SIPTU members will be supporting the strike by school students and associated events across the country tomorrow (Friday, 15th March) as part of a global day of action by young people protesting at the lack of response by world leaders to tackling climate change. SIPTU Head of Equality and Policy, Marie Sherlock, said: “Our union is built on the belief that through collective action real and progressive change can be achieved. It is tremendous to witness the rise of a grassroots movement of young people focused on ensuring that there is effective action taken to deal with the existential crisis that is climate change. “Across the country tomorrow, our members in the Young Workers’ Network will be supporting this movement at protests and other events. We will be making clear that our union understands that action must be taken now to develop our economy and society so that Ireland plays its role in reducing the threat to the globe due to climate change.” She added: “This means securing a just transition for workers involved in industries that will have to radically change in order to reduce our carbon production. It will also necessitate a wider examination of the values which govern our society and economy as well as a much better understanding of the impact of how we consume, how we build and how we travel.” SIPTU Youth Network member, Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin, said: “School students are angry about the lack of urgent action by governments across the industrialised world on climate change. The school strikes taking place across the world are a rallying call by young people demanding action to ensure that our environment is protected for future generations.” SIPTU activists will be attending protests in various locations around the country tomorrow including outside Leinster House in Dublin and outside Cork City Hall both between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m.
SIPTU supports strike by school students to highlight threat of climate change
