As 2024 comes to a close, the SIPTU Aviation Sector would like to extend its warmest wishes to all our members and your loved ones for a happy Christmas and a peaceful and a prosperous New Year on behalf of our Union. We would like to thank all of our Shop Stewards...

The SIPTU Aviation Sector Committee extended its best wishes and gratitude to Barry Nevin who recently retired from daa Dublin Airport after more than 30 years working in the Airport Police and Fire Service. Barry was a long-time Union activist and Shop Steward in the...

The Aviation Sector Committee moved two motions at the TEAC Divisional Conference which was held in the Tower Hotel, Waterford on the 21st-22nd November, 2024.  Our first motion on the General Officer Structure of the Union was first raised at the SIPTU Biennial...

Throughout 2024 many Aviation Sector Shop Stewards and Health & Safety Representatives have availed of training through SIPTU College. Four of our daa Dublin Shop Stewards took part in training in Tullamore during the summer, more recently nine Shop Stewards from...

Aer Lingus announced the closure of its IAG cargo operation at Shannon Airport in August. This followed a review by the parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) which recommended the operation’s closure due to the need for significant capital investment in...

Every Christmas, Dylan Walsh, a beloved community figure in Finglas, Dublin, transforms his home into a spectacular festive light display. His dazzling decorations not only light up the neighbourhood but also raise vital funds for local charities. This year marks the...

Our campaign is to protect quality jobs in Ireland by promoting quality brands manufactured in Ireland and quality services provided in Ireland. To see all the brands and services which are part of the Supporting Quality campaign visit: https://supportingquality.ie

Supporting Quality brand Irish Distillers and Maynooth University re partnering on a pilot research project to develop an autonomous regenerative agriculture platform through robotics and sensing solutions, to improve the sustainability of cereal crop production....

Since the 1700s over seven generations of the O’Donnell family have lived on Seskin Farm, County Tipperary and have mastered the art of cultivating the perfect potato.

The Jameson Black Barrel Apple Cider Punch is a zero-stress staple, that packs a whole load of punch. This recipe serves 6 can be served hot or cold and is perfect for mingling with friends this Christmas, rather than being stuck at the cocktail counter.  Ingredients:...

Christmas Chocolate Yule Log What you need: 125g/4oz Odlums Cream Plain Flour (less 2 tablespoons) 4 Eggs separated Pinch of Salt 125g/4oz Shamrock Golden Caster Sugar 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder 1 level tsp Baking Powder Icing 125g/4oz Butter (Room temperature) 200g/7oz...

To celebrate its long relationship with Supporting Quality and SIPTU, Me2You is offering you the opportunity to win a €100 Gift Card!

It's giveaway time and we've put together the ultimate fireside bundle. Enter for a chance to win and make your home warm and cosy this Christmas. Head over to our Christmas Giveaway post on Instagram to enter - all you have to do is like, share and tag a friend in...

Iarnród Éireann is on a journey to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future, working responsibly to place sustainability at the heart of the service and infrastructure. Iarnród Éireann targets 80 million journeys by 2030, and continues to deliver major projects...

HR Circular 025 2024 - 2006 Annual Radiographer - Radiation Therapist Allowance HSE NER Memo 15/2024 Overtime following annual leave HR Memo 056-2024 -Updated HR Memo on Management of the Probationary Process  

SIPTU has been contacted by Mr David Walsh, the HSE’s Director of Access and Integration, to advise of a growing concern about the rate of uptake among health care workers taking up vaccines for influenza and Covid-19 this winter. A letter from Mr Walsh and Dr Colm...

A new report from the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) has revealed a significant pay gap between the earnings of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the public and private sectors in some European countries, including Ireland. The study drew from the...

SIPTU members have continued the campaigning in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy throughout the month of November. Most recently, protests took place at Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise on November 27th and St. Vincent’s University Hospital in...

SIPTU has commenced a process of consultation with members in Section 39 Organisations concerning industrial action over the issue of Government inaction in relation to a longstanding pay claim in the sector. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Despite...

SIPTU members in the Nursing and Midwifery Sector are reminded that all nurses and midwives who practice in Ireland must be registered on the Register of Nurses and Midwives which is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The current annual...

Dear Members, As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year on behalf of our Union. This year has been marked by significant challenges across the Irish health service....

The SIPTU Education Sector lost one of its leading activists and former Sector Presidents with the unexpected death of Kieran ‘Jack’ McGinley on 25th November.

  South-East Technological University (SETU): Waterford and Carlow Campuses   SIPTU representatives are engaging at the WRC conciliation service with officials from the Carlow Campus concerning the insourcing of work that has been previously outsourced. The Union is...

The SIPTU Public Administration and Community (PAC) Division Biennial Delegate Conference was held in Salthill, Galway during October.   Both motions proposed by the Education Sector were passed unanimously. Keith Flynn  (Ollscoil na Gailimhe) and Willie Bissett...

Earlier this year, members of the Rehab/National Learning Network, a Section 39 Organisation, voted for industrial action in the long-running dispute related to a claim for parity of pay with workers fulfilling similar roles directly employed by the State. SIPTU...

A Webinar was held by the Education Sector Committee earlier this year on the release of the Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working and the Right to Request Remote Working. The discussion of the Code of Practice was conducted by the ICTU Head of...

SIPTU members in Kilkenny College and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland have recently voted to accept pay deals which will see significant rises in their earnings.

The SIPTU Education Sector has a number of priorities it will be pursuing with the next Government, whatever its make-up.

The long-running dispute concerning pay for Section 39 and other voluntary sector workers came under the spotlight in the last days of the election after an encounter between a SIPTU member and Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk, County Cork on 22nd November. The...

The SIPTU Private Sector made five specific policy demands of political candidates in the run up the General Election, dealing with areas including the need for a transport police service, redundancy improvements, re-municipalisation of domestic waste services and...

The SIPTU-backed ICTU-organised Rally for Unity and Hope! brought together hundreds of trade union and anti-racism activists in a call for solidarity among workers in the face of activity by racists and far-right politicians at the Larkin Statue on O’Connell Street in...

The terms of a new Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) were signed into law by the Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail on 7th November and will come into force on 1st August 2025. The new SEO, which supersedes the previous SEO of 2023, sets...

SIPTU is calling for members to cast their vote for stronger workers' rights after almost two-hundred-and-fifty General Election candidates across Ireland signed a pledge committing to legislative change. The pledge, organised by the cross-union Respect at Work...

The Early Years Union, SIPTU, has welcomed commitments to introduce public childcare provision from representatives of the various political parties who attended an online hustings debate on the ‘hot button’ topic for voters, on 26th November. Early Years Manager and...

SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has led his Union in paying respects to three veteran activists and organisers, Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and Seamus Rodgers whose recent passing has left the movement in a state of deep sadness. “Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and...

The Workforce Plan is a Local Authority’s strategy for ensuring it has adequate workers and structures to meet the varied demands and supply all the relevant services.  These plans must look towards the future to encompass growing populations and requirements placed...

Uisce Éireann has conducted a number of meetings across all 31 local authority areas over the last 24 months to outline the process for water services staff to transfer to the new national utility. The Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services was published in...

More than 100 LAPO members working in all 31 Local Authorities in various engineering roles and across every grade have successfully secured the regularisation of their positions with permanent contracts replacing temporary Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CID), due...

Securing further pay rises for members through the new Local Bargaining Fund headed the agenda at the LAPO Biennial Delegate Conference 2024, held in Portlaoise, County Laois on 25th September. Approximately 30 delegates discussed accessing the Local Bargaining...

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposal to apply the percentage increases of the Public Sector Pay Agreement to the ICE CAST allowance were accepted by a ballot of LAPO members employed as duty engineers across the local authorities, which concluded in...

In June 2024, a consultation paper was produced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to launch a review of the qualifications for engineering posts in the local government sector. This latest review is being carried out by a ten-person working...

Paul Mulligan Senior Executive Engineer Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District Cavan County Council “Prior to joining the Local Authority, I worked for six years with a Civil Engineering Contractor. None of the staff were represented by a Union at this time. Our employer...

The SIPTU Manufacturing Division wishes to remind all members to consider purchasing goods from companies which are part of the Union-backed Supporting Quality campaign this Festive Season. The campaign grants products and services which are produced in unionised...

SIPTU representatives have committed to attending Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) talks following the collapse of a mediation process at the Becton Dickinson plant in Drogheda, County Louth, that was aimed at achieving a fair redundancy package for the over 200...

SIPTU’s Manufacturing Division committed the Union to campaigning to bring the maximum level of statutory redundancy from €600 to more than €1000 per week

SIPTU’s Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, called for workers’ rights and the right to unionise to be central to the debate in the upcoming General Election.

HSE HR Circulars Recently Released

Following an extensive consultation period, please find link to the revised HSE Terms and Conditions document which has been issued recently by National HSE Human Resources.

The National Joint Council Panel of Trade Unions has written to the HSE seeking confirmation of the implementation of pay awards due as of October 2024 under the Public Service Agreement.

SIPTU’s Health Division confirmed on 11th October that union members working in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) had accepted new pay proposals by an overwhelming majority. The agreement, which will run until October 2026, provides for an annual 3%...

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has contacted the ICTU to reconvene the parties for negotiations regarding the Section 39 pay dispute.

SIPTU members have been participating in a series of lunchtime protests across the country in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy. In the summer of 2023, the HSE implemented a recruitment embargo, leaving thousands of previously approved positions...

The theme of the conference was ‘Our Communities, Our Services, Our Futures’. The two motions below were submitted by the Local Authority Sector and passed unanimously by delegates.

SIPTU representatives have expressed support for proposals for a waste regulator and a pilot scheme in Dublin for the re-municipalisation of domestic waste collection

The implementation of the Water Services Framework is ongoing with members currently considering their options regarding staying with their Local Authority or transferring voluntarily to Uisce Éireann

The Local Authority Sector has identified Workforce Planning as a priority issue, as frontline services are reorganised due to the transition of water services staff to Uisce Éireann and resourcing issues.

The Tara Mines Group of Unions has welcomed the facility’s return to full operation this week, following an 18-month lay-off for the majority of its employees, and an end to the uncertainty surrounding its future.  SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “There is a...

Our Union will provide financial support to some candidates but in return, they will have to fully adhere to the ten points contained in the SIPTU Political Fund Pledge.

Collective bargaining and the transposition of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages was a key theme at the SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Conference held in Galway earlier this month.

The latest update on the financial situation of the Credit Union sector issued by the Central Bank should provide a positive context to the enterprise level pay talks which will shortly be undertaken.

An amendment to the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the contract cleaning sector came into force on 1st June and includes a new minimum hourly pay rate of €13.30 for all workers over 20 years of age. The ERO not only sets minimum pay rates, the number of paid...

Security industry workers have welcomed a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector that came into force on 1st July and increased minimum hourly rates of pay.

Ireland is unique within the EU in having an entirely free-market approach to the collection of domestic waste. This model is not sustainable. It is, in summary, bad for the environment, bad for citizens and bad for workers. Ireland must reform its domestic waste...

Bord na Móna is conducting a strategic review of the operation of Bord na Móna Recycling. This is code for its intent to sell it to the highest bidder. SIPTU is campaigning to prevent the privatisation

SIPTU’s campaign for pay justice for waste workers and reform of the domestic waste sector is paying political dividends. A cross-party Group has been established in the Dáil to reform the domestic waste sector. SIPTU waste representatives met the cross-party group in...

SIPTU’s membership across the Waste Sector has grown dramatically in the last nine months, increasing by over 70%, as workers in the industry get organised across the country

Having proper training equips the Safety Rep with the correct skills and knowledge to carry out the role effectively, by identifying and mitigating any potential hazards, which reduces the risk of injuries and accidents at work.

SIPTU College is Ireland’s only trade union college and has responsibility for the training, education and upskilling of activists and staff.

SIPTU College invites you to continue your journey to workplace leadership at our online open day on Monday, 12th August. Participants will choose from two sessions 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm or 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm and learn about our unique two-year Level 6 Trade Union...

Unity among workers is essential to progress in our workplaces and society. It underpins all we do as trade unionists, our work is based on building collective power and the greatest threat to that is division.

Staff at the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) are to ballot on proposals that emerged following talks between their SIPTU representatives and management.

The ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign, which demands that FAI management respects its workforce and engages with them as a collective, through SIPTU, was launched at football grounds during July.

Latest circulars from the HSE.

The research seems to demonstrate that the trade union movement has been on the correct side of the argument regarding the outsourcing agenda.

Yielding to the pressure from gig workers, trade unions and civil society, the European Council adopted in March 2024 a directive to improve the working conditions for platform workers.

SIPTU representatives have highlighted the need to address the staffing crisis through the progression of the radiation therapy review and the need for a comprehensive strategy for retaining experienced staff.

SIPTU, the Union for Care Workers, has said that collective bargaining rights in the care sector will be essential to addressing low pay and recruitment issues with in-home support services.

The ICTU Staff Panel has written to the HSE regarding the change of responsibility for disability services to the Department of Children, Equality Inclusion, Youth and Disability Services.

The current Public Service Agreement provides for a 3% payment under a local bargaining clause of which the first instalment of 1% is due for payment on 1st September 2025.

SIPTU Nursing members are continuing a campaign of highlighting and putting pressure on the HSE and Department of Health to address staffing deficits in Mental Health Services.

The ICTU group of healthcare unions has said it remains concerned over the ability of the HSE to staff its services adequately as it’s latest staffing strategy shows vacancies have been effectively suppressed.

Dublin Port Company has introduced a mandatory Health and Safety and security requirement called the Dublin Port Pass, for all port employees, tenants, contractors and visitors.

The National Transport Authority intends to reduce the share of bus routes operated by the state-owned Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus to between 60% to 70%

SIPTU has called for a full investigation into how footage of an incident has managed to be widely distributed on social media.

SIPTU has long campaigned for the establishment of a dedicated policing service in public transport and arising from recent increased reports we launched our “Respect Transport Workers Campaign”

Following a protracted pay dispute which began in 2022 and included a vote for industrial action, a long-term pay agreement was concluded for members in Zenith.

A significant pay increase and health policy coverage for all employees in Edenderry Power Ltd following a vote to accept a Labour Court recommendation.

SIPTU members in Uisce Éireann have secured a two-year pay deal following protracted discussions between the Group of Unions and management.

As part of Ireland’s first-ever Trade Union Week SIPTU Aviation Sector activists set up a stall in Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport and used it as an opportunity to talk to workers about the value of joining the Union.

SIPTU continues to win for its members with a large number of pay deals concluded in 2024 across the Aviation Sector

Motions passed by Conference delegates also committed the union to do “all we can to stop hate organising in our communities and workplaces”.

The event featured 8,500 athletes from over 70 countries in 60 different sports. 2,800 volunteers helped to run the games.

A well-attended SIPTU Aviation Sector Annual General Meeting 2024 took place on the 12th March in Portlaoise with constructive and meaningful discussions on a number of issues.

Aircoach is a company which engages in collective bargaining with its SIPTU members. It is a service which all SIPTU members can use secure in the knowledge that its staff have the opportunity to organise into our Union.

SIPTU have welcomed the Government’s decision in April to increase the minimum rates of pay for work permit holders from outside the EEA declaring it an opportunity to increase pay for all low-paid workers in Ireland.

Across the Manufacturing Division, we are all too familiar with the problems workers have organising and achieving collective bargaining in workplaces where the employer is hostile toward our Union.

SIPTU continues to win for its members with a large number of pay deals concluded in 2024 across the Manufacturing Division.

Ireland’s commitment to environmental sustainability is demonstrated by the Government pledge to achieve a 51% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions between 2021 and 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

Following a successful organising drive by SIPTU members employed by the Japanese multinational mechanical engineering company, THK, in Tallaght, Dublin, a 5% pay increase has been secured.

Ireland’s first ever Trade Union week took place on the week commencing 29th April. It saw thousands of trade unionists across the island taking part in events and activities.

The lack of a clear and concrete workforce plan for the National Children’s Hospital is creating unnecessary confusion around the staffing of the facility.

A member should not attend their workplace due to being deemed to be a close contact with a confirmed case of measles.

Recent years have seen a major organising campaign by SIPTU for members in these organisations with large public meetings of up to 600 people around the country.

The theme of the conference was ‘Our Union, Our Future’ and the event marked the further integration of these members into the SIPTU Community Sector.

More than 80 delegates attended a successful Community Sector Annual General Meeting in Portlaoise to consider the next stages in the campaign by SIPTU members to achieve fair pay and respect for workers.

The SIPTU Community Sector is currently organising into the Union workers in Bohemian FC. The Sector is seeking to engage with other clubs on the value of union membership.

The Union has continued to pursue pay claims for members in Non-Governmental Organisations including a sizable pay improvement.

Union representatives returned to the WRC to discuss further pay adjustments following the 8% agreed for members in Section 39, 56 and 10 agencies.

Liberty Hall theatre was alive with debate and song for the Robert Tressell Festival.

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.

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 (GOU) will recommend acceptance of a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposal brokered in the early hours of Wednesday morning

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...

The need to organise more workers into our union was the defining issue at the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference

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...

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...

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...

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.