News Archive
SIPTU to consult Section 39 Organisation members on industrial action on pay claim
SIPTU is to begin a process of consultation with members in Section 39 Organisations concerning industrial action over the issue of Government inaction in relation to a longstanding pay claim in the sector. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Despite several...
Respect at Work campaign hails ‘new political consensus’ on workers’ rights
The Respect at Work campaign has today hailed a “new political consensus on workers’ rights” after its General Election pledge received support from across the spectrum.
SIPTU member’s encounter with Taoiseach brings the spotlight on carers’ pay
The long-running dispute concerning pay for Section 39 and other voluntary sector workers came under the spotlight in the last days of the election after an encounter between a SIPTU member and Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk, County Cork on 22nd November. The...
Election priorities for Private Sector
The SIPTU Private Sector made five specific policy demands of political candidates in the run up the General Election, dealing with areas including the need for a transport police service, redundancy improvements, re-municipalisation of domestic waste services and...
Rally for Unity and Hope! calls for a stand against racism
The SIPTU-backed ICTU-organised Rally for Unity and Hope! brought together hundreds of trade union and anti-racism activists in a call for solidarity among workers in the face of activity by racists and far-right politicians at the Larkin Statue on O’Connell Street in...
New Construction SEO signed into law
The terms of a new Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) were signed into law by the Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail on 7th November and will come into force on 1st August 2025. The new SEO, which supersedes the previous SEO of 2023, sets...
SIPTU calls for members to ‘Vote Workers’ Rights’
SIPTU is calling for members to cast their vote for stronger workers' rights after almost two-hundred-and-fifty General Election candidates across Ireland signed a pledge committing to legislative change. The pledge, organised by the cross-union Respect at Work...
Welcome for election candidates’ commitments on public childcare introduction
The Early Years Union, SIPTU, has welcomed commitments to introduce public childcare provision from representatives of the various political parties who attended an online hustings debate on the ‘hot button’ topic for voters, on 26th November. Early Years Manager and...
SIPTU pays respect to three Union stalwarts; Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and Seamus Rodgers
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has led his Union in paying respects to three veteran activists and organisers, Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and Seamus Rodgers whose recent passing has left the movement in a state of deep sadness. “Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and...
LAPO input key to structuring a Workforce Plan
The Workforce Plan is a Local Authority’s strategy for ensuring it has adequate workers and structures to meet the varied demands and supply all the relevant services. These plans must look towards the future to encompass growing populations and requirements placed...
Process for transfer of water services to Uisce Éireann
Uisce Éireann has conducted a number of meetings across all 31 local authority areas over the last 24 months to outline the process for water services staff to transfer to the new national utility. The Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services was published in...
More than 100 members secure permanent contracts in place of CIDs
More than 100 LAPO members working in all 31 Local Authorities in various engineering roles and across every grade have successfully secured the regularisation of their positions with permanent contracts replacing temporary Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CID), due...
LAPO conference discusses PSA Local Bargaining Fund pay claims
Securing further pay rises for members through the new Local Bargaining Fund headed the agenda at the LAPO Biennial Delegate Conference 2024, held in Portlaoise, County Laois on 25th September. Approximately 30 delegates discussed accessing the Local Bargaining...
Workplace Relations Commission ICE Cast Allowance proposal accepted by ballot
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposal to apply the percentage increases of the Public Sector Pay Agreement to the ICE CAST allowance were accepted by a ballot of LAPO members employed as duty engineers across the local authorities, which concluded in...
Review of engineering qualifications due to be completed in 2024
In June 2024, a consultation paper was produced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to launch a review of the qualifications for engineering posts in the local government sector. This latest review is being carried out by a ten-person working...
Meet the LAPO Committee: Chairperson Paul Mulligan
Paul Mulligan Senior Executive Engineer Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District Cavan County Council “Prior to joining the Local Authority, I worked for six years with a Civil Engineering Contractor. None of the staff were represented by a Union at this time. Our employer...
Supporting Quality’s Irish Distillers and Maynooth University partner on a robotics project
Supporting Quality brand Irish Distillers and Maynooth University Ireland are partnering on a pilot research project to develop an autonomous regenerative agriculture platform through robotics and sensing solutions, to improve the sustainability of cereal crop...
Becton Dickinson talks withdrawal undermines good faith
SIPTU representatives have said that the unilateral withdrawal of Becton Dickinson management from conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), on 14th November, has undermined the good faith upon which the redundancy negotiations, concerning the...
New Construction SEO signed into law
The terms of a new Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) were signed into law by the Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail on 7th November and will come into force on 1st August 2025. The new SEO, which supersedes the previous SEO of 2023, sets...
Pension reform top election issue for uniformed services
A survey of An Garda Siochana, Prison Service, Fire Brigades and Defence Forces members has found great concern with changes to their pension entitlements introduced for those who joined after 2013, with over 73% believing they will have to find alternative employment...
HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy protests continue
SIPTU members and their colleagues in other health unions continued the campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy with protests across the country.
SIPTU and Respect at Work campaign call for public to ‘Vote Workers’ Rights’
The SIPTU Private Sector has made five specific policy demands for improvements for workers, with the Respect at Work campaign also launching its General Election pledge with a call for the public to ‘Vote Workers’ Right’.
SIPTU DGS says Irish failure on workers’ rights will see industrial action and protest
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis, has forecast industrial unrest and protest due to the Government’s failure to implement a new EU Directive that should necessitate the introduction of greater protections for trade union activists
SIPTU calls for public childcare Provision in Election Campaign
The Early Years Union – SIPTU has today (Friday, 15th November) published its election demands to radically transform childcare for parents, children, educators and providers.
SIPTU Private Sector Demands – General Election 2024
When candidates come knocking to your door looking for a vote ensure that they leave knowing that the SIPTU Private Sector has these clear demands for any in-coming Government. #Unionise
Join us for a Rally for Unity and Hope
The trade union movement was built on the simple idea of uniting working people to stand stronger together, both at home and abroad. We are committed to fighting poverty, discrimination, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, disablism,...
Supporting Quality is important this Festive Season
The SIPTU Manufacturing Division wishes to remind all members to consider purchasing goods from companies which are part of the Union-backed Supporting Quality campaign this Festive Season. The campaign grants products and services which are produced in unionised...
All options considered to secure fair redundancy for Becton Dickinson workers
SIPTU representatives have committed to attending Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) talks following the collapse of a mediation process at the Becton Dickinson plant in Drogheda, County Louth, that was aimed at achieving a fair redundancy package for the over 200...
Campaign for major increase in the level of statutory redundancy
SIPTU’s Manufacturing Division committed the Union to campaigning to bring the maximum level of statutory redundancy from €600 to more than €1000 per week
Call for workers’ right to unionise to be central to General Election debate
SIPTU’s Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, called for workers’ rights and the right to unionise to be central to the debate in the upcoming General Election.
HSE HR Circulars Recently Released
HSE HR Circulars Recently Released
SIPTU continues to engage with the HSE on staffing levels in Mental Health Services
Staffing deficits continue to be raised by the Union with regards to the HSE’s Mental Health Services.
HSE publish new guidance document on Terms and Conditions of Employment
Following an extensive consultation period, please find link to the revised HSE Terms and Conditions document which has been issued recently by National HSE Human Resources.
HSE to shortly process pay awards dues under the PSA
The National Joint Council Panel of Trade Unions has written to the HSE seeking confirmation of the implementation of pay awards due as of October 2024 under the Public Service Agreement.
Exclusive SIPTU Health Webinar with Cornmarket – Take the Confusion out of Health Insurance
Exclusive SIPTU Health Webinar with Cornmarket – Take the Confusion out of Health Insurance
Members at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland vote to accept pay proposals
SIPTU’s Health Division confirmed on 11th October that union members working in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) had accepted new pay proposals by an overwhelming majority. The agreement, which will run until October 2026, provides for an annual 3%...
Local Bargaining to commence under the Public Service Agreement
Talks under the Local Bargaining clause allowed for under the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024 – 2026 are set to commence in the coming weeks.
SIPTU to attend further talks regarding Section 39 pay dispute at the WRC
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has contacted the ICTU to reconvene the parties for negotiations regarding the Section 39 pay dispute.
SIPTU Address Joint Oireachtas Health Committee on HSE Staffing Levels
On Wednesday, 2nd October, SIPTU Health Division representatives and the INMO addressed the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee regarding staffing levels in the HSE.
SIPTU Protests HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU members have been participating in a series of lunchtime protests across the country in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy. In the summer of 2023, the HSE implemented a recruitment embargo, leaving thousands of previously approved positions...
Respect Transport Workers to present Travel Safe proposal in Leinster House
SIPTU will host an information meeting for Oireachtas members and the media on the Union’s proposal for a new Public Transport Police Service contained in its recently published report Travel Safe. SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation, and Construction Divisional...
PAC Division BDC passes local authority motions on pensions and sick pay
The theme of the conference was ‘Our Communities, Our Services, Our Futures’. The two motions below were submitted by the Local Authority Sector and passed unanimously by delegates.
Support for Oireachtas proposals on waste regulator and re-municipalisation pilot
SIPTU representatives have expressed support for proposals for a waste regulator and a pilot scheme in Dublin for the re-municipalisation of domestic waste collection
Implementation of the Water Services Framework
The implementation of the Water Services Framework is ongoing with members currently considering their options regarding staying with their Local Authority or transferring voluntarily to Uisce Éireann
Workforce planning a priority in reorganisation of frontline services
The Local Authority Sector has identified Workforce Planning as a priority issue, as frontline services are reorganised due to the transition of water services staff to Uisce Éireann and resourcing issues.
United We Stand: Our Fight for a Fairer Future
From the picket lines of Sweden to the factories of Ireland, workers across Europe and beyond are facing unprecedented challenges writes Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of IndustriAll Europe.
SIPTU calls for workers’ right to unionise to be central to General Election debate
SIPTU’s Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, has called for workers’ rights and the right to unionise to be central to the debate in the upcoming General Election.
Union busting leads to “climate of fear” in Irish workplaces, new report finds
A damning new report launched today by the Respect at Work campaign exposes the scale and human cost of union busting activity across Ireland. #StopUnionBusting
SIPTU outlines proposal for new Transport Police pilot scheme for Dublin, Cork and Limerick
SIPTU has launched a costed proposal for a new National Public Transport Police (NPTP) with an initial pilot scheme involving 125 officers based in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Tara Mines unions welcome its return to full operation after an 18-month lay-off
The Tara Mines Group of Unions has welcomed the facility’s return to full operation this week, following an 18-month lay-off for the majority of its employees, and an end to the uncertainty surrounding its future. SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “There is a...
Workers’ agenda must be central to the upcoming election
Our Union will provide financial support to some candidates but in return, they will have to fully adhere to the ten points contained in the SIPTU Political Fund Pledge.
Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin report proposals on waste and transport must be implemented
SIPTU believe that proposals on waste re-municipalisation and increased security on public transport contained within the Dublin City Taskforce report must be implemented as a matter of urgency.
Importance of Collective Bargaining reform emphasised at PAC BDC
Collective bargaining and the transposition of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages was a key theme at the SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Conference held in Galway earlier this month.
SIPTU says Budget 2025 is an irresponsible attempt to buy the election
SIPTU branded Budget 2025 as an irresponsible attempt by the Government to buy the impending General Election and a recipe for long-term instability in our public finances.
Our Union, Our Team campaign secures positive engagement with the FAI
SIPTU has welcomed the progress that has been made by the Our Union, Our Team campaign on issues concerning FAI staff including pay and conditions.
Talks seek to resolve Becton Dickinson redundancies dispute
Redundancy negotiations for over 100 SIPTU members affected by the planned closure of the Becton Dickinson plant have entered into a mediation process overseen by former Labour Court Chair Kevin Duffy
HSE staffing plan provokes protest campaign
SIPTU members, along with those in colleague health unions, are conducting a campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy with public protests across the country in recent weeks.
SIPTU escalate campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU has escalated the campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy with further protests this week, highlighting member concerns the policy will have a detrimental impact on services.
SIPTU members to protest the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy
SIPTU Health Division will continue its campaign in opposition to the Health Service Executive’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week at several additional locations this week across the country.
HSE policy on recruitment is a ‘blunt instrument’ that will impact services
SIPTU representatives told a hearing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health that the HSE policy on recruitment is a ‘blunt instrument’ which if implemented in its current form will not improve public health services to the extent necessary.
SIPTU wins €45m for Early Years pay in Budget 2025
SIPTU-The Early Years Union has won €45 million in Budget 2025 to raise the pay of Early Years educators and managers, calling it a significant step in progressing the Sector away from a low pay model.
Budget 2025 is an irresponsible attempt to buy the election
SIPTU has branded Budget 2025 as an irresponsible attempt by the Government to buy an election and a recipe for long-term instability in our public finances.
Cork Council of Trade Unions rally for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon
Workers must continue to pressure the Irish Government to take the lead in opposing the rogue state which Israel has become. #CeasefireNow
Our Union must renew to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world
Rather than technology freeing up service industry workers the spread of platform work, where workers’ lives are tied to the algorithms of digital apps, has only resulted in increased pressures and demands.
SIPTU members in Becton Dickinson in Drogheda commence industrial action
SIPTU members employed in the Becton Dickinson manufacturing plant in Drogheda, commenced a ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action today due to the failure of management to meaningfully engage.
SIPTU members working at CIS vote for strike action
SIPTU members employed in the Citizens Information Service have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay. Strike action is to commence on October 7th.
SIPTU welcomes that changes to ambulance services in South West will not proceed
SIPTU representatives have welcomed correspondence from management at the National Ambulance Service confirming that changes to rosters planned for the South West region will not be implemented.
Workers rally in Strasbourg urging EU to end exploitation in subcontracting chains
SIPTU activists rallied in front of the European Parliament to call upon the EU institutions for urgent action to stop exploitation in subcontracting chains.
Proposals for public childcare provision doomed unless low pay addressed
Proposals from Fine Gael and the Green Party to develop a public Early Years education system are doomed to failure unless low pay for workers in the sector is adequately addressed.
SIPTU call on National Ambulance Service to reverse proposed cuts in South West
SIPTU representatives have called on the management of the National Ambulance Service to reverse proposed cuts to overtime which could reduce the number of available ambulance crews in the South West.
SIPTU members in Citizens Information Service ballot on strike action
SIPTU members employed in the Citizens Information Service (CIS) have begun a ballot for strike action which could close dozens of Citizens Information Centres around the country.
SIPTU welcomes progress towards a better FAI
SIPTU has welcomed progress made by the ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign and the FAI Senior Leadership Team on issues concerning staff, including pay and conditions.
Labour Court calls on Decotek Automotive to engage with SIPTU
SIPTU members employed in Decotek Automotive have secured a Labour Court recommendation that the company should engage with them as a collective, through their Union.
SIPTU at the WRC regarding Job Evaluation Scheme
The Union attended the WRC on 27th August to discuss this with the HSE. Members of the National Support Grade Sector Committee attended this meeting.
Jimmy Gralton – A Legacy of Struggle and Solidarity
Commemorating James Gralton, a forgotten Irish socialist, we reflect on his legacy of struggle, solidarity, and social justice as well as his impact on trade unionism and the enduring fight for workers’ rights in Ireland.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ suspends actions to allow meeting with FAI
We wish to thank the support we have received so far from the football community in Ireland for the ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign and we will update them on developments as they arise.
Countdown is on to win Respect at Work
Workers want to unionise and be protected from employer retaliation. This is the message from the Respect at Work campaign. Join the campaign.
Latest HSE Circulars
Latest circulars from the Health Service Executive.
Liberty View – The Road to Recognition; HCAs Leading the Way
Despite the challenges, the journey toward recognition has proven worthwhile. HCAs, once undervalued, are now acknowledged as key to delivering quality care.
Engagements ongoing regarding staffing in Mental Health Services
SIPTU has continued to engage with health service employers, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission on issues regarding staffing in our mental health services.
Injury Grant for members Section 38 Voluntary Employers
Members within the Section 38 disability providers have raised the fact that some of these employers have stated they will not be applying the Article 109 injury grant due to not receiving the funding to do so.
Support Grades in Bon Secours Hospital Group secure full implementation of Job Evaluation Scheme
Eligible members within Support Grades in the Bon Secours Hospital Group have voted to accept the implementation of Phase IV of the support grade job evaluation scheme.
Discussions ongoing regarding the Framework Agreement at the National Ambulance Service
In-depth consultation with members on the status of these talks will be commencing shortly. Members are encouraged to make sure their contact details are up to date in advance of this, to ensure they have the correct information going forward.
Lockout Series: Recalling the women of 1913
One of the lessons we might learn is that unless we make a real effort to document the achievements of our female trade unionists, we are losing opportunities to point to Union women as role models.
SIPTU calls on Amnesty to secure the jobs of laid off staff in Ireland
SIPTU has called on the Board of Amnesty International Ireland to use every means at its disposal to work to secure the employment of its staff in Ireland who are due to be laid off next month.
Lockout Series – Revealed: the face of 1913 martyr
A plaque commemorating four “Lockout Martyrs” of 1913 can be found attached to a wall on the ground floor in Liberty Hall.
Credit Union sector’s financial position provides positive context for pay talks
The latest update on the financial situation of the Credit Union sector issued by the Central Bank should provide a positive context to the enterprise level pay talks which will shortly be undertaken.
Amendment to contract cleaning ERO includes improvements to pay and conditions
An amendment to the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the contract cleaning sector came into force on 1st June and includes a new minimum hourly pay rate of €13.30 for all workers over 20 years of age. The ERO not only sets minimum pay rates, the number of paid...
Welcome for new minimum rates of pay in the security industry
Security industry workers have welcomed a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector that came into force on 1st July and increased minimum hourly rates of pay.
‘Our Union, Our Team’ FAI workers’ campaign to ramp up actions
Our Union, Our Team’, which demands respect for FAI workers, will increase its activities next month with the announcement of several high-profile supporters and a campaign of political pressure.
21% pay increase for craft workers employed in the motor industry
SIPTU has agreed a new three-year pay deal which secures a 21% increase in wages for craft workers employed across the motor industry sector.
Government’s planned funding model for RTÉ will lead to greater privatisation
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have made clear that they do not agree with the Government’s plan, announced in late July, regarding the future funding of the national broadcaster.
FAI must respect its workers’ right to collective bargaining in line with EU policy
SIPTU has called on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to respect its workers’ right to collectively bargain on pay and conditions
Too many people are living in a low-wage Republic
A higher minimum wage is unquestionably good for workers, businesses and the economy. The Government has a decision to make, not just about a modest minimum wage increase, but a vision for Ireland.
SIPTU Campaign to reform the Waste Sector
Ireland is unique within the EU in having an entirely free-market approach to the collection of domestic waste. This model is not sustainable. It is, in summary, bad for the environment, bad for citizens and bad for workers. Ireland must reform its domestic waste...
SIPTU members fight to prevent sale of Bord na Móna Recycling
Bord na Móna is conducting a strategic review of the operation of Bord na Móna Recycling. This is code for its intent to sell it to the highest bidder. SIPTU is campaigning to prevent the privatisation
SIPTU Organiser tells politicians about the reality of waste workers’ pay
SIPTU’s campaign for pay justice for waste workers and reform of the domestic waste sector is paying political dividends. A cross-party Group has been established in the Dáil to reform the domestic waste sector. SIPTU waste representatives met the cross-party group in...
Employers respond to SIPTU’s agenda in waste sector
SIPTU’s membership across the Waste Sector has grown dramatically in the last nine months, increasing by over 70%, as workers in the industry get organised across the country
Government must support minimum €15 hourly rate for Early Years Educators
SIPTU Early Years Union is calling for ring-fenced State funding to support a €15 minimum wage rate for educators and a 10% increase to all Employment Regulation Order (ERO) rates
SIPTU secures €11,500 for worker unfairly dismissed by TD
SIPTU has secured €11,500 against Deputy Violet Anne Wynne in a case concerning a worker who was unfairly dismissed, without any proper recourse to fair procedures.