News Archive

SIPTU and Unite members employed in the Cadbury’s production plant in Coolock, Dublin 5, yesterday (Thursday, 25th February) served the management of Mondelez Ireland with notice of their intention to implement a work stoppage of indefinite...

SIPTU Health Division members visited striking 999 emergency call centre workers on their picket line in Navan, County Meath, during a 12-hour work stoppage today (Thursday, 25th February) to express solidarity with their demand for decent working...

All TDs, Senators and Councillors across the State are being asked to sign the SIPTU/TEEU Water Guarantee. SIPTU members are requested to ask their local elected representatives to sign up to the campaign. For more information contact: campaignsequality@siptu.ie...

All TDs, Senators and Councillors across the State are being asked to sign the SIPTU/TEEU Water Guarantee. SIPTU members are requested to ask their local elected representatives to sign up to the campaign. For more information contact: campaignsequality@siptu.ie...

TDs from most political parties, and many leading Independents, have signed up to the SIPTU/TEEU Water Guarantee, which commits them to work for a referendum to safeguard public water services from the threat of privatisation if they are elected to...

SIPTU has welcomed the announcement today (Monday, 22nd February) by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that it is making the funds available to increase 4th year student nurses and midwives pay to 70% of the staff nursing scale. SIPTU Nursing...

SIPTU has condemned the announcement on Monday (22nd February) by Brinks Ireland that it intends to cease its cash in transit operations by the end of July with the loss of 200 jobs.   SIPTU Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “The workers are...

The executive of the SIPTU Meath District Council has voted to support a 12-hour strike by workers in the 999 emergency call centre in Navan, County Meath, on Thursday 25th February. SIPTU Meath District Council President, Anton McCabe, said:...

SIPTU members in organisations providing services for people with intellectual disabilities in the south east of the country will hold a ‘day of action’ on Tuesday, 23rd February, to protest against the non-payment of increments due to them....

SIPTU has called upon SELC Ireland Ltd to reverse a decision to downgrade its manufacturing facility in Belmullet, County Mayo, which would result in approximately 20 job losses. SIPTU Organiser, John McCarrick, said: “The announcement by...

SIPTU members working in St. Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin 8, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a ballot counted today (Tuesday, 16th February). The vote by 97% of those...

SIPTU members who work for Transdev, the company which operates LUAS, have announced two additional 24-hour work stoppages in their dispute over pay and conditions. The two further dates of industrial action, which have been decided on by...

We should not give the Right a monopoly of power. In Ireland, we are just emerging from the most dramatic economic collapse in any developed country in the world since the Wall Street crash of 1929. It came about because the hard right-wing Progressive Democrats...

Workers in Bord na Móna have voted to accept a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposal on pay and conditions by 60% in favour to 40% against, in a ballot which was counted today (Monday, 15th February). Bord na Móna Group of Unions...

SIPTU has condemned the treatment by management of workers in West Clare Early Years who were informed at the weekend by text message that the five child care centres run by the organisation in county Clare are to close with immediate effect and their jobs were lost....

SIPTU representatives will engage in intensive negotiations in the coming days with the management of AXA Insurance Ireland following the company’s announcement of possible job losses resulting from the implementation of a restructuring plan. SIPTU...

SIPTU members in the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have expressed concern at the contents of the Fianna Fáil General Election manifesto which makes clear that the party is open to the removal of the DFB emergency ambulance service. SIPTU Sector Organiser,...

SIPTU members in St James’s Hospital, Dublin, have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action in response to a management attempt to impose an annual €500 car parking fee on health workers. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell,...

A new SIPTU banner commemorating the trade unionist, James Fearon, who was born in Newry, county Armagh, was unveiled by the SIPTU Dublin Bus Drivers Section in Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Wednesday, 10th February. SIPTU...

SIPTU members working on the LUAS light rail network have expressed disappointment that the intransigence of the system’s operating company, Transdev, has left them with no option but to commence a 48-hour strike tomorrow (Thursday, 11th...

SIPTU representatives have reached agreement with the management of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in a dispute arising from union members exclusion from emergency department consultative forums. The agreement follows talks between the parties at the Workplace...

Workers in Bord na Mona will vote in the coming days on pay and conditions proposals that have emerged from negotiations between the Bord na Móna Group of Unions and management. Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John...

SIPTU representatives will attend talks with HSE management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Thursday (4th February) to discuss the union’s exclusion from emergency department consultative forums set up to discuss the overcrowding crisis. SIPTU...

Over 150 people attended the launch of the SIPTU Migrant and International Workers Network at a conference in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, yesterday (Friday, 29th January). The conference was addressed by Minister of State Aodhán Ó...

SIPTU members in Tesco have said they will not accept a management proposal to unilaterally cut the terms and conditions of long serving staff with contracts agreed prior to 1997. SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserley, said: “Our members in Tesco have...

SIPTU members in Tesco have said they will not accept a management proposal to unilaterally cut the terms and conditions of long serving staff with contracts agreed prior to 1997. SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserley, said: “Our members in Tesco have...

SIPTU members in Tesco have said they will not accept a management proposal to unilaterally cut the terms and conditions of long serving staff with contracts agreed prior to 1997. SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserley, said: “Our members in Tesco have...

SIPTU members have returned to work this afternoon (Tuesday, 26th January) at the West Pharmaceutical Services site, Knockhouse, county Waterford, following an agreement with management which addresses their concerns over pay rates and other...

SIPTU has called on the Government to directly recruit health staff and end payments to private ‘for profit’ recruitment agencies which amounted to approximately €250 million during 2015. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said:...

SIPTU organisers are seeking an urgent meeting with the management of construction company, SISK, to discuss issues raised by members working at the West Pharmaceutical Services site, Knockhouse, county Waterford. SIPTU Sector Organiser,...

SIPTU members have expressed disappointment at the failure to reach agreement following discussions today at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between union representatives and the management of Transdev, the LUAS light rail network operator. The talks...

Over 30 TDs have signed the SIPTU and TEEU Water Guarantee which was launched on Tuesday, 19th January, at a protest by local authority water workers outside Leinster House. The Water Guarantee commits politicians to a constitutional referendum to keep...

SIPTU DART drivers are to begin a ballot on industrial action, up to and including strike action, next week in a dispute arising from a management attempt to impose rosters for a ten minute service without the agreement of staff. SIPTU Organiser,...

SIPTU activists and former Clerys workers have described as positive a proposed review of company and employment law announced by the Government today (Thursday, 14th January). The review is aimed at providing the basis for legislative change to prevent a repeat...

SIPTU members in St James’s Hospital, Dublin, have begun a ballot for industrial action in a dispute provoked by a management attempt to impose an annual charges of up to €500 for car parking. SIPTU Organiser, David Field, said:...

SIPTU members working for Transdev have served notice of two 48-hour work stoppages during February on the LUAS light rail network operator. This follows the company’s failure to reach an agreement in a dispute concerning workers’ terms and conditions of...

SIPTU activists and the former Clerys workers have welcomed the decision of Dublin City Council to renew the Scheme of Special Planning Control for the O’Connell Street area. They have also welcomed the inclusion in the scheme of an objective that 'workers...

The SIPTU Construction Sector has called on the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, to halt building work at the historically important properties connected to the 1916 Rising in Moore Street, Dublin. SIPTU...

SIPTU representatives will engage in a process of consultation with the management of C&C Group aimed at protecting as many of its members’ jobs as possible following the announcement that the company intends to close its water bottling facility in...

SIPTU members are seeking an urgent meeting with the management of drinks manufacturer C&C Group to discuss a report that it intends to close its water-bottling plant in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary, in July. SIPTU Organiser, Terry Bryan,...

SIPTU members and service users have condemned a cut in funding to the Personal Assistants service which provides vital support for people with disabilities. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The decision by the HSE to reduce...

SIPTU members working on the LUAS light rail network have voted by 99% to 1% to take industrial action in a dispute related to their conditions of employment in a ballot counted this afternoon (Friday, 8th January) in the Red Cow LUAS Depot in Dublin. SIPTU...

SIPTU is dismayed that the overall number of work-related fatalities remained at the same high level in 2015 as the previous year and that incidents in the construction industry showed a significant increase. Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority today...

SIPTU has condemned plans to charge health workers up to €500 per year for access to car parking facilities at St James’s Hospital, Dublin. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “In the run up to the Christmas period...

SIPTU has reiterated its support for the demands of the Justice for the Clerys Workers campaign which include a meeting between Natrium, the store’s new owners, and representatives of its former employees as well as a change to company law to ensure...

The Joint National Full-Time and Retained Fire Service committees of SIPTU have welcomed the announcement by environment minister, Alan Kelly, of the establishment of the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group (FSNOIG). According to...

SIPTU train drivers have accepted a Labour Court recommendation to enter discussions on outstanding productivity issues. In a ballot of union members, 75% accepted the proposals for a new round of negotiations with the management of Irish Rail to resolve the...

SIPTU has negotiated an agreement with Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) to curb the privatisation of cleaning services in the hospital. SIPTU Health Organiser John Hubbard said: “Arising from protracted negotiations an agreement was reached between...

SIPTU members working in the domestic services department of Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal, have today (Thursday, 10th December) voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in response...

SIPTU has welcomed a Labour Court recommendation for increased terms for redeployment and redundancy as a result of the closure of Killiney Grove Nursing Home SIPTU Health Assistant Industrial Organiser, Aideen Carberry, said: “The recommendation is...

An extensive survey of academic staff in Dublin City University (DCU), conducted by SIPTU, has found widespread concerns over increasing workloads and stress associated with the growing use of short term contracts. SIPTU Education Sector Organiser,...

SIPTU has called on the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, to implement a system of compulsory training and procedures for dealing with the threat of so-called ‘tiger kidnaping’ for cash in transit workers. SIPTU Organiser, Brendan...

SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserly, has said union members are hugely disappointment at the announcement today by retail chain Supervalu that it intends to close two of its stores, in Clonmel, county Tipperary and Carlow town, at the end of...

SIPTU members will march with housing activists from across the country in the National Demonstration on the Housing and Homeless crisis in Dublin tomorrow (Tuesday 1st December). The march begins at the General Post Office, O’Connell Street, at 5.00...

SIPTU has called on the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, to publish the recommendations of the HSE National Ambulance Review so that work on developing the service can commence. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “SIPTU...

SIPTU is seeking an urgent meeting with the management of Crown Paints Ireland following an announcement to its staff that it intends to close the company’s warehouse in Coolock, Dublin, with the loss of 23 jobs. SIPTU Organiser Jim McVeigh,...

SIPTU members in Meadow Meats, Rathdowney, County Laois, commenced industrial action today (Monday, 30th November) in response to the company’s failure to honour a Labour Court recommendation that workers in the meat processing plant...

SIPTU marked the upcoming UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by raising the flag of Palestine, along with the Irish tricolour, outside Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Friday, 27th November. A United Nations flag is...

SIPTU supports a decision by the CIE Group of Unions to engage an independent pensions expert to undertake a full examination of the CIE Group Pension Scheme. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “The CIE Group of Unions today (Thursday, 26th...

SIPTU supports a decision by the CIE Group of Unions to engage an independent pensions expert to undertake a full examination of the CIE Group Pension Scheme. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “The CIE Group of Unions today (Thursday,...

SIPTU has called for an increase in the number of Health Care Assistants to help alleviate the worsening staff shortages and overcrowding crises in hospitals across the country. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “SIPTU has repeatedly...

Former Clerys workers and their supporters held a protest outside the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Kildare Street, Dublin, today (Tuesday, 24th November). The lunchtime protest highlighted a demand by the Clerys workers that...

SIPTU and TEEU local authority members working under the management of Irish Water have today (Friday, 20th November) overwhelmingly voted for industrial action to prevent the privatisation of the public water service. Last month, Irish Water said that it...

SIPTU and TEEU local authority members working under the management of Irish Water have today (Friday, 20th November) overwhelmingly voted for industrial action to prevent the privatisation of the public water service. Last month, Irish Water said that it...

A SIPTU organiser has said that preliminary research findings published yesterday (Thursday, 19th November) by TASC confirms the concerns of union members about increased levels of exploitation in the hospitality sector. Services Division Organiser, Ethel...

SIPTU has stated that the Labour Court recommendation issued yesterday (Tuesday, 17th November) in relation to the dispute between management and train drivers in Irish Rail is a positive development. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “The...

SIPTU has condemned the refusal of the management of Edenderry Power Ltd to refer a long running dispute at the the Bord na Móna power plant in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, to the Labour Court. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “SIPTU...

Former Clerys workers spoke directly to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Burton, today (Tuesday, 17th November), concerning his failure to implement a new law to ensure no other workers can lose their jobs in a...

SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of Roche Holding AG to discuss its decision to close the company’s plant in Clarecastle, County Clare, on Wednesday (18th November). SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary, said:...

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has offered his union’s condolences to the families and communities of those killed in the series of terrorist attacks in Paris last night (Friday, 13th November). “On behalf of our union I...

SIPTU has called on the US catering group Aramark to respect workers' right to a living wage and to negotiate collectively with their employer. SIPTU Organiser, Denis Hynes, said: “Aramark is a growing player in the food service sector in...

SIPTU representatives are seeking an immediate meeting with the management of Roche Holding AG to discuss the threatened job losses at the company’s plant in Clarecastle, County Clare. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary, said:...

SIPTU members working as Support Staff in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway, will engage in a two-hour work stoppage from 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday 13th November) in protest at a unilateral decision by management to begin...

SIPTU local authority members providing services for Irish Water began balloting for industrial action yesterday (Monday, 9th November) in a dispute related to an attempt by management to unilaterally cut the numbers of frontline water workers. The decision to...

SIPTU has agreed to a request by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to refer the dispute at Irish Rail to the Labour Court. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “Following a request by the WRC that this dispute be immediately referred to the...

SIPTU has condemned proposals by the Bank of Ireland to restrict cash transactions in branches saying that they amount to an attack on the elderly who are one of the most vulnerable sections of society. National Secretary of the SIPTU Retired Members Section,...

SIPTU members have welcomed proposals by the new owners of Arnotts to maintain and develop the iconic Henry Street retail business. Responding to confirmation this evening that Wittington Propertys and Selfridges, which are controlled by Brown Thomas...

SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley has welcomed the report on Zero Hour contracts, undertaken by the University of Limerick (UL), which highlights the severe forms of exploitation in many employments across the country. “Our...

SIPTU has called on the Minister for Agriculture and the Marine, Simon Coveney, to introduce employment protection legislation, proper training and rigorous inspection processes for migrant workers employed in the fishing industry. SIPTU Divisional...

SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor has said that a well-designed system of rent controls can help to stem the tide of homelessness in Ireland. “Ireland is experiencing a housing crisis that is worsening each week with spiralling rents,...

Former Clerys workers protested outside the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Kildare Street, Dublin 2, this afternoon (Tuesday, 27th October), to highlight their call for a change in the law to ensure no other workers can...

SIPTU has stated that a decision by the High Court to overturn planning permission for the continued operation of the Bord na Móna power plant in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, must not result in compulsory redundancies. SIPTU Organiser and Bord na...

SIPTU has called on the management of Irish Rail to engage constructively with unions on commitments on past productivity it entered into in previous agreements with workers. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “Following a three hour work stoppage...

Talks on the dispute in Irish Rail, where industrial action is due to take commence on Friday 23rd October, will resume at 11.30 a.m. this morning. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen said that despite the marathon all night discussions Irish Rail...

The SIPTU Dublin District Council hosted a seminar on the housing crisis in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, on Monday (19th October) during which housing activists and academics called on the council to take a leading role in the campaign to end homelessness in...

SIPTU has accepted an offer to resume talks tomorrow (Tuesday, 20th October) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in an effort to find a resolution to a dispute concerning train drivers in Irish Rail. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said:...

SIPTU train drivers have expressed disappointment at the failure of the management of Irish Rail to adequately address the issue of past productivity which led to the breakdown of talks at the Workplace Rights Commission (WRC) that were aimed at resolving the dispute...

SIPTU members working as security guards at the Shell gas terminal in Bellanaboy, county Mayo, are conducting a 12-hour work stoppage tomorrow (Monday, 19th October) in a dispute related to the unilateral implementation of job losses and reduced...

SIPTU has criticised the failure of the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, in Budget 2016 to end the preferential 9% VAT rate enjoyed by the profitable hotel and restaurant sector that includes many businesses that are exploiting low paid workers. SIPTU...

Budget 2016 contains a number of positive measures that will see workers make the first real financial gains from a budget in almost eight years, according to SIPTU researcher, Ger Gibbons. The public spending commitments, including the restoration...

SIPTU members have welcomed the HSE decision to attend conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to try to resolve a dispute over its failure to fill vacant nursing posts on a permanent basis in two community units in County Meath. St. Joseph's...

SIPTU has agreed to attend conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday (12th October) concerning the dispute at Irish Rail arising from the company’s failure to discuss and address past productivity issues. SIPTU Organiser,...

SIPTU has called for an urgent and wide-ranging fire safety audit of properties due to the number of serious breaches being discovered in buildings across the country. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “For several years we have...

SIPTU train drivers in Irish Rail will undertake two three-hour work stoppages as part of a campaign of industrial action which results from the company reneging on a commitment to discuss past productivity. At a meeting this afternoon (Thursday, 8th October)...

The SIPTU National Delegate Biennial Conference on Thursday (8th October) voted to support a once-off, time-bound regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants in Ireland. Delegates voted unanimously in favour of a motion proposed by the SIPTU Equality...

The SIPTU National Delegate Biennial Conference has today (Thursday, 8th October) called for the centenary of the Easter Rising to be marked by a major campaign to make 2016 the year for the creation of a Palestinian state. SIPTU National Executive Council...

The SIPTU National Delegate Biennial Conference has voted this afternoon (Wednesday, 7th October) for a review to be undertaken of the use of the union’s political fund with the aim of producing a report on possible changes to be discussed at a Special...

The SIPTU National Delegate Biennial Conference has condemned the lack of action by the management of NUI Galway to counter problems related to discrimination and precarious working conditions at the university. Delegates unanimously voted in support of an emergency...

The SIPTU National Delegate Biennial Conference has called for a review of protections for workers from violence and aggression in the workplace. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “Delegates voted unanimously to support a motion...

SIPTU has stated that it will resist a plan by the management of Irish Water to implement 1,200 redundancies at the State owned company as it is a clear move towards its future privatisation and an unacceptable breach of agreements on the operation of the...