THE PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS

UNIONEWSNYOU C APN USE OST JUNE 2011 STRONGER

WHEN trade unionists from across gather for Congress’ Biennial Delegate Conference in Killarney TOG ET Hnext mEonth, they wRill find a trade union movement that is in good shape, fighting fit, and ready for the battles that lie ahead. The 800 delegates, observers and guests will hear figures detailing how membership has remained robustly strong despite the depth of the recession and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Trade unions are working people’s first – and last – line of defence against a neoliberal onslaught that has turned a banking crisis into an attack on jobs, pay, conditions and services. But a guiding principle of our movement has always been strength in numbers – and figures show that the number of members drawn from Congress’ 54 affiliated unions now stands at 797,399. This is down 19,449 on the 2010 figure and represents a 2.4% dip in union membership. It is a reflection of the savage assault on jobs and is not an indication of any disenchantment with trade unions or trade unionism. In fact, the figures back this view, showing that decline in union membership has occurred at a SLOWER rate than the general fall in employment. It should be remembered that in the Republic alone, there is a trade union density rate of 38.3% of the workforce – one of the highest rates in Europe. Picture: Congress

GETTING SET FOR BDS 2011 PAGE 2 COMMISSION REPORT DETAILS PAGE 5 Congress delegation briefs UNION POST s s e

Dutch unions on debt crisis r A CONGRESS delegation has met with senior that has to be g n o

Dutch trade unionists to discuss the Irish and addressed.” C

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European debt crisis, and organised labour’s Congress has u t c i

response to it. already met and P The delegation – Congress president Jack briefed the leadership O’Connor, general secretary David Begg and of Germany’s main economic advisor Paul Sweeney – met leaders of union federation, the the FNV at their HQ in Amsterdam. DGB, as well as the The FNV – the Federation of the Dutch heads of Finland’s Labour Movement – represents 1.4m unionised leading labour federa - workers across all sectors of Dutch society. tion, the SAK. Oxfam: Cards on table According to David Begg, the meeting is part of Mr Begg added: an ongoing initiative designed to change the “The crisis in Ireland Begg: ‘Self-defeating’ time at G8 summit 9 picture of Ireland abroad and to stress that the is a manifestation of a wider EU crisis and it debt crisis is a European issue that needs to be requires resolution at that level. But three years resolved at an EU level. on, the only official response has been to ignore He said: “The debt crisis cannot be corralled or the problems in the financial sector and impose quarantined in one country – the sickness is at severe austerity programmes. That is entirely the heart of the European financial system and self-defeating.”

90 trade unionists murdered last year 11

50,000 workers at Prague anti-cuts demo 13

US nurses march on D.C. and Wall Street 14 Delegates get set for

CongressPUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISHB CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS DC 2011 TRADE UNIONISTS from THE Trade Union Confederation across Ireland are heading to general secretary Bernadette Killarney early next month for NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2009 Ségol, while delegates will also BDNIONC POST UCONGRESS CONFERENCE Congress’ Biennial Delegate SPECIAL 13 PAGES OF REPORTS & hear from the head of the global EE 2009 PICTURES FROM TRALEE Conference 2011. TRAL trade union federation – the Some 800 delegates, STRAIGHT TALKING BEGG TELLS COWEN ITUC. observers and guests will con - The conference will also fea - verge on the INEC in the Co ture a round table debate on Activists’ ‘flash mob’ Kerry town for the conference, the theme of ‘Which Way for which runs from July 4-6. Europe’, featuring a host of na - action at awards do The overall theme of this tional and international experts. 15 year’s BDC is ‘A Better, Fairer Killarney mayor Sean Couni - Way’ with participants debating han and homeless charity THE UNION POST is produced by Brazier Media a total of 41 motions, including activist Sister Stanilaus Kennedy for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions four from the Executive Coun - CUTS CAN’T will also address delegates. cil. Delegates moving a motion FULL STORY Irish Congress of Committee Conference formally opens BEAT SLUMPP2/3 can speak for five minutes, with Trade Unions Irish Congress of Trades Unions on Monday, July 4, at 4.30pm. Subscribe FREE at [email protected] each subsequent speaker 31/32 Parnell Square 4-6 Donegall Street Place Taoiseach Enda Kenny is sched - getting three minutes each to 1 Belfast BT1 2FN Flashback: How The Union Ireland Northern Ireland uled to address conference that Post covered BDC 2009 make their point. Tel: +353 1 8897777 Tel: 02890 247940 evening, while Tanaiste Eamon Congress organisers have Fax: +353 1 8872012 Fax: 02890 246898 Gilmore will deliver an address Findings from eagerly-awaited urged delegates to be punctual Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] on Wednesday, July 6. report from the Commission and to be present throughout www.ictu.ie Web: www.ictuni.org Debate will focus heavily on on the Trade Union Movement all sessions. the economy, the bank crisis and will also be delivered. Delegates are also reminded workplace rights. There are also A range of other speakers to show their credential card DESIGNED & EDITED BY BRAZIER MEDIA motions on equality and inter - will address the conference, in - when entering the conference Email: [email protected] national solidarity. cluding incoming European hall.

2 THE UNION POST S June 2011 APubClic sTecItoOr unNion sP to Aco-CordiTnat! e

aNORnTHtERiN- Icrelaund’s tpusblic secctoar mwith tphe suappoirtg of nlocal caommcunir- opasigns of a cNtion woill gralvtanhise oppo - trade unions have vowed to work ties, will resist the cuts being sition in Northern Ireland to the together to oppose public service implemented by the Executive. cuts in public spending and welfare cuts, job losses, pay freezes, attacks “All the unions party to the benefits that will severely damage on welfare benefits and pensions. declaration plan to commence the fabric of our society resulting in Congress assistant general preparations leading to a balloting a huge increase in unemployment in secretary Peter Bunting said the of their members for industrial both the private and public sectors. unions that had signed up to the action.” “If there is no reversal of these June 15 declaration had agreed to Mr Bunting claimed this repre - attacks on ordinary working peo - co-operate in a co-ordinated sented an “unprecedented unity” ple, then we are unfortunately fac - campaign of industrial action. of workers to prevent further ing a prolonged period of industrial He added: “The declaration is a attacks on jobs, services, pay and strife, commencing in autumn or signal to those in government in pensions. earlier where specific services and Northern Ireland that the unions, He added: “A co-ordinated cam - jobs are under immediate threat.” Peter Bunting: ‘Unprecedented’

ILO chief Juan Somavia joins a delegation of domestic workers in giving the thumbs up following the landmark vote on June 16

ICrONeGRlEaSS hnas cdalle d son hthe oIrishu govledrnm enlt eawodrker s, wwhicah Coyng reisns ne gortiatedt asi pfaryt oif ngtim e,h andi tshis tis oa brreaiktchro utghr oef greaat stigny ifi - to take a “global lead” on workers’ rights by the Towards 2016 national agreement, in 2006. cance.” becoming the first nation to ratify a landmark “That helped establish rights for an often The new ILO standards set out that domestic treaty that gives protection to an estimated 53 forgotten and neglected cohort of workers. workers must have the same basic labour rights million domestic workers throughout the world. “Given that all members of the Irish delega - as those available to other workers – reason - Legal affairs officer Esther Lynch made the call tion at the ILO voted in favour of this treaty, it able hours of work ,a weekly rest of at least 24 following the vote at the International Labour would seem entirely reasonable that the govern - consecutive hours, a limit on in-kind payments, Organisation’s annual conference in Geneva on ment could move with speed to ratification.” clear information on terms and conditions of June 16. The vote was hailed by ILO director general employment, as well as respect for fundamental Speaking from the conference, she said: Juan Somavia as “history being made”. He said: principles and rights at work, including freedom “Ireland was one of the first countries in the EU “We are moving the standards system of the of association and the right to collective to establish a code of practice for domestic ILO into the informal economy for the first bargaining. ‘Cynical’ attack on jobless CONGRESS president Jack O’Connor serve to further depress consumer DESIGN has slammed as “populist play acting” demand resulting in the loss of more calls for the dismantling of wage pro - jobs. To use the latest unemployment do you need your union tection mechanisms after the Repub - figures as a pretext for cutting the lic’s jobless rate rose to 14.8% in May. wages of low paid workers is a cynical publication revamped ? He described the calls from the exploitation of those who have been employer lobby as a cynical exploita - deprived of employment while tion of the plight of the unemployed. enhancing the position of some in Mr O’Connor, who is also SIPTU the business . contact us at general president, said: “Far from “Populist play acting to the business alleviating unemployment, cutting the gallery will contribute nothing and ill pay of the lowest paid 20% of the behoves those charged with responsi - braziermedia workforce is the very last thing the bility for providing leadership in our country needs because it will only current difficult circumstances.” Jack O’Connor: Pretext @btinternet.com

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 3 CWU hits out at ‘callous’ plan

TtHEo Comm uonicatiofn Wfork ers’ hore jobU semplo yebd by thye com paVny and odpoliacy is onf joob creatnion ande reten - W C

Union has slammed plans by Voda - : those working at Rigney Dolphin. tion. e r

fone Ireland to “off shore” more u “The quid pro quo must be a t He pointed out it was the CWU’s c i

than 130 customer services jobs to P view that Rigney Dolphin had been commitment from large companies India and Egypt as “breathtakingly an “integral part” of the customer to support jobs in Ireland on the callous and insensitive”. care service. back of the large profits and Deputy general secretary Terry He added: “The company appears favourable tax rates they enjoy.” Delany made the comments happy to make profits from its Irish Meanwhile, Congress general following a meeting with the customers, enjoy Irish pro-business secretary David Begg has confirmed communication giant’s senior supports and Irish tax rates, but he raised the issue with Enterprise management on May 27. is not willing to reciprocate in Minister Richard Bruton at a recent It is understood that Vodafone is supporting Irish jobs to service its meeting. terminating its contract with Rigney Irish operations.” He underlined how the Vodafone plan seemed to “run counter to the Dolphin, its customer care call Terry Delany: ‘Insensitive’ move Mr Delany called on Communica - centre provider in Ireland. tions Minister Pat Rabbitte, to spirit and the thrust of the govern - Egypt at a time when over 400,000 ment’s Jobs Initiative which aims to More than 100 jobs in Dundalk intervene and spell out clearly that and Dublin will go in the move. people are unemployed and create new opportunities and save ordinary workers and businesses companies such as Vodafone that existing jobs.” Thirty more jobs within Vodafone enjoy the benefits of Ireland’s are moving overseas and a further are struggling to keep their heads Mr Begg also noted that Vodafone above water, displays breathtakingly pro-business tax and investment Ireland was a highly profitable com - 41 are being outsourced to an Irish supports also have obligations – company. callousness and insensitive.” pany that had enjoyed consistent Mr Delany also claimed that particularly to their workers. Mr Delany said: “The company’s profits since it entered the market Vodafone was making a “false He said:“The entire focus of the here. plan to shift moderately paid Irish distinction” between those directly government’s economic recovery jobs servicing Irish customers to off-shore locations in India and EMAIL YOUR TD AT http://www.cwu.ie/Activists/Vodafone-Campaign-Email-Your-TDs.1008.1.aspx CSO FIGURES

‘NELW fIigurMes showinIg aT sharpS fall in dOo - poFrts a ndA flowsU of fundSs, theT profitEs and Rre-nIegoTtiatinYg the’ HIT mestic demand confirm the Republic has royalties of multinationals Troika Agreement reached “the limits of austerity”’ and “We have reached the very limits of so that the country urgently needs to inject new life into the austerity and need an urgent change of can get a chance to economy, Congress has claimed. policy. breathe and grow Data released by the Central Statistics “The cost of the bank bailout and cuts again.” Office show domestic demand fell by in public spending are costing jobs and Meanwhile, a new almost €1bn (€990m) – or 3.1% – in the devastating people’s lives.” report has revealed year to end Quarter One. Mr Sweeney, right, said the first step in that – despite the There was also a substantial fall in a new strategy would be to announce an hardship suffered by Gross National Product of some €4.3%, enhanced Jobs Initiative to boost confi - most people as a in the first quarter of 2011. dence. result of the reces - Congress economic advisor Paul He added: “We should invest some of sion – a significant Sweeney said: “The austerity the remaining €5.3bn in the Pension Re - number are getting programme is crippling the domestic serve Fund in job creation, in credit for BETTER off. economy. It is choking off demand, small business, in training and in needed The yearly Merrill Lynch/Cap Gemini closing businesses and costing us jobs. infrastructure, especially public trans - World Wealth Report shows there were “Even the most ideological of zealots port and school buildings.” about 19,000 so called "high net worth must now concede that the programme Congress president Jack O’Connor said individuals" in the Republic during 2010, is self-defeating as it is killing that which the data highlighted the “nonsense” of an increase from 18,100 recorded a year it purports to try and save.” pursuing an austerity programme that earlier. He warned the rise of 1.3% in Gross has “bedevilled our country” for four These high net worth individuals are Domestic Product would have little im - years. defined as having more than €694,000 – pact on the lives of people in Ireland. He added: “The figures prove, if any the equivalent of $1m – in financial as - “That figure primarily reflects the ex - more proof was needed, the necessity of sets. UK SALARIES C

30 years of standing sU till A NEW report has highlighted who have had to stomach a vast sections of the population T

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how middle and low income one per cent cut in theirs. have not derived any benefit r u t c

workers in the UK have seen In his conclusion, Mr Lansley from economic growth in the i barely an improvement in their writes: “It is surely now time to UK for decades. P wages over the past 30 years. openly acknowledge the failings He added: "The financial But the same data shows of the last 30 years and fashion crash has exposed decades of that pay has soared for more pragmatic and nuanced limp wage growth offset by traditionally high-earning policies that recognise that soaring household debt. occupations, such as solicitors markets can indeed be power - "Unless we radically trans - and doctors, over the same ful drivers of growth and form our economy – from period. wealth, but that without signifi - recasting the role of the state The TUC paper, The Liveli - cant corrective measures, they to prioritising a fairer distribu - hood Crisis by Open University consistently fail to provide for tion of new wealth and jobs – researcher Stewart Lansley, de - all in a fair and humane way.” we will simply be storing up tails the sharp divide between According to TUC general more problems for the future." the likes of medical practition - secretary Brendan Barber, right, ers – seeing a 153% hike in their pay packets – and bakers, http://www.tuc.org.uk/tucfiles/28/Britains_Livelihood_Crisis.pdf

4 THE UNION POST S June 2011 A Call to Action paper puts forward agenda of change ROOT AND BRANCH LOOK AT HOW UNIONS DO BUSINESS THE Biennial Delegate Conference is approach” and develop ways of to signal a major sea change in the winning widespread public support for way unions operate in Ireland North the intiative. and South. G A drive to increase the density of It will come in a report to be trade union membership North and delivered in Killarney next month. South and to promote an “organising Titled ‘A Call to Action’, the culture” within unions. This would report is being presented by the involve calling on ordinary union Commission on the Irish Trade Union members to “drive change” at Movement against, what the authors shopfloor level. acknowledge, is a “hostile G Encouraging increased co-opera - environment for workers and the tion between unions within sectors. trade union movement in general”. This would be driven by sectoral But the report goes on to point out meetings tasked with strategic organ - that even though unions were facing ising and with initiating joint cam - crises on an almost daily basis, it was paigns as well as looking at pooling necessary to focus on “ways of training, procurement and promo - strengthening” the trade union move - tional resources. ment “in the longer term”. G The forming of a Strategic Formulating a new vision was Organising Group that will include likened to “building a ship on a unions from both jurisdictions. stormy sea with no blueprint to guide G The development of a strategic us”, but the report claims it also communications policy to look at affords an opportunity to change better ways of connecting with union the trade union movement “for the members, unorganised workers and better” over the next 12 months. civil society in general. Among its key recommendations G A review of the Constitution of are: Congress. G The formulation of a new Strate - G The convening of a Global Union gic Plan that will set out an alterna - Roundtable to learn from trade union tive to the “severe free market centres from around the world.

UNIONS Unions call for new WE’RE IN THE home care strategy UNION POST SIPTU and the INMO have backed health service. She pointed out calls by The Carers Association for that the new programme of gov - the introduction of a strategy that ernment had referred to “mending will allow for the long-term contin - the pieces of a fractured society”, uation of care giving in the home. adding: “It is now time to begin It follows the screening of a mending these fractured lives, to Primetime Investigates programme look after the most vulnerable on May 30 revealing the devastating members of our society and to impact health cuts have had on help those who care for them at family carers. According to a survey carried home by giving them the supports out for the programme, more than they need, when they need them.” 82% of respondents said that had SIPTU health sector organiser been affected adversely by cuts in Louise O’Reilly said the pro - state services. gramme highlighted the need to Catherine Cox, communications maximise the hours of home helps manager for The Carers Associa - working both for not-for-profit tion, claimed the report backed up agencies and the HSE. the group’s own findings. She added: “It is scandalous to She said: “Families are literally think that our members are having skipping meals to keep their heads their hours cut when you see that above water. they are so badly needed by carers. “Viewers may be shocked by the “The home help service is a very report’s findings but The Carers cost-effective way of providing care ...SO WHY Association is already aware that in the home for people who may AREN’T this kind of hardship is common - otherwise end up costing the state place for many family carers.” YOU? The INMO claimed that anyone more money in hospital. who watched the documentary “The Carers Association has would have to question how a called for a national primary care civilised society could leave the strategy which would be welcome. most vulnerable to suffer in this In the meantime, the HSE could way. maximise the resources it currently President Sheila Dickson said the has and alleviate the burden on HELP US KEEP YOU POSTED. WE RELY ON YOUR SUPPORT. programme showed the true cost so many parents and carers as EMAIL [email protected] FOR AD RATES CARD to society of years of neglect of the highlighted by Prime Time.”

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 5 Congress hails Rosalba’s release Tribune archive is CONGRESS has welcomed the release were thrown out by a judge from prison of Colombian trade unionist at a hearing. launched online and human rights activist Rosalba Gaviria Congress equality and RADICAL weekly Toro. development officer David Tribune has Rosalba. who is president of the Joyce said: “Last year, launched an Women’s Movement for Peace and Congress asked for emails online archive Human Rights and a member of agricul - demanding Rosalba's covering 75 years tural workers’ union FENSUAGRO, was release to be sent to the of its coverage of detained in March 2009. Colombian authorities. the British labour She was accused of “rebellion” and “se - “Her release earlier this movement. rious conspiracy to commit a crime” but month shows that campaigning really Launched in was released on June 3 after all charges works. It's really great news.” 1937 as a vehicle to unite the left against the rise of Fascism and the threat of war in Europe, Tribune was the brainchild of UK Labour giants Aneurin Bevan, Stafford Cripps and a staunch band of support - ers and financiers. It quickly became a platform for wider debate within the labour movement and has remained a powerful voice of the social democratic left. Tribune editor Chris McLaugh - lin said: “The creation of a digital archive means that a legacy of 75 years of Labour history is now available in a few keystrokes. “It is a remarkable, unrivalled resource for party and union members, students, researchers, activists, journalists, MPs, civil servants book reviewers and many others. “Initially the service will be free to new visitors though we do advise that at some stage frequent users will be given the opportunity to subscribe or pay after what we will aim to ensure is a generous measure of free visits.” He added: “Licences will also be available to institutions. These steps will be necessary to recoup the large investment that An image from the Library of Congress collection of a rainy has gone into creating this unri - May Day parade in New York on May 1, 1911. 10,000 workers valled archive.” MARCH PAST took part in the march towards the Big Apple’s Union Square http://archive.tribunemagazine.co.uk/about DUFFY/WALSH REPORT claims report shoots down IBEC’s assertion on jobs MANDATE has claimed the recent Speaking after the report was manner, establish very basic Duffy/Walsh report into JLCs and published last month, he said: “The provisions which are reasonable in EROs contradicts assertions from fact is that this independent review sectors where workers need and business interests that the wage does not back up the exaggerated deserve greater protection. setting mechanisms hinder job claims made by the employers’ or - “The JLC mechanisms now need creation. ganisations about the ‘job creation’ to be strengthened in light of this The paper was jointly authored by impact of the abolition of the JLCs. review.” Labour Court chairman Kevin Duffy “It’s important that the record is Meanwhile, UNITE has warned and UCD economics professor put straight in this regard – Mr against any attempt to dismantle the Frank Walsh. Duffy and Dr Walsh are independ - agreements through the ‘back door’ Employers’ group IBEC expressed ent experts of the highest integrity John Douglas Jimmy Kelly of review and reform. disappointment with their conclu - who reviewed all the evidence in throughout times of bust and boom The union in particular rejects the sions and claimed the “antiquated” front of them and came to their has been upheld as the best way right for employers to claim deroga - system was “out of touch with the conclusions. of maintaining decent jobs and tion from the agreement. the urgent need to create employ - “What the employers’ organisa - protecting employers and workers.” Regional secretary Jimmy Kelly ment”. tions need to do now is to deal The Coalition to Protect the said: “Employers could form a cabal Director Brendan McGinty said: with the facts as presented in this Lowest Paid – a group representing and put up one of their number as “Mere tinkering with the current independent review – not the a range of organisations including needing to reduce wages to survive. procedures will be seen by employ - myths they’ve been peddling for SIPTU, Mandate and UNITE – also “Then the distortion this would ers as a failure to address the some time.” welcomed the report’s conclusion bring could allow them all to plead underlying competitiveness issues Mr Douglas also flagged up that wage setting mechanisms the same and it is the workers who that are crucial to job creation and recent research that had shown that should be maintained to protect will get shafted. economic recovery.” scrapping JLCs would cost 10,000 reasonable employment standards “We will always work to find But Mandate general secretary jobs because of a reduction in the for vulnerable workers. solutions in cases where there is a John Douglas hit back and called spending power of workers on Speaking on behalf of the group, genuine threat to survival but to on employers to stop putting lower and middle incomes. TASC’s Bill Abom said: “We agree formalise an inability to pay clause short-term personal gains over the He added: “The system which has that the terms and conditions set by would be like erecting a neon sign needs of the country and accept the stood the test of time and delivered JLCs, agreed between worker and for bad employers to bring every - expert findings. for workers and employers alike employer representatives in a fair body down.”

6 THE UNION POST S June 2011 Communications Workers’ Union

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June 2011 S THE UNION POST 7 PSC: Report shows Croke deal is delivering CONGRESS’ Public Services Committee has “very positive and encouraging start”. calls to abandon the agreement in favour of described the findings of the review into the INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan, PSC further damaging cuts, the evidence is that the workings of the Croke Park agreement as vice-chair, added: “This is a very encouraging sign agreement is delivering what it promised for all “positive and encouraging”. that the agreement can protect jobs and pay. It citizens and for the state. Croke Park has shown IMPACT general secretary Shay Cody, who is shows clearly how public servants are delivering that it can and will continue to deliver value.” chair of the PSC, said: “The report reflects that vital reforms and at the same time reducing public PSEU general secretary Tom Geraghty said: the agreement, despite the dire predictions of its spending. “The report’s emphasis on the importance of critics, has achieved in its first year what it set out “The report’s findings show that the required industrial peace in helping to rebuild Ireland’s to do – namely, to reduce the cost of delivering savings can be made without recourse to further international reputation is welcome. public services, while at the same time maintain - damaging pay cuts and compulsory redundancies “The agreement has afforded public servants an ing and, in some cases, improving those services. which would have an enormously negative effect opportunity to make a very significant contribu - “This has been achieved in the first year, on the economy, as past experience has shown.” tion to rebuilding that reputation. Despite the exceeding projected targets, which means that , vice president of SIPTU, claimed uncertainty brought about by other crises, this jobs and pay in the sector are protected from any the first review of the implementation body sustained effort has provided some certainty. It is further cuts.” He admitted that “of course” chal - should give critics of the deal pause for thought. a significantly positive achievement at a time when lenges would lie ahead but that it had been a She said: “While there have been occasional good news is, unfortunately, a rarity.” n a h g e n e H

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Peter Nolan: Media agenda Beware of ‘naysayers’ Every wipe on Croke of his eyes Park deal IMPACT has claimed the local government sector in the Republic has already met its takes Talla end-of-year staffing targets leading to massive savings under the Croke Park Agreement. s

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J further pay cuts among local © authority workers. He made the comments at the union’s local government and education conference in Talla is just five. He has trachoma, a painful eye disease which Castlebar on May 26. can lead to a lifetime of blindness. Repeated infections cause Mr Nolan told delegates: “In 2009, they successfully sowed the eyelashes to turn inwards and slowly and painfully every the seeds of fatalism, telling us blink damages the eye and leads to blindness.Trachoma can over and over again that pay be treated effectively in its early stages with a course would have to be cut, until it of ointment costing just 50p – assumed the status of a fact even among some of our own but for millions of people members. s r e

v this is still too much. “They are at it again, with daily a s t

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s If, like Sightsavers, you believe that nobody should go blind Park will ‘obviously’ fail and that w e

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n please make a donation today to support our eye care work n They are wrong. e J

© in some of the most deprived communities in the world. “The government parties have repeatedly said that they will Euro donations, please call 1850 50 20 20 or visit www.sightsavers.ie honour the agreement so long as it continues to deliver the Sterling donations, please call 0800 089 20 20 or visit www.sightsavers.org necessary savings and reforms. Please quote ICTU. Thank you! Even the IMF-EU ‘troika’ has taken the same position. “Don’t listen to the naysayers, but keep on delivering in order Registered charity numbers 207544 and SC038110 to protect your jobs, pay, and pensions – and to continue protecting the local services that our communities depend on.”

8 THE UNION POST S June 2011 Ian Cobain, of PHOTOLINE The Guardian, Experienced with Eamonn Bloody Sunday reports award photographer McCann at specialises in Amnesty DERRY Trades Council vice chair Eamonn Awards in McCann has won a top human rights award for campaigning London his reporting on the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. photography The award was presented to the veteran for trade unions reporter and activist at the Amnesty Interna - and NGOs. tional Media Awards in London on May 25. For conferences, In his acceptance speech, he told campaign launches, those gathered at the British Film Institute for the event that the street demos, story of Bloody Sunday was “clear May Day parades, by the day after”. magazine and PR He said: "It happened in broad photography. daylight. There were hundreds of Shared commission witnesses overall, dozens of witnesses for each killing, all rates for ICTU eager to tell what they saw. conferences. “But no-one in authority CONTACT wanted to listen. It took 38 years Kevin Cooper to get that story finally told.” Mr McCann added: "I want to E: [email protected] pay tribute to the families of the T: 028 90777299 Bloody Sunday victims. It has been M: 07712044751 their tireless efforts for justice which have kept me working on this story for so long. “This award belongs to them." Picture: Amnesty International

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of state r u t c i assets P opposed IMPACT members working in commercial state companies have voted to oppose the sale of state assets to the private sector. Delegates gathered at the union’s services and enterprises division conference in Castlebar on May 26 heard national secre - tary Matt Staunton blast sell-off proposals contained in the Review Group report into state assets and liabilities. He said: “There are only two compelling reasons to sell state assets. Either the aim is to improve services or it is to raise cash. In the current economic environment, neither of these boxes can be ticked. “The money isn't out there for anyone to purchase state infrastructure and services, or to invest in their development. It looks as though that will remain the case for some time.” Mr Staunton flagged up the When the chips are down... does the G8 fallout from previous privatisa - tions where “citizen sharehold - ers” had got their “fingers badly really care about plight of world’s poor? burned”. Rather he pointed to ICTU’s OXFAM has reminded the mer home the fact. It was and to put people first. leaders of the world’s top claimed that the world’s “With only four years to “pragmatic approach” allowing economies that their most powerful movers and go on that commitment, the for the sell-off of a minority commitment to the poor is shakers are gambling with G8 must enact an emer - portion of holdings. “dangerously off track”. the future of millions of gency plan to deliver the aid This had the merit of “learning And the campaigning marginalised and impover - they have promised, and from the mistakes of the past”. charity staged an ished people. invest in reducing hunger, He added: “Clearly, in the impromptu game of poker, A spokesperson said: “The health and education and current climate, there won't be a above, on the fringes of last G8 leaders made a promise take action to stop rich significant benefit to the govern - month’s G8 Summit in to the world’s poorest peo - companies avoiding taxes in ment by pursuing a clearance Deauville, France, to ham - ple to halve poverty by 2015 poor countries.” sale.”

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 9 p.ie www.getupstandu AIGN LATEST GO TO THE FOR CAMP

SS IATION WITH CONGRE UNION PUPBLISHED IN ASSOC ST UK govt faces the biggest

THE wave of strUNiIkSOeN chsief Dsavie ncpelan s. 1Mr P9ren2tis –6 ONS RESS OF TRADE UNI ITH THE IRISH CONG D IN ASSOCIATION W Prentis has warned the whose union has 1.3 PUBLISHE

e: © Paula Geraghty PictPuirctur e: © Paula Geraghty POST UK government it million members – said N ION faces the biggest wave was prepared O OF ACT I AY N ETUC D U 010 SEPTEMBER 2 CUTS of industrial action for “rolling action over ►FIGHT VE JOBS S ►SA ► PROTECT SERVICE since the General an indefinite period” Strike of 1926. and predicted that, un - STANDING His prediction of like the 1984/85 min - “sustained and indefi - ers’ strike, unions nite” strikes over would win.

PUBLISHE D IN ASSOCIATION W ITH THE IRISH CON GRESS OF TRADE UN proposed changes to Meanwhile, UNITE IONS LE P P TO ublic sO GEervic PE e wor NO TH kers public sector pensions has accused the UK E PA V G RE 3 THE un ite in 24hr stoppage came after Treasury government of 2 NOV 6 R 4 ALLIES chief secretary Danny “gunboat diplomacy” OCTO Y WBERE 20R10 OPICTURE E E S SS PECIUALSROP O P R AGES C 4,5,8, NEW TH, SOUTH ANTDHAERE? 9 Alexander claimed following Mr Alexan - NI►OPROTSE YSOTUS C NAONR USE ER U PNO PWOST unions would be der’s comments which ephen’s Green. SHOCK glo Irish Bank, St NORTH CUTS I 30pm outside An LIN making a “colossal it claimed was “tanta - ► EDNESND SAPEYNDMIeNet G12. DUB W REVIEWside Dail @ 1pm SOU March to rally out ► THFOURTH ‘HAIR SHER mistake” and be faced mount” to “bombing” SEPTEMBIRT’ BUDGET LOOMS de BELFAST with “uncompromis - the current discussions eM oore cuuttsi Assembl s: Lenihan pm City Hall @ 12.30 RALLY 1pm - 2pm ing” change later if between ministers and RY : Pensions warning side L’DER they rejected the trade unions. bAlxe m aon: uOsbto Assem rne IA, UK, RTUGA2L., 3IT0ALpYm, LA TV MOS IN GPOuLiAldNDh,a PlOl @ 1 LLYCE TRIKE IN SPAIN. DE IA, ROMANIAR &A FR A2Npm GENERAL S YPRUS, SERB ADE UNIONS1pm - 9 REPUBLIC, C SH CONGRESS OF TR 2 CZECH H THE IRI , IT NIA, BELGIUM IN ASSOCIATION W UN►THLIETHUADPUBLISHED ER POST N USE O U CAN I S YO N NEW U 010 DECEMBER 2 ABUT WE’ T RE FI Brekkie butties for TGHTI A NG BA CK P C i

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n e R ISE LIKE LION S! Eamonn McC ann concludes October 23 ral ly against the c uts in Belfast with a rousing quote from rad June 30 strikers call ic al poet Shelley REPORT & P ICTURES: P2/3 PROTEST group UK Uncut has the day. A source said: “UK Uncut R & EPORTS PAGES 14-17 PUBLISHED IN A called on its supporters to back the are used to sit-ins, now it’s time SEPT 29 SSOCIATION WITH DAY OF A THE IRISH CONGRES CTION P IC S OF TRADE UNIONS THE TURES June 30 nationwide strike by more to stand up with the people

JA than 700,000 workers in the most going on strike and the trade NUARY 2011 NI NEWS YOU CAN USE practical way possible – by bringing unions who are challenging the O INM U N P O VOWS FOR A O BETTER, ACT S FAIRER ION ON T WAY CONFERENCE NURSING along mugs of tea and breakfast government. people’s DETAILS P2 STUDE NTS P4 FO Picture: Paula Ger ctaE aghty gon B Room 5 PAY , King’ CUTS congress s Hall, Belfast butties to feed those on the picket “Picket lines will form on the

ief IMF delegation ch And what’s worse, T lines. morning of the 30th. We’ve called on NO agreeing to a irmed the cut was an Central Bank, Ajaj Chopra conf David Europe t. loan agreement. E eneral secretary ating €85bn bailou tied in with the an “early uro NGRESS g il humili ble” move, med it was peaCO mber 10 Da a “contempti , Mr Begg clai n C the Dece ribing it as Rather “worst as caloled m Desc k €40 a for the L egg h m ay of t too nt” B um wagie “sa ds d the wage cu ristmas prese Ud inim io g sai Ch ss an cut the m Mrn Beg the full Frish busine w vote to arrking poor “in E elements” in I from the wo ed gombeen paid. They’ve dubbed the initiative the our supporters to bring strikers a eek o, po-v e low ‘i shame”. Fianna w M economic er sery” to th nte e as the ere is no aonlyl “mi rfe ek of sham Adge that th brought leg e le e refollowns a w d know on for it”. d It ceHely cede justificati ’ef feictniv or moral Svernment Ir ical, social o eit Fail-led g F and the l land ignty to the IM ’s la ancial sovere bou fin r market ‘Big Society Breakfast’ in a passing mug of tea and a breakfast butty, and

an ES xe mPagne: sL e2n&i3h CTUR REACTIAON: EMO PI FULL BUDGET NOV 27 NATIONAL D nod to David Cameron’s electoral show them that we’re all in it & EPORT PAGES 6-11 R pitch, but it will no doubt prove a lot together against the government. “ NIONS NGRESS OF TRADE U THE Europea ITH THE IRISH CO ASSOnC TIArTaIdOeN UWnion PUBCLIoSnHfEeDd eINration to cut min THE will met imum wages a European Com pensions in nd O mission chief countries stru more palatable to many thousands of lli Rehn over gling to es g- E reports the cape the econo Indigestible policies: U is "inte crisis, c mic rvening" in laiming this am national coll to "an at ounted ective bargaini tack on Social rights. ng Europe". H Under ex Mr M isting agreem onks told a m NUT, PCS, ATL and UCU strikers on A th ents, eeting David Cameron e C D in Nommission has ublin on Janua no ry 19 poweDrs to what E that deter urop le mine wSage e needed most vels in was individual stat a “a spirit of ge In a lett es. to he nerosity” er to Mr Rehn lp hard-hit cou ETUC gen , “not t ntries, eral secreta he kind ofF UpLL STO T Monk ry John re enaltyR Y PSAGE 3 s, pictured, s gimes and p O th lammed Punishment e u sq se of "diktat N uads im UpoSseE O pressure" U CAN d at present I S YO ”. N NEW U 11 FEBRUARY 20 O ELECTI F ON F 201 1 IBEC lobby to EC slammed O SIPTU has slammed IBEC’s “oppor - Commission to intervene in a process TRADEU UNIONR NEWS N V PO O RTH A ND SYO tunistic” lobbying of the EU Commis - in which it has no competence. TE FOUTHR sion. “The Commission has no authority It came after the employers’ group to dictate to a member state what its

PUB sent representatives to Brussels on wage policy or wage setting mecha - LISHED IN ASSOCIATION W J ITH THE IRISH CONGRESS O OF TRADE UNI T B ONS HE S AND June 15 to win support from Com - nisms should be. That is the function mission chiefs for the scrapping of of national governments. APRIL 2011 wage setting mechanisms in the “The IBEC case that the wage set - GNIONEWSN YOU CAN USE U R PO Republic. SIPTU divisional organiser ting mechanisms for low paid sectors O POISNT TPLAN HERE’S FIVWE OUR TH John King said: “IBEC should be should be abolished flies in the face ►1 RENEGOTIATE IMF/EU DEAL ►4 PROTECT engaging with the social partners of the independent Duffy/Walsh INCOMES ►2 CREATE JOBS, PROTECT JOBS and Irish government rather than report that stated that such a move ►5 RIGHTS ►3 PROTECT PUBLIC SERVICES AT WORK travelling to Brussels to ask the EU would be damaging to the economy.” M ► ARCH 26 DEMOS PIC ES PAGE 3 TURE SPECIAL P 12-15 KEY POLL ISSU

THE primar Th y objective of the EU an ink the ECB is to d EU/EC protect the Europea B have syste n banking your in m, Congress general se teBre est cretary David gg has claimsed . at heart? He told delegates at t e he PSEU confer- nce in Galway on April 1 vo 5 that those ices from Brussels callin aus g for greater terity were not “distinte in de rested actors” termining who shoulder burde ed the n for the financial crisis. Rather, he suggested, the wit y were “not hout responsibility” them Fre selves. nch and German banks expos had a €900bn ure to “peripheral” EU e but this conomies amount was now being This m reduced. eant that bondholder e to Irish b xposure anks had declined at the time as EC same B emergency funding to D Republic ha the O d risen. N T ’ hey were, Mr Begg t T old de legates, “getting out und er covering fire provide by the ECB”. F U d BANK LL STORY PAGE 3 Get the most from The

O PAGE 5 NCEL • EBRATE WEE I IN K OF E TTER VENTS NO !NATIO RTH AND S NAL WO OUTH • DETAILSR AKNERS’ DAY D LINKS Post... back issues at: http://www.ictu.ie/publications/fulllist/category/unionpost/

10 THE UNION POST S June 2011 ITUC & Amnesty 90 trade unionists drive on union murdered last year rights in Iran AMNESTY Interna - tional has teamed up with the International Trade Union Confeder - ation to launch a drive to end the persecution of labour activists in Iran. It comes as a new report by the human rights organisation claims Iranian unions are being targeted by a regime increasingly Mansour Ossanlu intolerant of dissent and desperate to block the spread of social unrest. The report, ‘Determined to Live in Dignity: Still from a shock ITUC video on the targeting of trade union activists Iranian Trade Unionists Struggle for Rights’, was published at the ILO conference in Geneva on A TOTAL of 90 trade union - NUJ Irish Secretary decent life, and in many June 10. ists were murdered last year I Seamus Dooley has countries these people are It documents the courage shown by those for defending workers’ rights, called the shooting of a being met with sackings, activists who have defied a ban on independent according to new figures. PA photographer cover - violence and in extreme trade unions, including the Tehran bus drivers’ The grim tally was outlined ing rioting in East Belfast cases murder by govern - union, teachers' associations and workers in the in the ITUC’s annual survey “an extremely worrying ments and by businesses. sugar industry. of abuses of workers’ rights development”. The NUJ “Independent trade unions Amnesty’s global trade union adviser Shane and published at the100th member was shot in the are essential to improving Enright said: “The government seems determined International Labour Organi - leg when trouble flared the living standards of ordi - to break existing unions while continuing to ban sation conference held in on the Lower Newto - nary workers across the new, independent workers' bodies that have Geneva earlier this month. wards Road on June 21. globe. The ITUC annual begun to emerge, in gross contempt for its Colombia – where 49 Mr Dooley said: survey shows that in fighting international obligations as an ILO member and activists were murdered – “This photographer was for basic rights to a decent for the labour rights of its own people.” and the Americas still hold injured while doing his job and decent life, many Meanwhile, Tehran bus workers’ union chief the record for murder and job. It is vital that jour - trade unionists put their lives Mansour Ossanlu was conditionally released from oppression of workers nalists should be allowed on the line for the good of jail on June 2. because of their organising to carry out their duties their communities.” Amnesty International Iran researcher Ann activities. without fear of attack Warning that the “world’s Harrison said: “Mansour Ossanlu was imprisoned The global trends high - from any quarter. unemployment queue” is for almost four years because of his peaceful lighted in the survey include “This incident is part growing, she added: “Without trade union activities, in denial of his rights to governments not enforcing of a sinister assault on proper jobs or hope for the freedom of expression and association. labour laws, a lack of support the people of Northern future, governments risk “This was part of a concerted campaign of for the funding of health and Ireland.” increasing political instability. repression being waged against himself and his safety at work, the lack of Union rights are fundamental union, Sherkat-e Vahed.” rights and abuse of migrant General secretary Sharan to democracy, to economic Two of Mr Ossanlu’s union colleagues, Resa labour as well as the Burrow said: “Workers, growth and to a civilised Shahabi and Ebrahim Madadi remain in custody. exploitation of mainly female communities and populations future.” A third activist, Gholamreza Gholamhosseini, workforces in the world's are trying to claim basic has been released on bail but is facing charges. export processing zones. rights to decent work and a http://survey.ituc-csi.org/ Picture: ITUC http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=12066 A TRADE UNION PUB FOR TRADE UNIONISTS Lunches served Mon - Sat 12pm - 3pm Talking bowls served Fri & Sat 3.30pm - 6pm Live music 6 nights per week Monthly art exhibitions The best choice of local & worldwide beers in the city No TVs or gaming machines REAL BEER • REAL FOOD • REAL MUSIC • REAL PEOPLE THE JOHN HEWITT 51 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2FH. 028 90233768

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 11 WORKERS SURVEY CORPO 6 in every 10 12.5%TAX have been bullied in the workplace or New report refutes arguments witnessed it made for NI business tax cuts UNISON has claimed a stagger - CONGRESS has welcomed a North. He said: “This report sity and its independent ing six in every 10 workers in new non-partisan report is important because it is stance allows it to reach con - the UK have been bullied – or critical of planned changes to one of the very few studies clusions which run against witnessed bullying – over the Corporation Tax in Northern of the arguments around the grain of perceived past six months. Ireland. Corporation Tax in Northern opinion on this matter.” The findings come from a The res earch, published Ireland whose authors have Mr Bunting called for the union-commissioned survey of in April, was compiled by no political or material report to “widely read and more than 6,000 employees and, Cambridge University-based interest in a lower rate for considered” in the face of a it is claimed, flags up concerns The Wilberforce Society. their companies or making “high octane campaign” that government cuts are Congress assistant general savings for the UK Treasury. being waged by some fuelling workplace bullying. secretary Peter Bunting “It is truly ‘disinterested’ political and busines s One in four workers say that claimed the paper effectively research in the best tradi - interests to lower the levy to staff cuts have led to workplace refuted nearly all the argu - tions of Cambridge Univer - match that of the Republic. bullying – double the number ments made for cutting the from two years ago – and rate of business tax in the http://thewilberforcesociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TWS_Corporation_Tax_NI.pdf around half say they would be too scared to raise concerns during a period of cuts. And UNISON warns work - place bullying will rocket further, as the cuts really start to bite. General secretary Dave Pren - tis said: “Workers are stuck in a NIPSA CHIEF HITS OUT living hell, as they are faced with a double whammy of cuts and bullying. “Our results show that bosses are failing to clamp down on AT CORPO TAX ‘GAMBLE’ workplace bullying and staff are NIPSA has called on Northern Ireland’s pared to gamble millions of pounds of too scared to raise concerns in politicians to rethink their “rushed” Northern Ireland’s block grant in the the current climate of staff and approach to slashing corporation tax. hope of delivering additional jobs by job cuts. Almost all of the North’s political par - giving business a tax break. “There is more pressure than ties currently back a cut to 12.5%, which “There is no guarantee that private ever from management and the will create a single island-wide tax rate. businesses will not just pocket the tax levels of stress are soaring. It follows the passing of a resolution break and treat it as additional profit. “The government must opposing any reduction in the levy at “Any public money targeted at the rethink its savage cuts agenda, the union’s annual conference in Derry private sector must be conditional on or see workers' health and earlier this month. the creation of additional jobs by private efficiency deteriorate.” Speaking after the resolution was sector firms. Reducing corporation tax He added: “It is more impor - passed, general secretary Brian Campfield is an inefficient and unfair vehicle for tant than ever that workers join said: “The delegates at this conference providing a proper impetus for economic a union, as this may be their only seem to be more aware of the deficien - growth. point of call for help.” cies in the plan to reduce corporation “Playing roulette with public money is tax than our politicians who appear to be unacceptable and NIPSA is calling upon united in their rush to gift business a tax Northern Ireland’s political parties to break without any guarantees about job engage in a serious rethink and reassess - creation. ment of their policies on corporation DESIGN Campfield: No guarantee “The main political parties are pre - tax.” do you need your union Tax double whammy revealed THE TUC has warned low rates of to ordinary taxpayers, the argument publication revamped ? corporation tax both cut govern - that simply cutting corporation tax ment revenues AND fail to create will fuel jobs and growth does not jobs. stand up to scrutiny.” The tax double whammy was out - Mr Murphy’s report compared contact us at lined in a new report, Corporate corporate tax and employment Tax Reform And Competitiveness, growth rates between 1997 and published last month. 2010 across OECD countries Tax specialist Richard Murphy, and found no strong correlation braziermedia right, who authored the paper on between low taxes and high behalf of the TUC, claims recent tax employment or GDP growth. @btinternet.com reforms and ongoing cuts in the Mr Barber added: "UK corporate headline corporation tax rate will tax rates are already extremely reduce vital tax revenues without competitive. AUSTRALIA’S lowest paid any significant benefit to ordinary mated that the effective corporate “And while some people, includ - I workers are to get an extra taxpayers. tax rate is lower than 23.2% and has ing the Chancellor, have talked $19.40 a week. The move, an - The report cites data from been falling by 0.5% a year for the about emulating the Irish economy's nounced by the national work - OECD countries to show that the last decade. According to the TUC, aggressive low tax policies, its place relations tribunal Fair UK enjoys an extremely competi - it is likely that many multinationals current woes suggest this is not a Work Australia earlier this tive tax rate. are now paying a lower rate of cor - sustainable economic model. month, was welcomed by ACTU More than 90% of UK businesses poration tax than small businesses. "The more that big businesses secretary Jeff Lawrence – pay the small business rate of 20% General secretary Brendan Bar - and the super rich avoid paying their though he underlined that the while the effective corporate tax ber claimed the UK government fair share, the more ordinary increase did not go far enough rate for large companies is currently had been “seduced” by employer taxpayers will have to pick up the in closing the pay gap between estimated by PriceWaterhouse calls for more corporate tax cuts. tab though tax rises and reduced Australia’s 1.4m low-paid work - Coopers to be 23.2% – far lower He said: “While everyone wants public services.” ers and the rest of the work - than the OECD average of 26.5%. to pay less tax, from multinationals force. The ACTU had called for Previous TUC research has esti - a $28 hike. www.tuc.org.uk/tucfiles/22/corporate_tax_reform_and_competitiveness.doc

12 THE UNION POST S June 2011 S

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Sheila Nunan Jack Keane Teachers must have right tools to do job ASTI president Jack Keane has called for adequate specialist resources to be given to schools to protect inclusivity in education. He made his comments in response to a discussion paper on school enrolment issued earlier this month by the Republic’s education minister Ruairi Quinn. Mr Keane claimed the best schools were those that welcomed pupils with “diverse needs from diverse socio-economic back - grounds and with a variety of abilities”, but warned that inclusive schools needed adequate specialist support and funding. He said: “Schools which have embraced equality of access and participation find that they are struggling to mainstream pupils with specific needs such as special educational needs and English language learning needs. “The provision of adequate specialist resources would support the practice of inclusive enrolment.” Meanwhile, INTO general secre - tary Sheila Nunan has also called on the Department of Education and Skills to make sure schools have the necessary resources to meet the needs of pupils once they are enrolled. She said: “There is no point in schools enrolling pupils if the department is not prepared to resource those schools fully in terms of teachers, other staff or equipment.” MORE than 50,000 people marching under INTO raises €60k the slogan ‘Stop Insidi - ous Reforms’ took to for sick children the streets of Prague MEMBERS of the INTO have raised last month over more than €60,000 to help buy a government proposals flexible bronchoscopy system for 50,000 to radically transform the Respiratory Department at the pension and health Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin. care systems. The union organises an annual The May 21 demo fundraising draw to support chil - AT PRAGUE was called by the dren’s medical research at the Czech-Moravian Dublin hospital and members have Confederation of Trade contributed nearly €1.5m since Unions (CMKOS). It was a colourful and noisy march with 1990. Deputy general secretary protesters beating drums, blowing vuvuzelas and waving Noel Ward said primary teachers CUTS DEMO made a generous response to the unions flags with slogans such as "We have had enough” and "People wake up!" appeal this year and that the money Marchers converged on Wenceslas Square – the heart raised would make a real difference of the Czech capital. to the lives of sick children. Once there, Josef Stredula, chief of Czech metal workers FRENCH teaching unions are union KOVO, read out a joint proclamation from a coalition I to stage a nationwide one-day of trade unions and civil society organisations. strike in protest over job cuts after He told the crowd: “Reforms of the healthcare system, the summer holidays. Some 16,000 of the tax, pension and social systems are badly thought teaching posts – 9,000 in the pri - out, half-baked, ideologically tinged, lacking any analysis of mary sector – are to be scrapped the impact on citizens. in September. Unions have called on “They are intended to make healthcare, pensions and the Sarkozy administration to stop social services serve only profit.” its policy of only replacing half of workers who retire.

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 13 STATESIDE PROTESTS U N N

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NUU members protested on Wall Street, right, and Washington DC, left, to highlight their union’s call for increased taxes on big business as well to defend Medicare and Medicaid from cuts

Nurses take health and tax message to Capitol Hill and Wall Street HUNDREDS of National Nurses defend the Medicare and Medicaid other ‘Sachs’ – collected ‘invoices’ United members have staged programmes from cuts. for ‘pension contribution demos at the seat of US govern - Dubbed ‘Main Street Contract increases’ and ‘mortgages pay - ment – the Capitol Hill in Wash - for the American People’, the ments’ from nurses on the steps ington DC – and at America’s NNU also demonstrated outside of the building. The new campaign is calling for financial hub – on Wall Street – the Chamber of Commerce HQ a decent living wage for workers, this month to promote a new in Washington where two demon - equal access to quality, public campaign calling for increased tax - strators dressed in tuxedoes – education, a just taxation system ation on big business and to one named ‘Goldman’ and the where the wealthy pay their share as well as guaranteed healthcare with a single standard of care. A spokesperson said: “With the erosion of living standards for many, and new attacks almost daily from Wall Street-funded politicians, all Americans need a new contract, a binding relation - ship for their security, for their families, and for future genera - tions.” The NNU is the US’s largest nurses union with 175,000 mem - ‘Goldman’ & ‘Sachs’ collect invoices at Chamber of Commerce HQ bers.

14 THE UNION POST S June 2011 UNITE I C R M

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s e r u on political t c i P UsNtIrTuE ics ttou cornesuls t with its members on political structures following a vote at its Irish Policy Confer - ence in Dublin on May 24. Regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said the union recognised that local poli - tics aroused “great passion and sensitivity” but praised the level of debate surrounding a motion calling on UNITE to back a left-wing alliance in the Republic. He said: “UNITE is an all-Ireland union and we need to work to influence all political parties to place the rights and needs of our community of working people to the fore.” Mr Kelly added: “After the general election in the Republic, we called on Labour to avoid the lure of coalition and to opt instead to lead a ‘policy changing’ coalition of the left. “We accept that this op - tion was not taken at the time. We will continue to work to influence all parties of the left, with the trade union movement and with social and com - MEMBERS of the Restaurant and sters – sporting bright yellow T-shirts attack on minimum wage rates and munity organisations, to FLASH STANCE! Catering Workers Forum staged an emblazoned with slogans – revealed basic protections for workers, while the interests of all innovative ‘flash mob’ action at the themselves. lower-wage workers are struggling to our members and all annual Irish Restaurant Awards Earlier outside the venue, Forum survive. working people.” dinner last month to support their members had offered gift bags to “This is not about saving jobs – the PCS call for fair and decent wages in the dinner guests, asking fellow chefs, government’s recent review of the sector. workers and restaurant owners JLC mechanisms has shown that Several RCWF members mingled attending the event to support their abolishing these minimum standards ‘We won’t incognito with Restaurants Associa - call for fair and decent wages and will not generate jobs. tion of Ireland invitees at the May 25 conditions for restaurant workers. “The industry’s attack on wages for be made event in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. The RCWF is a joint initiative of the lowest-paid workers is shameful. As guests prepared to enter the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and Now, more than ever, we must scapegoats function room where the awards SIPTU. Pat Ward, of SIPTU, said: “The ensure protections remain in place were being presented, the flash mob - restaurant industry is driving an for those who need them most.” fAoROrU NcD ri3s,00i0s c’ ivil and public servants in the PCS in Northern Ireland have voted overwhelmingly to strike over cuts to their jobs, pensions and pay. The workers were in - cluded in a UK-wide ballot of more than 250,000 PCS members in which 61.1% voted for a strike and 83.6% voted for other forms of industrial action, on a turnout of 32.4%. Regional committee chair Barney Lawn said: “Both Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly need to listen to RCWF staged a more traditional protest outside Irish Restaurant Awards venue, above, while inside... this ballot result. Public sector workers will not be made the scapegoats for an economic crisis they didn’t cause. “Attacking our mem - bers – many of whom are low paid and already struggling financially – is a disgrace when millions are being wasted on consult - ants, contractors and casual staff and billions of pounds of avoided and evaded tax goes CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfc_mUxcssM&feature=channel_video_title uncollected.”

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 15 C U T E

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t actress and c i P singer Omotola Jalade Ekehinde has endorsed Amnesty's campaign on freedom of expression Bernadette Ségol: Leading role Picture: Leo Cackett Bernadette

TtHoE E ulreopeaan Tdrad eE UnTionU CoC n - federation elected a new general secretary – French trade unionist Bernadette Ségol – at the organisa - tion’s annual conference in Athens mbo,Gwisai, last month. Chakuma, Choto, Gu Ms Ségol, who is to speak at nd Zimuto Congress’ Biennial Delegate Con - Mombeyarara a ference in Killarney next month, is EPORT a former head of UNI Europa. R She has also been a member of the ETUC’s Executive Committee since 1985. I U T

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r Zimbabwe six face 20 years u t c i P in jail for speaking at lecture 3AMNESTY International has appealed to ture or work with the Zimbabwean chapter Zimbabwean authorities to drop charges of the International Socialist Organisation. against six men arrested earlier this year A charge of treason against the men was for organising and attending a lecture about dropped on May 30 the recent wave of protests in North Africa. Amnesty International considers the John MacGabhann: New position The men were charged with “attempting remaining charges brought against these to subvert a constitutionally-elected gov - men to be a breach of their right to freedom ernment” and are expected to go to trial on of expression and appear to be politically July 18. If found guilty, they could face up to motivated. John is new 20 years in jail. The human rights organisation has called The six – Eddson Chakuma, Antonater for the charges to be dropped immediately TUI gen sec Choto, Hopewell Gumbo, Munyaradzi Gwi - and unconditionally. JOHN MacGabhann is to be the sai, Tatenda Mombeyarara and Welcome next general secretary of the The men were held in solitary confine - Teachers Union of Ireland. Zimuto – were arrested along with 39 other ment for 23 hours a day until they were He will take over from TUI men and women in February. granted bail on March 16. veteran Peter MacMenamin, who All 45 were originally charged with trea - Amnesty International has also expressed retires later this year. son after attending a lecture entitled concern about the deteriorating situation Mr MacGabhann, a native of ‘Revolt in Egypt and Tunisia: What lessons Clonmel, Co Tipperary, was in Zimbabwe. appointed TUI education and can be learnt by Zimbabwe and Africa’. Since February the organisation has noted research officer in 2003 before The charge of treason was later dropped a significant increase in harassment and becoming assistant general and 39 of the 45 were released after a mag - intimidation of human rights activists by ecretary in July 2006. istrates court dismissed the charges. police. He has also held the posts of The remaining six either spoke at the lec - honorary secretary and vice president with the union.

L TRADE UNIONS - ARE YOU GETTING A FAIR HEARING IN THE MEDIA? L WORKERS - ARE YOU FED UP WITH TAKING A BATTERING IN THE PRESS? Trade FIGHT BACK with TRADE UNION TV Create media content that showcases members’ issues for your union website. Let trade union members know what their union is doing for them Union Check out previous Trade Union TV shows http://www.youtube.com/user/TradeUnionTVIreland Contact [email protected] or call +0353 (0) 876101340 to discuss your media needs 16 TV THE UNION POST S June 2011 NUJ congrats after RTE Radio scoops top gong THE NUJ has congratulated RTÉ Radio on being Irish secretary Séamus Dooley said the top gong Mr Dooley added: “The public service obligations named broadcaster of the year at the New York “highlighted the value of public service broadcast - placed upon RTÉ are an additional burden but these Festival Awards. ing and reflected the wealth of talent within RTÉ awards provide international affirmation of the fact In addition to the nomination, RTÉ Radio pro - across all platforms and at every level of the or - that RTÉ Radio not only meets these obligations grammes secured a further 16 plaudits at the June ganisation.” but does so with style and distinction. 20 awards ceremony. NUJ vice president Barry McCall said the award These included seven awards plus a Grand Award underlined the importance of securing the future “It is recognition of the quality of Irish broad - for RTÉ Radio 1's 'Documentary on One', six of public service broadcasting in the Republic and casting and will be celebrated not just by RTÉ staff awards for RTÉ Radio 1's 'Drama on One', and one was a timely reminder of “the unique place occu - but by those who are served by RTÉ on a daily award each for RTÉ Lyric FM and RTÉ Gold. pied by RTÉ on the cultural landscape.” basis.” NEW YEAR IN NEPAL WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF OUR GROUP TRAVELLING TO NEPAL on DECEMBER 27th FOR 10 DAYS/NIGHTS WHILE RAISING MONEY FOR

Jack O’Connor: Pretext

Drop in THE Swww.thesmileproject.ieMILE PROJECT wages • View the amazing sunrise over The Himalayas from your hotel balcony in impacts Nagarkot • Witness the Hindu rite of cremation along the banks of the Bagmati river demand • View Kathmandu from the top of the renowned Monkey Temple CONGRESS president Jack O’Connor has claimed falling salaries • Stroll through Bhaktapur and view some of Nepal’s most incredible Hindu are impacting on the Irish economy and hitting and Buddhist Temples and Shrines consumer demand. He made his comments • Take an early morning flight over Mt. Everest after data released by Eurostat revealed that • . . . . or enjoy a trek in the foothillsof the Himalayas wages in the Republic fell by an average of 2.6% in the first quarter of 2011 when compared with the same period last year. Salaries rose in all other EU states apart from Greece. Mr O’Connor, who is also SIPTU general president, said: “These figures confirm what we have been saying for many months. “Wages have been falling across the econ - omy and the effect of this is to further depress consumer demand. “This is contributing to the downward spiral in the economy. “It confirms the eco - nomic stupidity of those is a registered charity (chy19480) set up by a group of Irish who wish to cut wages, entertainers,THE SMIL dedicatedE PROJE toC bringingT fun to disadvantaged children wherever they may be. While particularly those of low-paid workers, who doing so we also seek to recognise and respond to opportunities to assist in the education of invariably spend all of their incomes.” these children and funds raised by you will assist us in achieving these twin goals. The latest Eurostat figures, published on June 20, show the biggest fall All participantswill be asked to raise €4,000 for and our team will in wages in Ireland was provide assistance in this area. For further informationTHE S pleaseMILE callPROJECT recorded in the construc - Pat @ 086 886 3031 tion sector with an or email [email protected] average decrease of 11.6%, in industry the decrease was 2.8% and in services 0.8%.

June 2011 S THE UNION POST 17 mags journals press/pr BECAUSE MEDIA MATTERS

BRAZIER MEDIA TRADE UNION NEWS SPECIALISTS [email protected]