrial vandalism.
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Fire service management is to blame for chaotic scenes in fire stations nationwide, says SIPTU

27 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have said today (Friday, 28th July) that fire service management must take sole responsibility for the chaotic scenes seen in fire stations around the country following the commencement of strike action in the retained fire service.
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SIPTU calls for rapid roll out of proposed new rail links

25 July 2023

SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, has said that new rail links proposed by transport minister, Eamon Ryan, must be rolled out much more rapidly than in the timescale envisaged.
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SIPTU says further solutions needed to address staffing issues in home care sector

21 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to engage in meaningful dialogue to seek comprehensive solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis in the home support sector.
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Unions call on Government to immediately intervene on Section 39 pay dispute

19 July 2023

SIPTU, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and Fórsa representatives, have today (Wednesday 19th July) expressed their deep and intense frustration with the Government over its failure to resolve a long standing pay dispute involving thousands of Section 39, Section 10 and Section 56 workers.
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Thursday 20th July: SIPTU to erect RESPECT banner on Liberty Hall supporting the Women’s Football Team

18 July 2023

Photocall: 10.15 a.m. outside Liberty Hall with RESPECT campaign supporters 11.00 a.m. Live screening of the Ireland v Australia match in Liberty Hall Theatre (Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite`).
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SIPTU retained firefighters express major disappointment at Labour Court recommendation

11 July 2023

The SIPTU National Retained Firefighter Committee has expressed major disappointment at the terms of a Labour Court recommendation in relation to their dispute concerning staff and other issues in the service, following a meeting today (Tuesday, 11thJuly).
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SIPTU members in RTÉ call for action to back words of new Director General

11 July 2023

SIPTU members employed in RTÉ met today (Tuesday, 11th July) at its headquarters in Donnybrook in Dublin to discuss the ongoing crisis at the national broadcaster and the arrival of the new Director General, Kevin Bakhurst.
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SIPTU members formally employed by Rehab vote to accept redundancy terms

07 July 2023

SIPTU members formally employed at the Rehab Enterprises logistics centre in Raheen, county Limerick, have voted to accept a redundancy package from the company following a successful protest campaign to highlight its breach of a collective agreement.
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Irish Equity says it’s time to ‘reset the clock’ as it welcomes RTÉ review process

06 July 2023

Irish Equity has said that it is time to ‘reset the clock’ at RTÉ and has committed its members to full engagement with the review that has been announced by the Government at the national broadcaster in response to the growing scandal in relation to its governance.
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SIPTU has called on the Government to urgently intervene in Tara Mines crisis

06 July 2023

SIPTU has called on the Government to take immediate action to attempt to resolve the crisis facing workers, their families and the economy which will result from a temporary closure of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath, which is scheduled to commence on 14th July.
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ICTU to debate emergency motion on Government intervention in Tara Mines dispute tomorrow

05 July 2023

The ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference will tomorrow (Thursday, 6th July) debate an emergency motion calling for an immediate and major intervention by the Government to protect the continued operation of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath.
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SIPTU Deputy General Secretary calls for radical overhaul of Unfair Dismissals Act

05 July 2023

SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, has called for a radical overhaul of the Unfair Dismissals Act to ensure that employers can no longer find it “cheap and easy to fire union activists”.
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SIPTU Deputy General Secretary tells ICTU conference that a new economic model is needed for social progress

04 July 2023

The trade union movement must develop a long-term industrial and enterprise strategy that prioritises prosperity, equality, better public services and improved living standards, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, told the ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference taking place in Kilkenny today (Tuesday, 4th July).
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SIPTU meet management concerning threatened job losses at BD plant in Drogheda

04 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have met with management at the BD medical technology manufacturing plant in Drogheda, county Louth, to discuss an announcement that it intends to implement up to 60 job losses.
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SIPTU talks with Government to continue on Tara Mines temporary closure threat

04 July 2023

SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to expedite measures to protect the livelihoods of members employed at Tara Mines and the long-term future of the facility in county Meath, following a meeting with ministers this afternoon (Monday, 3rd July).
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SIPTU to attend talks with government and WRC next week concerning threat to Tara Mines

30 June 2023

SIPTU representatives will attend talks with government representatives on Monday (3rd July) and separate discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Tuesday (4th July) concerning issues relating to the threatened temporary closure of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath.
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SIPTU members angered at temporary closure of Tara Mines and call for government action

28 June 2023

SIPTU members employed in Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath, have expressed anger at the rejection of union proposals to prevent the temporary closure of the facility which is now scheduled to commence on 14th July. They have called on the Government to act in order to alleviate the devasting impact it could have on their livelihoods and the local economy.
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SIPTU members in RTÉ call on former Director General to respect public and attend Oireachtas hearings

27 June 2023

SIPTU members employed in RTÉ, where it is the largest union organising over 700 members of staff, have called on its former Director General to respect the public and attend upcoming Oireachtas hearings concerning the hidden payments scandal at the broadcaster.
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SIPTU says swift action and genuine accountability essential in RTÉ payments scandal

23 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have said that swift action and genuine accountability are essential if the crisis in trust for station staff and the public concerning financial governance in RTÉ is to begin to be allayed following the emergence of hidden payments at the national broadcaster.
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SIPTU members in National Symphony Orchestra refer workplace issues to WRC

22 June 2023

SIPTU members employed in the National Symphony Orchestra have referred issues related to health and safety concerns to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) following a failure of management to engage with union representatives on the matter.
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SIPTU members secure pandemic recognition payment following day of action

21 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 21st June) confirmed that the €1000 pandemic recognition payment has been paid to hundreds of members working as contract cleaners in hospitals following a public protest last week by the ‘Forgotten Frontline Heroes Campaign’.
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SIPTU warns of crisis due to pay disparity in public and private home care services

21 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 21st June) warned that the disparity in pay between workers in public and private home care services is leading to a staffing crisis in the sector which is severely affecting vulnerable clients.
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SIPTU says mental health services at breaking point due to lack of staff and burnout

20 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have highlighted the threat to the operation of mental health services through lack of staff and worker burnout at a Policy Forum for Ireland online seminar, on the ‘Next steps for mental health services in Ireland’ which took place today (Tuesday, 20th June).
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Pension Promise coalition to demand state pension at 34% of average earnings

19 June 2023

SIPTU representatives will join the National Women’s Council, Age Action, Active Retirement Ireland and members of the Senior Citizen’s Parliament to launch a Pension Promise campaign in Dublin today (Monday, 19th June). The campaign is demanding that the Government honours its promise of a state pension rate of 34% of average earnings and to halt the alarming number of people experiencing real pension poverty in Ireland.
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SIPTU retained firefighters suspend industrial action to allow for Labour Court hearing

19 June 2023

SIPTU members employed in the Retained Fire Service have suspended their industrial action in order to allow for a Labour Court hearing concerning the dispute to take place next Monday (26th June) at 10.00 a.m. in Lansdowne House, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4.
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SIPTU to begin intensive talks with Tara Mines management on Monday

16 June 2023

SIPTU representatives will begin an intensive engagement with the management of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath, on Monday (19th June) to discuss alternatives to its proposal to temporarily close the facility and place approximately 650 directly employed staff on layoff.
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SIPTU serves notice of strike action by water workers on local authorities

15 May 2023

SIPTU representatives have confirmed today that they have served notice of strike and industrial action on 30 local authorities around the country.
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“Forgotten” frontline workers demand Taoiseach honours Covid bonus commitment

15 June 2023

SIPTU members working in contract cleaning and security across Ireland are demanding that an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar intervene to honour a commitment made to all essential frontline health workers in respect of the pandemic recognition payment.
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Mass resignation of Retained Firefighters to begin due to Government intransigence

15 June 2023

SIPTU members employed as retained firefighters will begin to resign from the service in large numbers from the beginning of next week, the Government has been warned by SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O Loughlin.
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Unions meet with Tara Mines management to demand it reconsider layoffs

14 June 2023

SIPTU representatives were among a Tara Mines Group of Unions delegation which met with management this morning (Wednesday, 14th June) at Tara Mines, Navan, county Meath, to request that the company reconsider its decision to temporarily cease operations at the facility and lay off staff.
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SIPTU Retained Firefighters outraged by Minister’s dismissive attitude to service in crisis

14 June 2023

SIPTU members employed as retained firefighters have reacted with outrage to the response of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, to their demands for immediate action to stem a recruitment and retention crisis which is threatening the future of the vital emergency service.
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SIPTU members are shocked at announcement of lay-offs at Tara Mines

13 June 2023

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, has said that workers at Tara mines are shocked and disappointed following the announcement by the company that it is to halt production and lay-off 650 employees in the coming weeks.
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SIPTU Retained Firefighter strike starts tomorrow with up to 50% of stations in service closed

12 June 2023

SIPTU Retained Firefighter members will begin co-ordinated strike action tomorrow (Tuesday, 13th June) which will result in up to 50% of fire stations in the service closing in a dispute concerning a staff crisis which threatens this vital community resource.
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SIPTU says Nuremore Hotel liquidation shows more protections needed for workers

12 May 2023

SIPTU representatives held a general meeting of workers formerly employed at the Nuremore Hotel and Country Club in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, yesterday (Thursday, 11th May) to brief them on the appointment of a liquidator to the business’s operating company.
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SIPTU expresses condolences on death of worker following Stryker plant accident

09 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have expressed sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of John Murphy following his death due to injuries he received in a workplace accident at the Stryker plant at Anngrove in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, on 18th April.
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SIPTU calls on employers to show leadership on Early Years pay deal

08 June 2023

SIPTU representatives have tonight (Thursday, 8th June) called on childcare services employers groups to show the leadership necessary to conclude a pay deal for workers in the sector at ongoing talks at the Early Years Joint Labour Committee which are taking place in Dublin.
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SIPTU joins unions across EU to demand end to exploitation of construction workers

06 June 2023

SIPTU members will join with construction workers from across the EU in a call for the European Commission to take action to limit and curtail exploitation in sub-contracting chains in the construction sector at a protest in Brussels, Belgium, tomorrow (Wednesday, 7th June).
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Water Services strike averted as Government concedes to SIPTU members’ demands

02 June 2023

A nationwide strike by SIPTU members in local authority water services has been averted following the decision by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, to concede to their demands to have all their earnings protected if they do not transfer to Uisce Éireann.
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SIPTU says local authorities have failed to warn public on pending water and retained fire service disputes.

01 June 2023

SIPTU members who work for local authorities in water services and in the Retained Fire Service have called on their employers to ensure that the public is prepared for any disruption caused by industrial and action due to commence next week.
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Cork City Council community wardens to begin industrial action on Friday

25 May 2023

Cork City Council community wardens will commence a campaign of industrial action, including a picket on the headquarters of the local authority at City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, on Friday (26th May) at 9.00 a.m., in a dispute concerning the failure to have their work roles adequately evaluated.
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SIPTU members in Tara Mines call on Minister to meet with union to discuss drilling licence

16 May 2023

SIPTU members employed in Tara Mines attended a general meeting in the New Grange Hotel in Navan, county Meath, on Monday (15th May) to discuss a proposed pay deal, the need to renew a drilling licence for the facility and other issues affecting its operation.
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Irish Equity welcomes Oireachtas Committee recommendations on Film Tax Credit

12 May 2023

Irish Equity has called for the full implementation of the recommendations contained in a report issued this week by the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight concerning the operation of the Section 481-Film Tax Credit, saying they will benefit workers and tax payers.
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Cork rally told housing crisis will only be resolved by the election of a left-wing government

10 June 2023

At the Raise the Roof campaign rally in Cork city this afternoon (Saturday, 10th June), SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said that the worsening housing crisis will only be resolved by the election of a left-wing government to replace the current failed coalition.
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SIPTU Radiation therapists forced to work extended days to complete cancer treatments

11 May 2023

SIPTU members employed as radiation therapists are struggling to provide cancer treatments within the working day.
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​SIPTU welcomes transfer of Shannon Heritage sites in county Clare to local authority control

11 May 2023

SIPTU members employed in Shannon Heritage sites in county Clare have welcomed the conclusion this week of an agreement which will see management of their facilities taken over by the local authority.
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Trade unions demand remunicipalisation of waste services

10 May 2023

Trade unions and Councillors from Dublin City Council will today (Wednesday, 10th May) demand the remunicipalisation of waste services at a cross party briefing in Leinster House.
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SIPTU seeks clarity from Eamon Ryan on renewal of drilling licence at Tara Mines

09 May 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, to seek clarity on the renewal of a drilling licence necessary for the operation at Tara Mines.
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SIPTU members to commence industrial action in local authority water services on 7th June

09 May 2023

SIPTU members working in water services in local authorities across the country will begin a campaign of industrial action on 7th June in a dispute concerning the protection of their earnings as the utility is moved to the control of Uisce Éireann.
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SIPTU seeks clarity from Eamon Ryan on renewal of drilling licence at Tara Mines

09 May 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, to seek clarity on the renewal of a drilling licence necessary for the operation at Tara Mines.
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SIPTU seeks clarity from Eamon Ryan on renewal of drilling licence at Tara Mines

09 May 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, to seek clarity on the renewal of a drilling licence necessary for the operation at Tara Mines.
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SIPTU serves notice of two work stoppages on GMC engineering during May

08 May 2023

SIPTU representatives have served notice for industrial action on gas network infrastructure company, GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering, which will include one-day work stoppages on Friday, 19th and 26th May, in a dispute concerning pay and protecting conditions of employment.
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SIPTU community sector workers vote for 5% pay rise

28 April 2023

SIPTU members employed in community sector organisations funded by the Department of Social Protection have overwhelmingly voted to accept a 5% pay rise this year. The agreement also includes a mechanism for the workers to negotiate future wage increases.
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SIPTU survey of radiation therapists reveals looming staffing crisis in cancer services

26 April 2023

A SIPTU survey of radiation therapists has found that cancer services in both public and private hospitals are facing into significant staffing issues due to most respondents saying they intend to leave the profession within the next five years.
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SIPTU demands urgent meeting with Stryker following fire today at its Carrigtwohill plant

25 April 2023

SIPTU members employed at the Stryker plants in Carrigtwohill, county Cork, have expressed grave safety concerns following a fire today (Tuesday, 25th April) at its Tullagreen site, which resulted in workers being evacuated and the Cork Fire Service responding to the incident.
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SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service begin ballot for strike action

24 April 2023

SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have begun a ballot for strike action in a dispute regarding the failure of the HSE to fully implement a series of reforms which would benefit this vital public service.
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SIPTU water workers in Limerick Cork, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown and Fingal vote for strike action

20 April 2023

As SIPTU members in the water services ballot around the country to protect earnings for workers not transferring to isce Eireann but remaining in their local authorities, early results from Limerick, Cork, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown and Fingal confirm huge support for strike action.
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SIPTU to consult with members concerning new SEO for construction industry

20 April 2023

SIPTU representatives will consult with union members concerning a new Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction industry which contains increases to minimum wage rates but does not reinstate travel time allowances.
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SIPTU says domestic waste sector needs radical reform

20 April 2023

Following the announcement by waste company, Panda Recycling, that it is to increase its charge for compost bin collection in Dublin, SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, has said that the entire domestic waste collection sector is in need of radical overhaul.
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SIPTU survey finds childcare staffing crisis leading to stress and burnout among workers

20 April 2023

The annual SIPTU survey of staff in the childcare sector has found that a majority have experienced increased stress and burn out issues due to a shortage of qualified workers in their services, with low pay identified as the main issue preventing recruitment.
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SIPTU requests urgent meeting with Stryker management following serious accident at Cork plant

19 April 2023

SIPTU members have expressed their deepest sympathies to two workers who were seriously injured at the Stryker plant at Anngrove in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, yesterday (Tuesday 18th April).
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SIPTU requests urgent meeting with Stryker management following serious accident at Cork plant

19 April 2023

SIPTU members have expressed their deepest sympathies to two workers who were seriously injured at the Stryker plant at Anngrove in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, yesterday (Tuesday 18th April).
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Unions to attend WRC to discuss pay for staff in community and voluntary health and care services

06 April 2023

The three unions representing staff working in community and voluntary sector agencies funded by the HSE - Fórsa, the INMO and SIPTU - have confirmed the unions will attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday 17th April.
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Retired SIPTU health service members write to HSE seeking payment of pension arrears

31 March 2023

Members of the SIPTU Sligo Leitrim Roscommon District Council have today (Friday, 31st March) written to the HSE Head of Superannuation seeking payment of arrears in pensions for retired health service staff.
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Irish Equity calls for EU protections of intellectual property rights for artists in Ireland

13 April 2023

Irish Equity has called for the complete extension to Ireland of EU protections for intellectual property rights for performers in order to end practices which are denying these workers ongoing earnings from their work.
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SIPTU calls for investment in healthcare workers on World Health Day

06 April 2023

To mark World Health Day (7th April), the SIPTU Health Division has called for more investment in the working conditions of all healthcare workers to be prioritised. Union members are seeking to end the unfair system in which support workers in the public health service receive less financial supports than other healthcare colleagues when they are the victim of an assault in the workplace. SIPTU members are also seeking a replacement scheme to financially assist those are suffering with the impact of Long Covid and fair pay for workers in Section 39 agencies.
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SIPTU member wins €12,000 for being made redundant after maternity leave

29 March 2023

A SIPTU member has secured an award of €12,000 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) after she was made redundant following her return to work after a period of maternity leave at Edmundson Electric (Ireland) Limited in Waterford City.
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SIPTU to hold meeting with Cartamundi management over ‘shocking’ closure plan

23 March 2023

SIPTU representatives will hold a formal meeting with the management of Cartamundi in Waterford next week to discuss the proposed closure of the company in August with the loss of 240 jobs.
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Keep Water Public protest calls for referendum on water services in November

22 March 2023

The Keep Water Public Campaign called on the Government to hold a vote on the public ownership of water services, alongside the gender equality referendum in November 2023, at a protest today (Wednesday, 22nd March) outside Leinster House in Dublin.
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SIPTU members protest and deliver letter to Minister demanding action on Rehab redundancies

21 March 2023

SIPTU members formerly employed by Rehab Enterprises protested in Limerick City this afternoon (Tuesday, 21st March) and delivered a letter into the office of Minister of State, Kieran O’Donnell, demanding action to ensure they are paid their outstanding redundancy entitlements.
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SIPTU says new figures indicate crisis in childcare is driven by low pay in sector

16 March 2023

SIPTU has stated that new figures obtained by the union clearly indicate that the staffing crisis in the childcare sector is not driven by a lack of qualified educators in Ireland but low pay forcing many to leave their chosen profession.
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St. Cronan’s Association staff call for inclusion in pandemic payment scheme

20 March 2023

SIPTU members employed as day services staff by the St. Cronan’s Association, which provides support to adults living with intellectual disabilities at four facilities in the Midlands, have called for their inclusion in the Pandemic Special Recognition Payment (PSRP) scheme.
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SIPTU members support move to appoint liquidator to Nuremore Hotel

16 March 2023

SIPTU members employed at the Nuremore Hotel and Country Club in Carrickmacross, county Monaghan, have formally applied to appoint a liquidator to the company, the application is listed to be heard in the High Court on Monday, 27th March.
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SIPTU members formerly employed by Rehab to protest in Limerick on Tuesday

15 March 2023

SIPTU members formerly employed at the Rehab Enterprises logistics centre in Raheen, county Limerick, and their supporters, will protest outside the RehabCare office, Parnell Street, Limerick City on Tuesday (21st March) at 1.00 p.m.
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SIPTU calls on Minister for Health to end disparity in payments to assaulted healthcare workers

15 March 2023

SIPTU representatives have written to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today (Wednesday, 15th March), seeking action by him to address the disparity in payments to public healthcare workers who are victims of serious physical assault in the workplace.
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SIPTU calls for Minister for Education to ensure union access to school building sites

15 March 2023

SIPTU representatives are calling on the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, to ensure that union organisers have access to publicly funded school building sites, to brief workers on their legal rights and entitlements, following the repeated refusal by one company to allow such visits.
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SIPTU calls for referenda on water services and gender equality to be held on same day

13 March 2023

The SIPTU Water Committee, composed of local authority workers involved in the provision of water services, has called on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to clarify his position on holding a vote on maintaining the public ownership of water services alongside other referenda later this year.
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Nuremore Hotel workers refer outstanding issues with absentee employer to WRC

03 March 2023

Workers employed at the Nuremore Hotel and Country Club in Carrickmacross, county Monaghan, have voted to refer all their outstanding issues with their employer, with whom they have had no contact since 1st January, to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
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SIPTU calls for action on ambulance staffing crisis to be highlighted in Dáil debates

28 February 2023

SIPTU members have called for urgent action to be taken by the Government on the worsening staffing crisis in ambulance services which will be debated in the Dáil this evening (Tuesday, 28th February) and tomorrow (Wednesday, 1st March).
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SIPTU renews calls for Minister to intervene in ambulance service staffing crisis

22 February 2023

SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have renewed their call for the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to directly intervene to ensure the recommendations of an independent review are implemented as part of a solution to a worsening staffing crisis in the service.
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SIPTU supports Seanad motion on equality for healthcare staff assaulted at work

22 February 2023

The SIPTU Health Division has called on all parties to back a motion that will be tabled in Seanad Éireann this evening (Wednesday, 22nd February) which seeks supports for healthcare staff, who suffer an assault in the workplace, to be based on equality of access and not the grade of the worker involved.
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SIPTU demands payment of outstanding wages of Nuremore Hotel workers

10 February 2023

SIPTU members employed at the Nuremore Hotel and Country Club in Carrickmacross, county Monaghan, have demanded the payment of their outstanding wages and clarification on the future of their workplace, following a social media statement posted yesterday (Thursday, 9th February), that its Leisure Centre is closing.
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Private bus operator Go-Ahead to attend Labour Court in pay dispute

13 February 2023

SIPTU representatives have suspended two 24-hour work stoppages by members employed by the private bus operator Go-Ahead Ireland that were scheduled to take place on 1st and 8th March, after the company announced it will attend a Labour Court hearing in a dispute over pay.
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SIPTU announces two 24-hour work stoppages at private bus operator Go Ahead

10 February 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 9th February) announced two 24-hour work stoppages by members employed by the private bus operator Go Ahead Ireland on 1st and 8th March, in a dispute over pay.
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SIPTU calls for emergency plan to deal with staffing deficits in cancer services

09 February 2023

SIPTU representatives have called on the HSE and the Minister of Health, Stephen Donnelly, to develop an emergency plan to deal with the deficits in cancer services resulting from a 30% shortfall in radiation therapists.
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SIPTU to raise disparity in support for assaulted health workers at Oireachtas Committee

07 February 2023

SIPTU representatives will raise the disparity in supports for assaulted health sector staff at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, tomorrow (Wednesday, 8th February). The Committee is meeting to discuss the safety and welfare of workers in the public health service.
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Construction workers transferred to UK win WRC case for increased redundancy pay

30 January 2023

Workers temporarily transferred to the UK by the construction company, Roadbridge, who lost their jobs when the business went into receivership last year, have won a significant increase in their redundancy payments at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
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SIPTU criticises Galway University Hospital’s failure to fully utilise Health Care Assistants

30 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have criticised the management of Galway University Hospital for its failure to fully utilise Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the provision of direct patient care in its temporary emergency department during a period of intense pressure in the facility.
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SIPTU members laid off by Nuremore Hotel in Carrickmacross demand payment of wages

27 January 2023

SIPTU members employed at the Nuremore Hotel in Carrickmacross, county Monaghan, who have been placed on lay off since the 1st January, are demanding the payment of their outstanding wages and clarification on the future of their workplace.
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SIPTU says investment in fire service and housing defect redress key to home safety

26 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for an increase in funding for the fire emergency service in conjunction with the €2.5 billion which is to be spent on addressing defects in houses in order to increase home safety.
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SIPTU seeks urgent meeting with Minister and HSE on safe staffing levels in CAMHS

24 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have written today (Tuesday, 24th January) to the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, and the management of the HSE requesting an urgent meeting to discuss safe staffing levels in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
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SIPTU says reduction in Navan A&E capacity endangers Tara Mines workforce

23 January 2023

SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack, told a large crowd at a protest over the overcrowding in the Accident and Emergency Department of Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, county Meath, on Saturday, 21st January, that any reduction in capacity at the facility endangers the Tara Mines workforce.
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Irish Equity calls for protection of film workers intellectual property rights

19 January 2023

Irish Equity hosted an online discussion on ‘Contracts, Your Rights and the EU Copyright Directive’ on 11th January which focused on how greater protection can be secured for the intellectual property rights of film workers in Ireland. 
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SIPTU calls on Minister to end pandemic payment delay for non-HSE workers

17 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have called for the intervention of the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to ensure that eligible health workers employed in private employments and Section 39 organisations receive their Pandemic Special Recognition Payment (PSRP) without further delay. 
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SIPTU raises serious concerns regarding staffing in CAMHS unit in Blackrock in Cork 

16 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have written to the management of the Eist Linn Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) inpatient unit regarding serious staffing issues at its facility in Bessborough, Blackrock, county Cork. 
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SIPTU cautiously welcomes Tara Mines reopening proposal

30 November 2023

SIPTU has given a cautious welcome to today's statement that Tara Mines is to reopen in the second quarter of 2024. However, the union has said that any further delays "would not be acceptable," citing the previous reopening in 2001.
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SIPTU says government must do better on pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit

20 November 2023

SIPTU has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis that the Government intends to introduce pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit but says the approach proposed is "nowhere near good enough."
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SIPTU to meet Lakeland Dairies in attempt to avoid Monaghan plant closures

16 November 2023

SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of Lakeland Dairies to discuss the dairy processor’s announcement this week of the proposed closure of its milk processing plants in Monaghan Town and in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan.
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SIPTU agrees extended Tara Mines deal after talks with company

12 October 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 12th October) confirmed that the union has secured an extension of a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement that covers temporary lay-offs at Tara Mines following negotiations with company management.
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SIPTU condemns "poverty pensions" in Budget 2024

11 October 2023

SIPTU has said the government's decision to increase the state pension by only €12 in Budget 2024 will "lock pensioners into poverty" for years to come.
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SIPTU says Budget 2024 will hollow out tax base while squeezing public services

10 October 2023

SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has said Budget 2024 is in danger of repeating the same mistakes made prior to the financial crash by hollowing out the tax base while squeezing public services.
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Actors to submit petition at Dáil tomorrow calling for an end to film industry exploitation

02 October 2023

A petition calling for the recommendations of an Oireachtas report on the operation of the Section 481 tax credit for film makers will be handed to the Government at Leinster House tomorrow.
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SIPTU to lift GMC pickets after Labour Court intervention

22 September 2023

The Labour Court has invited both parties in the GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering strike to a hearing which will take place next Monday, October 2nd. SIPTU has replied positively to the Labour Court’s invitation and its request that industrial action be suspended in order to allow the Court to hear the dispute and issue recommendations.
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SIPTU to begin healthcare assistant campaign in Galway

21 September 2023

SIPTU, the union with national negotiation rights for healthcare assistants (HCAs) in Ireland, will be reaching out to HCAs in Galway University Hospital today (21st September) as part of a campaign to encourage them to join the union and ensure their role is recognised and respected.
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SIPTU calls for Tánaiste to intervene to save Cork's "vital" Before 5 Family Centre

24 August 2023

SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 24th August) called on the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, to intervene to protect jobs and childcare services at risk from the sudden closure of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, Cork. The preschool, which had spaces for up to 100 children, was a vital resource and closed without notice on Wednesday.
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SIPTU to Attend Crunch Talks over Childcare Poverty Pay 'Crisis'

11 August 2023

SIPTU representatives will today (Friday, 11th August) attend crunch childcare pay talks at the Early Years Joint Labour Committee, as the union makes clear that poverty pay has caused a “crisis” in the sector.
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SIPTU Retained Fire Fighters to escalate strike action

09 August 2023

The SIPTU National Retained Fire Fighter Committee has today confirmed that union members will escalate their strike action due to the failure of government to respond to their legitimate concerns.
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SIPTU member wins €8,000 following a breach of holiday pay entitlements

31 July 2023

The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre has secured an award of €8,000 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for a member who was found to have funded her own annual leave.
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Serious risk to public over delay in risk assessment software in Dublin Fire Brigade

31 July 2023

SIPTU members in the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have highlighted a crisis situation in the service today (Monday, 31st, July) over a long delay in risk assessments for buildings across Dublin city.
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SIPTU retained fire fighters to resume strike action after rejection of Labour Court recommendation

20 July 2023

SIPTU Fire Fighters across the country have voted by an overwhelming majority of 82% to 18% to reject the Labour Court recommendation which was proposed as ‘an interim solution’ to their dispute last week.
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SIPTU calls for early introduction of increased pay related job seekers benefit

17 July 2023

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, has welcomed a commitment by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, to provide increased payments to workers who lose their jobs and to link them to previous earnings.
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SIPTU members and other unions accept proposals to resolve dispute at Tara Mines

13 July 2023

SIPTU members, along with those in Unite and Connect, have voted to accept proposals brokered by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in relation to the temporary lay-offs at Tara Mines.
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Unions to recommend proposals brokered at WRC to assist workers at Tara Mines

08 July 2023

SIPTU, Connect and Unite trade unions have recommended acceptance of proposals brokered early this morning (Saturday, 8th July) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to provide enhanced support for workers laid off during a temporary closure of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath.
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Pension Promise meeting in Cork hears spending on old age social protection among lowest in EU

26 June 2023

Spending on old age social protection is among the lowest in the EU and the Government could well afford to honour a commitment to bring the state pension rate to least 34% of average earnings, a meeting of the Pensions Promise campaign in Cork was told today (Monday, 26th June).
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Pension Promise campaign to end pensioner poverty launched in Liberty Hall today

19 June 2023

A campaign aimed at ending poverty among pensioners was launched in Liberty Hall, Dublin, today (Monday, 19th June) with a call for the Government to honour its promise of a state contributory pension rate of 34% of average earnings.
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Labour Court intervenes in fire service dispute prior to closure of all stations on Tuesday

16 June 2023

The Labour Court has written to SIPTU representatives inviting them to exploratory discussions in relation to the retained fire service dispute at Landsdowne House, Dublin 2, on Monday (19th June) at 10.00 a.m.
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SIPTU Retained Firefighters to begin industrial action on 6th June

21 May 2023

SIPTU members employed as Retained Fire Services firefighters by local authorities across the country will begin a campaign of industrial action on 6th June, in a dispute resulting from the failure of management to adequately address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in the service.
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SIPTU Retained Firefighters vote for strike action in dispute over crisis in service 

11 January 2023

SIPTU members in the Retained Fire Service across the country have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a dispute resulting from a failure by management to address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis.
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SIPTU says National Ambulance Service crisis has paramedics at ‘breaking point’

07 January 2023

SIPTU representatives have raised concerns about the challenges facing its members employed in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) due to an increase in demand for its services that has pushed many paramedics to “breaking point”.
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