Vol. 16 No 4 October 2017 ISSN 0791-458X SIPTU Biennial Budget The People’s Delegate Conference 2018 President Page 7-12 Page 13-15 Page 18 Budget fails on housing crisis

by Frank Connolly SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has described the recent budget as morally indefensible. He said that it failed to con- front the deep housing and health crises while benefitting already wealthy people with tax breaks and other financial transfers. “In the midst of a housing and homeless crisis the government has chosen to deploy €335 million on token tax cuts, €461 million on con- tinuing the VAT give away to bad employers in the hospitality sector and €1.5 billion on a totally unnecessary ‘pet project’ rainy day fund. “In total, this amounts to €2.29 billion which would otherwise build 12,000 local authority houses and which would actually make a differ- ence. On top of that, developers are to be gifted €750 million or 60% of the cost of constructing 6000 houses. A fisherman observing the impact of storm Ophelia at Glen Pier, Ballinskelligs, county “It is the first time since the great collapse of 2008 that we had a chance to transform our grossly unequal society. Instead, Fine Gael and Kerry, on Monday 16th October. Pic: Stephen Kelleghan Fianna Fáil, backed by a coterie of right wing independents, have cho- sen to take us back to the old value system that precipitated the eco- nomic and financial crash in the first place. The budget may have been

5 6 a slick piece of presentation but it is morally indefensible.” 3 4 1 2 Fatah-Hamas Deal Crossword 8 7 Speaking at the biennial conference of SIPTU in Cork earlier this

10 month. Jack O’Connor called for a new alliance of genuinely progressive Page 31 9

in Palestine 13 forces to achieve a number of key objectives, including a decent hous- 11 12 14

16 ing and health service as well as full collective bargaining rights for all Page 24 15 17 19 20

18

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2 Liberty In this month’sLiberty OCTOBER 2017 News

Liberty View Liberty Vote for strike action at Inishowen Oil Page 16-17 SIPTU members at Inishowen Oil, for a pay increase. The company home heating oil by truck to do- in Carndonagh, county Donegal has also refused to respond to in- mestic customers across Donegal View have voted unanimously for strike vitations by the Workplace Rela- and have not had a pay increase for action following the refusal of tions Commission to attend over 10 years. management at the company to conciliation talks on the pay claim. negotiate with them on their claim SIPTU members distribute gas and

Your County, Your Youth Irish Equity will support members in confronting Page 19 sexual assault and harassment

Irish Equity will support mem- and respect. Irish Equity will con- outed and challenged.” bers in confronting sexual assault tinue to challenge those in the in- Irish Equity President, Padraig Supporting and harassment dustry who abuse their position. Murray, said: “Members should be Quality Irish Equity has assured mem- “From information collected in a reassured that they can talk to the bers that the union will support survey conducted by Irish Equity union in complete confidence. We Page 21 them should they have any con- in 2016 we know that the vast ma- are experienced in dealing directly cerns regarding their treatment in jority of members experiencing or with these issues and will act, the workplace, following the re- witnessing this kind of behaviour without fear or favour on behalf of cent media coverage of sexual as- do not report it because they fear members who have experienced sault and harassment in the film losing work. This culture of not re- inappropriate behavior at work. I Docklands industry. porting is a long standing problem would encourage any member who remember Irish Equity Organiser, Karan O in the industry that created the has a concern about these issues, Loughlin, said: “Bullying and ha- original precarious workers. Sexual to please contact us by phone at 01 Page 23 rassment, including sexual harass- harassment, bullying or any kind 858 6403 or email ment, is just not acceptable. of harassment is unacceptable, It [email protected].” Workers in the creative industries must stop now and the perpetra- deserve to be treated with dignity tors of such behavior should be Fatah and Hamas deal Page 24 Dublin Fire Brigade forced to use undermanned appliances

SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have raised serious concerns about staffing levels in Book reviews the service following the confir- Page 25-27 mation that several fire appli- ances were sent into operation on 6th October while under- manned. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “DFB is seriously un- derstaffed with the result that its Sport and ability to maintain services to the public is being compromised. DFB identity management has sought to miti- Page 30 gate these shortages by the inordi- celling of critical safety training members in DFB being compro- nate use of overtime, which cannot courses. This is resulting in the mised.” be sustained, along with the can- safety of the public and of our

Continued from page 1 — Budget fails on housing crisis

Editor: Frank Connolly, SIPTU Head of Communications workers by the centenary of the the current trajectory. For it seems two main political parties are again Journalist: Scott Millar foundation of the State in 2022. we are back to “business as usual” promoting a tax cutting agenda Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU), Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) & William Hederman He said government finances, if in this country. We are again play- while children are homeless in one Publications Assistant: Deirdre Price properly managed and excluding ing by the rules of the self-inter- of the wealthiest countries in the Administrative Assistant: Karen Hackett any tax cutting agenda, “could at- ested value system that world. He said that an alternative Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour. tain decent housing for all our peo- precipitated the crisis in the first society based on true equality is Printed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. ple, the rebuilding of our public place. It’s back to looking the other possible if progressive forces in the Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. health service, the re-development way, while exponentially growing country worked together. If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: of one of the best education sys- inequality reasserts itself in our “It will be necessary to forge a [email protected] tems in the world, the establish- domestic and social affairs. It is ab- new alliance of all the genuinely Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, ment of the long awaited solutely unforgivable that thou- progressive forces on the island of Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 mandatory 2nd pillar pension sys- sands of our children are Ireland who are committed to the SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Gene Mealy• General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn tem and full collective bargaining homeless, in the aftermath of the primacy of the common good to re- Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, rights for all workers.” collapse of a credit fuelled prop- alise this great aspiration,” Jack Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] “However, this egalitarian vision erty bubble. O’Connor said. will not be achieved on the basis of “It is absolutely obscene that the Liberty 3 News OCTOBER 2017 Ophelia puts SIPTU members to the test

SIPTU fire service members clearing fallen trees in Cork Photo: Denis Minihane courtesy the Irish Examiner

Across the country, SIPTU quent repairs. The damage from with substantial damage reported level institutions to close in order frequent in the coming years not members in the local author- Ophelia included 300,000 homes in counties Cork and Kerry. SIPTU to safeguard children. Many busi- least as a result of climate change. ities, fire and emergency being left without electricity and member and County Cork Council nesses followed suit with the pub- In light of these warnings we are services and the Office of nearly 100,000 without water. worker, Leslie McNamara, said: lic strongly advised to stay indoors repeating our call for the Govern- Public Works (OPW) were to SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan “The level of damage has been con- during the period of the storm. ment to ensure that front line the fore in protecting their O’Brien, said: “Our members siderable but as is always the case Such action undoubtedly services provided by the local au- communities from the effects worked tirelessly to assist the pub- in such situations our members reduced the loss of life, although thorities, the fire and rescue serv- of storm Ophelia, which hit lic in their preparations to protect have been out there ensuring serv- unfortunately three people did die ices and the OPW are given the Ireland on 16th October. themselves from this unprece- ices are returned for the public as during the storm; Michael Pyke in resources needed to maintain the Over 3,000 local authority work- dented event. Their efforts un- swiftly as possible whether its re- Tipperary, Clare O’Neill in Water- State’s readiness to respond to ers were involved in assisting the doubtedly prevented far greater pairing water systems, clearing ford and Fintan Goss in Louth. such events.” public in preparing for the storm, damage and injuries being caused roads or mending damaged build- SIPTU Sector Organiser, Jane She added: “There must also be which resulted in a red level alert by this extremely powerful storm.” ings.” Boushell, said: “Scientists predict investment in remedial work to across the country, and the subse- Among the worst effected areas On 16th October the Govern- that such extreme weather condi- mitigate the adverse effects from was the south west of the country, ment ordered all schools and third tions are likely to become more similar events in the future.” Government hypocrisy on contributory state pension Since 2012, changes to the minister, Paschal Donohoe, and Donohue for this system of retirement compared with men. system of entitlement for called this system “bonkers” but contributions to the State pen- Much attention is currently being the contributory state pen- despite the fact that it would cost sion to be overhauled. Until given to the gender pay gap sion have meant that mainly only €70 million to restore the 2012, workers with an average of across countries. However, the women workers with less pre-2012 system of entitlement, 48 or more yearly contributions gap in pension income between than full service were un- he said it would be too costly to received the maximum contribu- men and women is much worse. fairly penalised when they change. Compared with what the tory state pension. Those con- The European Commission esti- came of pension age. State foregoes each year due to tributing between 20 and 47 mated the gap to be 35.5% in At the time SIPTU campaigned the reduced VAT rate for certain credits yearly received €4.50 less 2013 in favour of men. for these grossly unfair changes sectors, this claim rings very hol- per week. Now those with an av- “This is an issue that can be that discriminated in the main low. The State loses €461 million erage of 20 to 29 contributions tackled without too much diffi- against women who left the in Vat revenues each year though yearly receive €34.70 less and culty or cost, particularly when workplace to raise their families the 9% special VAT rate for the those with contributions averag- majority of women. Private sector you have the obscene VAT con- and other caring duties. Seasonal hospitality sector which was re- ing 30-39 get €23.60 less, per employments with a large share cession to some of the most ex- workers and those employed for duced from 13.5% some years week. of female workers and poor occu- ploitative employers in the a share of the year such as those ago. The urgent call to reform the pational pension coverage com- country running profitable hotels directly employed by schools SIPTU has reissued its long State’s pension scheme touches bined with breaks in paid and paying minimum wages to were also badly affected by the stated demand to social protec- on a wider problem of insuffi- employment has meant that staff,” said incoming SIPTU move. tion minister, Regina Doherty, cient pension coverage for the women are much less well off in general secretary, Ethel Buckley. Following the budget, finance 4 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 News Crucial role of qualified educators in Early Years SIPTU members have pointed work without any qualifications. to a lack of qualified staff. to evidence that qualified “Children deserve quality early He said: “Underinvestment by educators play a crucial role years education, parents deserve the state is keeping wages so low in delivering high quality affordability and workers deserve that educators and providers can- early years education and a professional wage. not afford to stay in a job they that this leads to better out- “We would not accept the de- love. We need to address the re- comes for children. professionalisation of teachers in cruitment crisis by increasing pay, SIPTU Organiser, Darragh O’Con- primary or secondary schools – conditions and investment, not by nor told Liberty: “This is why why then would we demand any- cutting standards in qualifications. SIPTU members absolutely re- thing different for children under “For years the sector has worked jected a proposal from a new pri- the age of four?” to raise quality and establish min- vate providers’ association, Seas Flagging up the recruitment and imum qualifications. It is not the Suas, that would allow up to 25% retention crisis in the sector, time to take a backwards step of staff in Early Years facilities to O’Connor claimed it was not due now,” he warned. European Court of Justice victory for Ryanair workers St Cronan’s cleaners secure A ruling by the European the country from which they work. The same day as the ECJ an- justice due to overwhelming Court of Justice (ECJ), on 14th It determines that an employee nounced its decision Ryanair was September, was a significant can address their work related is- plunged into crisis due to a community support victory for Ryanair workers. sues in the jurisdiction which they claimed rostering issue which has SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, regard as closest to them. resulted in the cancelation of hun- Greg Ennis, said: “This ECJ ruling “This is a vital step for those dreds of flights. In recent months, is a significant milestone in the who need, in particular, to seek re- many pilots have joined other journey to achieving better terms dress in matters relating to individ- airlines offering better pay and and conditions for all Ryanair em- ual contracts of employment. It conditions. Pilots at the airline ployees across Europe. The ruling does away with what has been the have also made public their unease establishes the rights of mobile attempt by the management of at the conditions under which they aviation workers to have their Ryanair to use a flag of conven- have been forced to work. grievances heard under the laws of ience approach to workers’ rights.” Talks between RTE unions and management continue Caption: Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley, speaking with school cleaners Lorraine Reilly, Ann Daly and Pauline Talks between unions and arate redundancy packages on are united in our position that Smyth outside St. Cronan’s Senior National School, Brackenstown, Swords, County Dublin. management concerning the offer for workers under 55 years of there will be no compulsory re- age, for those over 55 who are due dundancies. We have also in- After two weeks of protests meet with our union represen- restructuring of RTE are ongo- tatives to agree a fair deal for to retire at 60 and those over 55 formed management that it must outside St Cronan’s Senior ing with a further meeting National School, Bracken- us.” scheduled to take place on Fri- who are due to retire at 65. The halt local meetings with staff She added: “Our victory package on offer to those under 55 which are separate from the agreed stown, in Swords, County day, 20th October. Dublin, three SIPTU members, would not have been possible if The core issue in the negotia- is reasonably attractive. However, negotiation structure involving the who had worked as the we had not been organised in tions concerns the redundancy the packages for those over 55 do company and RTE unions. These SIPTU. The message is clear to school’s cleaners before losing packages offered to workers by not seem to be getting the take-up meetings are inappropriate and are all cleaners. You need to join their jobs without agreement, management in order to secure which management intended.(In only leading to confusion and mis- your union, you need to join over 250 voluntary departures particular those staff who would information on the proposed re- secured a fair settlement. This SIPTU.” from the State broadcaster. be due to retire at 60)” structuring. If these do not cease dispute was resolved following SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane SIPTU Organiser, Graham He added: “It may require man- we cannot guarantee there will talks between the school board Jackson, said: “A cleaning con- Macken, said: “There are three sep- agement to enhance what it is of- continued cooperation or indus- and patron with SIPTU repre- tractor, AFM Ireland Ltd, en- fering because the unions in RTE trial harmony going forward.” sentatives. gaged by the management of the The cleaners protested every school to provide cleaning serv- morning and lunchtime outside ices in the new school year re- the school from 31st August to fused to employ our members. 13th September in order to high- The company and the manage- light a management decision to ment of the school also refused engage a contract cleaning com- to honour our members’ redun- pany which refused to maintain dancy entitlements. This was a their employment. The protests completely unacceptable situa- received widespread support tion which was eventually re- from the local community, solved with the assistance of the elected representatives and Archbishop of Dublin who is the trade unionists. school’s patron.” Cleaner, Lorraine Reilly, who Among the local elected repre- had worked at St Cronan’s Sen- sentatives who attended ior National School for 18 years, protests at the school was the said: “We protested because Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCam- after many years of loyal service ley, Sinn Fein TD, Louise to the school our jobs were O’Reilly and Independent TD given to a cleaning company Clare Daly. A motion proposed OCTOBER 20th -21st which refused to take us on. by Labour Councillor, Duncan Essex Street, “Due to the super support we Smith, at the Swords local area Temple Bar, Dublin1 received from our fellow SIPTU committee calling for justice for For info and bookings go to members, the community and the cleaners received unani- www.facebook.com/workerfilmfest local elected representatives the mous support, while local Sinn management of the school was Féin councillors also supported forced to come to its senses and the protest. Liberty 5 Health OCTOBER 2017

her organisation. Only fair our She said: “We were simply told SIPTU launches pay campaign that Section 39 staff were not being given their money back as sacrifice is the organisation’s not in a posi- tion to give it. recognised “We all signed up to the cuts for Section 39 Workers when times were bad, so we JACQUELINE KIRBY is a so- should get pay restoration as the cial care leader and SIPTU economy recovers. It’s that sim- and executives well outside public SIPTU representatives are cur- member in St Joseph’s sector pay norms. rently consulting with staff in 10 ple. I do not think it is fair for Foundation, a Section 39 the Government to pass the buck By “For our members and the Section 39 organisations over bal- disability service provider and say we only send the money Paddy Cole public, questions remain despite loting for strike action in the in Cork, where she has to Section 39 organisations – it’s investigations by the press and the weeks ahead. worked since 2005. up to them to pay and it’s not SIPTU has launched a “Pay Public Accounts Committee. The The organisations include Re- Jacqueline told Liberty that she our fault they are not passing it Justice for Section 39 Work- HSE and the Department of Public habCare and the Cheshire Founda- has experienced two pay cuts, on. ers” campaign and sent a Expenditure and Reform have sim- tion, which are national one of about 6% in 2010 and 2% “Like all public service work- “very clear signal” to the Gov- ply failed to take any action to cor- operations, Western Care in Mayo, in May 2014. She said incre- ers, we put our shoulders to the ernment that they must act rect this situation which has St Joseph’s Foundation in Cork, ments were frozen for six wheel to help the country, to on the issue. damaged public confidence in the SOS Kilkenny, the Cork Associa- months for some staff. When the help the economy, so it’s only It follows the passing of an whole Section 39 and Voluntary tion for Autism, Ability West, and process of pay restoration began fair that we are recognised and unanimously backed motion at the Sector.” St Aidan’s Hospital in Wexford. in the public service last year, rewarded by government for our union’s Biennial Delegate Confer- she was told it did not apply in sacrifice.” nece which called on the Govern- ment and Health Service Executive (HSE) to ensure Section 39 organi- Doing same sations adopt transparent gover- nance systems including work but for conforming with HSE norms in the area of employee contracts and employment rights. less pay... Addressing the conference in LIZ CLOHERTY is Vice Chair of Cork City Hall, SIPTU Health Divi- the Intellectual Disability (ID) sion Committee member, Peter Sector Committee and currently Behan, said: “We must send a very works in RehabCare and previ- clear message that our members ously worked for another Sec- will not continue to provide first tion 39 body, Autism West, but class service delivery on third class was made redundant. pay and conditions. Liz told Liberty that after moving to “There are literally thousands of RehabCare she was placed on the pay care workers of all grades em- scale at a level which was about five ployed in Section 39 organisations points below where she would have providing both health and commu- been if she had joined a Section 38 nity services. Health Division body given her level of experience. members work in Section 39 or- “I took a pay cut of five increments lower, plus two cuts imposed by the ganisations which are household Government.” names due to the services they She warned that the Section 39 or- provide to our most vulnerable cit- ganisations would lose staff if pay jus- izens. They receive millions of tax- tice was not achieved. payers’ euros to provide these “We are doing the same work in Sec- services mainly in the care of citi- tion 39 for less pay and that has a zens with intellectual disability.” knock-on effect on every service user. He added: “Section 39 Health Section 39 users suffer as the organisa- Service providers are not exempt SIPTU members Jaqueline Kirby, Liz Cloherty and Helen Power launching the tions are not getting enough funding from criticism with scandal after union’s pay campaign for workers in Section 39 organisations PICTURE: Jimmy Weldon to keep their staff that can provide the scandal concerning excessive pay- continuity of care that people in ID ments made to senior managers services rely upon.” Delivering affordable quality CPD options is essential By Paddy Cole workers is absolutely essential. education of our workforce. This long activity for the healthcare pro- THE health and social care In late September, the SIPTU For healthcare big step to collaborate with the fessional and the fact now that landscape is changing in Ire- College for Continuous Profes- professionals, CPD RCSI shows our union’s commit- SIPTU can walk this journey with land, as in other countries, sional Development, a collabora- consolidates their ment towards ensuring members their member step by step can only and with it the priorities for tive partnership with the Royal existing knowledge, get the best of education and train- provide better health care for pa- the delivery of healthcare College of Surgeons (RCSI), was ing that provides patients with the tients and better jobs for workers.” services. launched by the Minister for skills and attitudes best possible healthcare and out- SIPTU College for Continuous Health policy decisions and the Health, Simon Harris and SIPTU while accommodating comes. Professional Development will significant fiscal challenges we face mean that resources spent on General Secretary Designate, Joe the rapid technological Speaking to Liberty, SIPTU Sec- provide SIPTU Health Division the provision of healthcare must Cunningham. change in the tor Organiser, Kevin Figgis said: members with access to world- be used effectively and in a man- The SIPTU College of Continu- workplace “For healthcare professionals, Con- class education programmes pro- ner that is justifiable in terms of ous Professional Development has tinuous Professional Development vided through direct and remote improved patient outcomes. In been tasked to integrate the tech- in an evidence-based environment. consolidates their existing knowl- teaching methods. nological, psychological and socio- edge, skills and attitudes while ac- The programmes will be accred- this context, the provision of af- As the largest trade union in the fordable and cost-effective Contin- logical aspects of health care and commodating the rapid ited by the RCSI and will be pro- uous Professional Development facilitate the practice and develop- country, our union has a responsi- technological change in the work- vided to SIPTU Health members at (CPD) options for health service ment of healthcare professionals bility to lead on the training and place. It becomes an ongoing, life- a very competitive cost. 6 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Around the union Around the union

Debenhams workers in Dublin send their support to the Debenhams workers Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service members (L to R) Cian in Belfast campaign- Delaney, Eric Flanagan, Mick Bracken and Mick Gurley took ing for union recog- part in the World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles during nition on Wednesday August. In total the team won seven medals including a gold 4th October for Cian. Photo: Brian Plunkett Photo: Myles Worth

Ethel Buckley, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary designate (left front) and hotel workers in Ireland stand with workers across the world for rights & safe work as part of a week of global action. Photo: Dan O’Neill SIPTU members with ISSU comrades ready to This month saw the join the USI march on Wednesday 4th October in Dublin. election of the new Irish Ambulance Repre- sentative Council (IARC) committee in Liberty Hall, Dublin. Pictured is the new Secretary of IARC, Coleen Whelan and new Chairman, Hillary Collins. Picture: Paddy Cole

SIPTU CPD College open for business: (Left to right) Padraig Heverin (SIPTU Divisional Committee Chair), Paul Boyle (SIPTU Nursing Sector Committee member), Rebecca Donohoe(SIPTU Nursing Sector Chair), Paul Bell Protest at March for (SIPTU Health Divisional Organ- Choice in Dublin iser), Kevin Figgis (SIPTU Nursing on 30th September. Sector Organiser) (Pic: Jimmy Photo: Derek Speirs Weldon) Liberty 7 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference OCTOBER 2017

Conference backs repeal Workshops hammer out of 8th Amendment precarious SIPTU Health Division delegates voting at conference work On the afternoon of Wednes - day, 4th October, conference delegates attended workshops held by each division to dis - cuss the issue of precarious work. At these workshops dele - gates highlighted difficulties associated with precarious work such as zero hour con - tracts, low and reduced hour contracts, seasonal working Suzanna Griffin: ‘the and new employees being is - hypocrisy is shameful’ sued with diminished con - tracts which do not conform to existing collective agreements. Several said there needed to be a clear pathway to a perma - On Thursday, 5th October, Committee member, Suzanna Grif - when a woman is pregnant with a support the call for a referendum nent full-time job if a worker SIPTU delegates voted over - fin, said: “Women comprise more foetus with a fatal foetal abnormal - so that the people of Ireland can so wished. than half of the trade union mem - ity, or pregnant as the result of whelmingly in support of a make a democratic decision as they Other concerns were raised bership in Ireland and it is unac - rape. So what happens? Women did in 1983. about the inability of workers motion for their union to ceptable that they live in a country travel aboard for terminations. The “The women of Ireland deserve to obtain mortgages and loans, where the law puts their health hypocrisy of this situation is “support the call for a refer - our support on this and people in as their contracted hours were and lives at risk, criminalises them shameful.” endum to repeal the 8th Ireland deserve an opportunity to not reflected in the hours they and forces them to travel abroad to She added: “But this motion is were actually working. It was vote on the 8th Amendment given Amendment”. avail of safe and legal abortion not asking any delegate here to accepted that precarious work - Proposing the motion on behalf services. make a moral or personal decision that no person of child-bearing age ing brought lower wages, poor of the union’s Equality Commit - “Some women have to undergo on the provision of abortion in Ire - has had the opportunity to make terms and conditions and in tee, SIPTU National Executive tortuous situations, for example land. It is merely asking you to this decision themselves.” some cases pitched worker against worker. At the Health Division work - shop the spread of precarious work practices in the Commu - Our union, stronger and prepared for the future nity Care sector and the fact that the government had Having weathered the chal - The increase in funding will turned a “blind eye” to the re - lenges of the economic down - allow the union to implement the sulting erosion of workers’ turn that followed the crash ambitious development plan rights was a particular concern. of 2008, SIPTU has been lead - agreed earlier this year at a special University of Limerick lec - ing the fight back for workers delegate conference of the union. turer and the co-author of a and now plans to further This will involve an expansion in government report on precari - strengthen. services for members which are ous work, Dr. Michelle O'Sulli - At conference delegates supported contained in the recommenda - van, was among those who a proposal to increase the top of tions that emerged from an exten - addressed the Services Divi - union contributions by 30 cent. sive membership consultation sion workshop. She said re - Presenting a SIPTU National Ex - initiative. The plan will include the search showed that precarious ecutive Council motion to increase extension of the Workers Rights work impacted on the mental union funding, National Trustee, Centre (WRC), an initiative of the health of workers and their Eugene Murphy, said: “In seeking SIPTU Legal Rights Unit. Since its health in general. Delegates at an increase of 30 cents on the top establishment in 2010 the WRC this workshop provided per - rate we are also proposing that has dealt with over 25,000 individ - sonal testimony of the pres - weekly dispute benefit for the top ual cases and secured for many sure they and their colleagues, rate be increased by €20, an rise of members improved conditions as particularly in the retail sector, 10%. There is no contribution rate well as for others awards and over endured due to precarious work practices. increase proposed for any of the the past five years has achieved Kilkenny, Carlow, Letterkenny, services for all members intensify other contribution classes. The last settlements to the total value of At the TEAC Division work - Limerick and Waterford in the SIPTU organising campaigns for shop delegates agreed that the increase in contributions was ap - over €30 million. coming months. young people, migrant workers proved by conference in 2007.” Increased financial resources union needs a clear policy on In order to safeguard and im - and to deepen the unions roots in combating the spread of pre - He added: “As a Trustee elected will also help to realise the aim of prove the future for our members communities across the country. bringing the union directly back carious work. This must in - by the members, I am satisfied that and their families it has always Among the many other services into more communities and work - clude connecting with young the increase being proposed is nec - been the SIPTU philosophy that it and facilities to be up-graded in essary to ensure the continued fi - places on the island. Since 2016, people to ensure there is trade is necessary for as many workers the coming months is the SIPTU union induction for new en - nancial strength of the union. I ask SIPTU has opened five Welcome as possible, across all industries, Centres in locations across the Communications Department, trants in the workplace as well you, delegates, to approve the Mo - from all backgrounds and of all with a revamp of its website, and tion in order to place our union in country including in Liberty Hall, as educating union commit - ages to be organised in the union. SIPTU College, with a major expan - tees about the dangers of pre - the best position possible to fulfill Dublin, Connolly Hall Cork, Navan, To advance this aim the develop - Tralee and Sligo. Further centres sion of its courses to be offered carious contracts. its role of protecting and advanc - ment plan includes proposals to across all areas of the union. ing our collective interests.” will be opening in Galway, significantly improve support and 8 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference

Broc Delaney claimed health workers forced to retire at 65 were falling into a ‘poverty trap’

Conference backs end to mandatory retirement at 65 DELEGATES unanimously paid health workers on poor or Conference delegates in Cork. Photo: Jimmy Weldon backed a motion calling on modest occupational pensions the Government and Health being placed into a poverty trap. Service Executive (HSE) to This is resulting from them give all health workers the being forced to retire at 65 years We must oppose extreme right option of remaining at work of age, in line with their con- beyond the age of 65. tracts, although they are not SIPTU National Executive Coun- paid the State pension until cil member, Broc Delaney, told they are 66. conference: “It is unacceptable “Another injustice is the prac- and push for a reformed EU that a situation is being allowed to tice of employers granting develop which is leading to low SIPTU members must that destroyed most of Europe in as well as the retention and im- health workers an extension of service beyond the age of 65 but strongly oppose the forces of the middle of the last century.” provement of workers’ rights He added: “As trade unionists we also immediately scrapping the extreme right and seek across Ireland.” their existing contract of em- radical reform of the EU in a can never allow ourselves to be dic- Turning to pay, he noted some tated to by the forces of the ex- It is unacceptable ployment and its associated manner which places the in- employers were using Brexit as an treme right. terms and conditions. This is a terests of citizens at its heart, “excuse” to “dampen wage expec- that a situation is situation which is occurring in incoming Deputy General “Rather, we must fight for a new and reformed EU where the social tations, implement cuts to work- being allowed to State hospitals and health care Secretary, Gerry McCormack, pillar, workers’ rights and ordinary ing conditions and to try and limit providers.” told delegates. citizens’ interests are placed at the pay awards at third party hear- develop which is Delaney added: “SIPTU mem- He said: “We need to call out heart of its policy decisions.” ings”. bers are not simply seeking a those on the extreme right who leading to low paid On the issue of Brexit, McCor- “While we fully accept that there change in the retirement age. It wish to destroy Europe. Let us ex- must be clear that increasing the mack said: “The outcome of the are some companies that have is- health workers pose them for what they really are. Brexit negotiations should include retirement age cannot be made sues with Brexit, particularly relat- The new terms used to describe the retention of free movement for on poor or modest mandatory. Any changes need to ing to exchange rate fluctuations the extreme right such as the ‘Alt workers and the common travel occupational be fair to the employee, taking Right’, or the populist right are area, no return to a border with and market place uncertainty, we into account the nature of their merely new names for the same re- Northern Ireland, state-aid for vul- will not tolerate it being used as an pensions being work, pay and conditions.” actionary and xenophobic forces nerable industries and enterprises excuse to attack workers.” Also at the conference, dele- placed into gates supported a motion calling a poverty trap for a sustained organising cam- paign to promote SIPTU as the “Go to Union” for all Health Government must ensure recovery Care Assistants working in both the public and private sector. extends to Community Sector US trade unionists attend SIPTU conference ADDRESSING the conference, services privatised to the for profit- incoming SIPTU Deputy Gen- sector. eral Secretary, John King, “Most, if not all, have received called on the Government to no pay increases or pay restoration increase funding to commu- and have endured funding cuts for nity and not for profit organ- their organisations. SIPTU is call- isations to ensure workers in ing on the Minister for Finance, these sectors benefit from Public Expenditure and Reform, the wider recovery in the Paschal Donohoe, to immediately economy. address this unacceptable situa- “Workers in the community and tion.” not-for-profi’ sectors do not enjoy He added: “Our members in the protections of the public serv- these sectors will no longer toler- ice agreements. However, although colleagues in the public service. ate the situation in which they not having the same benefits these Community and not-for-profit sec- have been placed. SIPTU will sup- workers have, they have had to ac- tor workers have been left out of port them in their battles and cam- cept the imposition of pay cuts by the recovery agenda by the Govern- paigns to achieve justice including, Left to right - Joe Haydon (Transport Workers Union) Jim Gannon (Transport Workers Union, Head of Communications) Jack O’Connor (SIPTU General President), John Samuelsen (Trans- Government and other measures ment. Some have faced redun- where required, taking industrial port Workers Union International President) Joe O’Flynn (SIPTU General Secretary) Shannon similar to those endured by their dancy and others have seen their and strike action.” Poland (Transport Workers Union) Photo: Paddy Cole Liberty 9 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference OCTOBER 2017 United voice inspired this first-time delegate

By Susan Gaynor McGowan we are in, are the same challenges Susan Gaynor McGowan felt energised by ON October 2nd, I was one of ‘uplifting and inspiring’ stories at BDC facing workers in an otherwise un- 357 delegates from across all related sector. SIPTU divisions who de- We might think that issues like scended on Cork for the Bien- zero-hour contracts, ‘if and when’ nial National Delegate contacts, precarious work, casuali- Conference – four days of dis- sation and low-hour contracts Greg Ennis cussions on the future of our mainly affect the lower paid jobs ‘enough is enough’ union, and our world. in retail, contract cleaning, and From the time we arrived in hospitality, but in actual fact they Cork, we could see SIPTU banners are rampant throughout all sectors. on City Hall and Connolly Hall wel- As a union we need to band to- Iarnród Éireann coming us to, what some consider, gether on this issue and, as Jack the real capital of Ireland (contro- O’Connor put it, “continue to row versial!). against the tide in the battle for ‘new frontline’ In an engaging and inspiring equality”. speech that evening, in his final Bi- Over the few days at conference ennial Delegate Conference speech I heard some uplifting and inspir- SIPTU TEAC Division Or- as general president, Jack O’Con- ing stories on battles fought and nor focused on some core issues ganiser, Greg Ennis, has won within our union and battles said “enough is enough” that we are all facing as trade unionists and as workers. still left to fight, but there will al- and described Iarnród On Brexit, he stated: “We will ways be another battle, another Éireann as the “new front- certainly not be accepting it as an wellbeing at work, pensions, insol- campaign, another reason to get line” in the battle for ade- excuse for cutting pay or curtailing This was my first vency, organising, funding public out on the picket line and fight for quate funding of public pay claims or attacking workers BDC... I came away transport, mental health, housing workers’ and human rights. and homeless, trade union rights transport. again, with a positive I came away with a positive atti- He also commented on the hous- in Turkey, and repeal of the 8th tude and a feeling that one person He told conference: “Iarnród ing crisis, demanding no further attitude and feeling Amendment, just to name a few. can really make a difference. I Éireann is now the new front- tax cuts. A deafening silence could that one person This was my first Biennial Dele- came away thinking that one line for our public transport be heard throughout the hall gate Conference and I was unsure speech can motivate you to keep what to expect. What I found was service. Employees, who after when, with one simple question, can really make a fighting and how meeting that one he moved the entire room: “Are we a sea of like-minded trade union- almost 10 years of a pay freeze, person at conference who you in- for housing homeless children or difference ists of all ages with a thirst for can no longer be expected to spired to become an activist makes are we for tax cutting? Which are knowledge and a keen interest and subsidise this public transport the floor. it all worthwhile. we for? Because we can’t have Over the days that followed passion about shaping the future service. of our union and our country for I came away with the feeling you both.” there was a huge number of mo- In his final words the out going the common good. have in your heart that the one “Enough is enough – and like tions debated on topics such as president remarked on his confi- What struck me the most about phrase we share with all our might the recent disputes in the zero-hour and ‘if and when’ con- dence in the new leadership team the entire conference was that the and passion is a key to our trade LUAS, Dublin Bus and Bus Éire- tracts, the casualisation of employ- of SIPTU before receiving a well- issues we each face in our own union belief: “The workers united ann, SIPTU will not be found ment, health and safety and deserved standing ovation from workplace, no matter what sector wanting in fully supporting our will never be defeated.” 1,900 members in Iarnród Éire- ann in their pursuit of a long overdue pay increase.” He added that SIPTU mem- bers would “vehemently cam- paign to oppose” the deliberate Image of union transformed by women footballers’ victory underfunding of public trans- port “which is simply designed The image of SIPTU has been colleagues has brought the mes- to manufacture a false environ- transformed for many young sage of the victories that can be ment to justify privatisation, be women by the success of its won through collectivisation, and it in aviation or transport.” members in the Women’s Na- very importantly collectivisation tional Football Team in secur- with the support of our union, to Ennis also criticised a pro- ing better conditions, Ethel a new audience of young people, posal to remove “financial sus- Buckley, told delegates on women in particular. tainability” from the issues that Thursday (5th October). “This victory changed what can be considered in determina- Addressing the last day of the SIPTU means to them. It has also tions by the Commission for conference, the incoming deputy provided a new iconic image of Aviation Regulation. general secretary, Ethel Buckley, Liberty Hall, that of a group of Following the address by said: “We must take heart from re- young, determined women stand- Ennis, conference delegates cent victories won by our mem- ing boldly outside the home of voted unanimously to back a bers. In the Clerys workers struggle Irish trade unionism in green t- motion reaffirming “the for justice, to the rising up of the shirts – with one simple, clear de- Defiant: Republic of Ireland women’s team make a stand for equal treatment union’s commitment to prevent community of Westport to support mand - to be respected as athletes the Hastings Garage workers, to Picture: Paddy Cole and/or limit the extent to which and workers.” the courage of the young women public transport becomes priva- Ethel Buckley also welcomed the of the Irish National Football Team tised”. vote by conference delegates to She added: “Uniting the fights ner which will strengthen our in saying they wanted respect for support overwhelmingly a motion for workplace and gender equality, union and encourage many more wearing our country’s jersey. for their union to support the call is just one example of how we to organise alongside us.” “The stance taken by interna- for a referendum to repeal the 8th must combine struggles in a man- tional captain Emma Byrne and her Amendment. 10 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference

Newly elected SIPTU Honorary President and Vice President Padraig Peyton SIPTU Honorary President Born in Swinford, county Mayo, Padraig began working in the Sligo Mental Health Services in 1979, where he immediately became active in the union. He served as Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Sligo Health Services Outgoing SIPTU President Jack O’Connor and Vice President Gene Mealy (left) receive Branch for a number of years before presentation of a limited edition print of Jim Larkin by Robert Ballagh from the incoming being elected as Honorary Branch Honorary President Padraig Peyton and Vice President Bernie Casey on Thursday 5th October. Secretary in 2001. In recent years, he has served as an particularly in the health service. Honorary Organiser representing health Padraig contributed, in any and every service workers of various grades in way possible, as Divisional President to counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and protect and improve the conditions of Trade unions must Donegal. In this role he has gained health workers. extensive experience in industrial Padraig was selected by the Health relations. He has been actively involved Division to be a member of the Steering in both organising and participating in Committee that directed the shape the future industrial action including local and membership consultative initiative and national strikes. its subsequent report which was He emphasised that it was only In 2010, Padraig was elected onto the adopted by the Special Delegate The union movement is as Health Divisional Committee and then as Conference on 25th May. From through the development of the vital for workers and the Health Division President, a position in participation in this process, Padraig achievement of social justice trade union movement that pro- which he has served for the last six stated that he gained, “an increased today as it has ever been, ac- gressive social change could be years during which time he has chaired insight into the needs of the cording to SIPTU Vice-Presi- achieved. “Trade unions are a col- three Divisional Conferences as well as membership”. dent, Gene Mealy, whose lective”, Mealy continued, “There other one-day conferences. His He was elected to serve on the address to conference pro- Presidency coincided with a very National Executive Council in December challenging time for workers in Ireland 2016. vided a positive assessment of the union’s current posi- “There is a culture tion. In a wide-ranging address, which goes with Bernie Casey Mealy, outlined the many achieve- SIPTU Honorary Vice President ments of members over the last collectivism, a two years in terms of pay rises strength that comes Bernie’s working life has been spent in and restoration, as well as high- the services sector in Dublin. In 1979 lighting the challenges facing all from membership, she was involved in a high profile and of the union’s five divisions. successful 13 week strike for union On wages, he said that pay rises from what is shared recognition while a worker in a McDonalds fast food restaurant. Since were now the norm for members as a value system in the Manufacturing Division, included the growing numbers of then she has continually served as a shop steward and union activist. with deals varying from 2.5% to construction workers joining the beyond the self.” She spent 22 years in the hotel of a delegation that met with the 3.5% per annum across 280 firms union as the economy improved. industry. For the last five years, Bernie Minister of State to discuss the from the start of 2015 to Septem- While the strike weapon was use- has worked in catering, first for the difficulties facing hotel and catering ber of this year. Mealy added that fully employed in the transport multinational firm Sodexo and now for workers, particularly low pay, poor the Manufacturing Division had sector with pay rises secured in is a culture which goes with col- BaxterStorey. In 2010 she was elected to working conditions, and precarious also successfully utilised the In- Luas and Dublin Bus while “pro- lectivism, a strength that comes serve on the Hotels, Catering, Leisure, work. Bernie said: “We are only just dustrial Relations Amendment tection against unilateral cuts” from membership, from what is Print and Media Sector Committee and emerging from the recession that led to Act, 2015, to achieve collective was achieved at Bus Éireann. shared as a value system beyond following that the Contract Services bargaining rights for members in However, he delivered a stark Sector. wholesale attacks on workers’ pay and the self.” conditions which affected our working one company. reminder of the possible damage Although unions build their She served on the National Executive Council (NEC) from 2011 to 2016, and and private lives. Public and private In the Services Division agree- Brexit could inflict on our econ- power through workplace organi- also many sub-committees, including sector members fight the same battles. ments averaged around 2.5% in omy, warning that it could “cost sation, Mealy reminded delegates We must continue to build our union 157 enterprises. Mealy said Em- 40,000 jobs in Ireland over the 10 Finance and Administration, Policy, that “unions are not just about Industrial, Union Mergers and the IDEAS and use our collective strength to ployment Regulation Orders ne- years following the UK departure the workplace. They are about life Institute. Bernie currently sits on the campaign for an aggressive agenda, gotiated for the contract cleaning from the EU”. Other challenges and the right of the working class Rules Revision Committee. with both employers and government.” and security sectors likewise in- included the need to tackle the is- to have a voice in society. That is On the NEC, Bernie was a voice for She added: “We have much work to cluded substantial pay increases. sues of low pay, precarious em- why trade unionism is so impor- low paid workers and has been actively do in the coming years and I am The continued pay restoration ployment and outsourcing. tant.” involved in many campaigns over the committed to supporting all our for members in the public sector, Mealy called for greater invest- Currently, he said that it was years, including, the “Fair Hotels” and members. Over the years I have demonstrated my abilities as an as well as pay rises for low paid ment in young people in order to crucial that unions prioritise the the “Fight for Fifteen”. workers were also highlighted. He promote a more equal society. He Bernie participated in the successful organiser, a negotiator, a public speaker need to “address the housing cri- and a loyal but independent-minded clearly outlined the positive as- said, “Overcoming social chal- Davenport Hotel strike in 2011. She also sis facing so many people in Ire- activist. In my role as Honorary Vice- pects of the Public Service Stabil- lenges requires investment in our land” and warned that the free campaigned for the reinstatement of the minimum wage and the Joint President I will work with our members ity agreement while highlighting social infrastructure and such in- market would not solve the prob- Labour Committee. She was a member in all Divisions and across all forms of the many challenges ahead. vestment must be prioritised be- lem of homelessness. employment.” Progress in the TEAC Division fore more tax cuts.” Liberty 11 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference OCTOBER 2017

Conference ratified the Ethel Buckley Deputy General Secretary for Organising, Campaigning, election of a General Communications, Policy Research, Education and Training, Equality and the Secretary Designate and District Councils “In an era when workers’ rights remain under sustained attack three deputy General it is crucial we work together to build a union that can lead Organiser she led the Fair Hotels and an effective fightback in every Fair Deal for Cleaners initiatives and workplace and community was centrally involved in the campaign Secretaries to restore the Joint Labour Committees. throughout the country.” She joined the union’s Strategic Active from a young age in women’s Management Team in 2011 as National rights, anti-racist and political Campaigns and Equality Organiser, processes as the restructuring of campaigns in her native Cork, Ethel leading campaigns to mobilise young, Joe Cunningham Shannon Airport, securing decent re- continued her social activism when migrant and LGBT workers. As Services dundancy terms for former members working and studying in San Francisco. Division Organiser since 2015 she has General Secretary been central to the Justice for Clerys at the Asahi plant in Mayo and major She became involved in SIPTU when Designate working towards a PhD in Political Workers campaign, organising the rationalisations in Atlantic Mills and National Women’s Football Squad and Dairygold. Geography at UCC. Deciding that her “A strong and well organised future lay in organising, she left a securing legislation to restore collective A member of the SIPTU Strategic career in education to become a full- bargaining rights to certain categories SIPTU is essential for the Management Team for 20 years, Joe is proper shaping of the debate time official in Liberty Hall. After cutting of freelance workers. She has also a respected figure in the Irish and in- her teeth in some of the most intense worked on ending involuntary low around what decent work ternational trade union movement. In industrial battles of the 2000s, working hours and zero hours contracts. means in terms of proper recent years, he has been elected and including the 2001 National Toll Bridges She is a serving member of the wages and conditions. This will appointed to a number of important strike, the Independent Newspapers Executive Council of the ICTU having not only benefit those roles in several international trade dispute in 2004 and the Irish Ferries first been elected in 2013. She had the union federations, as well as a repre- organised in our union but all dispute of 2005, she was promoted to honour of being appointed the sentative of SIPTU on the ICTU Execu- Branch Secretary. inaugural Trade Union Organiser in workers and society in tive Council and as a member of the Shortly after its establishment she Residence at Ruskin College, general.” Governing Body of the Galway Mayo sought a transfer to the Strategic Oxford. She lives in Dublin with her Institute of Technology. Organising Department. As a Sector husband and their three children. sponsibility for FWUI members in the Joe became involved in the trade As chair of the Technical Group Western Area. At the merger of the union movement over 30 years ago which supported the Steering Com- FWUI and the ITGWU to form SIPTU in while employed by Lydon House, a mittee that oversaw the membership 1990, Joe was appointed an official in catering and events company in Gal- consultative initiative, he has played a John King the Midlands Region. way. After a period as a senior shop central role in formulating the strate- Deputy General Secretary for Joe has fulfilled a wide array of steward he was elected to the West- gic plan for the future of our union. prominent roles within SIPTU, repre- the Public Service ern Area Branch Committee of the In recent years, Joe has worked be- senting and organising public, private Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland tween Liberty Hall and the union’s “Our union must retain the and community sector workers in (FWUI). western headquarters in his native both jurisdictions on the island. His capacity to influence the His expertise soon saw him ap- Galway. He is a fluent Irish speaker. extensive experience included central conditions under which pointed as a full-time official with re- involvement in such negotiation members work and live. In order to achieve this we must build density and work with our During the major restructuring of allies in the trade union Gerry McCormack the union, Gerry was appointed as movement and wider society.” Manufacturing Division Organiser. In Deputy General Secretary In 1993, John was appointed a full-time the SIPTU campaign for the restoration this role he has been proactive in of the Joint Labour Committee system. for the Private Sector major campaigns and policy initiatives SIPTU official, having begun his work with the union five years earlier. He He was also a leading member of the “It’s impossible to truly have which have been used as blueprints for Coalition to Protect the Lower Paid that union-wide schemes. has extensive experience representing democracy, equal rights or members across the Private, Public and successfully campaigned for the reversal Since the start of the economic re- equality without strong Community Sectors in both the Republic of the cut imposed on the National covery, Gerry has successfully co-ordi- Minimum Wage. independent trade unions that and Northern Ireland. nated a pay campaign throughout Initially representing members in Co In 2015, he became Public fight for workers in the firms in his Division that has seen Tipperary, he later worked with the Administration and Community Division workplace and in society workers secure average annual in- Women Workers’ Branch before taking Organiser and was among the team that generally.” creases of 2.5% to 3.5%. Under his responsibility for the North East Region negotiated the Lansdowne Road stewardship the Division has also led including the Newry Branch. He gained a Agreement and its extension. John is Gerry was brought into union activity the way in utilising the Industrial Rela- crucial insight into the issues affecting currently Chair of the ICTU Community as a teenager at the beginning of his 15 tions Amendment Act (2015) to win Sector Committee and plays the lead role appointed in 2005 as SIPTU National In- SIPTU members in both jurisdictions and years working as a hard-rock miner in union recognition for workers, includ- in advocating for the rights of dustrial Secretary for the Private Sec- across numerous types of employments. Navan Mines. During this period he ing in the US multinational sector. As part of the major restructuring of Community Sector Workers at the tor. He had responsibility for members served as a senior shop steward lead- In recent months, his focus has been the union in 2010, John was appointed to Government High Level Forum for the in all large workplaces including Tesco, ing union members through several on best preparing members and work- the role of Services Division Organiser. Sector established in 2015. Dunnes Stores and Aer Lingus. disputes and major restructuring of places in the manufacturing sector for This saw him take a lead in defending Throughout his union career, John has With the onset of the economic the company. His union work at the the impact of Brexit. the interests of tens of thousands of worked to motivate shop stewards and crisis in 2008, Gerry took a leading role mine saw him elected to the Meath Born in Kilskyre, County Meath, members, many low paid, in industries activists and ensure the vital role they in fighting to protect workers’ terms play in developing the union is fully Branch of the ITGWU and — after its Gerry lives in County Cavan with his that were among the worst affected by and conditions in some of the worst-hit recognised. merger with the FWUI — of SIPTU. family. He is a very active supporter of the economic crisis. sectors of the economy, including re- Born in Dublin, John lives with his Gerry became a full-time SIPTU offi- the Meath GAA teams. In response to the onslaught against cial in 1995 and after several years was tail and distribution. workers, John helped formulate and lead family in Drogheda. 12 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference We’re going back into the heart of each community “IT IS critically important veys and to write submissions that members seize this op- about how we can reinvigorate our portunity to reinvigorate our union together. As a result, our de- link with local communities velopment plan is now in place while continuing to play an having been ratified by members active part in designing and at a special delegate conference shaping our union into the this year. The plan is a clear indi- future,” SIPTU General Secre- cation of when members tell us tary Designate, Joe Cunning- what they want for our union and ham, has told the union’s our future, that we listen, and we Biennial Delegate Conference act.” (BDC) in Cork. Cunningham’s address to dele- He made the comments in a gates confirmed that the overarch- ing feedback from members was rousing speech to 400 delegates General Secretary Designate, Joe Cunningham tells gathered in the City Hall. the real need to restore a solid con- BDC new structures are ‘exactly what members want’ Speaking about the progress the nection between the union and union has made setting up local the local community. structures aimed at putting SIPTU “Of all the things members sightful analysis about the signifi- councils. We are setting up local union is undertaking. back in the heart of each commu- spoke about during the consulta- cance of making the union rele- district committees for both the He said, “What this is all about is nity across the island of Ireland, tion process, organising at local vant to young workers, the success public and private sector to ad- making our union a much better Cunningham pointed to the im- level was emphasised time and the union is having organising dress the deficit identified by organised trade union that can pressive level of members’ partici- time again. It was summarised bril- child care workers, the establish- members at local level. These com- deal with the growing exploitation pation after the previous BDC had liantly at a meeting in the Mid- ment of a migrant worker support mittees are designed to give mem- culture and shaping a society that decided to initiate a full review of lands by a former member of the network, and the value of invest- bers a better opportunity to works for SIPTU members, our the union’s structures in October Offaly branch, Jackie Clarke, who ing in training, educating and up- interact in the community and to communities and our world. 2015. is now a member in the Manufac- skilling members to win. get a greater appreciation of what “It will take a lot of hard work, “The most important thing to turing Division. Mr Cunningham, who previously is going on in other areas of the resources and dedication but I am say about the development plan is “She said she found the Divi- served as Head of Organising, union. The committees then feed encouraged that this plan is exactly that it is our members’ develop- sions and Sectors to be very effi- spoke at length and in great detail into the District Council who can what the members want, it’s what ment plan. We went through a cient but she felt there was still a about how the union plans to ad- organise campaigns for the local the members asked for, and we are long and considered process of piece missing as there was no in- dress this deficit while building in- community to get involved in.” going to do everything we can to consultation going around the teraction with the union at local tergenerational and community In his closing remarks, Mr Cun- deliver on our members develop- country, listening to members, en- level.” The newly-elected General solidarity through localised district ningham reflected upon the excit- ment plan for our union and our couraging members to fill in sur- Secretary Designate gave an in- committees and stronger district ing journey of change that the future.” SIPTU Migrant and International Workers Support Network

By Barnaba Dorda

W związkach zawodowych którzy mogli z nimi komunikować się się ze sobą i koordynując działania wspierać ich w tych działaniach. Współpraca z innymi organizac- SIPTU zrzeszonych jest w ich języku, żeby lepiej dotrzeć z możemy zdziałać więcej. Co więcej, Określiliśmy 4 podstawowe zada- jami, grupami, które podobnie zaj- prawie 20 tysięcy obcokra- informacją jak działają związki i jak każdego dnia spędzamy ponad 1/3 nia naszego Networku: mują się problemami migrantów i wspólnie można zmienić warunki doby w pracy. Każdy powinien czuć Wspieranie migrantów by bu- jowców, a połowa z nich to dążą do poprawy ich sytuacji w Ir- pracy na lepsze. się tam respektowany i traktowany dowali silne organizacje związkowe Polacy. Znakomita więk- landii szość przyłączyła się do Bazując na doświadczeniach ze- z szacunkiem. Miejsce pracy, Edukacja wszystkich pracown- związków po 2004 roku, branych przez te wszystkie lata, w podobnie jak nasze lokalne ików bez względu na pochodzenie Bardzo zachęcamy do kiedy to otworzono granice 2015 roku utworzyliśmy SIPTU Mi- społeczności jest bardzo zdywersy- w zakresie prawa pracy i mecha- włączenia się w Network, tych dla pracowników państw grant and International Workers fikowane, wielokulturowe i żeby nizów negocjacji zbiorowych. zainteresowanych prosimy kontak- które przyjęto do Unii Eu- Support Network. To grupa akty- zmienić sytuację na lepsze powin- Ogranizujemy seminaria „Jakie są tować się z Joanną Ozdarską ropejskiej. wistów i migrantów, którzy razem ze niśmy zacząć wspólnie działać. moje prawa pracowicze” i „Co to na adres emailowy Od początku migranci byli bardzo związkami zawodowymi SIPTU Wykorzystać siłę wspólnych potrzeb jest SIPTU” na terenie całego kraju. [email protected], żeby uzyskać wierzą, że można wspierać mi- bo przecież tak w wielu przypad- Stworzenie mechanizmów aktywni w związkach, ale też potrze- więcej informacji. Koniecznie też bowali wsparcia z naszej strony. Mi- granckie społeczności w uzyskiwa- kach zabiegamy o te same cele. Ale wspierania migrnatów w ich polubcie nas na facebooku: SIP- granci byli wybierani na lokalnych niu przysługujących im praw network ma za zadanie nie tylko lokalnych społecznosciach i miejs- przedstawicieli związków, organi- pracowniczych w każdym miejscu pomóc koordynować działania pra- cach pracy poprzez danie im TUInternationalandMigrantSup- zowaliśmy dla nich szkolenia, za- pracy. Dlaczego to robimy? Bo cowników z różnych stron świata, narzędzi które sami mogą zacząć portNetwork. trudniliśmy w SIPTU pracowników, wierzmy, że łącząc się, komunikując ale przede wszystkim także wykorzystywać Liberty 13 Budget 2018 OCTOBER 2017 Exposed: shallowness at heart of this Government person on €20,000 would get an Minister for Finance and Public extra €1 per week. Those who are By Marie Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe launches Budget 2018 outside Government self-employed and on double aver- Sherlock Buildings with a smile PICTURE: RollingNews.ie age earnings will get 10 times that per week.

FOR ALL the talk about pro- viding for future generations and prudence in the face of Brexit and other risks, Budget The Irish population is 2018 was about ‘keeping the expected to grow by recovery going’ – a crude stimulus that saw small 1.1m people over the amounts given to most peo- next two decades. ple at the expense of bringing about real change in those Despite all this, the areas that need it the most. capital budget is Budget day is the main opportu- nity in the legislative calendar for expected to grow by the Government to signal how it intends to tackle the major prob- less than half that of lems of the day. Faced with a hous- the current budget in ing emergency and an interminable funding crisis in 2018. health, by and large, the FG, FF and Independent coalition opted to do more of the same. With a budget of just over Ireland’s income tax system does have a problem in terms of fair- ness and simplicity. Among OECD and EU countries, higher income Budget day is the put in the context of the catch-up tax rates are typically paid by had already been provided for and potentially productive Irish Strate- higher income earners. Wage that is required. main opportunity pre-announced. In health, there gic Infrastructure Fund into the so- growth has meant that those on av- In effect, the role of the capital was no mention of the cross-party erage earnings in Ireland have ex- in the legislative expenditure budget is entirely dif- Sláintecare 10 year plan, and fund- perienced a fiscal drag and tax ferent to the current expenditure calendar for the ing to outsource the waiting list thresholds have not moved in line backlog to the National Treatment budget. It must meet pent up de- with wages. Government to Purchase Fund was more than dou- mand – significant in 2018 given What gets lost in the debate is that capital funding was filleted to signal how it intends bled. The Childcare sector is in the At best, Budget 2018 that Ireland currently has the low- midst of a recruitment and reten- about less than half of boom-time est tax wedge for a worker on aver- to tackle the major tion crisis due to unsustainably reflected a big failure spending by 2012. It must be suffi- age earnings among the 21 EU low pay and yet capitation barely cient to maintain existing stock. countries in the OECD. It is the gap problems of the day increased by 7%. to understand the The Fiscal Advisory Council esti- between what the employer pays mates that about half of what is At best, Budget 2018 reflected a needs of the Irish out (Pay and PRSI) and what em- big failure to understand the needs planned between now and 2021 ployees receive in terms of take of the Irish economy and society at economy and society will go to covering depreciation. home pay. this point in time. At worst, it It must also meet future de- This matters in the context of €1.5bn, Budget 2018 brought the showed up the hands-off, non-in- at this point in time mands. The Irish population is ex- “giving something back” to work- prospect of real progress in health, terventionist instincts of Fine Gael pected to grow by 1.1m people ers. Living standards cannot be housing and childcare no closer – and their acolytes. over the next two decades. Despite solely defined in terms of what is in the main, it was a case of more all this, the capital budget is ex- in people’s pockets – if the Govern- sticking tape to temporarily allevi- Minor concerns about the econ- ment is really interested in pru- ate ongoing problems. Despite all omy overheating and the level of pected to grow by less than half dent management of the public the hype, housing received less national debt were trumped up to that of the current budget in 2018. justify smaller than necessary in This Budget was supposed to be finances, then allocative efficiency than 10% of new expenditure called ‘Rainy Day’ fund. investment into infrastructure and about improving people’s living must be a priority and that means funding available in the Budget. Claims that Ireland’s public in- housing. There was window dress- standards. Yet Government com- targeting resources at public serv- Almost all of the €610 million vestment will reach international ing with regard to fiscal prudence mitted over a fifth of its additional ices, not the pockets of people al- increase in housing expenditure norms by 2019 rang hollow when by shifting €1.5 billion out of the resources to ensuring that a single ready well off. 14 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Budget 2018 Sticking plaster won’t fix health service By Paddy Cole

WHEN Minister Paschal placed upon public health services. to implement publicly-funded set to stay well over the shameful Donohoe took to his feet on The reality facing health workers healthcare was published less than figure of 600,000 into 2018 and be- Budget day he announced that and their patients is that a sticking Sláintecare, a fully-costed, three months ago to much fanfare yond. plaster won’t help heal our health and with cross-party support, but the State’s health spending is 10-year plan, supported by Tragically, but predictably, at the set to increase by €685 service. it was never mentioned once in the ICTU, to implement very heart of this tepid budget is a million in 2018. On paper, the Budget says it will the Budget. provide 1,800 additional staff Instead of Sláintecare, what we serious lack of ambition to resolve This additional funding means publicly-funded health- across the acute, mental health, have is a Government pumping €15.3 billion will be available for the problems working people face disability, primary health and com- care was published less money into privatising health serv- health services in 2018. However, in health, housing and education. munity sectors but frontline staff than three months ago to ices through the National Treat- when you scratch the surface it is The dogs on the street know that won’t just magically appear be- much fanfare and with ment Purchase Fund (NTPF). found that beneath the spin this cause of some fiscal exercise or po- For people who can afford pri- even this record-breaking health headline-grabbing figure comes litical set piece of spin. cross-party support, but it vate health care, the extra €30 mil- budget won’t keep pace with ex- with a major health warning. The Government must get real was never mentioned once lion for the NTPF, bringing it to panding health demands, that the Taking into account the dramatic on recruiting and retaining work- €55 million, will go some way to- in the Budget. deficit in health is likely to grow increase in the population of pa- ers in the health service, including wards helping the middle from and another bailout of the service tients over 65 accessing public paramedics, health care assistants, “being squeezed” any further but, health services, this budget, at radiographers, nurses, midwives, in reality, this plan pushes public will be required by the end of best, is just maintaining services as radiation therapists and other health services deeper into the 2018. We all know this script off by they are at present. At worst, Fine health and social care profession- pockets of private operators. heart by now and until we get real of Health Care Committee, the Gael and the Independent Alliance als – and this includes providing It means less funding for public and seize the opportunity provided are throwing good money after unions with a clear road map to ad- Government missed an open goal health services on which the ma- by Sláintecare, the Government bad, not learning from past mis- dress new entrants’ pay. to begin the job of funding the real jority of SIPTU members and their takes, further privatising the It is also deeply troubling that reform of health care in Ireland. families depend. Moreover, it will will continue to set record num- health service and not addressing following months of work by Sláintecare, a fully-costed, 10- prove to be a drop in the ocean of bers on spending but fail to deliver the ever-expanding demands being members of the Oireachtas Future year plan, supported by the ICTU, the waiting list figures that look record successes on outcomes. Failing to fix funding crisis Budget exposes flaws in in third-level education By Karl Byrne funding Early Years education THREE months after the There is cross-party consensus that this needs to be tackled as publication of the long- By Darragh O’Connor awaited Cassels Report, a priority, yet the Government staff and students of third- seems to be happy to let these SIPTU has welcomed a meas- level education institu- considerations drift along in the ure of progress for the Early tions are still waiting to Oireachtas Committee for Edu- Years sector in Budget 2018, cation and Skills. hear about the long-term Buried in the budgetary docu- but warned that “fundamen- funding plans for the sec- ments was the announcement tal problems” on funding re- tor. of a review of the reallocation main to be sorted. Budget 2018 did herald an im- and reprioritisation of pro- Positives included a 7% increase portant and welcome change grammes funded by the NTF. in ECCE “free pre-school” capita- with an increase in the National This is due to be completed in tion and its extension to two years, Training Fund (NTF) levy on em- 2018 but already the Govern- which will benefit most services, ployers of 0.1% to 0.8% in 2018 ment is signalling a greater allo- and 0.9% in 2019. This will in- as well as the boost in capital fund- cation of resources towards crease employer’s PRSI to 8.51% ing for low income workers and performance and innovation But SIPTU Sector Organiser, Dar- 10.76% for all employees. How- funding in third level, technol- ragh O’Connor warned that gov- ogy university development and ever, this change will bring in ernment needed to do more. post graduate funding. Just as just €47m in 2018, which is He told Liberty: “The fundamen- Early Years educators celebrate after Wicklow County only the tip of the much larger importantly, the Government Council votes unanimously to back SIPTU’s call for better has suggested a greater say for tal problems of the Early Years investment, support and pay in the sector funding iceberg in the education funding system remain. Low pay system. employers in influencing how Photo: Darragh O’Connor has resulted in a staffing crisis, It is well short of FG’s election the NTF is spent. There are manifesto statement that €100 strong grounds for concern that with qualified educators, managers million was needed in the sector this may lead to an undue influ- and providers leaving the sector. A to just stand still, due to demo- ence in curriculum develop- high turnover of staff impacts on those delivering it.” “Beyond pay, we need a long- graphic changes and inflation. ment and course content in the quality. This budget does not ad- O’Connor pointed out that until term vision for the Early Years sec- The allocation of an extra €310 third-level sector. dress the issue. national pay scales were set up tor and a plan to get there. We SIPTU was also particularly million between now and 2021 “With providers under financial through a Sector Employment need a high quality, affordable, ac- for infrastructural needs in the disappointed that there was no pressure, there’s no guarantee the Order (SEO), Early Years would re- announcement to tackle the se- cessible Early Years sector that is sector is to be welcomed. How- 7% ECCE increase will go towards main a low paid sector. ever, this does not address the rious deterioration in staffing delivered by professional educa- pay and conditions. Indeed, there’s He said: “The Government needs long-term funding crisis in Fur- levels (academic, professional tors and providers, who have de- ther and Higher Education as de- and support) across the Further no additional funding for the care to make a real commitment to scribed in the Cassels Report. and Higher Education Sector. and education of children under fund an SEO so that workers are cent pay. By building our union, we two years and eight months, or for recognised and rewarded. can make this happen.” Liberty 15 Budget 2018 OCTOBER 2017 We need supply, supply Unions must be fully involved in and more supply new European housing demand. Progress on social housing is even more dis- By Marie mal. Last year, the Department Labour Authority Sherlock of Housing reported that local authorities built 247 houses with 331 by affordable housing pean] banking authority to police WORLD Homeless Day hap- bodies (AHB). In the first half of banking standards, but no com- pened to coincide with 2017, local authorities have built Budget day – 10th October. By Ger mon labour authority for ensuring just 75 and AHBs have built 455. fairness in [the] single market”, But the significance was So, it’s a long way off the 3,800 Gibbons Juncker said. most definitely lost on the In an immediate reaction, the Government on a day when social housing units planned for next year. ETUC said it expected trade unions just €91 million was allo- TRADE unions should be fully to be fully involved in “working up cated to housing from a In order to make real progress involved in the establishment on the housing issue, the State the proposal and in being inspec- budget of €1.5 billion. of a new European Labour Au- tors”. Researchers at the European will need to take a much more To be fair, most of the funding thority and should be able to Trade Union Institute (ETUI) have for 2018 had been pre-announced active role in managing public act as labour inspectors under suggested the remit of the new in the Action Plan for Housing and and private lands for the supply such a body, according to the body should be expanded to in- Homelessness. However, despite of public housing. To date, the General Secretary of the Euro- clude promoting workers’ partici- all the spin and talk of moving to- approach has been hands off and pean Trade Union Confedera- pation in the corporate tion (ETUC), Luca Visentini. wards more housebuilding as op- it remained that way in Budget decision-making of multinational Visentini was responding to 2018. The vacant site tax will in- posed to acquisition, the State plans announced by European will largely rely on the private sec- crease to 7% in 2019 – but it is a Commission President, Jean- tor to address the homeless and year too late, when more land is Claude Juncker, in mid-September housing crisis into 2018. needed for development now. to establish a new European At a time when the Government NAMA’s role is to be expanded Labour Authority to supervise and chose to introduce a smaller to operate ‘Housing Building Fi- improve co-operation between budget than it was capable of nance Ireland’ with a €750 mil- labour inspectorates in EU mem- ber states, such as the Workplace bringing forward, this is unforgiv- lion fund to be used to advance Relations Commission in Ireland. able. Concerns about the national loans to developers and builders The EU commission argues that debt and (unfounded) fears of an to build just 6,000 houses. 16 million Europeans live and overheating economy have pro- For all the uncertainty and work in other member states, vided cover for this Government risks that Brexit brings, the fail- twice as many as 10 years ago, and to continue its policy of reliance ure of the current Government that 1.7 million people commute on the private sector to resolve to fix the housing crisis is alarm- to another member state each day, including over 30,000 who cross this problem. ing. The slow pace of wage in- the north-south border in Ireland Total funding for social housing A person on twice creases to date across the Irish will increase by €610 million to economy has given a false sense €1.8 billion next year. However, average earnings, that time is on the Govern- almost 30% of it will go to taking on over €73,000 ment’s side. Trade unions Photo: ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini people off waiting lists and into As the scarring effects of the insecure, temporary and private per year and recession on wage negotiations should be able to accommodation through the companies with workers in more among the top subside, wage demands will act as labour than one member state, tackling Housing Assistance Payment 10% of workers, is have to incorporate the rising inspectors under letter-box companies and assisting (HAP) scheme. Across the country, price of housing. A person on in the development of transna- the volume of available rental ac- currently paying twice average earnings, on over the new body, tional collective bargaining sys- commodation was a little over on average over €73,000 per year and among the ETUC General tems. 3,000 properties, according to top 10% of workers, is currently Members of the European Parlia- DAFT.ie last August. The increase 40% of their net paying on average over 40% of Secretary Luca ment had previously proposed the in HAP funding is expected to their net disposable income to- establishment of a European disposable in- Visentini said labour agency that could intervene cover 17,000 people. There is a wards renting a house or apart- come towards when European labour rules aren’t real supply issue here and it is far ment in Dublin. That is well in from clear from where these prop- respected by companies or en- renting in Dublin excess of the internationally forced by national authorities, erties are going to come. recognised threshold of 30% for every day. with the power to sanction na- The immediate implication is a housing costs as a share of total While the commission has yet to tional authorities. further crowding out of prospec- outgoings. present formal proposals, media The Commission’s precise plans tive renters in the private rental Sooner or later, this housing reports suggest it envisages the for this initiative may become new agency overseeing the appli- sector. Over the first half of this Time and again, the key point is crisis will have a bearing on the clearer when it releases its 2018 year, “movers” – those changing cation of European labour rules in work programme, which is due by that we need supply, supply and decisions of immigrants and rental accommodation (as op- member states, carrying out cross- the end of the year. Any formal more supply. Just over 15,000 those relocating because of posed to “stayers”) – were facing border labour inspections and proposals are likely to take at least houses in total were built last Brexit – issues of consequence to analysing the labour market situa- average rental increases of some- another year to be adopted and a year, up 18% on 2015 – but less this current Government. tion. where between 9% and 13%. further year to be implemented, if than a third of some estimates of “It seems absurd to have a [Euro- approved by governments. 16 OCTOBERLiberty 2017 Liberty 17 Liberty View OCTOBER 2017 Progressive forces must unite to promote the common good

Edited extract of speech by SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor at Biennial Delegate Conference of the union in City Hall Cork, 2nd October 2017

Politics in our world has agenda of the Right has strategy lightly, or because we dividual members who stood inforces deeply ingrained and that the potential productivity abilities and educating, train- tax payer through concession- set to some degree by the this great aspiration. caught up with the eco- been successfully chal- thought that one-sided auster- with the Union, whether they carefully cultivated misconcep- and growth of our economy is ing and re-skilling our people ary VAT rates which would more progressive aspects of Meanwhile, we will con- nomics of austerity and lenged. This was graphically ity was fair or that it was a good agreed with us or not, through- tions of individual self-interest. compromised by inadequate in order to build a decent so- build more than 2,500 local our tax system, but it is mani- tinue to work hard organising tens of millions of peo- highlighted in the recent idea, or that it was by any out what has been the most dif- However, it is not in our actual public investment. ciety for everyone who lives authority houses. They won’t festly evident in the work- workers in Northern Ireland. ple are rejecting neo- General Election in the UK. means the best way out of the ficult period in our economic self-interest as individuals at What’s actually being perpe- on the island of Ireland, be- even go into the Joint Labour place. Our membership there has crisis. We came to it only reluc- history. all. trated under the guise of ‘pro- tween now and the centenary Committees to negotiate a liv- Thanks to the efforts of the been growing steadily for a liberal orthodoxy. The There, because of the first past the post electoral system, tantly, when we ultimately re- But we have been regaining It is not in any of our inter- moting the incentive to work’ of the foundation of the State ing wage for their employees, Labour Party, the 2015 Indus- number of years now. citizens of the UK voted all those on the Left have been alised, that we were faced with ground. We have been winning ests as individuals that young or ‘rewarding people’ is a dif- in 2022. This would be a laud- who are among the lowest trial Relations (Amendment) The trade union movement to leave the EU and forced to stay together in the overwhelming odds. Then we pay increases across the private people have to pay multiples of able project around which we paid in the country. The Act has progressed collective in both jurisdictions is also fo- those of the US have Labour Party, avoiding the end- did what any intelligent army and commercial semi-state sec- the cost of building a house to could mobilise as a people, wealthier generally will have bargaining rights further than cused on ensuring that work- elected the most openly less splintering that afflicts us does in those circumstances. tors. The process of pay restora- put a roof over their heads, due and forget about cutting taxes to contribute more. ever before in the history of ers do not pay the price of far right President in in many other countries. It retreats a bit, erects what- tion in the public service which to the absence of a properly until then. For working people, the the State. But, workers in Ire- Brexit – and we are all fully modern history. As a consequence and under funded public housing pro- For working The bottom line is that we issue of the right to organise land still do not enjoy a con- engaged to that end, working We have also seen the the leadership of Jeremy Cor- gramme. Neither is it in our in- people, the issue must have decent public serv- and bargain collectively, is cen- stitutional entitlement to with our comrades across the participate fully in collective entire island. dramatic rise of the Front byn, a Democratic Socialist, un- terests as individuals that of the right to ices and it is far better that we tral to the success of our am- National in France and contaminated by the people have to waste their fund them together as a com- bitious strategy for 2022. bargaining with their employ- We must also continue to xenophobic nationalism in compromises of the recent scarce resources paying ever es- organise and munity, through taxation, ers. do whatever we can to extend several developed northern past, they were able to offer in- calating private health insur- bargain rather than allowing ourselves This will require a Constitu- support to those who are suf- tional Amendment. So, we fering the burden of oppres- and central European coun- spiration and hope to tens of ance premiums, due to the collectively, is to be ripped off by private tries while blatant neo-fas- millions of people, particularly absence of a properly funded predators. Those advocating will have to work with every- sion, injustice and cism has re-emerged as a among the young, on the basis public health service. It is not central to the tax cutting, which one who cares about workers, exploitation throughout the It will be neces- significant force in Eastern of a solidly traditional Social in our interests as individuals, success of our inevitably disproportionately about equality, about low pay, world. We are prioritising sup- about precarious work and ex- port for the beleaguered peo- Europe. Democratic manifesto. either, that people do not have ambitious strat- benefits the better off, conve- sary to forge a Notwithstanding the re- Similarly, in Portugal, the So- access to the best education, niently ignore the fact that Ire- new alliance of ploitation, to press for a refer- ple of Palestine who are surely jection of neo-liberalism, cialist Party, supported by the training and re-skilling facilities egy for 2022. land’s public spending, as a endum to provide for the the victims of the greatest on- these are not progressive Left Block and the Communist in the world, due to the ab- share of gross national in- all the genuinely fundamental right to engage going crime against humanity Party, has managed to continue sence of a properly funded ed- come, is joint bottom of the progressive in collective bargaining for since the holocaust. to govern, gradually rolling back ucation system. list of EU countries and one every worker in Ireland. Delegates – none of the ob- the damage inflicted by the aus- And it is certainly not in our third less than the average EU forces on the What we are promoting jectives I have outlined in terity agenda, rebuilding the interests as individuals either, ferent thing altogether. It’s member state. island of Ireland here in this comprehensive this, my last Presidential ad- We all know the economy and offering hope the criminal degradation of There will be more finance who are proposition for social dress, are for the fainthearted. again. In France and Spain and our public services, in order to available to government from progress, which is rooted in Nothing that’s worth achiev- lessons of the indeed in Greece, vibrantly facilitate the wholesale rob- 2019 onwards, after the struc- committed to the the values of social solidarity ing ever is! It involves rowing tragic history of electrifying new forces on the bery of the people by a verita- tural deficit is eliminated but would serve as the kernel of a against the tide. The bottom line primacy of the the Europe of Left have emerged, but unfortu- ble army of it will still not be enough to new relationship between all I am confident as well that nately they are focused too is that we must land hoarders, speculators, achieve the dramatic improve- common good to the people who inhabit this is- all of you and those who are the 1930s. much on the destruction of the have decent licensed drug peddlers and ments required. We will also realise this great land, including those who are the custodians of the legacy of traditional Socialist parties, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor corporate money lenders! have to adopt a more flexible coming from elsewhere to Connolly and Larkin will be thus leaving the field open to Photo: Jimmy Weldon public services It’s time to wake up and interpretation of the EU fiscal aspiration. pursue the hope of a better equal to the task. the Right. and it is far better smell the roses delegates, be- rules, as advocated by our life along with us. It would see I salute you all and through Here in the Republic of Ire- that we fund cause instead of paying tax to own Union and indeed later- us all enjoying a better future, you all the members of the developments. It is not the land we are still only emerging ever fortifications it can and or- began with the Lansdowne fund our public services, to- ally even by the employers’ or- framed in the context of the union and their families. I first time that tens of mil- from the most serious eco- ganises behind them intending Road Agreement in the middle them together as gether as a community, we’re ganisation IBEC. This would European community of na- hope that whenever you are lions of working people and nomic collapse experienced in to re-take the ground lost when of 2015 has continued with its a community, actually ending up paying release somewhere between This is because collective tions, (but not in some kind of faced with the choice between those rendered hopeless by any developed country in the more fortuitous conditions de- extension this year. We have through taxation, twice as much and more to €4bn and €7bn over the next bargaining takes place at the Federal Super State) and from making noise and making a the impact of austerity have World since the Wall Street velop. In short, when we were also begun to utilise the provi- these legalised bandits. five years. point at which the benefits of that platform we would all difference, you’ll chose to lurched into the embrace of Crash of 1929. We in this faced with the choice between sions of the Industrial Relations rather than That is why we are advanc- Then there are the matters output are distributed and play our part as citizens of the make a difference, whether their deadliest enemies. We Union, along with others in the making noise and making a dif- (Amendment) Act 2015 to win allowing ing the proposition that all which are entirely and ab- very often where the nature world. that means erecting barri- all know the lessons of the Labour Movement, were forced ference – we chose to make a pay increases, which are legally ourselves to be available resources should be solutely within our own con- and character of jobs are de- It will be necessary to forge cades or charging over them. I tragic history of the Europe to adopt a very difficult and un- difference for working people. binding on the employers, focused on the primary na- trol. For example, there is signed. a new alliance of all the gen- hope you will go on rowing of the 1930s. popular rear-guard strategy to It wasn’t for the fainthearted! across whole industries, as well ripped off by tional project of housing our absolutely no justification to The OECD estimates that uinely progressive forces on against the tide in the battle It is only in those coun- defend jobs, conditions and the In this regard, I want to em- as new recognition agreements private predators. people, caring for the young, go on gifting bad employers in we are the 3rd most unequal the island of Ireland who are for equality for everyone! tries where the Left has basic social and economic infra- phatically reiterate our appreci- in a number of individual com- the elderly and the ill, sup- the hospitality sector, a direct country in Europe, measured committed to the primacy of been able to present a structure as much as possible. ation to all the thousands of panies. porting our people with dis- subsidy of €500m from the by market income. This is off- the common good to realise united front, that the We did not embrace that shop stewards, activists and in- The tax cutting narrative re- 18 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 President Michael D Higgins

By Frank Connolly PRESIDENT Michael D As pressure mounts for Michael D to go for second term, we ask... Higgins is expected to announce whether he will seek a sec- ond term of office by next summer as he continues a busy schedule of engage- ments in Ireland and abroad Is President Higgins over the coming months. Popular backing for another presidential term is significantly high as he enters the final year of our greatest export? his first seven-year term with 64% of voters expressing support for the proposal that he should be re- turned unopposed to the largely ceremonial but important position as head of state next year. With a presidential election due in October 2018, President Higgins has indicated that he will an- nounce his intentions following what he described as his “full pro- gramme of events” into the spring of next year. Speaking during a 19-day visit to Australia on 9th October, President Higgins said that he will concen- trate on his duties and commit- ments before making a decision on whether to run for a second term. “At an appropriate time, I will say what it is. I will take everything into account. I will decide…how I might best contribute to Irish soci- ety at that time,” he said. He added that he would not wish to impede anyone else wishing to run as a candidate should there be a presi- President Higgins receiving dential contest. an honorary doctorate from the University of Western Australia “We are in a democracy and a re- Photo: Maxwells public, after all,” said the 76-year- old President who has placed the deepening of democracy and the creation of a true republic at the printed. He also attended a num- centre of his speeches and initia- ber of concerts and events organ- tives over his past six years in of- President Higgins ised by SIPTU to mark the fice. has won ever wider centenary of the Easter Rising. A former Labour Party TD and government minister, President appeal among the Three years earlier, he was to the Higgins has won ever wider appeal Irish people and the fore in recognising the significance among the Irish people and the di- diaspora... he has of the Dublin Lockout of 1913 aspora, including during visits and also impressed the when 20,000 workers and their engagements across Ireland and leaders & peoples families were starved into submis- abroad. of many countries sion by aggressive and exploitative He has also impressed the lead- employers in one of the poorest ers and peoples of many countries during his state visits, including to cities of the then-British Empire. during his state visits, including to He led an historic state visit to Britain, China, Latin America, Britain, China, Latin Britain in April 2014 to meet with Africa, the Far East and most re- America, Africa, the Queen Elizabeth to reinforce the cently Australia. President and Sabina are greeted Far East and most importance of the peace process He has been a regular visitor to by Her Excellency, the Governor recently Australia Northern Ireland, which is consis- of Western Australia which has helped to heal the tent with his many years of cam- Photo: Maxwells wounds of 800 years of colonial paigning for a peaceful and just conquest by Ireland’s nearest solution to the political conflict on PICTURES: Maxwells, Dublin; President.ie neighbour and to meet with Irish the island. He has proven to be an engaging admiration for the late Fidel Castro and impoverished in Palestine, communities across the UK. His speeches during his term personality when meeting with the and the successes of the Cuban Central America, Africa and Asia. At the recent SIPTU conference, have underlined his critique of the people he visits in communities in revolution. Earlier this year he travelled to there was a strong expression of neo-liberal model of capitalism; of Ireland and across the world, usu- The criticism, some from anti- Cuba, Colombia and Peru, while he hope by General Secretary Joe the exploitation workers, past and ally accompanied by his wife Castro elements in Miami, Florida, was in the US in 2014. O’Flynn that President Higgins present; on the importance of the Sabina Higgins, an accomplished did little to dampen the enthusi- He played a significant role in would stand for a second term. It actress. President Higgins is a so- asm for his considered and articu- the commemoration of those who rights of women, ethnic minorities is a call that has been echoed by and other disadvantaged people in cialist and formidable left-wing in- late assessments of the courageous fought for an Irish Republic during many in Ireland, and across the Ireland and across the globe. He tellectual, who brings a fresh and people who campaigned and the 1916 Rising which led to the has spoken much of ethics in poli- welcome insight into current as fought for a just society, in Ireland War of Independence against world. tics, society and in the workplace well as historical, political and eco- and across the globe, over the British rule. If he remains as fit and healthy and in the role of the state in pro- nomic matters. course of the last century and He led the State commemoration as he is today, it seems that the tecting the most vulnerable, in Last year, he attracted criticism more. of the Irish Citizen Army in Liberty widely held support, at home and providing proper health and hous- from the right-wing media and po- He has long expressed and acted Hall where the Rising was planned abroad, for another seven years of ing and other public services. litical forces for his expression of in solidarity with the oppressed and where the Proclamation was President Higgins may well prevail. Liberty 19 News OCTOBER 2017

SIPTU secures deal for Home Care workers A NEW deal negotiated by rectly employed home care work- SIPTU representatives with ers. The new deal guarantees our the HSE will result in thou- members minimum working sands of home care workers hours, the opportunity to upskill receiving a significant boost and, most importantly, to work as to their incomes. part of a team.” The increase arises from the Ted Kenny said that the coming recognition by HSE of travel time, months give members the oppor- job security through a minimum tunity to take stock of any new ros- and maximum working week, a ter arrangements and that a SIPTU fair reward for any unsocial hours sub-group has been set up to pro- worked and the opportunity to up- vide guidance on template rosters skill and develop in an ever-grow- in a bid to ensure members’ rights ing industry. and interests are protected. Speaking to Liberty, SIPTU Or- “SIPTU representatives are very ganiser, Ted Kenny said: “This new clear that we see the role of the Local Authority Workers gather at the start of the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference on Monday 2nd deal is underpinned by fairness home care worker expanding. That is why the commitment to fund October to launch the campaign calling for decent jobs and apprenticeships for young people. Photo: Graham Seely and decency for all home care workers and the people who rely additional investment in training on home care services. is so important and why we are “Our campaign has resulted in pursuing a job title change on be- an extra €13 million to provide ad- half of our members from ‘home ‘Your County, Your Youth, Your Future’ ditional home care services by di- help’ to ‘home care assistant’.” local authority recruitment campaign

The ‘Your County, Your Youth, home counties. “Since the eco- dealing with the issue of youth un- Your Future’ local authority re- nomic crash of 2008 the numbers employment. “We will be mobilis- employed by local authorities cruitment campaign was ing local authority workers across across the country has fallen by at the country to ensure that these launched at an event on 2nd least 20%. Over the coming months clauses are fully utilised so that October in Connolly Hall, local authorities across the country councils once more have the re- Cork, attended by county must recruit more outdoors, roads sources to provide adequate serv- council workers from across and administrative workers if they ices and that their workforces are are to fulfil their statutory duty to replenished with young workers.” the country. provide essential services.” SIPTU SIPTU activists in each local au- SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan Local Authority Sector President, thority area in the country will be O’Brien, said: “The ‘Your County, Matt Henry, said: “The extension running publicity and lobbying Your Youth, Your Future’ campaign to the Public Service Stability campaigns focused on services and is a major new initiative which Agreement, which was recently rat- employment needs in their own aims to unite the requirement to ified by trade unions and the gov- county or city. For more informa- recruit more local authority work- ernment, includes clauses which tion see the ‘Your County, Your ers with the needs of young people deal directly with the need to con- Youth, Your Future’ Facebook page. Staff at SIPTU Workers Rights Centre and the Irish Second-Level seeking employment in their nect public service recruitment to Students Union (ISSU) launch the new helpline. Photo: Paddy Cole. Launch of new helpline for If yIfyou'reou a SIPTU member in the DubliDublin Region, the Jim Larkin second-level school students arkkiin Credited Union is open for you JimJJiim LLarkin A new helpline for second-level ing the summer, that many young on school students with workplace is- people were unaware of their UtideUUnni sues was launched on 25th Sep- rights at work.” CCrCreditr UnionEED A tember, at an event in the SIPTU SIPTU Campaigner, Dan O’Neill, E AAL L L N IMES W ANT Welcome Centre, 33 Eden Quay, said: “The overwhelming majority SOMETIMESSOMET WE MIEALLPOP RRTNEEDT A OR TH Dublin 1. The helpline is operated of young people surveyed sup- LLOLOANOAANN FFOR THE IMPORTANT NISGNIS EFIL OPENINGIN by the SIPTU Workers Rights Cen- ported the right to be represented THINGSHTNI IN LIFE S:S tre and is aimed specifically at as- by a union in the workplace, the ed inest HOURHOURS: sisting members of the Irish right to strike, to protest and to ou ar eyIf interestedere intou arin If you ar AADSY Second-Level Students Union join a trade union. Young people joiningng the Jim Larkin THURSDRUHT .m.p51:8-.m(ISSU). also expressed the view that they call 01 8721155 Credit Union,callnion,i 01 8 7:00 p.m. m.p00:7 - 8:15 p.m. ISSU President, Ben Smith, said: thought trade unions played a pos- emailem SATURDAYURRDDAAYY “We are delighted to partner with itive roll in society.” or emaile om.netc .a03:11-.mm. [email protected]@eir 9:30:9 a.m. m.a03 - 11:30 a. SIPTU on this campaign to inform our student members of their The helpline number is: Jim Larkin Credit Union,oinUtiderCnikraLmiJ Liberty Hall, Eden Quay,auQnedE,llaHytrebiL,n Dublin 1nilbuD,ya 1 rights in the workplace. We found, from research we completed dur- 1890 747 881 20 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Supporting Quality

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Supporting Quality plaque for Heineken Ireland

DURING the SIPTU biennial conference in Cork, Heineken Ireland hosted an evening for delegates from the union’s manufacturing division at its brewery in Leitrim Street, Cork. On behalf of the Supporting Quality Campaign, Gerry McCor- mack presented the membership plaque as recognition of Heineken Ireland’s continued support for the campaign – the aims of which are to protect quality jobs in Ireland by promoting quality products manu- factured in Ireland. At the presentation, SIPTU Sec- tor Organiser Mick Browne said: “We value Heineken Ireland’s sup- port for the campaign and look for- ward to continuing our strong Top row: Seamus Linehan, Heineken Ireland; Fabia Gavin of the Supporting Quality Campaign; Heineken Ireland shop working relationship with the steward Tony O’Connell. Bottom row: Mick Browne, SIPTU Sector Organiser; Eileen Hadden, Heineken Ireland; incoming SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Gerry McCormack, and Heineken Ireland shop steward Siobhán Spillane company into the future.” PICTURE: Scott Millar

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Che Guevara stamp sell out Lily’s life in the union

An Post has confirmed that dented". the initial print run of the The €1 stamp, which was Che Guevara stamp which released to mark the 50th features an image designed anniversary of the revolu- by Irish artist, Jim Fitzpatrick, tionary's death, went on sale in early October with a run of has sold out. about 122,000 stamps. It described the demand for the stamp as "unprece-

SIPTU Sector Organiser Teresa Hannick presents Lily McMorrow with the Markievicz-Partridge Award in July for her outstanding contribution to the labour movement

By Scott Millar

“The World is in HE decades of union ‘Being part of the union played a big membership of Lily part in my life, I learned so much. It a State of Chassis” McMorrow were recognised by the gave me the courage to stand up and Wed 18th Oct 2017 - Cois Life Bar, Liberty Hall SIPTUT Sligo District Council speak out against injustice. In particular with the presentation to her of a specially commissioned en- it gave me the confidence to be graved mirror in late July. involved in the fight against the removal Lily started work at 14 years of age in a basket factory on Finisklin of cancer services from Sligo Hospital’ Road in Sligo in 1964. She said: “I was given a job in the punnet de- partment making baskets for straw- Lily said: “We were all called to first shop steward. “All the talks berries. The first thing this girl told get our redundancy money. I got had to be thrashed out with the me was I had to join the union. I £79 for my work time there. I workers over three shifts. It took didn’t know what she meant by thought I was rich.” She used the time and we had to ballot the work- this as I was only in the door. money to buy a cot, a pram and ers to accept or reject.” The agree- “She continued to train me, then baby clothes for her first baby. Over ment was was overwhelmingly we became friends and after about the following years, Lily fought a accepted and Lily stayed on in her two months she wanted me to take successful battle against cancer be- new shop steward position. over the collecting of the union fore returning to the workforce in She was again elected chairper- money. It had to be collected every the Bruss car components factory son of her Branch committee. Lily week and then handed into the in Sligo. retired from Bruss in 2001. Of her ITGWU hall.” Her new place of work was not many years of union membership, Special Guest – Racker Donnelly Lily became involved in her local unionised but, as Lily recalls, “the Lily said: “I enjoyed my time and His Racks are Powerful, A Poet and Entertainer, Branch, eventually being elected strangest thing happened. The boss learned a lot. Being part of the wanted me to make arrangements union played a big part in my life, I he is Brillant, Genius, Clever and Humorous chairperson with the help of union official Noel Kilfeather. Lily mar- with the union official, Noel Kil- learned so much. It gave me the Fear a’ Ti – Eamon Hunt ried her husband Gerry in March feather, to plan terms of employ- courage to stand up and speak out 1970. Shortly after this the factory ment, sort wages, shift allowances, against injustice. In particular it Songs, tunes & poetry welcome from the floor where Lily worked closed down, holiday pay and other issues. Noel gave me the confidence to be in- 8pm –11pm; Subscription: €5 (no pre booking) the products it produced having asked me to be present at the volved in the fight against the re- Contact: Sally Corr – [email protected] been replaced by cheaper plastic talks.” moval of cancer services from Sligo versions. Lily was appointed the factory’s Hospital.” Liberty 23 Tradition OCTOBER 2017 Docklands communities remember victims of submarine attack

By Padraig Yeates HE sinking of the 1,000 Irish Lockout food ship the SS Hare and a mariners lost local collier (coal Tship) the SS Adela within a their lives in fortnight of each other by WWI while German U-Boats in 1917 was remembered by local Dublin bringing vital dockland communities last month. supplies to Large crowds attended the these commemoration events, which were organised by the Adela- islands.Without Hare Commemoration Commit- tee. Plaques were unveiled on their collective the North Wall and Sir John Rogerson’s Quay by the Lord sacrifice the Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac populations of Donncha and the Mayor of The ceremony at North Wall in Holyhead, Ann Kennedy. September to commemorate Ireland and Both vessels were involved in the sinking of the SS Hare the Lockout but had very differ- Britain would ent stories. The Hare was the first vessel have starved despatched to Dublin by the British TUC with vital food sup- plies to keep 15,000 trade union Dublin by U-100. All but one of members and their families the 25-strong crew were lost. from starvation during the Nineteen of those who died Lockout, while the Adela be- were from Dublin city and longed to Tedcastle McCor- county. mack, one the leading coal Seventeen of the 36 seafarers firms in the city, which im- who died on these two vessels ported blacklegs to support were from Dublin’s dockland William Martin Murphy’s ruth- communities, and many of less strategy for breaking Jim their descendants were in the Larkin’s Irish Transport and crowd. These later travelled out General Workers Union. in the ship St Brigid to lay a When the First World War wreath at the site of the Hare’s broke out the Royal Navy im- sinking. posed a blockade on the Central The Lockout food One thousand Irish mariners Powers in an attempt to starve ship the SS Hare lost their lives in the First them into surrender and the World War while bringing vital German government retaliated supplies to these islands. They with submarine warfare. The are largely forgotten today, German campaign reached a along with another 12,000 peak in the Irish Sea during British seafarers who died. 1917, when it became known as Without their collective sacri- ‘U Boat Alley’. fice the populations of Ireland The Hare was sunk on Decem- and Britain would have starved. ber 14th, 1917 off the Kish Bank SIPTU will also be commemo- by U-62. Fourteen of the 23 rating the loss of the SS Hare at crew were from Dublin city and the time of the centenary in county, and a further member December details to be an- was from Longford. Twelve nounced. crew members died, of whom Anyone wishing to obtain a six were from Dublin, including copy of the superb booklet pub- the only female fatality, Mary lished by the Adela-Hare Com- Jane Arnott. memoration Committee to On December 27th, 1917, the mark the centenary can do so Adela was sunk off Holyhead by emailing: with a shipment of coal for [email protected] 24 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 International Fatah and Hamas agree historic deal PALESTINIAN organisations Fatah and Hamas announced in mid October that they had brokered a reconciliation agreement following two days of intensive discussions hosted by the Egyptian gov- ernment in Cairo. Azzam al-Ahmad, the head of the Fatah delegation, and Hamas po- litical bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh confirmed the deal. The deal will allow for new elections to create a single govern- ment for Palestine advocating for the first time in years both the West Bank and Gaza as well as The talks took place against a dealing with security, the econ- backdrop of the absolute devasta- omy and other issues. tion of Gaza by Israeli Defence Ahmad said the dialogue was Forces (IDF) in recent years which “in response to the aspirations of has lead to thousands of deaths. “In response to the the Palestinian people to end the More than 1,500 children were division, achieve national unity killed in the IDF onslaught on the aspirations of the and strengthen the steadfastness Palestinian enclave in 2014. of our people”. The region’s infrastructure, in- Palestinian people The destruction of GAZA cluding hospitals, schools, water Palestinian Authority President There has also been a recent forces as well as border crossings and electricity supplies have been Mahmoud Abbas had issued to end the division, clampdown on visitors from other with Israel and at Rafah, the only instructions to the Fatah delega- severely damaged. Food and med- countries, including Ireland, wish- access from Gaza to Egypt. It is ex- tion to make every effort to ical products are also in short sup- achieve national unity ing to travel to Palestine to learn pected that the full handover of ad- achieve national reconciliation and ply. directly of the experience, and to ministrative control of Gaza to the to end the divisions. Added to this has been the ex- and strengthen the He stressed that the Cairo meet- pansion of the illegal settlements express solidarity with its people. new government will be com- ings were a historic opportunity to by Israeli settlers, restrictions on The agreement clears the way for pleted by December this year. achieve national reconciliation access to Muslim shrines in steadfastness of our a single unity government of Pales- Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza which “should not be missed be- Jerusalem and the continuing ha- tine which will control the West and across the West Bank cele- cause it will serve the interests of rassment and abuse of Palestinians people” Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. brated the unity agreement follow- the Palestinian people and their travelling to and from Israeli con- The unity government will run all ing the announcement on just cause”. trolled areas for work. institutions including the security Thursday 13th October. Liberty 25 Review OCTOBER 2017 Hanna and her sisters – feminist and revolutionary

Review by bad and indifferent”. Looking back after 30 years on Michael the murder of her husband and Halpenny others by Crown forces, she wrote “the ablest of the “ …it is not the brutality of the British Army in action against a Hanna Sheehy Skeffington Suffragette and Sinn Féiner women we have By Margaret Ward in public life in She campaigned HANNA Sheehy-Skeffington is sometimes referred to as the Ireland of the for university the widow of Francis Sheehy- education for Skeffington, journalist, oppo- last 30 or 40 women... On nent of the “Great War” and years”. one time member of the feminism and Army Council of the Irish Cit- izen Army who was murdered Cathal O’Shannon, ITGWU the cause of by the British military in Por- obituary 1946 tobello Barracks, Dublin, dur- votes for women ing Easter Week 1916. she argued However, she was so much more Through it all, she maintained than that. Long before she met her journalism and an extensive for ‘Militant Frank she was a journalist, femi- correspondence and this volume nist and socialist and after her hus- edited by historian, Margaret militancy’ band’s shooting remained active in Ward, is testament to a women de- public life in the cause of women, scribed by Cathal O’Shannon on equality and in politics as a sup- her death as “the ablest of the porter of Irish Independence. women we have in public life in A graduate of the then Royal Uni- the Ireland of the last 30 or 40 versity (UCD), she worked as a years”. people in revolt …but the auto- teacher of languages in the College As a public speaker he said she matic and tireless efforts on the of Commerce in Rathmines. She was “in a class by herself”, while part of the entire official machin- and her husband founded the Irish ery, both military and political , to Women’s Franchise League in 1908 prevent the truth from being made and later the radical Irish Citizen public”. newspaper. Dismissed from her It could have been written yes- teaching post because of her polit- “In her, the cause terday about the unfinished busi- ical activism, along with her hus- ness of a public enquiry into the band she supported the workers’ of Irish freedom Dublin and Monaghan bombings side during the 1913 Lockout and had no better and their atrocities. was an opponent of the imperialist She was a truly remarkable war in 1914. champion”. woman and deserves nothing less She was a political confidante of than to have her writings pre- James Connolly and was chosen by sented to us by an historian of the him as one of a small number of calibre of Margaret Ward and more commissioners to administer civil importantly to have them read, the government in 1916 in the event of the Workers Review wrote, “In her, better to inspire our thoughts and a rebel victory and pending free the cause of Irish freedom had no actions today. elections. Later, she became an ex- better champion”. ecutive member of Sinn Fein and In fact, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffing- campaigned and raised funds in ton’s writings reveal a champion of North America. She was banned many causes. On education, she from returning to Ireland by the campaigned for university educa- British government. tion for women and on pay for Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington: legendary women secondary teachers. On feminist, socialist and republican She supported the anti-Treaty PICTURE: Public Domain side during the Civil War and later feminism and the cause of votes again she joined Fianna Fáil on its for women she argued for “Mili- foundation but quickly left over tant militancy”. the question of entry into the Dáil. “Desperate diseases need des- ent opponent of the ‘Free State’ “out-Hitler’s Hitler, under section A lifelong socialist, she visited the perate remedies and if the vote is government in all its manifesta- 12 it gives the Minister for Indus- Soviet Union as secretary of the wrested from Government by tions but did not shrink from at- try …the power to limit the num- Friends of Soviet Russia. More methods of terrorism ….who can tacking Fianna Fáil when it came ber of women in industry or than that, a lifelong feminist, she say it wasn’t worth a mutilated let- to power. remove them altogether”. was a founding member of the ter, a cut wire, a Premier’s racked She campaigned vigorously It removed any vestige of alle- Women’s Social and Progressive nerves?” against De Valera’s Conditions of giance she had to voting for the League in 1938. She was a consistent and persist- Employment Bill which, she said, party, albeit “as a choice between 26 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Reviews A tale of two struggles

Review by Michael Morley analyses Halpenny the role of union solidarity between British and Irish workers in 1913, reminding us that the Miners Federation of Great Britain, precursor of the NUM, gave £1,000 a week

The SS Hare docks in Dublin to keep the food with food and supplies for families of those locked out kitchens going Striking Similarities in 1913. Picture: UCC Multitext By Kevin Morley in Liberty Hall Book Guild Publishing During the General Strike of 1926 HE 20th century wit- when mine owners sought to impose nessed three important savage pay cuts, the miners famously landmarks of working- declared “not a minute on the day – class militancy on these nor a ha’penny of the pay!” They Tislands: the Dublin Lockout of hung out to the bitter end. In the 1970s, their militancy undi- 1913, the British General Strike minished, the miners and the NUM of 1926 and the British Miners’ are credited with the downfall of the Strike of 1984/'85. Two of those Conservative government of Edward (1913 and 1926) form an integral Heath. When Margaret Thatcher part of Irish and British labour came to power at the end of that history. decade, she and her government Indeed in the case of the Lockout were determined to face down the it has been described by President NUM – what they described as the Michael D Higgins as a foundation “enemy within”. event in the establishment of the Re- Her government deployed all the public. On the other hand, the min- resources at their command to defeat ers’ strike lies in that no man’s land the miners and destroy their com- between history and contemporary munities. Kevin Morley lays bare in memory for anyone over the age of compelling detail the extent of that 40. determination, drawing comparison This refreshingly honest book between the parts played by the state, the police, the press and the draws comparisons between two of A picket during the those seismic events: the Lockout British Miners Strike of employers in both 1984 and during and the miners’ strike. It is a tale told 1984/’85. Picture: Wales the Lockout. with a spirit and intent of solidarity Online (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) However, he also describes the and which encompasses not just the enormous solidarity among workers respective combatant unions – the nothing less than class war forged by Citizen Army (ICA), noting in passing kitchens going in Liberty Hall. at home and abroad, in particular the ITGWU and the National Union of the employers of Dublin on the that the first such defence organisa- Turning to the miners’ strike of repayment of the debt owed by the Mineworkers (NUM) – but also the workers of that city. tion may well have been the “Work- 1984/'85, the author paints his pic- workers of Dublin for the support of communities from which they came. He discusses in some detail the ers Police” organised by the ture on a wide canvass, detailing the the miners in 1913. In his treatment of the Lockout, role of women, including that of Transport Union during the Wexford history and growth of trade union- At the end, what emerges is hope Kevin Morley demonstrates a deep Delia Larkin and the Irish Women Lockout of 1911. ism and militancy among miners. rather than despair, on the one hand understanding of both the industrial Workers Union, drawing parallels In particular, Morley analyses the The year 1920 was the high water- to see through the unfinished busi- relations and political dimensions of with the way in which women stood role of union solidarity between mark of union organisation in Britain ness of 1913 – full-blooded union that dispute, seeing it for what it shoulder to shoulder with the min- British and Irish workers in 1913, re- with approximately 6.5 million recognition, and in the case of the was. While ostensibly fought on the ers in 1984 to defend jobs and com- minding us that the Miners Federa- workers in membership. Of these, UK, to see the resurgence of left-wing key fundamental of the right of munities. tion of Great Britain (MFGB), the the miners were among the most sig- politics under the leadership of Je- workers to join and have recognised At the hard edge of the Lockout he precursor of the NUM, contributed nificant, accounting for roughly one remy Corbyn and his ambition to roll the trade union of their choice, it was also discusses the role of the Irish £1,000 a week to keep the food sixth of all union members. back the tide of austerity. Liberty 27 Reviews OCTOBER 2017 The battle for Dublin The Civil War in Dublin However, things might have Irish Labour Historyy Society y By John Dorney turned out differently. Casualty fig- Merrion Press ures confirmed by Dorney show 22017 ConferenceoC710 ecnerefno e that Free State forces in the city NOT TOO far from where I live, lost more men killed (95) in the 11 embedded into the low wall of months of fighting than the Anti- MorningMorning session: Treaty IRA (87). However, of the a playground on Upper Rath- anti-Treaty dead, half were ac- The life of f SSean O’CaseyO yaseC’ yyaseC mines Road, is a small stone counted for by both formal and in- cross. It is dedicated to a young formal executions by Free State Papersapers prP presenteded besent bbyy ChristChristopheropher MMurray,ayurray, local man who was killed in the forces. closing months of the Irish In fact, as Dorney further relates, Martinartin MM Maguireaguire and MManusanus OO'Riordandan'Rior Civil War in Dublin. Thomas opting for execution was a “vital O’Leary was a captain in the strategic move” on the part of the AfAfternoonftternoon session: 4th Dublin Battalion of the Free State, ostensibly to counter anti-Treaty IRA and was last the enormous drain on resources IrelandrI eland and the seen alive in the custody of the in countering the perceived effec- Russianussian RRR Revolutionolutionveussian Free State Army. His body, rid- tiveness of the anti-Treaty side’s Talks bT by Palks Paulaul Oy O'Brien,'Brien, HHelenaelena Sheehan dled with 22 bullets, was low-intensity war. dumped at the gates of (the As former Free State officer and Emmet OO'ConnoronnorC' onnorC then) Tranquilla convent. As a Free State Paddy O’Connor later admitted, John Dorney’s book attempts to officer later they were losing popular support Saturday,, OctoberOctdaySatur October 21st chart the grisly progress, firstly of admitted, they and their soldiers were war weary the “Battle for Dublin” and then – but the deliberate policy of exe- 11am tot 4.30pm411am .30pmo the guerrilla war that followed, in were losing cutions broke the IRA morale. the course of which young Thomas popular support Understandably, few are looking ILHS premises,premises, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 O’Leary was murdered. The chap- forward to its commemoration in and their soldiers 2022-'23. ter headings themselves practically The full programmeprogramme is availableavailable toto tell that tale: The Siege of the Four were war weary – John Dorney’s pacey book, downloaddownload a www.irishlabourhistorysociety.comwww.irishlabourhistorysociety.com Courts; The Battle for Dublin; but the deliberate which includes new research, ConferenceConference subscriptions areare €15 for members (€20 Urban Insurgency in Dublin; the helps us to better understand the for non-members).non-members). Please book in beforebefore 19th19th policy of OctoberOctober throughthrough the PayPalPayPal link on Murder Gang; Executions. events of nearly a hundred years executions broke ago. What followed thereafter, www.irishlabourhistorysociety.comwww.irishlabourhistorysociety.com (For(For those who The war appeared to be a strug- areare not able toto book online, please phone Beggars gle between those who could not the IRA morale. North and South, was the “carnival of reaction” which James Connolly Bush at 01-6681071,01-6681071, Monday-ThursdayMonday-Thursday 10am-4pm,10am-4pm, win (the anti-Treaty IRA) and those FridayFriday 10am-1pm) Understandably, had warned would be the in- who could not afford to lose (the few are looking Provisional Government). In all of evitable consequence of partition forward to in which workers equally in- IrishIrish Labour HHistoryistory Society this, ordinary citizens and the An Cumann StaireStaire LLuchtucht Soathar na hérreireanneireann trade union movement were commemoration evitably payed the price. largely bystanders or ineffectual That we should remember. in 2022-'23 Michael Halpenny opponents of “militarism”. www.irishlabourhistorysociety.comwwww.irishlabourhist.irishlabou.irishlabourhistorysocietyy..com Peeling back the layers on Lockout history The Dublin Lockout 1913 – peel back the onion layers of class Other contributors such as oral New Perspectives on Class in Ireland, then and now, and to re- historian Mary Muldowney dis- late it to the challenges of today. In War & its Legacy cuss how 1913 was commemorated Published by Irish a chapter titled The Layers of an Academic Press (2017) Onion, Brian Hanley notes that while Donal Fallon deals with while “class was everywhere dur- young workers, in this case, news- THIS volume of essays on the 1913 ing the centenary of 1913”, the boys, in a chapter titled Quick-Wit- Lockout and its legacy is edited by most positive result of the cente- ted Urchins, noting that while Conor McNamara and Padraig nary has been a new interest in the there is evidence of newsboy in- Yeates, whose magisterial work importance of class division in Ire- Lockout (2000), remains the stan- land. volvement in the revolutionary pe- dard reference point for students Further afield, Meredith riod, none gave a statement to the of the period. Meagher examines the way in Bureau of Military History. It was Contributors drawn from home which the Lockout was seen by as if they passed like shadows. and abroad, including the two ed- Irish-Americans at the time. She And that is precisely why books itors, attempt to focus on a class contrasts the approach of the more such as this are so important, not analysis of the event that the book conservative Irish World newspa- describes as the “nearest thing Ire- per with that of the Fenian and just to remember, but to recali- Larkin arrested: predictable coverage land had to a debate on the type of from British tabloids but some of the separatist Gaelic American. brate our understanding of history, society that was wanted by its cit- best Lockout reporting was done by the The Gaelic American “empha- in particular such an important US-based Christian Science Monitor izens”. sised the brutality of events in exposed”. The honours for best and compelling period as the It’s hard to disagree with Yeates’ trade union movement and partic- Dublin”, but in fact both papers ul- coverage she interestingly gives to “decade of revolution”. view that its commemoration was ularly SIPTU did more than their timately avoided “uncomfortable the Christian Science Monitor for the “Cinderella” of the Decade of best to ensure that it wouldn’t be. analysis of the social chasms that its daily reports on the Lockout to Michael Halpenny Commemorations, though the Essentially, the book seeks to events in Dublin 1913 graphically American readers. 28 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Tribute

TRIBUTE Rodney Bickerstaffe ‘A warm and principled man’ ODNEY Bickerstaffe, Soon Elizabeth found herself former general secre- pregnant with Rodney. However, tary of UK trade union ‘An outstanding like many war-time romances it Unison, died on 3rd was short-lived. Tommy returned trade unionist to Dublin but in more recent years, ROctober at the age of 72. Rod- Rodney sought to make contact ney, who led the public sector and socialist, with his father. union NUPE before it became In Autumn 1997, Rodney was vis- Unison, was also a former and a great iting Dublin to attend a trade president of the Trades Union friend and union conference when he decided Congress (TUC), President of to knock on the door of the last the UK National Pensioners support to me known address he had for his fa- Convention and President of ther. There was nobody in, but an the NGO, War on Want. over many years. elderly neighbour told him of an- Paying tribute to Rodney Bicker- other Simpson who lived a few staffe, UK Labour Party leader Rodney was kilometres away. Jeremy Corbyn said: “Words do always global in The old man told Rodney that he not come easily after the awful thought he might be related, and news of Rodney’s death. He was a his views and put his daughter Ann in contact warm, decent and principled man, with him by telephone. Ann an outstanding trade unionist and perspectives, turned out to be the niece of Rod- socialist, and a great friend and ney’s father and told Rodney that support to me over many years ... a real his father had three other children Rodney was always global in his in Ireland: Liam, Frances and views and perspectives, a real internationalist’ Tommy. internationalist.” As it turned out, Rodney’s Bickerstaffe had close links with – Jeremy Corbyn brother Tommy was also an active SIPTU and visited Liberty Hall a trade unionist and political activist. number of times during his career, Tommy has been a long-time mem- ber of SIPTU and has served as although his links with our union Whipps Hospital, East London. were much closer than many President of the Dublin Council of One day, a carpenter from Dublin Trade Unions. He was also a candi- people realised. by the name of Tommy Simpson Rodney's mother Elizabeth was date for the Green Party in a num- walked into the hospital complain- ber of local and general elections. born in 1920, the eldest of 10 chil- ing of stomach pains, and a war- dren. During the second World Rodney is survived by his wife, time romance was sparked Pat, and their four children. War, she was training as a nurse in between the two.

THE KEVIN MCMAHON MEMORIAL LECTURE LESSONS FROM THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION Date: Friday, 17th November Time: 7.00 p.m. Venue: Liberty Hall Main Speaker – David Kotz (Economist, author of Revolution from Above: The Demise of the Soviet System)

Debate Panel – Jack O’Connor (SIPTU General President) Helena Sheehan (Author of The Syriza Wave) Brian Hanley (Co author of The Lost Revolution)

Chair: Tish Gibbons (SIPTU College)

Liberty 29 Obituaries OCTOBER 2017

OBITUARY Seamus Kelly Tireless union and community activist RIENDS and colleagues and he applied a common sense were shocked and sad- Seamus was a analysis to every situation in which dened when the news SIPTU members were involved. Sea- thorough mus served two terms on the Na- filtered through on the tional Executive Council and took F11th June last of the sudden gentleman and part in numerous union events and and untimely passing of Sea- conferences. mus Kelly. was always Seamus was also a tireless commu- Seamus was a thorough gentleman nity activist. He was a eucharistic and was always available to lend a available to lend minister with the Catholic Church; helping hand when needed. He chairman of Aghabog Dramatic Soci- began his working life as a bus driver a helping hand ety; and he raised funds for many in England before returning to Mon- when needed. charities including his local GAA aghan to train as a mechanic in Gib- club, Aghabog Emmetts. son’s Garage. In 1968, he joined the He applied a Seamus will be truly missed by all Outdoor Staff with Monaghan Co of us who had the pleasure of know- Council, subsequently taking up the common sense ing and working with him. position of Machinery Yard Supervi- There was a large attendance at his sor where he remained until his re- analysis to every funeral in Aghabog, including SIPTU tirement nine years ago. national officers Jack O’Connor, He was a member of the Branch situation in Gene Mealy and Joe O’Flynn. Committee of the FWUI and later Seamus will be sadly missed by his SIPTU. On the death of Frank Kee- which SIPTU wife Bridget and children Sean, laghan in 2002 he was elected Chair- members were Pauline, Eileen, Donna, Richard and man of the Monaghan 20/21 Branch. Cherelle, as well as his many other He was subsequently elected to involved relatives and friends. the Regional Executive Committee May his gentle soul rest in peace.

OBITUARY Tommy Walsh TRIBUTE Tom Lundy Spotting a job ad by chance led to a life of organising workers FRIENDS and colleagues of attended Croke Park for most of Passionate about former Assistant National Ex- the appearances of my beloved ecutive Officer Tommy Walsh Dubs,” he said. were greatly saddened to In April 1983, Tommy was ap- hear of his passing on 23rd pointed as national group secre- tary, in charge of organising union issues September. It was the fortuitous spotting of workers in a number of major in- a newspaper advertisement that dustries, including transport and led Tommy Walsh to embark on a Bord na Móna. TOM Lundy, who died on very successful, but sadly cur- In 1990, on the formation of 10th September, began his tailed, career as a union organiser. SIPTU, he was appointed to the po- apprenticeship with Panton Born in Whitehall in Dublin in sition of assistant national execu- & Watkins Painting Contrac- 1940, Tommy had achieved a good tive officer, responsible for the tors at 14 years of age. Leaving Certificate, and with a job whole of the private sector and Tom, who was born on Amiens in a finance house lined up, it membership organising nationally. Street in Dublin in 1941, soon looked like his future lay in the ac- Tommy Walsh: his dad’s union In the early 1990s, he also organ- joined the Irish National Painters countancy profession. However, views ‘struck a chord’ with him ised a national ‘Buy Irish Cam- and Decorators’ Union becoming before he started on this path he paign’. The campaign had the a veteran member and activist. noticed an ad in a newspaper from slogan Buy Irish and the Job’s He served on the union com- the ITGWU seeking trainee union and the union was really re- Right. It was very successful and mittee from the early 1970s even- officials. spected.” helped to boost employment num- tually becoming President, a role “My da had always told us how By the mid-1960s, Tommy had bers and the morale of members he filled with energy and enthusi- important the trade unions were been transferred to the No. 14 when spirits were at a very low in ensuring working people got a asm and of which he was ex- Branch, organising workers in gen- ebb, he recalled. tremely proud. decent wage and ‘a fair shake’ from eral engineering and motor car as- On 21st January 1997, during a their employers,” he told Liberty Along with Gerry Fleming and sembly. In 1971, he was promoted meeting of the National Oil-Rigs last year. “It must have struck a Paddy Coughlan he began supply- to work in Liberty Hall, working Committee in Cork, Tommy took chord with me because I got really ing voluntary painting services with, and learning from, Paddy ill and was rushed to the Cork Uni- Tom Lundy took pride in excited about the prospect of Donegan, Dan Shaw and Tom and help to various charities, in- his work and his union working for the union.” versity Hospital with a severe cluding the housing agency, O’Brien, among others. stroke. After a lot of remedial sup- He got the job and started work- It was during this period that he Threshold, and the Larkin Unem- port and very hard work, he be- ing for the ITGWU in September met his future wife Maria Quirk. ployment Centre in the north came somewhat ‘mobile’ again, geously and passed away with dig- 1959. Tommy’s first assignment They married in 1972 and had two inner city. with the help of a mechanical nity surrounded by his family in- was in the Hotels’ Branch, under children, Lavinia and Thomas. He continued to work at his wheelchair. He returned to work cluding wife, Angela, his Mickey Mullen, who would go on “Between my work and the fam- trade right to the end and was al- until his 60th birthday and retire- daughters, Sandra, Karen, Gillian to become the union’s general sec- ily, there wasn’t a whole lot of time ways passionate about union and retary. for social pursuits. I joined the ment. and son, Tom Jnr. Tom is survived by his wife, working class issues. He also en- He also left 10 grandchildren “It was a good time to work for local branch of the Labour Party, joyed hill-walking in Wicklow. the union in the hotel industry,” went to watch Naomh Mearnóg, Maria, and their two children, and two great grandchildren. Tom endured his illness coura- said Tommy, “as morale was high the local GAA team, and of course, Lavinia and Thomas. 30 Liberty OCTOBER 2017 Sport

Football fans hold Catalan flags Wrapped in the flag By Kevin Brannigan AVE these images in to navigate the tricky waters of Eu- Barcelona and who has a European a blow. Under Aragonés they developed my mind. As a six- ropean nationalism. and World Cup winner’s medal for Before Euro 2008 it was Aragonés “tika-taka” – a variation on the year-old, I used to Thirty-five European countries Spain, broke down in an interview who christened the team La Roja Dutch concept of Total Football; it sneak into my front competed for the right to reach with the media when questioned simply meaning “The Reds”, a con- endeared the Spanish to the world. Italia ‘90. This time around, three over his emotional reaction to the tentious term in Spain given the As the Spanish team tika-taka’d room‘I where we had two pic- decades of collapsing political blocs police violence of the preceding country’s political make-up, where its way to victory in Vienna, Kiev tures hung on the wall. Not a and national awakenings later, the days and suggested he would leave to be a La Roja was traditionally to and Johannesburg the world looked Rembrandt, which we couldn’t list had grown to 55. the Spanish national side if the be communist and anti-Franco. on at a “new Spain”, symbolised by afford in a council house, but a A few days before the continent’s Basque, Catalan and Madridista picture of the Sacred Heart of star players departed their clubs for footballers celebrating while Jesus and a smaller picture of international duty, the Catalan inde- wrapped in their regional flags but Padraig Pearse.’ pendence referendum once again Thirty-five European countries competed playing under the Spanish banner. So began Republic of Ireland man- pushed football and politics awk- for the right to reach Italia ‘90. This time Finally, Spain was done with civil ager Martin O’Neill in his 2008 wardly together. war politics and reconciled as one in speech at Áras an Uachtaráin on the With the Guardia Civil running around, three decades of collapsing harmony, rather than under theme of being Irish. riot in the streets outside, FC Franco’s jackboot. The Derry man is a pivotal figure Barcelona, that great symbol of political blocs and national awakenings The media demands a simple nar- in this island's football and cultural modern commercialised football later, the list had grown to 55 rative to explain complex topics history. The first Catholic to captain and Catalan nationalism, juggled its such as Spanish nationalism. In Luis the Northern Ireland national side dual responsibilities to Nike and its Aragonés’ national team they had he can remember being booed onto membership by succumbing to a found one. the pitch at Windsor Park, though middle-of-theroad gesture of defi- manager felt so inclined. The now deceased Luis Aragonés Next summer, ‘‘both Irelands’’ that soon stopped when his ability ance by closing its gates to fans for Fast forward a few days later and was no left-winger and denied any could again be competing side by began to show. a league match to a Las Palmas side the inevitable boos ring out from political connotation in the nick- side at a major tournament, with He now stands on the verge of which had arrived with Spanish Spanish supporters towards Piqué name but to those looking for one it players from the North coming from leading the Republic to two major flags embroidered on their jerseys – as he takes the field for Spain. seemed like an olive branch. the two historical traditions on the tournaments in a row – thanks to a if Barca had refused to play they By the end of the week Spain had In the Franco era the Spanish side island. fellow Derry man’s goal in Cardiff. would have lost six valuable league qualified comfortably for next sum- developed a style of football known If so, the media will use the im- Meanhile, another Northern points. mer’s tournament but the unity of as “Furia Española”. It was chest-out agery to paper over the cracks. But Catholic called O’Neill aims to do In the post-match interviews Ger- the national side that swept all be- arrogance. When the side played, as Spain and Catalonia have shown, the same in Belfast this November. ard Piqué, a Catalan who came up fore them under the reign of Luis the Basques, Galicians and Catalans there’s only so much smiling foot- Football in Europe has always had through the youth ranks at Aragonés seems to have been dealt looked the other way. ballers can do for society. Liberty 31 Liberty Crossword OCTOBER 2017 PRIZE DRAW To win €200 in Arnotts vouchers Liberty courtesy of JLT Insurance Crossword (see back cover) ACROSS DOWN 7 Non-sustainable business model (7,6) 1 Crucial in Holland (4) 8 Required (8) 2 North of the USA (6) 9 Scandinavian city (4) 3 Mix of Hebrew and German (7) 10 Lift (7) 4 "All kidding ___..." (5) 12 Death row reprieves (5) 5 Essential to swallow (6) 14 Founded by Larkin and Connolly (5) 6 Organised by IBEC (8) 16 State created in UK after 1945 (7) 11 Place their country first (8) 19 Male ruler (4) 13 An argument in support (7) 20 Make vision possible (8) 15 Composed the Ride of the 22 Causes a sore throat (13) Valkyries (6) 17 Home of the Franks (6) 18 Home of St. Johnstone FC (5) 21 Funding advance (4)

*Correctly fill in the crossword to reveal the name and address and you will to be entered into a The winner of the crossword competition hidden word, contained by reading the letters prize draw to win a €200 Arnotts voucher in the shaded squares from top to bottom. The winner of the crossword quiz will be in the July edition was Gabrielle Rowley. published in the next edition of Liberty. Co. Mayo. Email the hidden word to [email protected] or post to Communications Dept., Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 along with your *Terms and conditions apply. Answer: Petitions

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In bookshops from November. Dec 15th 77.30pm,.30pm, Dec 16th 2.30pm & 7.00pm, Dec 17th 2.30pm & 7.00pm, Dec 18th 7.30pm