News Archive

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has condemned proposals from the ‘pensions’ industry’ that would force scheme trustees to obtain professional qualifications in order to continue in their role. Congress pensions’ expert Fergus Whelan said the...

TUS is seeking to recruit a Network Manager to assist us on delivering our training programme for 2016. The Network Manager will report to the TUS Steering Committee, made up of training representatives of participating trade unions, and will be supported...

A National Roads Authority (NRA) type model for the provision of water services and infrastructural development would inevitably lead to increased outsourcing and hasten the privatisation of the water services infrastructure, according to the Secretary of the...

SIPTU representatives and President Michael D Higgins welcomed back to Dublin for the first time in 100 years, the Green Flag of Ireland that was raised above Liberty Hall in the run up to the Easter Rising, at a ceremony at Áras an...

A Cháirde Gael, Is mór an phléisiúr dom tús a chur leis an gcomhrá seo tráthnóna ar an eachtra ríthábhachtach a bhí in Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916. Tugann sé...

Polish Vice-Ambassador to Ireland Mr Piotr Rakowski, together with Deputy Mayor of Limerick Cllr Gerard Mitchel officially launched PolskaEire Festival in Limerick making it a part of a Limerick 2020 bid. The committee discussed various ways Polish community...

James Fearon was often known as ‘the third James’ in recognition of his role, with Jim Larkin and James Connolly as one of the key founding members of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union. He was born in Newry the son of a mill worker...

Palestinians and their supporters in Ireland will commemorate the 68th anniversary of Nakba (‘Catastrophe’) Day on 15th May with a speaking tour by two human rights defenders from BADIL, a Palestinian refugee rights organisation, based in...

New Zealand trade unionists will discuss how they effectively tackled the threat of zero hour contracts in the fast food sector at a meeting in the Unite Hall on Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1, on Wednesday, 11th May, at 7.00 p.m. Those...

The SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Gene Mealy as the new Vice President of the union at its monthly meeting today (Thursday, 16th April) in Liberty Hall. Gene Mealy has worked as a full time SIPTU organiser for 29 years ago and has extensive...

International Workers’ Day on Friday, 1st May, will be celebrated in Dublin with a trade union march and rally followed by a social night in Liberty Hall. The march organised by the Dublin Council of Trades Unions (DCTU) will assemble at the Garden...

The third annual NERI Labour Market Conference will be held in Queen’s University Belfast on Friday, 1st May. This year, the conference is being organised in conjunction with the Centre for Irish Business and Economic Performance at the Queen’s...

Sinn Féin has pledged to introduce a mandatory living wage, of €11.45, if it is in Government after the next election. Launching the policy document, For Decent Work and a Living Wage, on Wednesday, 22nd April, Sinn...

‘Yes Equality’ took to the road on Wednesday (22nd April) with the launch of its nationwide bus tour that will cover 66 locations in 26 counties over 27 days. The ‘Yes Equality’ bus was unveiled at Dublin City Hall by a team of ‘Yes...

Bus drivers across the country will engage in four days of strike action during May to defend the public transport service and decent jobs from the threat of privatisation. SIPTU drivers in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann will conduct 24-hour work stoppages on...

A meeting of SIPTU ‘Yes Equality’ held in Liberty Hall on Tuesday, 5th May, heard about the success of the introduction of marriage equality in Denmark and the need to maintain the momentum of the ‘Yes’ campaign. Among those...

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and SIPTU have joined forces in a show of solidarity between workers and students for the unveiling of a massive Vote Yes – Students for Marriage Equality banner over Liberty Hall. Speaking at the launch of the banner on...

Earlier this month SIPTU officially launched the Workers Rights Centre, Ireland’s first specialist employment rights ‘one stop shop’ which will provide empathetic and professional advice and representation for individual SIPTU members. This is...

Striking Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers led the Dublin Council of Trade Unions annual May Day march through Dublin city centre on Friday, 1st May. Approximately 100 bus workers in uniform led the march from Parnell Square to Liberty Hall. SIPTU...

Striking Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers will lead the Dublin Council of Trade Unions annual May Day march this evening (Friday, 1st May). The march will begin at Parnell Square at 6.30 p.m. and conclude with a rally outside Liberty Hall.The rally will...

SIPTU representatives are today (Tuesday, 12th May) attending talks facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) aimed at finding a resolution to a dispute over plans to privatise 10% of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann routes. SIPTU Construction and...

Following SIPTU’s successful campaign of resisting the retention fee increase, the NMBI has released an important update for all nurses and midwives. In the following statement the NMBI refers to a recent meeting with Dr Maura Pidgeon. It concerns the...

SIPTU members in Dunnes Stores have expressed their satisfaction with an announcement by the company, today (Tuesday, 12th May), that it has conceded a 3% pay claim made by SIPTU and Mandate last month. SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserly,...

Free buses to attend Dunnes Stores workers protest and contact details for bookings Wicklow Arklow, Tourist Office 10.15   Bill Abom - 01 8746321 Newtownmtkennedy, Park Hotel  11.15             Meath Navan,...

Thousands of people showed their support for SIPTU and Mandate members employed at Dunnes Stores in a national protest in Dublin on Saturday, 6th June. The major national demonstration in support of decent work and a living wage began at Merrion Square,...

Workers will have the right to force employers to deal with claims on with wages and conditions of employment under new collective bargaining legislation. While the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 would not require employers to recognise unions it requires...

All SIPTU members are being called upon to join their colleagues and Mandate members employed at Dunnes Stores in a national protest in Dublin on Saturday 6th June. The major national demonstration in support of decent work and a living wage will begin at Merrion...

Former chef Mohammed Younis has been vindicated in a unanimous Supreme Court judgment today (Thursday, 25th June) which upheld a 2011 Rights Commissioner decision – endorsed by the Labour Court – to award him €92,634.42 in unpaid wages and...

Congress General Secretary Patricia King today (8th July) called for the implementation of a Living Wage as part of wider drive against inequality, north and south of the border. In her inaugural address to delegates at the Congress Biennial Conference...

Trade unions will continue the fight for the introduction of a living wage of €11.50 following the reported recommendation by the Low Pay Commission of a 50 cent increase in the minimum wage. According to SIPTU president, Jack O’Connor, a 50...

The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) provides information, advice and representation to SIPTU members who find themselves in individual disputes with their employers. Formerly known as the SIPTU Membership Information and Support Centre (MISC), the WRC...

SIPTU representatives will attend a hearing of he Labour Court concerning a claim by Luas workers for a pay increase on Tuesday, 29th September. SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: “We are looking forward to the Labour Court hearing where a...

A national demonstration concerning the future of the public water supply has been called for Saturday, 29th August, at 2.00 p.m. The assembly points are Heuston Station and Connolly Station, Dublin. Participants will then march to O’Connell...

The SIPTU Workers Rights Centre (WRC) provides information, advice and representation to SIPTU members who find themselves in individual disputes with their employers. The number of meetings involving WRC advocates directly meeting with workers increased by over...

The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has voted to approve the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The deal was approved by an aggregate ballot of the PSC at a meeting on  Wednesday 16th September. The Lansdowne Road Agreement extends...

SIPTU members in Irish Water will receive pay rises following a ruling by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on Wednesday (16th September) that the company had reengaged on an agreement with workers on increments. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane,...

A Certificate in Business Studies (Trade Union Studies) course will begin in the SIPTU Office, Waterford on Monday, 21st September. The Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 6 course consists of a series of modules, each consisting of 10...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has urged the Irish Government to seek an effective and humane EU response to the refugee crisis and offered the use of Congress training and education facilities across the country to assist with any refugee settlement and...

‘Migrant Workers in the Home Care Sector: Preparing for the Elder Boom in Ireland’, published on Tuesday (22nd September) by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), tracks Ireland’s impending ‘elder boom’ and details the...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Wednesday (23rd September) strongly criticised Minister Richard Bruton’s failure to close a major loophole in company law that means directors can engineer a firm’s closure to maximise profits and deny workers their...

The group of unions affiliated to the Right2Water campaign will host a series of ‘town hall’ meetings in the coming weeks at approximately 30 locations across the country. The purpose of these meetings is to encourage public discussion of the Right2Change...

Congress General Secretary, Patricia King, said on Wednesday (30th September) that companies who pay the living wage in the UK must ensure their Irish subsidiaries and branches do likewise and go further by pledging support for the Congress Charter for...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Friday (2nd October) welcomed the launch of the new Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities. Congress Equality Officer David Joyce said the strategy was long-awaited and badly-needed:“It will help lay...

Delegates at the SIPTU Biennial National Conference have voted unanimously this afternoon (Tuesday, 6th October) to launch a campaign seeking to considerably improve workers terms and conditions of employment across the economy. Speaking in favour of the motion...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Youth Committee has called on the Government to “make youth a priority” in the forthcoming budget and introduce measures to tackle both high youth jobless levels and precarious work for those in employment. Speaking ahead...

Commenting on the bomb attacks on a peaceful pro-democracy and justice demonstration in Ankara, Turkey, on Saturday (10th October), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) general secretary Steve Cotton stated: “A nation’s...

The 101st anniversary of the fatal wounding of Lockout martyr, Alicia Brady, was commemorated on Thursday, 18th December, at an event in Dublin. Organised by the Young Worker’s Network and the SIPTU Dublin District Council the event...

SIPTU members have been invited by the NUJ to attend a commemoration for those murdered this week in Paris at the Dubh Linn Garden, Dublin Castle, on Saturday (10th January) at 11.00 a.m. NUJ General Secretary, Seamus Dooley, said: “At...

SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has called for pay rises for workers across the private and public sectors as the economy makes a faster than expected recovery. In response to the employers' organisation, IBEC, stating that...

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) welcomes the announcement by Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, that the minimum wage will increase in 2015. The minimum wage has not risen since 2007 despite the mounting cost of living, such as in transport and rent. Other...

SIPTU Home Helps held protests outside three hospitals on Thursday (15th January) to highlight the role they can play in solving the overcrowding crisis in our hospitals. The protests took place outside Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15,...

An international economic conference held in Dublin on today (Monday, 19th January), heard that alternative decisions could have been taken by Government, which would have lessened the impact of the recession on working people, following the...

SIPTU is focused on its ongoing campaign for pay rises across the private sector, according to the union’s General President, Jack O’Connor. Responding to speculation concerning the establishment of a process of ‘social dialogue’...

The public disclosure by Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, that he is gay will bring confidence to workers still struggling against discrimination, according to the SIPTU LGBTQ members’ network. Leo Varadkar made the public announcement that...

An international economic conference held in Dublin on today (Monday, 19th January), heard that alternative decisions could have been taken by Government, which would have lessened the impact of the recession on working people, following the...

Government Ministers and out-going Congress General Secretary, David Begg, have signaled support for renewed talks between the social partners. At a press conference in Dublin on Monday (19th January), Minister for Finance, Michael...

The National Union of Journalists and Amnesty International held a protest outside the Saudi Embassy in Dublin on Thursday, 22nd January, to call for the release of blogger Raif Badawi. The founder of the 'Free Saudi Liberals' website was...

SIPTU members in Dunnes stores across the country are being consulted on how they wish to proceed with an ongoing dispute concerning temporary contracts and working hours. In November, a Labour Court ruling urged Dunnes management to engage with staff....

Ireland’s largest trade union has joined the growing number of progressive organisations calling for a ‘Yes’ vote in the Marriage Equality referendum which will take place in May. A meeting of the SIPTU National Executive Committee, today...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions announced on Wednesday (21st January), that SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King, is to succeed outgoing General Secretary David Begg, when he steps down in March. Patricia will be the first woman General...

The Irish trade union movement has welcomed the forming of a new Greek government led by the leftwing Syriza party, following elections on Sunday, 25th January. In particular the Syriza commitment to forcing Euro area Governments to participate in a...

SIPTU, the largest trade union in Aer Lingus, has called on the Government not to sell its share of the airline prior to receiving guarantees on the future of the company. Speaking on RTE, SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor,...

SIPTU has accepted an invitation to enter into talks with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) on Thursday 5th of February. SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said following Minister for Health Leo Varadkar’s recent request that...

The economic recovery can only be safeguarded by pay rises for workers across the economy, is the message from SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor. Speaking on the Matt Cooper Show on Today FM on Monday (2nd February), Jack O’Connor...

The 'Youth for Decent Work Awards' is fast approaching - 26th February, 2015. The all Ireland second level student video competition run by ICTU's Youth Connect Programme is now in its second year and building on the success of last year's...

The Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) is considering a demand that it reverse a decision to implement a 50% increase in its retention fee following a meeting between its senior staff and union representatives on Thursday, 5th February. SIPTU Nursing...

It was with great sadness that union members heard the news that SIPTU National Executive committee (NEC) member Tim Fitzgerald had passed away on Sunday, 1st February. SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O'Flynn, said: “Tim was a great advocate...

The director of Ireland’s leading progressive think tank has called for solidarity with the new Greek government and serious consideration of its proposals for restructuring Eurozone debt. Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) director, Tom Healy,...

In towns and cities, court rooms and corridors, workplaces and street corners the battle lines have been drawn for workers to hold on to their right to strike. On February 18, a global day of action in support of the right to strike will demonstrate...

Over 500 childcare workers held a rally outside Leinster House, Dublin, at lunchtime on Tuesday (17th February) demanding better funding for the essential service they provide. The protest was organised by the Association of Childhood Professionals...

A major new report from the progressive think tank, Tasc, has found that income inequality in Ireland is moving further away from the distribution found in other Europe countries towards the levels of gross inequality experienced in the United States....

Trade Unionists for Civil Marriage Equality, an alliance of trade union members that will campaign for a Yes vote in the May referendum, was launched in Liberty Hall on Friday, 13th February. Addressing the launch event, SIPTU Campaigns and...

The 1913 Lockout Tapestry, produced as part of the centenary commemoration of the 1913 Lockout, will be on display at Pearse Street Library in Dublin from 17th February until 28th March. The tapestry was designed by artists Cathy Henderson and Robert...

Love & Pride at Liberty Hall for Valentine’s Eve Irish Congress of Trade Unions President John Douglas announced today (Feb. 13) that Congress is calling for a Yes Vote in the forthcoming civil marriage equality referendum.Speaking ahead of the public launch...

SIPTU members employed as security officers by G4S Secure Solutions Limited on a contract to supply services to South Dublin County Council will attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on Friday (20th February) relating to a dispute concerning transfer...

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions today (February 19) strongly criticised the government for its failure to be ‘more sympathetic’ to attempts by Greece to secure a resolution of its debt problem, at European level. In a letter to the...

SIPTU nurses and midwives are organising lunchtime protests at hospitals across the country on Monday, 2nd March, to highlight the attempt by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (NMBI) to increase its retention fee by 50%. SIPTU Nursing Sector...

The membership of the Low Paid Commission, which will decide on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage, has been announced by Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ged Nash. The nine-person group...

The SIPTU Yes to Equality campaign has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that the Civil Marriage Equality referendum will be held on Friday, 22nd May. SIPTU Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: “The campaign now has...

The threat of over 200 job losses at three Mondelez Ireland (formerly Cadburys) plants amounts to a “dark day for manufacturing in Ireland”, according to SIPTU Organisers. Union representatives will meet with the management of Mondelez Ireland on...

The Labour Party must re-assert its own identity and work towards securing a government of the Left, according to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor. The message was delivered at a fringe meeting on the restatement of Labour values held on...

At its annual conference, the Labour Party passed a motion calling for a debate on withdrawing from Government if collective bargaining legislation has not been enacted by this autumn. Presenting the motion on behalf of the Labour Party Navan Road Branch (Dublin...

SIPTU members are sceptical about assurances from Aer Lingus Chief Executive, Stephen Kavanagh, that they would retain their existing terms and conditions if the proposed International Airlines Group (IAG) take-over of the formerly state owned company goes...

Au pairs, carers, and domestic workers will today (Friday, 6th March) launch Labour of Love, a new campaign focusing on the rights of workers in private homes across Ireland. The campaign aims to combat the widespread underpayment,...

The Government’s proposal to create a new forum, involving trade unions and other civil society organisations, to discuss pay, tax and overall spending priorities has been supported by SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor....

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today (Friday, 6th March) that unions at Aer Lingus “remain unconvinced” of the proposed takeover of the company by International Airlines Group (IAG), following a meeting with IAG head Willie Walsh and...

The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, gave a written commitment to SIPTU members in the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) that there would be “full consultation with stakeholders” before any changes to the running of the city’s ambulance service...

Delegates voted to endorse proposals aimed at establishing a living wage for workers throughout Ireland at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis held in Derry last weekend. Sinn Féin Workers Rights’ spokesperson, Senator David Cullinane, welcomed the...

Two Vietnamese men released today (11.03.15) after Carlow Circuit Criminal Court judge found serious flaws in Garda investigation of trafficking. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the acquittal of two Vietnamese men, Hung Ba Tran and Hoang...

Two Vietnamese men released today (11.03.15) after Carlow Circuit Criminal Court judge found serious flaws in Garda investigation of trafficking. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the acquittal of two Vietnamese men, Hung Ba Tran and Hoang...

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) will today, Wed 11 March, hold a lunchtime demonstration outside Dail Eireann between 1pm and 2pm calling on the Irish government to place an immediate arms embargo upon the state of Israel. A statement from...

Two Vietnamese men released today (11.03.15) after Carlow Circuit Criminal Court judge found serious flaws in Garda investigation of trafficking. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the acquittal of two Vietnamese men, Hung Ba Tran and Hoang...

When: 12.45pm, Sunday 15th March 2015 Where: Outside the Central Bank, Dame Street, Dublin 2 Who: Undocumented men, women and children of various nationalities who live and work in Ireland What: Photocall at 12.45 – a group of...

Two Vietnamese men released today (11.03.15) after Carlow Circuit Criminal Court judge found serious flaws in Garda investigation of trafficking. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the acquittal of two Vietnamese men, Hung Ba Tran and Hoang...

Two Vietnamese men released today (11.03.15) after Carlow Circuit Criminal Court judge found serious flaws in Garda investigation of trafficking. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the acquittal of two Vietnamese men, Hung Ba Tran and Hoang...

The latest NERI report on the economy predicts the Government will comfortably meet its deficit target this year on the back of strong GDP growth of 3.4%. The positive economic outlook is driven by continued employment growth and improved consumer demand....

SIPTU has warned the HSE that its plans to outsource the operation of a new State-owned facility providing community and step-down beds on the site of the former Mount Carmel private hospital in south Dublin will breach the Haddington Road agreement. The HSE has...

SIPTU will host a Polish Culture Night in the Liberty Hall Auditorium, Dublin, on Tuesday, 26th March, as part of the the PolskaÉire 2015 Festival. SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said the...

SIPTU will host a Polish Culture Night in the Liberty Hall Auditorium, Dublin, on Tuesday, 26th March, as part of the the PolskaÉire 2015 Festival. SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said the...

Public sector workers from across Northern Ireland are on strike today (Friday, 13th March) demanding the shelving of planned cuts that will damage vital services and result in 20,000 job losses. Rallies are being held cities and towns across Northern...