News Archive
Pay and growth top of the agenda
Newly appointed SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Neil McGowan, has highlighted pay increases and utilising the EU Directive as his top priorities.
My business is – revolution
He remains a hope to the poor and the marginalised; and a waking nightmare to the acquisitive and to the exploitative super-rich. That is why Connolly is our natural rebel.
Jim Connell and The Red Flag
In today’s Sunday Read we look back at the struggles that inspired the iconic The Red Flag, written by Jim Connell, a man who is honoured this weekend at the Red Flag Festival.
The past we inherit, the future we build
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley calls out Ireland’s rigged economy and encourages people to get behind the Respect at Work campaign.
Teachers pass passion for trade unionism to the next generation
Trade Unions 101 commemorates historic struggles and gains made through our movement and teaches children about the benefits of unionisation writes Ethel Buckley.
SIPTU congratulate Bohemian FC on its new ‘Better in a Trade Union’ jersey
Featuring public and private sector workers from across the island of Ireland, the Better in a Trade Union campaign highlights union benefits.
Where to find us for Trade Union Week
For Trade Union week, Trade unions all over Ireland, across different sectors, will be celebrating and promoting the positives of membership. Get involved1
SIPTU condemns lack of clarity on job losses and irregular contracts at RTÉ
SIPTU is the largest trade union in RTÉ, including workers in Administration, Operational, Technical and Directing Grades, Musicians and Actors.
Dublin site blitz brings in members
The SIPTU Construction Sector conducted a ‘blitz’ of sites in the Dublin area during April which saw many construction sites visited union by union organisers.
The men who printed the Proclamation
This article tells the story of 3 Dublin printers who risked their lives to print the Proclamation highlighting the often-forgotten role of workers in the fight for independence.
Further Construction SEO pay rise to come into force in August
On 18th September 2023 new rates of pay came into force for construction workers under the terms of the Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the industry. A further set of pay rises will come into force on 5th August 2024. The SEO establishes the minimum rate of pay...
The Tara Mines Group of Unions to recommend WRC proposals to members
The Tara Mines Group of Unions (GOU) will recommend acceptance of a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposal brokered in the early hours of Wednesday morning
Pandemic payment win
Members of the SIPTU Construction Sector employed in University Hospital Galway and University Hospital Kerry have secured the €1000 Pandemic Recognition Payment. SIPTU Organiser, Patrick Thornton, said: “The payment followed negotiations between hospital management...
Construction sector motions passed at SIPTU BDC
The need to organise more workers into our union was the defining issue at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference
Scaffolders prior experience to count
The previous experience of scaffolders will be taken into account when seeking the higher Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) award which is aimed at providing professional qualifications for the industry. SIPTU Organiser, Andrew McGuinness, said: “It is very...
Two-year pay deal at Glennon Brothers in Cork
A new two-year pay deal of up to 13% has been secured for SIPTU members employed by the timber products manufacturer Glennon Brothers based in Fermoy, county Cork. The deal also includes a new grading structure with a worker’s level of skills placed in three...
Pay deal at Shanganagh Water Plant
Members at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant have secured a 24-month pay deal of an 8% basic pay rise backdated to 1st June 2023. The agreement also includes payment of €1,200 in vouchers and extra holidays. Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant is operated as a...
Businesses in Crisis? Data Says No
There are strengths we can build on, to create a strong social state, good companies and greater diversity in decision-making. Let’s not squander this opportunity.
Increasing drug use and racism fuelling anti-social incidents on public transport
A new survey has revealed the role increasing drug use and racism is playing in the epidemic of abuse and anti-social behaviour faced by staff on the public transport network.
Unions recommend agreed proposals on Tara Mine’s reopening
The Tara Mines Group of Unions will recommend to its members that they accept a set of proposals agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission.
SIPTU member dismissed over used socks, wins €15,000
A SIPTU member sacked for allegedly taking a pair of used socks from a waste area in a community centre in Limerick City has won her case for unfair dismissal.
SIPTU welcomes Tánaiste’s support for RTW campaign call for a transport police unit
SIPTU has welcomed the support of the Tánaiste for the creation of a dedicated transport police unit, saying it was another important milestone in the Respect Transport Workers campaign.
SIPTU strongly supports increase in pay rates for low paid workers
SIPTU has welcomed the Government’s decision to increase the minimum rates of pay for work permit holders from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
Liberty View: A new generation wants to organise
SIPTU has joined with the FSU, CWU, and Mandate to launch the Respect at Work campaign. Our union will show it is willing to meet young workers where they are at.
Inspiring day of Early Years action in Liberty Hall
The inaugural SIPTU – the Early Years Union conference brought together Early Years professionals and policymakers to chart a new course for future of the sector.
Cancer treatment machines lying idle due to lack of staff
A lack of recruitment by the HSE of radiation therapists has resulted in lifesaving machines for treating cancer patients being left idle in hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Respect at Work targets union busting and victimisation
The Respect at Work campaign has brought together trade unions to fight for better protections for workers seeking to organise in their workplaces.
SIPTU calls for urgent investment in public healthcare
On World Health Day, SIPTU is calling on the government to prioritise investment in public health services and address inequalities facing healthcare workers.
SIPTU win €7,000 for member in Bausch Health
SIPTU’s Workers Rights Centre has secured compensation of €7,000 for a union member who was found to have been discriminated against by her employer due to a disability.
SIPTU demands action on Public Transport safety
SIPTU is proposing the establishment of a stakeholders forum, a dedicated transport police unit, and a passenger charter as part of the Respect Transport Workers campaign.
ICTU ratify new public service pay agreement
New deal will see full and final unwinding of 2009 FEMPI legislation and provides for unions to negotiate up to an additional 3% of pay costs via local bargaining.
New public sector pay deal endorsed by SIPTU members
SIPTU members across the public service have spoken loud and clear, with a resounding majority voting to accept the proposed new Public Sector Pay Agreement.
Caring for patients and protecting working conditions
We met three SIPTU activists in Beaumont Hospital to find out about their work their concerns, as they seek to ensure it remains one of Ireland’s top healthcare institutions.
Minister Ryan Failing to Address Transport Worker Abuse
SIPTU have expressed disappointment at the failure of the Minister Eamon Ryan to address abuse and anti-social behaviour on public transport.
Sunday Read: All workers must have a right to organise
The right to organise into a trade union and engage in collective bargaining is something that has been denied to workers in Ireland for far too long.
SIPTU position on care and family referendums
SIPTU believes in a care system which is treated as a public service, one which is delivered within a publicly-accountable framework and one which focuses on providing service, quality, and professionalism — not the pursuit of profit.
Trade union organisation is key to combating growing wage inequality
The gap between high and low earners in Ireland is growing. The best solution to such inequality was the right of workers to organise in independent trade unions.
Growing our union’s strength
The priority for SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector Greg Ennis is to build membership power in the workplace
Moving pensions goalpost
The Government should meet with SIPTU and civil society groups representing older people to agree a pathway to 34 per cent of average wages.
SIPTU members express dismay at stream of RTE scandals
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have expressed dismay and shock at the continuing stream of scandalous revelations of mismanagement at RTE.
80% of transport workers suffering abuse at work
The SIPTU ‘Respect Transport Workers’ is demanding greater safeguards for staff following a survey revealing more than 80% suffered regular incidents of abuse.
Training the next generation of student leaders
The SIPTU/USI agreement gives students access to the support of the SIPTU Workers Rights Centre and opportunities for USI officers to access SIPTU College.
Larkin’s Divine Gospel of discontent
Jim Larkin and his leadership of the ITGWU during the 1913 Lockout remains the most iconic moment in the history of the Irish labour movement. The images of 1913 are immortalised on union banners and often referenced by current union leaders.
Competing for the social good
The new League of Ireland season kicks off tonight. Every season begins with a sense of hope. Clubs not only battle on the pitch but also compete for the social good.
Competing for the social good
The new League of Ireland season kicks off tonight. Every season begins with a sense of hope. Clubs not only battle on the pitch but also compete for the social good.
National campaign to promote the benefits of trade union membership
The publicity campaign is aimed at raising awareness of trade unions particularly among young workers. #BetterInATradeUnion
What to do with a giant pot of Euros
The money is there, literally in bucket-loads. Now we need the political will to use this money. If we can get the policy mix right, we could transform the economy.
Public service work must be valued
We must continue to campaign and battle for better and improved public service provision, delivered by directly employed workers on fair pay.
Transport workers to delay strike to allow space for pay offer
In the absence of a realistic pay offer the next strike action by transport workers is set for a 72-hour period starting on a staggered basis from 27th February.
Sunday Read: A New Website to build a Stronger Union
An effective website showcases the union’s activities and clearly conveys the benefits of being a SIPTU member writes Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley.
Liberty View: A Better Debate for the Public Sector
Reducing living costs, driving innovation, reform, and reducing inequality shows the potential of the public sector requires a better politics and a better debate
Bus and rail workers conduct sixth one-day strike action
Workplace representatives in Translink have unanimously agreed an escalated schedule of industrial action including four further days of strikes in February.
SIPTU endorse new public sector pay proposals
SIPTU National Executive Council recommends acceptance of public sector pay proposals which will be put to a vote in a ballot of members working in the public service.
SIPTU Early Years Conference set for April
We’re only getting started! SIPTU Early Years Committee in Liberty Hall are planning and organising the first SIPTU Early Years Conference in April. Watch this space.
‘Ceasefire Now’ banner on launched at Connolly Hall
A banner calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the war on Gaza was unveiled at Connolly Hall, the Union’s headquarters in Cork.
A craven attempt by IBEC to row back on workers rights
SIPTU has condemned ‘craven attempts’ by IBEC pause further increases in the minimum wage and improvements in statutory sick pay.
NEW: Latest on public sector pay proposal
The pay terms of the new proposals, are valued at 10.25% over 2.5 years. Protections from outsourcing. End to FEMPI and provision for local bargaining. More to follow.
SIPTU slams ‘craven’ attempt by IBEC to row back on rights for the lowest paid
SIPTU representatives have condemned what they have described as ‘craven attempts’ by IBEC, the employers body, to pressurise the Government into pausing further increases in the minimum wage and improvements in statutory sick pay. Responding...
SIPTU NEC expresses support for striking workers across Northern Ireland
The SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) today (Thursday, 18th January) expressed their full support and solidarity for all striking workers across Northern Ireland. Speaking following a meeting of the NEC this afternoon in Liberty Hall, Dublin,...
SIPTU driver members at Kerry Agribusiness to take strike action tomorrow
SIPTU members employed by Kerry Agribusiness will begin a campaign of strike action at 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 17th January, due to the company’s decision to impose compulsory redundancies. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Denis Gormalley, said:...
Workers’ voice must be part of mental health services discussion, SIPTU says
SIPTU, the union representing mental health workers, has criticised the Department of Health and the Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, for excluding workers from discussions on the delivery of services. The criticism...
SIPTU to meet Minister over Tara Mines crisis
SIPTU representatives will meet with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, next week to discuss the threat to the future of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath, and the actions needed to safeguard this vital economic...
SIPTU to meet Minister over Tara Mines crisis
SIPTU will meet with the Minister Simon Coveney this week to discuss the threat to the future of Tara Mines and the impact on the local economy.
SIPTU condemns "reckless" Tara Mines proposal
SIPTU has said the unilateral release by Tara Mines management of a strategy document proposing voluntary redundancy terms is "reckless" and "aimed more at public relations than negotiating in good faith. "The union said that senior figures in the...
'CEASEFIRE NOW' banner displayed on Liberty Hall in Dublin
A banner calling for a ‘CEASEFIRE NOW’ has been raised on Liberty Hall, Dublin, to reflect the full support of SIPTU and the vast majority of the public in Ireland for an immediate halt to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, the West Bank and...
SIPTU disappointed at failure of Labour Court to rule on Tara Mines reopening and redundancies
SIPTU representatives have expressed disappointment at the Labour Court referring issues related to the temporary closure of Tara Mines, county Meath, back to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in a decision published today (Tuesday, 2nd...
SIPTU member awarded €38,500 for unfair dismissal from Inland Fisheries Ireland
The SIPTU Workers’ Rights Centre has secured an award for a member employed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) following his unfair dismissal after 37 years of service. In a decision made yesterday (Thursday, 14th December), the Workplace Relations...
SIPTU FAI members ‘extremely disappointed’ at CEO’s answers at Oireachtas Committee
SIPTU members employed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have expressed “extreme disappointment” at the responses provided to elected representatives by FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on...
SIPTU cautiously welcomes Tara Mines reopening proposal
SIPTU has given a cautious welcome to today's statement that Tara Mines is to reopen in the second quarter of 2024. However, the union has said that any further delays "would not be acceptable," citing the previous reopening in 2001. John...
SIPTU members angry over threat to Shannon Heritage jobs
SIPTU has said that the proposed outsourcing of Shannon Heritage DAC staff will result in redundancies at some of Ireland's most iconic tourist sites. Workers are still reeling from the announcement that Clare County Council intends to outsource the food and...
SIPTU calls for solidarity with victims of Dublin attack and against far right violence
SIPTU members have expressed their solidarity with the victims of the vicious attack on Parnell Square in Dublin yesterday and, in particular, of the young girl and childcare worker who were so badly injured. SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King...
SIPTU condemns Tara Mines management as negotiations fail to agree path forward
SIPTU representatives have condemned the Tara Mines management for its "abject failure" after weeks of negotiations failed to agree a facilitation process. Workers at Tara Mines have been temporarily laid off for 130 days, which the union describes as...
Workers at "iconic" tourist sites shocked over Clare County Council outsourcing
SIPTU members working with Shannon Heritage DAC have said they are shocked at the decision by Clare County Council to outsource the food and beverage, and retail jobs at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail...
SIPTU says government must do better on pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit
SIPTU has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis that the Government intends to introduce pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit but says the approach proposed is "nowhere near good...
SIPTU to meet Lakeland Dairies in attempt to avoid Monaghan plant closures
SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of Lakeland Dairies to discuss the dairy processor’s announcement this week of the proposed closure of its milk processing plants in Monaghan Town and in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan. The company announced...
Greg Ennis elected SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector
Greg Ennis has been elected as SIPTU's Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector at the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway. Athboy-native Ennis, who joined the union's Meath branch thirty-eight years ago, previously...
Irish Government may be "complicit in genocide," Palestinian leader says
The Irish Government could be "complicit" in the genocide that the Israeli government is carrying out against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway was told today. Omar Barghouti, the co-founder of...
"We need a union revival," Mick Lynch tells SIPTU conference
A trade union revival is needed to push back the "global attack on workers' rights", RMT union General Secretary told SIPTU's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today. The British trade union leader said that the labour movement...
SIPTU calls for RTÉ job cuts to be reversed
SIPTU has called for the 400 job cuts announced by RTÉ management as part of its 'New Direction for RTÉ' to be reversed. "We are calling for the reversal of the 400 job cuts announced today," SIPTU Divisional Organiser,...
Trade unions must be at the heart of Irish unity debate, SIPTU says
Trade unions must be at the heart of the debate over Irish reunification, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack, told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today. McCormack argued that Brexit had...
SIPTU acknowledges invitation to public sector pay talks
SIPTU has acknowledged the invitation by Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, to enter negotiations with the Government on the potential for a new public service pay agreement under the...
SIPTU conference calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Delegates at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) have called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in Gaza. The delegates passed the emergency motion proposed by Cathal Rogers of the Meath District Council of the union at the conference in Galway...
SIPTU leader says Ireland needs new economic model
Ireland needs a new economic model to meet the immense challenges of the twenty-first century, SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway. The speech, delivered to almost 350...
SIPTU vows to fight for a workers' agenda in general election
SIPTU will head into the next general election aiming to fight for a workers' agenda, its Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, told the union's Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) in Galway today. The combative speech – which...
SIPTU criticises FAI "double standards" over CEO pay scandal
SIPTU members working in the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have criticised the organisation's "double standards" after recent pay revelations surrounding its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jonathan Hill. Media reporting this weekend...
Irish Equity to fight for "equal rights" after SAG-AFTRA deal
Irish Equity, the union representing professionals in the live performance and theatre sector in the Republic of Ireland, has congratulated its counterpart union in the United States, SAG-AFTRA, on the successful conclusion of their strike...
SIPTU slams Neart Le Chéile "disrespect" after failure to meet workers
SIPTU has condemned the actions of Neart Le Chéile after its board refused to meet or communicate with workers facing redundancy. Six workers from the Clondalkin-based support centre's drugs and alcohol intervention programme were put on protective notice...
Proposed Pfizer redundancies part of "worrying trend," SIPTU says
SIPTU has called on Pfizer management to meet with the union over today's announcement that the company plans to roll out voluntary redundancies at its Newbridge facility. The union, which represents almost 700 members at the Co. Kildare site, says...
SIPTU calls on minister to expand radiation therapist places or face major crisis
The Government must urgently expand the number of third-level places in radiation therapy or face a major crisis, SIPTU warned the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, today. The...
SIPTU calls for change to Jobseeker's Benefit as Tara Mines workers face poverty
SIPTU has called for the immediate introduction of pay-related Jobseeker's Benefit to prevent workers like those in Tara Mines "falling into poverty." At a well-attended meeting of Tara Mines workers in SIPTU’s Dan Shaw Centre in Navan on...
SIPTU members in local authorities demand talks on public service pay
SIPTU’s Local Authority Sector Committee have condemned the ongoing failure by the Government to engage with the Public Service Unions in relation to a successor agreement to Building Momentum, which expires at the end of the year. While the Government pat...
SIPTU calls for Jobseeker's safeguards for Tara Mines workers
SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to extend emergency legislation to safeguard Jobseeker's Benefit for workers in Tara Mines, county Meath. The union has written to Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, to prevent...
SIPTU calls for "urgent" meeting as 542 jobs at risk in Nestlé Askeaton plant
SIPTU representatives have called for an urgent meeting with Nestlé Wyeth Nutritionals management following today's shock announcement that the company plans to close the Askeaton plant in county Limerick in the first quarter of 2026 with a potential loss...
SIPTU seeks "urgent" meeting with HSE over recruitment freeze
SIPTU Health Division has called for an urgent meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health following the decision to implement a recruitment freeze on many grades represented by the union within the health service. The freeze was revealed...
SIPTU radiographers disappointed at HSE response to Galway hospitals’ staffing crisis
SIPTU radiographers at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have expressed their disappointment at the response from management at a meeting today (12thOctober) to discuss staffing levels. Radiographers earlier this week voted overwhelmingly...
SIPTU agrees extended Tara Mines deal after talks with company
SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 12th October) confirmed that the union has secured an extension of a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement that covers temporary lay-offs at Tara Mines following negotiations with company management. The...
SIPTU condemns "poverty pensions" in Budget 2024
SIPTU has said the government's decision to increase the state pension by only €12 in Budget 2024 will "lock pensioners into poverty" for years to come. The comments come after yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Social...
SIPTU says Budget 2024 will hollow out tax base while squeezing public services
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has said Budget 2024 is in danger of repeating the same mistakes made prior to the financial crash by hollowing out the tax base while squeezing public services.
SIPTU says Budget 2024 will hollow out tax base while squeezing public services
SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has said Budget 2024 is in danger of repeating the same mistakes made prior to the financial crash by hollowing out the tax base while squeezing public services. Joe Cunningham said: “The Government risks...
SIPTU radiographers in Galway vote for industrial action
Radiographers in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action up to and including strike action in a dispute over safe staffing levels. The result follows months of frustration over recruitment and...