Since the latest round of National Strike mobilisations began on 28 April 2021, Colombian police and apparent para-state agents have committed extreme abuses. The Colombian government have stigmatised the protestors and defended police actions. There has been a deluge of international condemnation. Background: On 28 April 2021, huge mobilisations took place across Colombia to reject … Continued
The next Congress Friday Briefing will take place on Friday 28 May at 10.30am via Webex Events on the subject of Collective Benefit. This briefing will focus on a forthcoming Fórsa Trade Union report, Collective Benefit – Harnessing the power of representation for economic and social progress, which is due to be launched on the … Continued
In 1980, a group of Civil Service Unions were concerned about the terrible poverty experienced by those in what was then called the Third World. They decided to form a body which, although modest, could play a part in one way or another, to help eliminate some of this poverty which is rampant throughout the … Continued
May the 1st is recognised internationally as the day to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement around the world. To mark the day ICTU General Secretary Patricia King and ICTU Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy said: “We have lived through unprecedented times, however, we can be confident that … Continued
Presidential Address – Carol Scheffer Thank you, dear Ana, and Cinzia. I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful for your kind words. It is an honour for me on behalf of the Communications Workers’ Union in Ireland to take up the important role of President of the UNI Europa Women’s Committee. I am grateful for the … Continued
Address by Seán McDonagh, Deputy General Secretary, CWU Ireland Colleagues, At the outset, I extend the very best wishes to you all from CWU Ireland and that you stay safe in these most extraordinary dangerous and difficult times. Indeed, the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the value of workers and Unions leading the way in maintaining … Continued
Steve Fitzpatrick, the General Secretary of the CWU speaking on Workers Memorial Day stated “On Workers Memorial Day we remember all of those who have been killed, disabled or injured at work. The theme for Workers’ Memorial Day this year is “Workplace Health and Safety – its Your Right”. The Trade Union movement has provided … Continued
Below is a new Congress summary briefing on the delivery of affordable homes/ public housing and the creation of a new model for secure tenancy in the rental sector. The summary briefing highlights shortcomings in current government housing policy and delivery of new homes along with problems in relation to the draft Affordable Housing and Land … Continued
National Remote Work Strategy protects workers from “always on” culture. In an article in Monday’s Irish Times under the headline “Government policy on remote working could hurt flexibility and deter investment” Melanie Crowley of Mason Hayes and Curran suggested “the cap on working hours needs to be removed and the right to disconnect needs to … Continued
UNI Commerce is calling for a global solidarity campaign against union-busting at Metro AG stores in Pakistan following the unfair dismissal of Tahir Mehmood, General Secretary of Metro Habib Employees Union. UNI Commerce calls on unions, workers, labour and human rights activists and all those concerned with social justice from across the globe to sign … Continued
Congress supports the call by the Financial Services Union (FSU) for the establishment of a forum by governments in the Republic and Northern Ireland to discuss the future of banking and financial sectors on the island. General Secretary Patricia King said thousands of workers face turmoil following the scandal at Davy Stockbrokers and recent announcements … Continued
The ICTU is gravely concerned at the outbreak of violence and disregard for public health guidelines in Dublin at the weekend. Speaking today Patricia King, General Secretary, said: “the violent scenes at Saturday’s protest are unacceptable. Gardaí should be able to go about their work in policing society and keeping people safe without threats of … Continued
It is with the greatest of sadness that we must pass on the news of the sudden passing of John Egan, eir Dublin No.1 Branch Secretary. John was not only an incredible CWU member and activist, but a dear friend to so many of us and his loss will be deeply felt. We would like … Continued
In accordance with the Medical Fund rules and continuing normal practice, a cut-off date for claiming on receipts dated in the calendar year 2020 has been set at Friday 15th January 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, any members with receipts dated between 1st January and 31st December 2020 who have not yet submitted a … Continued
More Democracy at Work is a must! European workers are now facing the massive social and economic consequences brought by the pandemic. An inclusive recovery and just transitions can only be achieved together in democratic manner, including the guarantee that all workers have a say and are effectively involved in the day-to-day life of their … Continued
You may be aware that on November 19th we celebrate International Men’s Day and the important contribution that men make to the world of work, to their family life and to society. The theme for International Men’s Day this year is “Better health for men and boys” and so it is an opportunity to highlight … Continued
Congratulations to all the CWU team on a very successful outcome. Well done to all of our candidates and best wishes for your four year tenure on the Board of An Post. As I said at the recent NEC meeting, we ran a united campaign, and given we started out only looking for four seats … Continued
ICTU General Secretary, Patricia King, said that Budget 2021, which the Minister for Finance has described as the “largest in the history of the state”, does not ensure sufficient support for low-paid workers and low-income families, and risks undermining the recovery in domestic demand. The General Secretary said: “The fiscal expansion outlined by Budget 2021 … Continued
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions notes the decision by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphries, to implement the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission to increase the national minimum wage by 10 cent per hour. Congress representatives withdrew from the Low Pay Commission last week as they could not, in conscience, be a … Continued
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling on politicians in all parties and none to make sick pay mandatory for all workers within the lifetime of this Government. Speaking ahead of the publication of the quick guide to sick pay, ICTU General Secretary Patricia King said: “It took a pandemic to expose the big failings … Continued
We are pleased to advise that due to the high number of entrants we have extended the closing date for the competition to October 9th. We have also increased the number of runner up prizes. Please note that the competition is open only to those who have completed our digital photography course on Unionlink As … Continued
Developments in technology and its availability have made it possible for many desk jobs to be performed outside of an employer’s premises, for part or all of the working week. Over a matter of days, tens of thousands of businesses moved their staff to work remotely from home during the Covid-19 pandemic to help slow … Continued
Ireland is now in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which began on Monday 29th June. You can view the measures that form part of Phase 3 here Stay Safe Guidelines – As our country is reopened, keeping up protective behaviours is as important as ever to prevent the spread of … Continued
In 1980, a group of Civil Service Unions were concerned about the terrible poverty experienced by those in what was then called the Third World. They decided to form a body which, although modest, could play a part in one way or another, to help eliminate some of this poverty which is rampant throughout the … Continued
We wish to bring your attention to some resources that have been developed by the Health & Safety Committee of Congress in relation to the Return to Work Protocol. These focus on trying to support the role of the Lead Worker Representative. Congress has also put in place a recommended complaints procedure in the event … Continued
Many people have experienced and will experience the death of someone they love during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may have been a COVID-related death or a death from other causes. People may also be finding a previous bereavement more difficult at this time. While we may be seeing reductions in the number of deaths connected … Continued