News Archive

The SIPTU Global Solidarity Committee has welcomed the release from prison in Egypt last night (Thursday, 19th October) of Ibrahim Halawa and looks forward to his arrival home in Ireland. SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Karan O...

A SIPTU Organiser addressed students from the Cairnes School of Business in NUI Galway, on the importance of trade unions in the modern workplace at a meeting held in the university on Thursday, 12th October. The event was organised by NUI Galway...

Budget 2018 has failed to address the long-term crisis in funding for Family Resource Centres (FRC) which are struggling to provide frontline services and cope with increased overheads, according to the SIPTU National FRC Committee. There are 109 FRCs providing...

SIPTU representatives have welcomed the enacting of a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO), today (Thursday, 19th October,) which sets minimum rates of pay in the construction industry as an “important first step” for workers in securing...

Four SIPTU members ended an 18-day sit-in at the the Brookfield Youth and Community Centre in Tallaght, county Dublin, last night (Wednesday, 18th October) after an intervention by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to confirm that it will seek to...

SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 18th October) written to management in the Health Service Executive (HSE) to clarify why Home Care workers were expected to remain working on Monday (16th October) after HSE offices were shut at midday due to the...

SIPTU has contacted the provisional liquidator of Charleville Credit Union, Charleville, County Cork, seeking a commitment that all entitlements due to its members will be promptly paid following the granting of a High Court application to wind up...

SIPTU representatives have reiterated their call for a major overhaul of the State pension system to end discrimination against workers who have breaks in their careers, mainly women, ahead of a Dáil debate on the issue this evening...

SIPTU has accepted an invitation to attend a meeting of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss a pay claim by staff at Irish Rail on Thursday (19th October). SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “Our members are mindful of the position of...

SIPTU has commended its members in the local authorities, fire, ambulance and emergency services and the Office of Public Works (OPW) for their courageous service to the public in relation to dealing with the lead up to and impact of storm Ophelia. SIPTU...

SIPTU has stated that Minister for Employment and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, is wrong to suggest in a post published on her Facebook page, yesterday (Thursday, 12th October), that “an unofficial labour dispute is in...

Irish Equity has assured members that the union will support them should they have any concerns regarding their treatment in the workplace, following the recent media coverage of sexual assault and harassment in the film industry. Irish Equity Organiser,...

SIPTU members have welcomed aspects of Budget 2018 for the Early Years sector, including a 7% increase in ECCE capitation and its extension to two years. However, the fundamental problems of the current Early Years funding system remain. SIPTU Sector...

SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor has said that Budget 2018 is “a slick piece of political presentation but is morally indefensible.” He said: “In the midst of a housing and homeless crisis the government has chosen to deploy €335...

SIPTU has condemned a call by a new independent childcare providers’ organisation, ‘Seas Suas’, for a temporary derogation that would allow up to 25% of staff in Early Years facilities to work without any qualifications. ‘Seas...

The incoming SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Public Sector, John King, has renewed his union’s call for South Dublin County Council to intervene in a dispute which has resulted in a sit-in at Brookfield Youth and Community Centre (BYCC) during...

SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have raised serious concerns about staffing levels in the service following the confirmation that several fire appliances were sent into operation today (Friday, 6th October) while undermanned. SIPTU Sector...

SIPTU delegates attending the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork have today (Thursday, 5th October) unanimously backed a motion calling on the Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) to ensure Section 39 organisations adopt transparent...

The image of SIPTU has been transformed for many young women by the success of its members in the Women’s National Football Team in securing better conditions, the union’s incoming SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, told...

SIPTU delegates voted overwhelmingly in support of a motion for their union to “support the call for a referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment”, at its Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork today (Thursday, 5th October). Proposing the motion on...

SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, has declared that Iarnród Éireann is the “new frontline” in the battle to ensure the adequate funding of public transport in Ireland at the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in...

SIPTU representatives at the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork have today (Wednesday, 4th October) called on the Government to increase funding to Community and Not For Profit organisations in order to ensure workers in these sectors benefit...

SIPTU delegates attending the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork have today (Tuesday, 3rd October) backed a call to strongly oppose the forces of the extreme right and to radically reform the EU in a manner which places the interests of citizens...

SIPTU delegates attending the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork have today (Tuesday, 3rd October) unanimously backed a motion calling on the Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) to give all health workers the option of remaining in...

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called for a new alliance to prioritise public investment in housing, health care, and education and to guarantee collective bargaining rights for all workers. Addressing the SIPTU Biennial...

SIPTU launched the ‘Your County, Your Youth, Your Future’ local authority recruitment campaign at an event today (Monday, 2nd September) in Connolly Hall, Cork City, which was attended by county council workers from across the...

SIPTU has called on the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, to intervene in the Irish Rail dispute before workers are forced into taking industrial action due to management intransigence concerning an outstanding pay claim. SIPTU Sector Organiser,...

SIPTU members in the Kerry Group Plant in Listowel, county Kerry, have commenced a campaign of industrial action with a 24-hour work stoppage which began yesterday (Tuesday, 26th September) at 10.00 p.m. SIPTU Organiser, John Cooney,...

SIPTU members in Irish Rail have stated that a conciliation conference at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, 27th September) may present the last opportunity for progress on a pay increase before they are forced to...

SIPTU has condemned an attempt by the management of Bus Éireann to blame its hard pressed drivers for its own failures in relation to services in the east of the country. In media briefings today, Bus Eireann has claimed that the cancellation of certain...

A new helpline for second-level school students with workplace issues was launched today (Monday, 25th September), at an event in the SIPTU Welcome Centre, 33 Eden Quay, Dublin 1. The helpline is operated by the SIPTU Workers Rights Centre and...

SIPTU Firefighter representatives have expressed grave concern over the withdraw from service of two Dublin Fire Brigade appliances and the impact that this could have on the delivery of critical emergency services in Dublin. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Wednesday (20th September) called on the government to urgently initiate a major local-authority led programme to generate 50,000 social housing units over the next five years, introduce measures to penalise...

SIPTU has welcomed a ruling by the European Court of Justice, today (Thursday, 14th September), which is a significant victory for Ryanair workers and a defeat for that company’s attempt to undermine its employees’ rights. SIPTU TEAC...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to launch a major union campaign to press for urgent action on the Housing & Homeless Emergency, on Wednesday, 20th September. The campaign will be formally launched by Congress President Sheila...

SIPTU representatives of staff in Irish Rail have condemned a decision by the company to sponsor a fishing competition in Northern Ireland while at the same time refusing to provide workers with a long overdue pay increases. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen,...

The Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley, has attended a protest this afternoon (Wednesday, 13th September) by school cleaners to highlight the loss of their jobs, outside St. Cronan’s Senior National School, Brackenstown,...

SIPTU representatives have condemned an apparent act of vandalism in which the windows of a Health Service Executive (HSE) ambulance, which was parked outside the Mater Hospital in Dublin 7, were broken in the early hours of this morning (Monday,...

SIPTU Big Start Campaign activists have welcomed a call by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, for workers in the sector to join a union which was made at the Kennedy Summer School, New Ross, County Wexford, this...

A meeting of Wicklow County Council voted unanimously to back a call by the SIPTU Big Start campaign for increased state investment in the Early Years sector at a meeting in County Buildings, Wicklow Town, County Wicklow, on Monday (4th September)....

SIPTU full-time and retained firefighter representatives have called for the urgent commencement of a comprehensive fire risk audit of recently built public and residential properties following the discovery of deficiencies in safety standards at several schools....

SIPTU organisers and local politicians were among those who attended a protest today (Thursday, 31st August) by contract cleaners to highlight the loss of their jobs outside St Cronan’s Senior National School, Brackenstown, in Swords,...

SIPTU organisers and local politicians were among those who attended a protest today (Thursday, 31st August) by contract cleaners to highlight the loss of their jobs outside St Cronan’s Senior National School, Brackenstown, in Swords,...

Contract Cleaners are staging a protest to highlight the loss of their jobs outside St Cronan’s Senior National School, Brackenstown, in Swords, County Dublin, tomorrow (Thursday, 31st August) at 8.30 a.m. SIPTU Organiser,...

SIPTU has called on employers in the hotel sector to engage in the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process to ensure that low paid workers in the industry benefit from the increased profits they are generating. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, said:...

Irish Equity has expressed disappointment with the announcement by TV3, today (Wednesday, 30th August), that it intends to postpone the production of a fourth series of the popular drama show Red Rock. Irish Equity Organiser, Karan O...

SIPTU members in Irish Rail have called for pay rises that are in line with those achieved by other workers in the transport sector and have rejected a management attempt to link them to further increases in productivity. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen,...

SIPTU representatives will meet with HSE management on Thursday (24th August) to discuss the future of Loreto Day Centre services for the elderly in Navan, County Meath. SIPTU Organiser, John Mc Camley, said: “The facility was recently closed...

The SIPTU Meath District Council commemorated the poet and trade unionist Francis Ledwidge by unveiling a new sign bearing his image outside the Dan Shaw Centre, Dan Shaw Road, Navan on Saturday, 19th August. The unveiling ceremony was carried out by...

SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have launched a public awareness campaign to highlight risks to the public and firefighters caused by the failure of DFB management to address serious staff shortages in the service. SIPTU Organiser, Brendan...

SIPTU members employed by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in shops run by the charity in Cork city and county have balloted for industrial action following a management attempt to force them from their jobs. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Eddie Mullins,...

SIPTU members have voted by a large majority to accept the proposals in the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020. Following a count of ballots in Liberty Hall today, SIPTU Vice President, Gene Mealy, said that 76% voted in favour of the...

Following discussions between the Department of Education and Skills and SIPTU representatives, further progress has been made by the union on tackling the issue of precarious employment in the Higher Education sector in the areas of: Administration,...

SIPTU representatives have condemned the violence on the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise train that erupted following the GAA match between Tyrone and Armagh on Sunday (6th August). SIPTU Organiser, Niall McNally, said that the violent clashes between rival...

Representatives of the Congress Construction Industry Committee (CIC) met today (Thursday, 3rd August) with members of the Construction Industry Federation. In a letter to CIC unions concerning the meeting Congress Industrial Officer, Liam...

SIPTU members at the Bausch and Lomb plant in Waterford have welcomed the unveiling of an extension to the facility which it is anticipated will secure its operation into the future. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary, said: “Our members...

The SIPTU Global Solidarity Committee has today (Saturday, 29th July) welcomed the arrival of a team from the Al-Helal Football Academy in Gaza City, Palestine. The Gaza Kids to Ireland project is an initiative of Gaza Action Ireland to show solidarity...

SIPTU full-time firefighter members and their supporters marched in Galway City from Galway Fire Station, Father Griffin Road, to County Hall, Prospect Hill, this morning (Friday, 28th July), to hand in a letter demanding a meeting...

SIPTU has welcomed a decision by the management of RTÉ to review gender equality within the organisation as a progressive step that should be followed by other companies. SIPTU Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said: “The...

SIPTU has welcomed the publication this afternoon (Wednesday, 26th July) by the Oireachtas Children and Youth Affairs Committee of a report which calls for better pay and conditions for Early Years workers. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh...

SIPTU has called on the Government to amend legislation in order to remove the possibility of a minister introducing workplace tribunal fees following a landmark ruling in the UK, today (Wednesday, 26th July), that finds that such charges mitigate...

A Workers Rights Welcome Centre, which is open to all workers who wish to ‘drop in’ for information on workplace issues, will open in Hanson’s Retail Park, Cleveragh, Sligo, on Friday, 28th July, at 4.00 p.m....

The Big Start campaign has delivered a Pre-Budget Submission on Childcare to the Government, today (Tuesday, 25th July), which calls for greater investment in the sector and recognition for Early Years educators.  SIPTU Sector Organiser and Big...

SIPTU representatives have welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for an extension to the Tailings Pond at New Boliden Tara Mines, County Meath, which secures the long term future of the facility. SIPTU...

SIPTU has backed a call by the employers’ organisation, IBEC, for the maximum use by the Government of the available funds for investment in strategic infrastructure. SIPTU economist, Marie Sherlock, said: “In its pre-budget...

SIPTU representatives have requested written assurances from the HSE concerning the future of the Loretto Day Centre in Navan, county Meath, following a meeting, today (Friday, 21st July), between management and unions representing...

SIPTU members have noted the progress made in preventing the unilateral closure of the defined benefit pension schemes at Independent News and Media. SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: “Our members have noted the agreement...

SIPTU has welcomed the decision of the Low Pay Commission to recommend that there should not be any increase in the amount employers can deduct from workers’ pay for the cost of board and lodgings. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, said: “A...

SIPTU representatives will meet with HSE management early next week to discuss the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Loretto Day Centre in Navan, County Meath, which is understood to be related to the facility failing to adhere to fire...

SIPTU members have today (Thursday, 20th July) served notice of industrial action on the management of Lifford Community Hospital, Lifford, County Donegal, due to its refusal to adhere to a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement...

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Greg Ennis, has given a guarded welcome to the proposed pay increases for building workers. A 10% pay increase for building workers is among the proposals contained in a new Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction...

The Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of Unions has stated that the announcement by the company that it intends to invest €1.2 billion in its solar, wind and biomass businesses will do nothing to allay the growing jobs crisis in the Midlands resulting from...

Childcare workers who are forced to rely on social welfare payments over the summer months delivered hundreds of ‘Postcards from the Dole’ to Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, today (Friday, 14th...

Speaking after the publication of the Summer Economic Statement today, SIPTU General President, Jack O’ Connor, said that the forecast of a structural balanced budget in 2018 should not be seen as any great achievement at a time when major...

SIPTU has called on the Government to launch publicity and enforcement campaigns aimed at tackling white-collar crime which is estimated to have cost the economy more than €2 billion last year. White-collar crime refers to financially motivated non-violent crime...

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, today (Tuesday, 4th July), that the current regulatory regime for non-EEA migrant fishers, on whom the...

Early Years educators in Cork City and County are sending ‘Postcards from the Dole’ to local elected representatives and the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, informing them that they have had to sign...

SIPTU Fire Service representatives have repeated their call for a meeting with Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, in relation to necessary changes to fire safety operations following the Grenfell Tower disaster. SIPTU...

Construction industry unions have issued a joint statement outlining the facts in relation to the claim by the Construction Industry Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction sector. SIPTU TEAC Division...

The club ground of Charleville Athletic Football Club (AFC) in Charleville, County Cork, is to be renamed to honour the club’s former chairman and SIPTU NEC member, Tim Fitzgerald, who passed away in 2015. Plans for the renaming of their...

SIPTU has called for solidarity between and within all grades of construction workers as unions work collectively to secure improvements in pay and conditions through the agreement of a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the industry. SIPTU TEAC Division...

SIPTU members in Cork County Council have served notice of industrial action to commence at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 27th June, in a dispute resulting from the refusal of management to recruit more staff. Additional staff are required to adequately deliver...

The International Transport Federation (ITF) and SIPTU are among the groups supporting the annual ‘Day of the Seafarer’ events in Dublin Port this Sunday (25th June), which celebrate the importance of the international maritime industry. The theme...

SIPTU is calling on trade unionists to participate in the annual Dublin Pride march tomorrow (Saturday, 24th June) to show their support for the creation of a better and more equal society in Ireland. The Pride march begins with a rally in St. Stephens...

The National Executive Council of SIPTU met on Thursday, 22nd June 2017, to consider the proposals for a Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 - 2020. Having considered the matter in full, we have decided to recommend acceptance of the...

An online petition calling on the Government to increase investment in the Early Years childcare sector was launched by the Big Start Campaign at an event outside Leinster House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2, this morning (Wednesday, 21st June). The...

Elected representatives in Galway have been invited to attend a seminar on the crisis in the Early Years childcare sector hosted by the SIPTU Big Start Campaign in the SIPTU Offices, Forster Court, Galway, on Thursday, 29th June at 7.00 p.m...

SIPTU Fire Service representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with the newly appointed Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, in relation to his request that local authorities review fire safety in...

SIPTU has condemned the decision of the US Government to renew its sanctions on Cuba and has called on the Irish Government to do all it can to mediate between the two sovereign States. SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor, said: “It is deeply...

SIPTU members employed in the Intellectual Disability Sector pledged to step up their campaign to win recognition and respect for the valuable role they play in society, at a symposium entitled ‘A Vision for the Future of Intellectual Disability Services...

SIPTU representatives visited the DWTE site this morning following the serious incident which led to the hospitalisation of eleven workers yesterday. SIPTU Organiser, Jim Sheridan, expressed concern for the health and safety of union members and workers at...

SIPTU representatives have strongly criticised the refusal by the management of Irish Rail to accept a pay claim, presented to the Labour Court in late May, for staff at the company who have not had any wage rises for more than nine years. SIPTU...

The SIPTU Big Start Campaign is hosting a public meeting to discuss the ‘Crisis within Childcare’ in the Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, County Mayo, tomorrow (Thursday, 8th June), at 8.00 p.m. All those involved with the...

SIPTU members in the security industry have negotiated a new agreement which will see their pay increase by more than 8% over the next three years and guarantee them minimum working hours. The new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector was agreed...

Trade unions have pledged to re-organise freelancers in the arts, culture and media sectors following the passage through Dáil Eireann, this evening (Wednesday, 31st May), of the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2016 which will restore...

SIPTU members working as Early Years educators will be taking action on International Children’s Day, tomorrow (Thursday, 1st June), to highlight the staffing crisis facing the sector. The action by SIPTU members is in collaboration with...

SIPTU Health representatives have today (Tuesday, 30th May) called on the Government to implement the findings of the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Health Care Report which outlines a sustainable plan to radically reform the delivery of public health...

SIPTU representatives have expressed support for an announcement, today (Tuesday, 30th May), by pharmaceutical multinational Merck Sharp Dohme (MSD) that it intends to create 330 new jobs in its plants in Brinny, County Cork,...

SIPTU has called for public support for a demonstration in support of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017, outside Leinster House, Dublin 2, today (Wednesday, 24th May), at 6.00 p.m. This...

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has offered the condolences of union members to the families of those killed and those injured in the bombing in Manchester last night (Monday, 22nd May). “On behalf of our union I express my...