News Archive
ITF hails Tunisian unions’ strike for democracy
The ITF is backing pro-democracy strikers in Tunisia today, including its three affiliates, Fédération Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisien - UGTT, Federation Generale des Ports et Dockers - UGTT and Fédération Nationale...
Join the Protests against bank debt and austerity
The rallies against bank debt and austerity are going ahead as planned despite last night’s emergency legislation. The limited deal being reported today might ease Ireland’s repayments in the short term but it will not reduce the huge level of European...
Major Conference on Irish media and social justice
A major conference in Dublin on Saturday, 9th March, will examine how Ireland’s media treats social justice issues and will ask how social justice can be brought to the forefront of the conversation by broadcast, print, community and...
‘Who fears to wear the blood red badge?’
Labour historian, Francie Devine, will deliver a lecture on the history of the dock workers and their trade unions in the Sean O’Casey Community Centre, St Mary’s Road, East Wall, on Saturday, 23rd February, at...
Launch of the James Plunkett Short Story Award
“Publicists of all kinds, philanthropists, literary men, lovers of their kind, poets, brilliant writers, artists, have all been conquered by the valiant heroism of the Dublin workers ...” James Connolly spoke these...
Public Service unions protected workers in Croke Park negotiations
Update: The full Labour Relations Commission proposals on an extension to the Croke Park agreement will be published this afternoon (Tuesday, 26th) – in order to prevent any misunderstandings SIPTU is awaiting the complete document before publishing the...
Addressing collapse in demand key to solving jobs crisis
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has welcomed the Government’s renewed focus on job creation in the Action Plan for Jobs, but insisted that ‘significant and real progress’ would not be made until the collapse in domestic demand is addressed....
Growth not austerity must be priority across the EU
Growth must become the first objective of policy across the European Union and confidence in ‘Social Europe’ must be rebuilt, Congress General Secretary David Begg has told an audience of senior EU diplomats. Speaking at a gathering of EU ambassadors...
Unions push for safe and decent work at air crisis forum
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and its member unions from the civil aviation sector will be upholding safety and decent working conditions at a crucial International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting opening in Geneva today. The three day...
The Labour Relations Commission proposals for Public Service Agreement
The full text of the Labour Relations Commission proposals for Public Service Agreement are available to download. click here
Strong action required to combat slavery in Ireland
MRCI and ICTU, together with victims of slavery in Ireland and EU experts including Dr. Philipp Schwertmann (Trade Union Federation of Berlin-Brandenburg), held a high level meeting in Dublin on Wednesday (27th February) to discuss the increasing problem...
Being a mother doesn’t pay
On the occasion of Equal Pay Day,(28th February 2013) the National Women’s Council of Ireland and SIPTU are calling on the government to urgently tackle the gender pay gap and protect collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms in low paid sectors....
TEEU refers dispute at St James’s Hospital to Labour Court
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) has referred the ten day long strike at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, to the Labour Court under Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1969. The referral means that the Labour Court will...
O’Connor calls for unity in relation to Croke Park proposals
SIPTU President Jack O’Connor has said that public servants would be better served by one centralised agreement with the Government on pay and conditions. Responding to media reports of so-called ‘sweeteners’ being on offer to members of some unions...
Ireland needs to retrofit 150,000 houses a year to achieve sustainable energy targets
Ireland needs to retrofit 150,000 houses a year for a decade if it is to meet its sustainable energy targets, Professor Brendan Halligan, Chairman, Institute of International and European Affairs and of the Sustainable Energy Authority,...
Commemorating the Irish Women Workers Union
To commemorate the founding of the Irish Women Workers’ Union more than 100 years ago and its role in the 1913 Lockout, a ceramic plaque will be unveiled by feminist and historian Margaret Mac Curtain and the union’s last serving General Secretary...
Bord Gáis pay system brokered
The introduction of a performance- related pay system for new workers in Bord Gáis has been agreed between unions and the semi-state’s management.SIPTU Sector Organsier, Oliver McDonagh, told Liberty: “This type of pay system had been...
Job Vacancy for Network Manager of the Trade Union Skillnet
Applicants are invited to submit proposals to fulfill the contract for Network Manager of the Trade Union Skillnet. The Contract will be awarded to an individual or organisation on a contract for services/ consultancy basis. The contract will be on a flexible...
Over 100 water service workers protest at Dáil
SIPTU members rallied outside the Dáil on Thursday, 21st March, to protest against EU policies which promote the privatisation of water resources. The rally was part of a EU wide campaign by the European Federation of Public Service Unions,...
One City One Book choice marks centenary of 1913 Lockout
Dublin City Council has announced a packed programme of events to celebrate this year’s Dublin: One City One Book initiative. James Plunkett’s Strumpet City, this year’s choice, also commemorates the centenary of the 1913 Dublin Lockout....
SIPTU calls for pay rise for Pennys workers
SIPTU has called on retailer Penneys to show fairness to workers following the confirmation that it has awarded a 2% pay increase to most management grades. SIPTU Organiser, Graham Macken, said: “The decision to pay this increase to management grades...
Building economic democracy
This year Frances O’Grady became the first female General Secretary of the British Trade Union Congress. The daughter of an Irish-born mother and second-generation Irish father, she has fond memories of summers spent with relations in the Cabra area of...
Body of miner killed in rock fall to be repatriated to the Philippines
The body of the mineworker killed in an underground rockfall on Thursday (4th April) in the Lisheen Mine, Co. Tipperary, will be repatriated to his native Philippines this week. The body of Mario Francis (49) was finally recovered on Saturday night. Prior...
Congress welcomes Government commitment on domestic workers
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Monday, 8th April, welcomed a commitment from the Minister for Social Protection to ratify an international convention on rights for Domestic Workers. Minister Joan Burton told delegates at the International Labour...
Ireland linked to global web of tax avoidance
Dozens of Irish addresses have been linked to accounts held in offshore secrecy jurisdictions, allowing their holders to avoid paying their fair share of tax. A worldwide investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has found...
Chomsky meets Vita Cortex workers
Renowned human rights activist and writer, Noam Chomsky discussed their 161 day sit-in with the former Vita Cortex workers in Cork on Thursday (4th April). During the ninety minute meeting at the Riverside Hotel the workers including SIPTU shop stewards,...
NERI: 3% Troika deficit target unlikely to be achieved by 2015
On Wednesday April 10th the Nevin Economic Research Institute published its latest Quarterly Economic Observer outlining the think-tank’s most recent set of projections for the Republic of Ireland economy. These suggest a period of low-growth and...
School pupils’ work on 1913 Tapestry celebrated
More than fifty pupils from three Dublin schools received certificates for their work on the 1913 Lockout Commemoration tapestry at a ceremony in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) today (Tuesday, 9th April). The pupils from Larkin Community College...
Minister criticises management in Killarney Golf Club dispute
Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Alan Kelly, has criticised the actions of management at Killarney Golf Club in initiating redundancies and outsourcing, while negotiations with the Labour Relations...
Congress warns of resistance to imposed pay cuts
The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (Wednesday, 17th April) unanimously endorsed the outcome of the ballot of public sector workers, which resulted in the rejection of proposals – known as Croke Park II –...
MRCI welcomes long-awaited criminalisation of modern-day slavery in Ireland
The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) today welcomed the publication of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013. The Bill will at last criminalise forced labour (modern-day slavery) in Ireland and protect victims who have been forced to commit...
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis supports right to collective bargaining
Sinn Féin has backed the trade union movement’s call for the Government to enact legalislation enshrining the right of workers to collective bargaining and trade union recognition. Delegates at the party’s annual Ard Fheis in Castlebar, Co....
Random audits to verify pay and conditions on building project
The Minister for Education and Skills is introducing random audits on school and Department of Education funded third level building projects, in a proactive move to verify pay and conditions compliance on such sites. All public works contracts include a clause...
UNITE welcomes ECJ Waterford Crystal pensions ruling
UNITE trade union has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice on Thursday, 25th April, to the effect that the State is in breach of its obligations under the terms of the EU Insolvency Directive to ensure that employees receive sufficient...
Equality needed in Government’s adjustment programme
SIPTU members, together with their fellow trade unionists across the public service, have decisively rejected the proposals for a Revised Croke Park Agreement. The result reflected a deeper resentment among workers generally and public servants, in...
Colombian peace delegation visits Dublin, Belfast and London
Leaders of the Patriotic March - Colombia’s largest civil society peace movement – will meet with senior government officials and politicians in Dublin, Belfast and London as part of a high-profile visit to Ireland and the UK to build international...
Department of Social Welfare recognises special position of retained fire fighters
The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that it intends to introduce legislation recognising the special position of Retained Fire Fighters in regards to social welfare. SIPTU Local Authority Sector Organiser, Michael Wall, said: “SIPTU has...
Dublin conference on workplace innovation
A conference on Workplace Innovation - “Translating Policy into Practice” - will take place in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin on the Tuesday, 30th April, and Wednesday, 1st May 2013. The conference is jointly organised by the SIPTU...
Nash questions closure of National Ambulance Control Centre
Louth Labour Deputy Gerald Nash has joined SIPTU in voicing concerns over plans to temporarily transfer the entire National Ambulance Control Centre into one building in Townsend Street, Dublin. Control centres across the country will start to close from 15th...
Trade union leaders support DCTU May Day demonstration
Speaking in advance of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) May Day demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, 1st May 1st, starting at 7.00 p.m. in Parnell Square, trade union leaders expressed their support for the event. Irish Congress of Trade...
Nash questions closure of National Ambulance Control Centre
Louth Labour Deputy Gerald Nash has joined SIPTU in voicing concerns over plans to temporarily transfer the entire National Ambulance Control Centre into one building in Townsend Street, Dublin. Control centres across the country will start to close from 15th...
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to meet with youth workers
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has agreed to meet with youth worker representatives to discuss the impact of budget cuts to vital youth services. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The...
Government must not betray workers while showering largesse on business
The Government would seem to be considering a betrayal of workers while showering its largesse on business according to SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis.
May Day is when we renew our resolve to win Respect at Work
If we want to organise the next generation into the trade union movement, we have to turn the tide on the right to organise and demand the respect we deserve at work.
President hails Tressell Festival as a celebration of union culture
Liberty Hall theatre was alive with debate and song for the Robert Tressell Festival.
Politicians told lack of clarity on job losses and irregular contracts damaging RTÉ
SIPTU is the largest trade union in RTÉ, including workers in Administration, Operational, Technical and Directing Grades, Musicians and Actor members of Irish Equity.
Secure Our Future campaign calls for pension reform for uniformed services
SIPTU and a coalition of eight other representative bodies came together to highlight a serious problem in the pension scheme for new entrants.
Tara Mines members accept proposals on mine reopening
Members of the Tara Mines Groups of Unions (GOU) voted to accept proposals, agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission, on the reopening of the mine.
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.