Irish Cement The push for Palestine’s Strike growth pain Page 4 Page 14 Page 25

Vol. 11 No.4 May 2012 ISSN 0791-458X Wheels Vita Cortex workers off one- welcome sided settlement

By Scott Millar austerity Vita Cortex workers have spoken of their “relief and satisfaction” with the deal wagon to bring a successful conclu- sion to their five month dis- pute and occupation of the By Frank Connolly Cork foam manufacturing plant. HE WHEELS are coming off the On Wednesday, 2nd May, the one-sided austerity wagon Vita Cortex workers finally secured a commitment from the company across Europe with voters in to pay them the redundancy TFrance endorsing economic growth monies they deserve following a strategies by electing Francois Hollande direct meeting between SIPTU and as the country’s first socialist president company representatives. since 1995. Vita Cortex shop steward, Sean In Greece, the Radical Left that campaigned Kelleher, said; “Five months was a in the recent general election on an anti-auster- very long time but I’m just glad ity platform came second in the poll with 17% that we never decided to walk of popular support with desperate voters pre- away. pared to risk the country’s exit from the euro “There was so many ups and zone rather than accept more pain associated downs during the campaign. The with the EU/ECB/IMF so-called bail-out pro- Christy Moore concert, the visits gramme. from people like Katie Taylor and Even in Germany’s most populous state of Paul McGrath and the rally in Cork. North Rhine-Westphalia voters punished Angela These were the things that kept us Merkel’s Christian Democrat party and support- going.” ed the stimulus policies of the Social Eileen Flynn of Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project at the ‘Save Others that visited the plant or Democrats who, with the Greens, took over Our Services’ community rally in Dublin on Friday (11th May) expressed support included Cork 50% of the vote in the Dusseldorf parliamen- hurling manager and legend, Jimmy tary election count on Sunday (13th May). page 3 Barry Murphy, the Bishop of Cork, Merkel’s insistence on the one-sided austeri- John Buckley, former President ty approach, which has crippled economies and Mary Robinson and human rights businesses in Ireland and across Europe, has Home Helps activist and writer, Noam Chomsky. also been undermined by the refusal of the May Day Jim Power, who has 42 years SPD and the Greens to ratify the proposed march in Cork service with the company, said; Fiscal Treaty in the German Bundestag unless it “Everybody stuck with it and is accompanied by concrete growth proposals. Special on Saturday, page 16-17 played their part. In that time Support for a stimulus plan of the type pro- we’ve had birthdays, weddings, posed by the Irish trade union movement for 26th May deaths, Christmas, New Year’s, several months have also attracted growing page 18 Valentine’s Day, Paddy’s day, Easter. support at home with suggestions from senior Government ministers that proposals to kick Everybody stuck with it but it defi- start some major infrastructural projects are nitely took its toll so we’re just expected to emerge following discussions really glad it’s over.” Continued on page 2 page 7

ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty MAY 2012 News

In this month’s Liberty

RTÉ must continue to investigate Page 5

SIPTU’s proud tradition in Belfast Page 6

Workplace Committee: Trinity College Dublin Page 8

President Michael D. Higgins unveiling the commemorative sculpture by Wexford Artist Peter Hodnett on the commemoration of the 1911 Lockout in the Faythe Wexford on Saturday 12th May. From left to right Pat Collins, Town clerk, Wexford Borough Council Sabina Higgins, President Higgins, Peter Hodnett, Artist and former ITGWU member, Mayor of Wexford Councillor David Hynes. The Precariat: the new dangerous class “What was witnessed was a bitter and prolonged dispute against the background of an upsurge of trade union activity among seamen, dockers, carters, and railway workers throughout Great Britain and Ireland. The action of Page 10 the Wexford employers in combining to pose concerted opposition to the new union was to be followed by the Dublin employers in the tragic and historically renowned struggle of the 1913 Dublin Lockout,” President Michael D Higgins said at the Wexford Foundry lock-out commemoration.

Liberty View Page 15 Liberty SIPTU recovers nearly €2m for workers IPTU is the largest And further reflecting the volume of for the affected members who View single user of Ireland’s work carried out by the centre, might have been unfairly dismissed, employment rights SIPTU staff have attended 331 hear- discriminated against, bullied or bodies – and has won ings as well as organised and taken had their wages cut. But in each and S every successful case, the value of almost €2 million in settle- part in 1,080 member consultations Community report and meetings with employers since trade union membership was seen Page 20-21 ments for members since the the start of January. to be borne out.” He added: “What start of the year. Tom O’Driscoll, Head of the is most positive is that these figures The figures were revealed by the SIPTU Legal Rights Unit and MISC, are testimony to the fact that SIPTU union’s Membership Information told Liberty: “We are not shouting offers its members effective and supportive advice and representa- and Support Centre (MISC) which from the rooftops on this one tion when it is most needed and fur- advises and represents individual because quite a lot of the cases we SIPTU members in disputes with thermore that trade unions are process are recession driven. more relevant than ever in times of employers. Rocky Road to Poland “These are not happy statistics austerity.” Page 30 Continued from page 1 - Wheels off one-sided austerity wagon between euro zone finance minis- Connolly commemoration at “There is an obligation on ters over the coming days and Arbour Hill in Dublin on Sunday Labour, even in these austere weeks and at a summit of EU lead- (13th May) SIPTU General times, to offer hope in place of ers on 23rd May. President, Jack O’Connor said that despair. There is an urgent As the debate over the Fiscal the Government, and the Labour requirement for an investment Treaty intensifies in the final Party in particular, needed to offer stimulus plan for jobs and growth. weeks of the referendum cam- working people “hope in place of The victory of François Hollande, paign the key focus is now on the Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. despair.” He said that it should the Socialist candidate in the substance of any such job creation French Presidential election on If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: initiative and whether it can pro- present the Irish people “with a [email protected] vide the stimulus needed to get substantial investment pro- the back of a massive reaction to Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, the economy out of a deepening gramme on a sufficient scale to the suicidal one-sided austerity Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 recession. create tens of thousands of jobs approach, must be maximised in SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • Speaking at the annual James and rebuild our infrastructure.” Ireland above any European General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn state.“ Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • Advertise in Liberty Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or email communica- Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. members countrywide Liberty 3 News MAY 2012

Sarah Murphy, Bridget Connors and Elisabeth Moorhouse from Ballfermot Travellers Marchers take to the Action Project streets of Ballyfermot on Friday (11th May) to show their support for Open day in under-threat local Ballyfermot Civic services Centre

Ballyfermot groups in Save Our Services call By Paul Gavan and sound through the streets of Kylemore Community Training deprivation are increasing, our local rally. Ballyfermot. Centre. services are more important than Henry, who is also involved with UNDREDS of com- At the rally that followed, Theresa A number of key service providers ever.” the local drugs task force, said: “The munity workers and McGouran, of the Markiewicz Care also set up stands in the Civic Centre Ballyfermot Community Association cuts to community funding for work- supporters gathered Centre, gave a rousing speech to highlight the work they do and Manager Gerry Royal echoed these ing class people are a disgrace. H in Ballyfermot Civic defending the community sector, outline how funding cuts were sentiments. Something has to be done for the calling on the Government to “take impacting on services. He said: “The cuts to date have Centre on Friday (11th May) young people of this area as an urgent action and save our services.” Theresa McGouran told Liberty: already had a drastic effect, particu- urgent priority.” for a march, rally and open She listed a number of services “We want to highlight our services larly the cuts to material and training Sarah Murphy, of the Ballyfermot day to show their backing for that were now under threat, includ- and unite our community in the on- grants to Community Employment Travellers Action Project, added: vital community services. ing affordable childcare, after-school going battle to make sure we don’t funding. “We’re here to talk to people about The event was organised by local groups as well as drug, mental health lose them. “We are calling on the Government community activists concerned at and family support services. “The services we have in to reverse these cuts and help our the important work we do, the the impact spending cuts are having More than 30 local organisations Ballyfermot weren’t given freely – hard-pressed community.” unique service we provide for the on the sector. took part in the event, including the they had to be fought for, and now Henry Harding, Chairperson of local Traveller community and to Local residents came to their Ballyfermot Community Association, it’s time for us to stand together and Ballyfermot Civic Centre and a mem- campaign with other community doors to cheer on the marchers as the Ballyfermot Theatre Workshop, fight to save them. ber of the Senior Citizens’ groups to make sure we are all still they paraded in a blaze of colour Ballyfermot Youth Service, and the “During a time when poverty and Parliament, joined in the march and here next year!” Lecturer status won for UCD worker SIPTU’S Membership Information ber who had taken on the full Commissioner recommended that Following the hearing the into this case were very surprising. and Support Centre (MISC) won an responsibilities of a college lectur- the claimant be re-assigned as a Chairman of the Labour Court, “The university engaged a top important victory at the Labour er but had been denied the status college lecturer from the date on Kevin Duffy, ruled that the Rights legal team to fight the case. Court last month when college lec- and conditions of that position. which she qualified for the post in Commissioner’s recommendation “Despite this the MISC secured turer status was secured for an The case was initially brought to autumn 2010. should not be set aside. the SIPTU member her rightful employee at University College the attention of the Rights However, UCD appealed the rec- Head of MISC, Chris Rowland, position as a full-time lecturer Dublin. Commissioner. On 23rd ommendation to a full hearing of told Liberty: “The resources which which it had attempted to deny The case involved a SIPTU mem- November, 2011, the Rights the Labour Court on 27th March. the UCD administration poured her.” 4 Liberty MAY 2012 News Irish Cement strikers take wages grievance directly to CRH AGM

TRIKING IRISH Cement monies which the company owes workers staged a suc- them. cessful protest outside “The workers brought their griev- ances directly to CRH Group share- the CRH Annual S holders and called on them to General Meeting at the Royal ensure that the monies the workers Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, earned in 2011 are paid to them.” county Dublin, on Wednesday He added: “Earlier this year the (9th May) as part of their cam- Labour Court made a recommenda- paign to secure money owed to tion that Irish Cement Ltd immedi- them. ately pay monies which are out- standing to its employees which The workers, from the Irish amount to between 5,500 to Cement Ltd production plants in € 9,500 per worker. Castlemungret, county Limerick € “Despite its clear terms, the man- and Platin, county Meath, were in agement of Irish Cement Ltd has their sixth week of their action. refused to honour this recommen- Irish Cement Ltd is a wholly owned dation.” subsidiary of CRH. Pickets were placed on the As was their right as sharehold- entrances to the Irish Cement Ltd ers, a number of workers went to plants on 3rd April following a deci- the AGM to quiz directors at CRH. sion to take industrial action by the They asked them why they were Irish Cement Group of Unions, allowing the dispute to continue at which includes SIPTU, TEEU and Irish Cement when there was a Unite. Labour Court recommendation call- More than 100 workers are ing on the company to pay up what employed at the two production was owed. plants affected by the strike action. SIPTU Construction and Utilities CRH Group is one of the world’s Division Organiser, Christy largest building materials compa- McQuillan, told Liberty: “These nies. On Thursday, 10th May, the workers had no alternative but to Irish Cement dispute entered a take strike action to secure the mediation process. In the vanguard: Irish Cement workers protest outside the CRH annual general meeting in Dun Laoghaire on Wednesday (9th May) Liberty spoke to four of the workers:

William O’Shaughessy Jer Considine SIPTU shop steward I’ve worked in the plant for 15 years. What the I’ve worked at Irish Cement for 15 years and management is doing is just pure bullying. It’s my father was there for over three decades about beating workers into submission and before me. putting the unions down. We’re trying to get the company to accept There was always a good rapport with the the Labour Court recommendation. We have company up to this but since before accepted it and so should they. Christmas, things have turned about sour. We’re willing to go into talks with the com- The strike has been hard, bills are coming in pany on any matter but there cannot be pre- and there’s difficulty paying them. However, conditions. that doesn’t mean we’ll be giving up. William O’Shaughessy: We’re wiling to go into talks Jer Considine: It’s been hard but we’re not giving up For them to say that we It’s a big change. One haven’t been playing ball day you’re doing shifts all the way along is a lie in the plant and next day on company’s part you’re on a picket line

For the last few years we have been on a Eddie Kiely rationalisation programme during which I’ve worked in the factory for 14 years. I’m worker numbers were reduced by 33% and married for nearly two years and have a mort- our productivity increased by 40%. gage so the strike has put pressure on paying So for them to say we haven’t been playing Gerry Balfry: Firm should abide by Court decision Eddie Kiely: Proves there’s one law for the rich... bills and that. ball all the way along is a lie on the company’s It’s a big change, one day you’re doing part. Gerry Balfry Cement. There was a very good relationship shifts in the plant and the next you’re doing Two assessors, one from SIPTU and one from shifts on the picket line. We were left with no option but to take strike for many years between the workers and Mazars [an accountancy firm] have gone in and This can be easily resolved if the manage- management. had a look at the company’s books. action in this dispute because the company ment just accept the Labour Court recom- They said the company has reduced its costs has shown scant regard and on occasion con- We’re just looking for them to abide by the mendation. The sort of payments the man- in line with the fall in construction activity and tempt for its workers. Labour Court’s decision as the workers would agement has been getting in recent years and have been profitable since the start of the It’s a big powerful multinational conglom- if it made a recommendation that we didn’t the way they are treating us proves there is recession, which is why the Labour Court rec- erate and has played hardball with us. like. one law for the rich and another for the rest ommendation went against the company. I’ve worked almost 33 years with Irish of us. Liberty 5 News MAY 2012 HSA agrees new code of practice for port workers By Padraig Yeates The International Transport owners visiting Irish ports are forc- not be involved in cargo handling this practice can be earning as little Workers Federation (ITF) Inspector ing crews to work anything from and measures should be put in as $3 an hour, so it is very tempt- HE Health and Safety for Britain and Ireland, Ken 90 to 161 hours per week. When place to ensure rest periods are ing for shipping agents and cargo Fleming, told Liberty he hoped the they arrive these crews are often appropriate. Authority has given brokerages to disregard health and the green light to a changes will be signed into law required to unload cargoes, even if The draft code adds that employ- new draft code of quickly. they have not been trained to do so ers must take account of the safety concerns to save money on T He said: “Not only are the lives and are unfamiliar with the equip- Organisation of Working Time Act wages for shore-based workers.” practice for dock work. The new code, agreed in April, is of seafarers being jeopardised by ment. 1997, when cargoes are being At a conference in Dublin on being forced to work excessive The new draft code of practice aimed at tackling the gross loaded or unloaded from vessels. 20th April, SIPTU and the ITF hours at sea but the lives of dock- sets out, for the first time, the dis- Ken Fleming estimates that the exploitation of seafarers on agreed to form a new committee to ers in Irish ports are also being put tinction between a port worker owners of up to 35% of cargo ships some ships visiting Irish at risk when they have to work and a seafarer. entering Irish ports are making oversee the roll-out of the new ports, as well as protecting alongside these exhausted crews.” It also states that “persons their crews take part in unloading. health and safety guidelines to the jobs on shore. According to the ITF, some ship exhibiting signs of fatigue” should He added: "Seafarers involved in 800 dockers working in Irish ports. RTÉ duty to probe must not be hamstrung by BAI report

By Séamus Dooley changes are being implemented to ensure that the lax practices HE publication of the revealed in the report are not repli- Broadcasting Authority cated. Morale has been shaken but it is vital that investigative journal- of Ireland (BAI) report ism is not inhibited at a time when T into the Mission to we need the rigorous scrutiny Pictures: Photocall Ireland Prey programme comes at a which has been the hallmark of time of enormous crisis with- Prime Time. With checks and bal- ances put in place, RTÉ must be in RTÉ at many levels. allowed to get on with making Workers face an uncertain quality programmes in the public future – the financial crisis has interest. forced a new round of voluntary Journalism, regardless of the redundancies, with cutbacks medium, is never without risks. threatening regional studios, the Owned by the nation, RTÉ will David Quinn: ‘Spot checks’ call Noel Curran: Change programme orchestras and the future of the always, and rightly, be subject to London studio. Director General, scrutiny. Noel Curran, has already But there is something nauseat- announced a change programme ing about the manner in which which will impact on every section certain commentators have tried to of the organisation. use the Mission to Prey disaster – Trade Union Group (TUG) and it is a disaster – to discredit Chairman, Paul Doran, (SIPTU) has RTÉ. been to the fore in insisting that David Quinn of The Iona change must be negotiated. Short- Institute, for instance, has called term solutions, such as the closure for “spot checks” and random of the London office – announced without consultation – must be resisted if RTÉ is to ful- The NUJ has expressed fil its public service remit in a meaningful concern at aspects of the way. Carragher report. It is Investigating Officer, Anna Carragher, found disappointing that our that RTÉ had breached Minister for Communication Pat Rabbitte, left, arrives at RTE’s Donnybrook HQ to discuss libel of Fr Kevin Reynolds, above, with the board. its statutory obligations, insistence on due process because of the manner has been misrepresented scrutiny. because Fr Reynolds was not process. The chain of command has in which Fr Kevin The NUJ has expressed concern afforded the rights we demand for been misrepresented, giving the Reynolds was libelled. or misunderstood at aspects of the Carragher report. others. impression that the most junior RTÉ admitted the However, it is disappointing that Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan member of the team – and the only libel, issued an apology our insistence on due process has tweeted that I should “stop dig- woman – Aoife Kavanagh, exercised and agreed a significant settlement investigations into past pro- been misrepresented or misunder- ging”. That would have been the a level of editorial and managerial with Fr Reynolds, whose reputa- grammes going back five years. responsibility beyond her position stood. easy option. The failure to inter- tion was traduced by the Prime Apart from this, some of the as a reporter. Even when grave mis- It has been suggested that view the RTÉ legal department Time Investigates programme. strongest media criticism has come takes are made, trade unions must RTÉ staff share the public dismay from newspapers and individual because of the scale of the mistake, means that the BAI report is incom- insist on fair procedures. journalists whose own output the NUJ should not raise the issue plete, since the department was at the extent of the failures out- Séamus Dooley is NUJ Irish Secretary lined in the report. Already major would not always stand up to of due process, presumably central to the decision making 6 Liberty MAY 2012 News Belfast vows to continue Larkin’s proud tradition By Scott Millar

IPTU has a long relationship with Belfast stretching back more than a century to James Larkin and his Gerard Loughlin Liz Nelson Sefforts in 1907 to organise local Community worker Youth worker dockworkers. I’m involved with Today the union has five full-time staff based I’m originally from at the SIPTU offices on the Antrim Road. the Clonard Wisconsin in the US From this busy hub, the staff are helped by a Residents’ and now work in a network of hundreds of activists who continue Association. I work youth work charity the union’s proud tradition in the city. with young people Wisconsin-born community sector in Belfast. I’ve been SIPTU Organiser, Martin O’Rourke, said: “The in the local commu- worker Liz Nelson has been a a member of the union continues to fly the flag for an anti-sectari- nity. I became SIPTU member for six months. an, socialist voice for inclusion and equality She backs the union’s growing union for six involved with SIPTU involvement in the sector months. across the North. in the last 18 “However, the gains of the last 150 years are A friend told me that Gerard Loughlin is glad he joined months. I always now under increasing threat from unscrupulous SIPTU and fully endorses the SIPTU was doing work employers who hide behind the recession in an union’s anti-cuts campaign supported the trade organising the community and voluntary sector, I thought, attempt to claw back hard-won gains for workers. unions due to their ‘That is something that I want to get involved in’. “Today – as many times before – our activists work for working A lot of workers in the community and voluntary sector will play a key role in resisting this pressure and people. are just focused on the good work that they are doing and building upon the gains of the past.” I think I made the right decision in joining SIPTU because don’t think about joining unions. SIPTU has members in many workplaces in the union has been at the forefront in campaigning against There is a misunderstanding among some workers in the Belfast with a long history of organisation in cutbacks. sector that if they organise in a union in the sector, you are Northern Ireland Railways and among city coun- The community sector has never really had anyone rep- going against your employer but that is not the reality. cil workers. resenting them in terms of trade unionism. Funding and The sector is really unstable at the moment because of the In 2011, the union launched the Communities community sector jobs are facing cutbacks. way it is funded and because many people are on very short- Uniting Campaign – a major organising drive I think it is very important that the sector has trade term contracts. A lot of the time is spent chasing funding among community sector workers who are cur- union representation so it can fight its corner and, hopeful- and worrying about where the next pay cheque is going to rently confronting reduced services and job loss- ly, secure people’s jobs. come from. es as a result of funding cuts. If workers were more organised it would benefit the sector but it is going to be tough doing it because you pushing not only against the Government but also really powerful fund- ing bodies that don’t want to change. It is about getting rid of the idea of bodies competing and Terry Donaghey instead working together. Ralph McKinley Signaller with I think it is important that SIPTU brings younger activists Northern Ireland Railways Northern Ireland Railways to the fore and also helps in terms of support and education maintenance worker about trade unionism. I’ve worked with I’ve the railway for been a almost 25 years. I member was originally a of SIPTU Tim Smith member of NATE Retired council worker for five and, when it amal- years gamated with I first joined the old and a SIPTU, I stayed in ITGWU in 1984. I shop it, so I’ve been a was a shop steward Ralph McKinley thinks unions steward NIR signaller Terry Donaghey’s member of the in Belfast City should be ‘to the fore’ in for advice to new starts is simple – Council for 25 years, confronting speculators behind ‘Join the union’ union since the three. Tim Smith was a shop steward in and was the trade the crisis day I started work. Belfast City Council. During the union co-ordinator Around I work in the Central course of the Troubles, 25 fellow for the council for a third Station signal box. I’ve been a shop steward for more than council workers lost their lives in the conflict four years. of Northern Ireland Railway workers 20 years. My family would have a long history of involve- The biggest issue that I are members of SIPTU. ment in trade unionism. My father, Harry, was a councilor dealt with during my I’m originally from Enniskillen but have on the Falls Road and a founder member of the old Northern time in the council was negotiating single status – this was lived in Belfast for the last few years. As a shop about harmonising conditions for workers and doing away Ireland Labour Party. As a shop steward I have been steward I mainly look after workers’ contract with bonuses and getting them built into wages. reviews and disciplinary cases. Management involved in many pay negotiations and disciplinary issues. For too many years low-paid workers had to rely on bonuses taking disciplinary cases against workers Basically, if the company is trying to pull a fast one, to make to make their wage up. Doing away with the bonuses saw seems to have increased since the onset of the people do something they shouldn’t be doing in regard to wages rise and workers no longer had to face threats that they credit crunch. health and safety, that’s when I get involved. would not get their bonus. The workers I represent work in rotating But we are quite lucky in the railway because, in general, You also had the normal working problems of disciplinary shifts of teams of three. This does cause some we have a good working relationship with management. issues, grievances and negotiating new policies. issues with communications due to the shift In the last couple of years, with the economic crisis, There was also the Troubles. The unions said they would work nature of the job. things have got more difficult with people fearing they will not take sides in the conflict. Anyway, when there were any I take an interest in the information that the lose their job. problems, the unions were on to the streets as quick as possi- union sends out. Since the economic crisis I 3ou have management reminding people, 83ou’re only a ble to protest against them. We had a lot of killings of work- have taken an interest in its causes and the temporary worker’. My advice to people is join the union, go ers, including in council depots. In Belfast City Council we people responsible. I believe it is up to trade to your shop steward and we’ll get it stopped. lost around 25 workers during the Troubles. unions to be to the fore in confronting the fin- The main agenda for the unions now must be stopping SIPTU is now building in the North to secure better condi- anciers and speculators who have caused the the cuts, protecting our pensions and trying to secure a tions for all working class people. The biggest success is in the problems that are ruining the lives of working decent working wage for our members. It has to be back to community sector where people from both communities are people. basics. getting involved. Liberty 7 News MAY 2012 Agreement in Vita Cortex dispute

Group hug: Overjoyed Vita Cortex workers after hearing of the brokering of a deal to end the 5 month occupation Picture courtesy Irish Examiner

T WAS a dispute that union General Secretary Joe will leave the Vita Cortex plant Vita Cortex. They can now return stirred passions across O’Flynn, had secured a commit- on the Kinsale Road in Cork to their normal lives satisfied the globe but more than ment from Vita Cortex owner which they have occupied since they achieved their I 150 days after it began, Jack Ronan that his former Friday, 16th December. objective.”SIPTU Organiser, Anne the brave Vita Cortex workers employees would receive the SIPTU Manufacturing Division Egar, added: “These workers have finally have victory in their redundancy payments they Organiser, Gerry McCormack, shown massive commitment and sights. deserved. said: “The workers are very resolve during this dispute. On the evening of The confidential agreement pleased that after four months “Their perseverance has been Wednesday, 2nd May, the news ensures that the company will campaigning they are to secure an example to others in similar sit- everyone had wanted to hear pay the workers an agreed sum equitable and fair redundancy uations in Ireland and beyond. finally arrived. by Friday, 18th May. payments, which takes account It has been an honour for me to A SIPTU delegation, led by Following this, the workers of their long years of service at represent them.” Vita Cortex worker Kevin McCabe at the solidarity rally at Leinster House in Dublin on 12th January 2012. Picture Photocall

Let us create your Magical Wedding Day

Quietly elegant, warm and friendly, The Gresham Metropole Hotel has all the facilities to provide the perfect venue for your Wedding.

Ask to speak to one of our team today call us on 021 4643700 e mail: [email protected] 8 Liberty MAY 2012 Workplace Committee Trinity Committee forges links with workers across university HE history of Trinity College Dublin stretches back more than 500 T years with trade union- ists playing a crucial role in the institution’s operation for the last hundred. The SIPTU Section Committee meets once a month to discuss issues affecting more than 800 union members working at the uni- versity, organised across all grades of support staff. Representatives from cleaning, security, IT and grounds depart- ments as well as library staff are represented on the Section Committee. James #arty, an IT support staff member for 15 years and a shop SIPTU representatives from various departments at Trinity hold monthly meetings to ‘share experiences and expertise’ for the benefit of union members. Pictured with SIPTU steward for 12, told ' iberty: “At a Sector Organiser , Louise O’Reilly. Section Committee meeting you really get to see the diversity of other issues.” The vast majority of years, said: “We pass on informa- SIPTU members in the university Colm added: “I think we need to issues affecting staff in the university staff are union members. tion from section committees are also eligible to attend the get the message out there that it is college. SIPTU is by far the biggest union on straight back to the members. union’s Annual General Meeting in more important to be prepared “There is a sharing of experi- campus with a further few hundred “If there are any changes affect- February or March each year. than to be reactive. ences. There is also a sharing of workers organised in other unions “It is no good people thinking, 8I expertise. 3ou may not have joining around 300 lecturers who have to join a union’, and it’s only enough experience to deal with a are members of the Irish Federation two weeks before they are about to particular situation but a shop of University Teachers. ‘You have to show management be laid off. 3ou have to show man- steward in another area will likely A group of unions’ forum co-ordi- agement that you are organised all have and can advise and assist nates the unions’ activities, which that you are organised all the time’ the time. you.” James claims “works quite well” “There is often a reluctance from Cherry Prendergast, a shop stew- and is a “very good forum”. some people to go to meetings but ard for 10 years, claimed a major Members across the departments ing our department, our members Cherry said: “The focus of the yet when there is trouble on the focus of union work recently has elect shop stewards who play a cru- vote on them and the decisions are union has to be on getting more horiRon they are the first to look for centred around the implementa- cial role in keeping members brought back to the Section people involved. It would seem to assistance. tion of the Croke Park agreement. informed. Committee.” be the way in all areas of life that “People have to realise there is a She said:“There has been an Colm Ennis, a member of Trinity General meetings of SIPTU mem- people are slow to get involved in need to be consistently involved. emphasis on the threat of outsourc- security department who has bers in the larger departments are committees and assist with repre- That puts you in a more powerful ing, reductions in overtime and served as a shop steward for two held to discuss some issues. All senting people.” position if trouble does appear.” Dublin beats Bali in bid to woo the hacks HO says Irish and the weather. On a visit to Trinity British journalists College she bumped in to SIPTU are not a selfless activist Jack McGinley and was lot? In Dublin pleased to learn that he had already W heard about the IFJ’s support for the recently were senior officials Fair Hotels initiative. from the International Next year Irish journalist Barry Federation of Journalists, to McCall is expected to take over the inspect the location of the IFJ NUJ presidency and will lead the World Congress 2013. union delegation at the conference Dublin beat off strong competi- in Dublin. tion when the IFJ Executive consid- As the union battled to win the ered the matter at a recent meeting hearts and minds of the IFJ in Brussels. Executive, McCall sent a tongue-in- The bid was lodged more in hope cheek message to the Irish Secretary than confidence given that interna- saying, “if we lose and I have to go to tional tourist destination, the sun- Bail, I won’t be too disappointed. kissed Bali, was the alternative You can only do your best”. offered to IFJ bigwigs. Ms Costa rounded off her visit by The publicity generated by the bid dropping in on the Clé Club singing and the opportunity to promote session in the Stag’s Head and Ireland across the globe was deemed charmed her audience with a tradi- worthwhile even with the risk of tional Brazilian song. losing. The matter went to the wire After enjoying the singing of Seán and Dublin beat Bali by two votes. Ó hEarcáinn and a glass of IFJ General Secretary Beth Costa Guinness, the IFJ supremo declared, from Brazil arrived amid pouring “I love Ireland already – and I could rain and professed herself “thrilled” get used to this”. with Dublin and was not put out by Liberty 9 Equality MAY 2012 Confronting discrimination The New Unionism Network recently published the results of a wide scale international survey of trade unionists on the values which unions should promote. The results make for interesting reading.

When asked what were the “These results make perfect sense. comes, health outcomes, well- citizens who suffer discrimination of the traveller community. Trade unionists are telling their being are all determined by how and disadvantage. The committee also campaigns ‘Top 10’ values that unions unions that equality and solidarity equal or unequal a society we live This involves confronting all against other causes of inequality should promote, the major- are core union values. Members in” said Ethel Buckley, SIPTU forms of discrimination in such as poverty, unemployment ity of trade unionists said want their unions campaigning on National Campaigns and Equality employment and in society and social exclusion. Liberty the widening gap between rich Organiser. including any based on age, race, talked to four Equality Committee solidarity and equality. and poor; on income inequality; The SIPTU Equality Committee religion, disability, marital status, members. on the fact that education out- campaigns for workers and sexual orientation or membership

Ineta Kondrota Sally Rock Amanda Kavanagh Alan Simpson Cleaning supervisor, Noonan, Dublin Community Development Officer, Belfast Clerical worker, Dublin Bus Website worker, Aer Lingus City Council and SIPTU representative on I am originally from Latvia. I’ve been work- the Northern Ireland Equality Commission I’ve been a member of SIPTU in Dublin Bus I was elected as a shop steward four years ing for Noonan’s at Leo Pharma for four for 13 years. I work in the garage in ago and was then nominated to sit on the years as a cleaner. I now hold a supervisor There is, of course, one major equality issue in Conyngham Road, Dublin. equality committee. position. Northern Ireland that has overshadowed others. Trade unionism is part of my family back- I became involved in the Equality I have managed community centres in both ground. Both my parents were active trade Committee through the SIPTU cleaners’ Protestant and Catholic communities, so-called unionists. I remember being brought to I have always been forum. green or blue centres. trade union rallies when I was a kid. At the forum people talked about the I have personally experienced sectarian When at work another representative was an activist for human attacks, due to my background while working in giving up the role and I said I would take it. Protestant areas. I have been a union representative for five In Belfast City Council, we have very good or six years now. rights internal welfare officers where people can assist Since the crisis hit in 2008, my main role with workers facing stress. These policies have has been protecting jobs and workers’ terms been developed with the help of the unions. and conditions of employment. You are often hearing of proposed changes from management but it is not discussing these with the union. I was nominated on to the equality com- mittee by my Division. Equality issues are key to trade union work as it encompasses

Ineta Kondrota: People need to know their rights

Alan Simpson: Dublin beats Bali in bid to woo the hacks Interested in human rights issues problems in their workplaces, not having Sally Rock: contracts and other such issues. Experienced sectarianism first hand From my point of view, as a migrant work- I have always been an activist for human er, there are many issues related to equality. rights – it is an area I have always had an However, equality issues also affect all interest in and I’ve been active in Amnesty Intimidation and stress which a worker may International for many years. encounter while carrying out their job also I think it is important that people realise impacts on other aspects of their life. It can also Amanda Kavanagh: that equality issues affect people no matter impact on communities. A union rep for six years what job or role they are in. The main thing for a If staff do suffer intimidation or attacks in an In my workplace there is a good relation- area, the City Council will withdraw services ship between the union and management lot of people is that until the local paramilitary organisation – or and this has ensured that equality issues whoever – has provided reassurances concern- Trade unionism is have been less of a problem. they don’t have a ing their safety. I see the key role of the equality commit- Over the years several cases were taken under part of my family tee as one of planting seeds so people think written contract and equality legislation in councils. about the issue. There is equality legalisation in place and a background. Both my There is a lot inequality in this country. It don’t know their rights. move away from using CVs to application forms is important to ensure that people recognise making it less easy to identify which religious this and the impact that it makes on every- workers. It doesn’t matter if you are Irish or background people come from. parents were active one’s life. non-Irish. These days, interview panels must also have a The ultimate aim of activity on the equal- The main thing for a lot of people is that mixed religious, gender and employment grade trade unionists. ity agenda must be to change laws and then they don’t have a written contract and don’t make-up. ensure they are enforced. know their rights. There is a need for infor- Discrimination is, however, still an issue. There everything, from language issues to ensur- It is about breaking down where the elites mation on this and people that can explain is a fear that it is now more subtle and covert. ing people are receiving a fair day’s pay for a have a vested interest in maintaining these issues to people in the workplace. The big thing now for the unions to secure in fair day’s work. It is very important in the inequality. In my workplace there are regular meet- the equality area is a statutory Bill of Rights that changing Ireland where workers can come It is about educating people so they ings between the employees and employer will provide safeguards to ensure people are from a wide variety of backgrounds and it is realise that equality is an issue for everyone. where problems can be brought up and being treated equally in terms of their religion, important that the union ensures they are People need to see the bigger picture. solved straight away. This is a good system. race or gender. all treated equally. 10 Liberty MAY 2012 Interview Why our movement should engage with the new Precariat

By Scott Millar “The Precariat is disengaged occupational identity and they Many people in this new global about getting control over the from the old politics of soc ial don’t have any occupational con- labour market were willing to work means of production – what they F YOU’RE a security democracy and the politics of the trol or narrative that they can give for 1/50th of what we, in the West, are concerned about is getting guard with declining right. to their lives. It is actually a new would accept as the norm.” access to key assets such as time, wages, a migrant worker “They ar e experiencing many norm that is being created.” “The politicians couldn’t let liv- security, access to knowledge so I without a contract or a forms of insecurity but at the same Standing believes that the cre- ing standards in the west drop like college graduate with no time that they have no identity or ation of the Precariat was a result a stone, because that is what would prospect of a steady job, then feeling they belong to the main- of the neo-liberal project and the have happened if you had allowed Unions must you may be part of a new stream of society.” acceptance of it by social democrat- a free market. So basically what we engage with class which will define the Although the Precariat includes ic parties (dubbed the “lukewarm had instead was an orgy of con- future. many people from working class left”, by Standing). sumption based on cheap credit, the Precariat backgrounds, Standing is clear that “We are seeing a process of class labour subsidies and tax credits That is according to economist on the basis of Guy Standing, who in his highly they constitute a new and separate fragmentation as an outco me of while at the same time wages and influential book – The Precariat: social phenomenon. globalisation and the whole neo- benefits were gradually going strengthening The New Dangerous Class – out- “Firstly, let us be clear the liberal project of the last 30 years. down. their voice lines a new emerging “Like any social force made up of Faustian against state people in insecure jobs bargain you working unpredictable can have a policy hours for low wages and We are seeing a process short term with few benefits. they can build their lives and to a Liberty caught up with of class fragmentation sense of autonomy.” Standing in Dublin dur- The Precariat also feels ing May, when he alienated from trade unions addressed trade union- as an outcome and their agenda which is ists in Liberty Hall on still back in the old mould, he how our movement must of globalisation argues. change in order to accom- “The Precariat is not just a modate the Precariat and and the whole lot of victims – there are many its aspirations. who reject the old model of “I call the Precariat dan- neo-liberal project full-time, stable wage labour gerous in the sense that stretching over 30 years. “They they are a threat to the of the last 30 years want a life with autonomy and mainstream,” Standing a new way of working.” explains. Guy Standing The Precariat also often sees the state as the enemy because it is introducing all kinds of conditional welfare and denying Although the them the capacity to make their Precariat includes Precariat is not an underclass. heyT At the top you have got a plutocra- binge but you have to pay for it own decisions. Unions must are actually an essential part of the cy, an elite and below that you have in the end. So when the crash came engage with the Precariat on the many people from neo-liberal economic system,” he a shrinking salariat and working in 2008 suddenly everyone is told basis of strengthening their voice working class said. class. you have debts and austerity is against state policy, he says. “The process of proletarianisa- “It is below these, in terms of needed now because we are in cri- If trade unions fail to engage suc- backgrounds, tion (the creation of the working income and access to life chances, sis.” cessfully with the Precariat, Standing is clear class) of a century ago was one that the Precariat is growing. But Standing fears the organised Standing fears dire consequences. where workers were being habitu- “It was planned. Governments Left is failing to appeal to those “We have millions of people get- that they constitute ated into becoming stable, full made a Faustian pact when they who have suffered the most in this ting pushed into the Precariat a new and separate time exploitable labour. went for liberalisation and globali- crisis, the Precariat. because of the ins ecurity of the “Precariatisation is a process of sation. The bargain was the y “The old socialist project which labour markets and the populist social phenome- habituating millions of people into opened up all our economies to the emerged in the early 20th century politicians on the right are playing non. putting up with unstable labour global market and in the process just seems alien to people in the on their fears and bringing them to patterns where they don’t have any trebled the world’s labour supply. Precariat. They are not concerned the right.” SIPTU goes to Stormont IPTU is to host a Assembly Speaker William Hay, allow groups to engage with inclusion of a threshold of decen- celebration of the of the DUP, has offered to spon- MLAs and invite them to visit cy social clause into every public community and volun- sor the event which is taking projects to see at first hand the procurement contract. tary sector later this place on Monday, 26th May. vital work being done on the “We hope that this positive S The celebration will showcase ground. event will allow us to continue to month in Stormont. the excellent work being done by Pat McCauley, who chairs the The initiative has been backed build support for better services, the community and voluntary Organising Committee, told by MLAs from all the major polit- and better standards of employ- sector in the North. Liberty: “We also intend to utilise ical parties. ment right across the sector.” Invite: Assembly Speaker William Hay Organisers hope the event will the event to build support for the Liberty 11 News MAY 2012 Why our movement should Voicing those values! HE rich deep voices thank-you for Irish support for engage with the new Precariat of the Welsh valleys the mining community in South provided the back- Wales during the dark days of ing track to this the 1984 strike. Thornton told T Liberty: “They came under two year’s May Day Festival in conditions – that they paid their Belfast. own way and that any money Cor Meibion Onllywn male collected would be donated to voice choir played two concerts charity. The Solitare, the during their stay in the city as “The short tour was such a largest pipe-laying guests of ICTU and the Belfast resounding success that they ship in the world, SHIP Project. have returned on a regular basis dwarfing smaller On 27th April they sang a ever since, always winning vessels, at its moor- double-header to audiences at ing off the coast of friends and influencing people Mayo in June 2009 An Culturlann on the Falls Road along the way.” Picture: Photocall Ireland and at the Sinclair Seamen’s He added: “This time it was Church in the docks area of the Belfast’s turn to experience the city. Report charts future of oil and

Cor Meibion Onllywn at the City Hall in Belfast

The next day the choir – warmth of the singers as well as which first visited these shores the power and quality of their gas exploration in 1986 – was welcomed by the singing. Lord Mayor to the City Hall. “Despite being exhausted By Frank Connolly SIPTU activist Eamon from a horrendous ferry cross- Thornton described the choir’s ing when everything seemed to OME radical proposals Ireland’s Oil and Gas Resources, countries, including Norway and visit as a “profound and practi- go wrong, they delivered a won- cal expression of solidarity in to reform Ireland’s oil including the setting up of a Portugal, “with a view to estab- derful series of performances “stakeholders’ forum”. action”. that will live long in the memo- and gas fiscal and licens- lishing a forum to exchange ideas Their first visit to Ireland all ing regime have been Among the other suggestions on best practice on various ry of those who were privileged S made by SIPTU and endorsed by those years ago was a special aspects of petroleum exploration to be present.” proposed by an Oireachtas the Oireachtas committee was a and production.” “The Joint committee, including recom- review of the current fiscal and mendations made by SIPTU licensing terms for oil and gas Committee strongly believes that last Autumn. operators and an increase in the the State should keep fiscal and Among the recommendations rate of tax on profits from hydro- licensing terms under constant New Tara Mines deal made by the Joint Oireachtas carbon finds. review” and that reviews should Committee on Communications, The Committee has recom- be made “before each licensing Natural Resources and round takes place.” Agriculture in a detailed It argues that the State report published on “could explore and consid- Wednesday 9th May, is the “The Government er ways of controlling pro- establishment of a forum of duction volumes as part of industry stakeholders should develop a its resource management” including trade unions, similar to the practice in community representatives policy, in consultation Norway in order to ensure and the oil and gas compa- with this forum, to that as much as possible is nies to help maximise the potential of Ireland’s hydro- ensure that employ- produced from a SIPTU Organiser John Regan with Tara Mines management and workers carbon resources. field. “The Government should ment opportunities are It also recommends that A new agreement for Tara January 2012, to be followed develop a policy, in consul- consideration be given to Mines workers in Navan, with a 1.5% increase from 1st tation with this forum, to maximised within this the banning of flaring of January 2013. The agreement Co. Meath, outlines proce- ensure that employment gas, a method used to also includes bonuses worth State,” the 200 page dures for the next two opportunities are max- burn off surplus gas from years, including a pay €2,000 linked to production targets. imised within this State,” report recommends. The company has committed a well as a means of dis- increase, the use of con- the 200 page report recom- posal or as a safety meas- to delivering a minimum of 20 mends. tractors, a disputes mecha- ure to relieve pressure. nism and the implementa- promotions by the end of June The Report on Oil and SIPTU goes to Stormont 2014. There are currently 278 The report suggests that tion of new technology. Gas Exploration was published workers in the mine department mended that the overall tax take a process of public consultation The agreement was signed by following detailed submissions to should be increased to a minimum and the company has stated its based on a simple and transparent the company and SIPTU on the Committee by various inter- of 40% for future oil and gas finds, to Monday, 30th April and will be commitment to maintain that ests, including a presentation by system should be put in place level for the duration of the 60% for medium-sized finds and 80% in place until 30th June 2014. SIPTU General President, Jack for very large commercial discoveries. “which would make it clear that agreement. O’Connor. Tara Mines currently has 700 At present a 25% tax rate is applied on that those local communities employees. Approximately 420 SIPTU Organiser John Regan In his presentation, Jack affected by offshore oil and gas said; "This agreement brings stabil- profits rising to 40% for major discover- are SIPTU members. O’Connor set out the findings of exploration would benefit directly ity for Tara Mines workers and ies. The new agreement involves a the research carried out by SIPTU from any rewards generated from 1% increase in basic pay, payable ensures that they will benefit from and published in the union’s 2011 It also backs on-going contact the oil and gas resources.” from June 2012 backdated to 1st future increases in production." report Optimising the Potential of with other oil and gas producing 12 Liberty MAY 2012 Economy Dear Prudence, won’t you open up your eyes?

By Vic Duggan F ONE accepts the whether we should wield the axe harder with an article heralding the Baltic definition of insanity as and faster, and how the pain should be approach, viewed by some fiscal fundamen- shared. talists as a model to follow: if only Ireland doing the same thing over In framing forthcoming budgets, the could accelerate austerity, as the Baltic I and over again, and expect- Irish government faces a binding constraint countries were forced to do, we could bring ing different results, then surely set by our official lenders: to bring the back the boom. re-doubling belt-tightening aus- deficit down to 7.5% of GDP in 2013, 5.1% There are some critical distinctions that in 2014, and 2.9% in 2015. How these tar- render this comparison meaningless, how- terity, and expecting growth, is gets are achieved is subject to negotiation, ever. The Irish economy of today is neither economic lunacy? but they must be met, as things stand. comparable to the Irish economy of the late The only part of the Irish economy that There is no question of this being an 1980s nor to the Baltic economies of today. is growing in any meaningful sense is our easy task, while a much more aggressive Estonia, the most developed of the record-breaking trade surplus. Overall, the schedule, as the FAC, O’Brien and some Baltics, is today only half as wealthy as economy can only grow if this is enough to others propose, could well cement contin- Ireland, measured by GDP per capita. Just offset the opposing contractionary forces of ued recession. The IMF has repeatedly as Irish living standards converged rapidly fiscal austerity and inconspicuous con- warned that this is as much as our economy to, then surpassed, the European average in sumption. can take, and that chasing our tail with the 1990s, so one would expect the Baltics The advent of the Fiscal Advisory ever-more austerity could be counter-pro- to now grow faster than Ireland, all else Council (FAC), made up of 5 highly ductive. being equal. This is borne out by the OECD esteemed economists, is a welcome devel- estimates of potential GDP growth, which opment, and one would hope that it is 2.5% higher in Estonia than in Ireland for evolves to fulfil a role similar to the highly both 2012 and 2013. respected, non-partisan Congressional Incidentally, this is also the reason why Budget Office in the US. Their most Markets care about Ireland will not again sustainably see the recent assessment of Ireland’s eco- convergence rates of growth of the 1990s, nomic prospects is undoubtedly both sides of this and why bringing down our Debt-to-GDP correct: the risks to economic ratio will be far more challenging this time growth forecasts are skewed to equation. They react around. the downside. negatively if austerity Even if the Baltics were not on a conver- Writing in the Irish Times gence path, they would still be expected to on 4th April, Dan O’Brien, targets are not met, grow faster than their EU neighbours, sim- Economics Editor, knocked but also when growth ply because they were so badly hit by the down the straw man of a financial crisis, far worse even than Ireland. ‘zero austerity’ falls short. Ireland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia suf- approach, but no other fered peak-to-trough falls in GDP of 10.1%, significant commenta- 14.8%, 17.4% and 20.7% respectively. tor is seriously propos- The further they fall, the faster they ing this. The country is climb because there is so much more slack in administration, Some argue that more aggressive auster- in their economies, and because they have and our creditors ity would boost credibility with financial lost so much of their potential GDP. In part, call the shots. markets, but any seasoned market-watcher the Baltics are making up for lost growth as The debate can see quite clearly that schizophrenia they regain the convergence path. c e n t r e s now reigns. Markets, a vast collection of There is a school of thought that argues on independent but interdependent players, that beatings should continue until morale don’t know have a clear idea of what they improves, that we should up the dose of want. austerity just to be on the safe side. The Yes, delivering up-front austerity may truth is that economists are at a loss to pre- send a ‘credible’ signal – and the tougher dict the effect of ever more austerity when the measures on citizens the better. the output gap – a measure of how actual Markets also understand, however, that the economic output compares to potential – is debt burden is made up of a denominator, as wide as it is in Ireland today. GDP, as well as the numerator, debt. We are dealing with known unknowns, Markets care about both sides of this and staying on the safe side probably equation. They react negatively if aus- means sticking to the IMF’s advice. Our terity targets are not met, but also belt has no more holes, and tightening when growth falls short. above and beyond what is absolutely neces- On 6th April, O’Brien followed up sary could turn a crash diet into a futile hunger strike. Vic Duggan is a Masters in Public Getting austerity off our Administration (MPA) backs should be a policy pri- candidate in Economic orty for governments across Policy Management at Columbia Europe – not least our own Picture:ETUC University, New York Liberty 13 Economy MAY 2012 How bosses’ pay is being pegged back by revolting shareholders...

By Martin Fitzpatrick

OR half a decade and more as a working journalist I conducted F a personal campaign against excessive executive pay. When I say it was a cam- paign, I’m forced to admit that there are strict limits to the amount of campaigning a working hack can employ against high pay for bosses. This is because most of the time his or her own managing director is Banking on a good deal: Brian Talking telephone numbers: Sean Goggins ponders his next raise FitzPatrick took home millions... one of those indulged creatures who is creaming vast sums in pay and perks every year. Nevertheless each year from when it was possible to examine annual reports and discover the remuneration of the directors of the Irish listed companies (that was from 2000), I dutifully recorded and compiled league tables on how impressively Irish managers valued At that time the banks were leading the charge. Sean FitzPatrick and his friends at the then high-flying Shareholders venting Anglo Irish Bank their anger at the AIB EGM in May 2009. were unsurpris- Picture: Photocall Ireland ingly pioneers in

this regard. At Bank of Ireland the situation Nevertheless when the collapse More encouragingly, on occa- themselves. was the same; remember Brian forced O’Reilly to retire in 2008, sion, the revolt has cost the greedy How they vied with each other in Goggin, the CEO of the bank, com- his board sweetened the departure executives their jobs. The blithe the generosity they should employ plaining on television that the with a kiss-off payment of €2.5m. Shareholders are the owners of acceptance of the in rewarding themselves with credit crunch impact had forced But take heart. There is a revolu- companies and they have more salaries and pensions that would at his salary down to a modest €2m. tion going on in stock market cir- than a passing interest in the fact recommendation one time have gone beyond the My own former boss, Tony cles, though not necessarily in that they are getting value for dreams of avarice. O’Reilly, at Independent News and Ireland so far. Internationally, money. Finally the shareholders of the renumeration At that time the banks were lead- Media was reckoned to have pock- rebel shareholders have been win- are asking that the executives they committees ing the charge. Sean FitzPatrick and eted around €125m worth of pay, ning wars against executive pay employ are worth the money. They his friends at the then high-flying pensions, perks and dividends in packages at four major interna- are finding that is not the case. is being Anglo Irish Bank were unsurpris- the first seven years of the decade tional banks – Barclays, Citibank, The economist J.K. Galbraith ingly pioneers in this regard. alone, after it became mandatory Credit Suisse and UBS, which used once observed that a chief execu- challenged Seanie was the first to pay him- to reveal executive salaries. to be Union Bank of Switzerland. tive’s salary was a warm personal at long self and his retinue €1m a piece Was he earning his keep? Please There have also been revolts this gesture of the executive to himself. every year; they were the first to judge for yourself. In the last five year at Trinity Mirror and the Shareholders around the globe last... jack that up to €2m a piece each years, INM shares have been in insurance giant, Aviva. The blithe have at last registered the fact that year and they would have kept freefall and from a peak in 2007 acceptance of the recommenda- this is not enough. Hopefully, the going up and up if the gravy train till now the shares have lost more tion of remuneration committees lesson is going to be learned in hadn’t hit the buffers. than 96% of their value. is being challenged at long last. Ireland too.

The Credit Union for all SIPTU members Jim Larkin Credit Union and their families in the Dublin Region Opening Hours: If you are interested in joining the Jim Larkin Credit Union Thursday 7 p.m. - 8.15 p.m. Tel: 01-8721155 or email: [email protected] Saturday 9.30 a.m. - 12.00 noon           
  14 Liberty MAY 2012 Economy

By Marie Sherlock depressing domestic and export Hope for growth? demand and exacerbating existing N THE 31st May, we Shrubs in bloom political discontent. outside the will be asked to The post-election political disar- European ray in Greece reflects a tipping point vote on the Fiscal Parliament, left, and, below, French beyond which the country may not O Compact treaty. President-elect return, unless very radical action is Strictly speaking, the word- Francois Hollande, taken to relieve Greece of a huge who ran on an ing of the referendum does anti-austerity ticket share of its IMF/EU debt. not mean that a ‘Yes’ vote will Pictures: CC European This, of course, would catapult Parliament; Parti Socialiste the EU into a whole new political see the Treaty itself written space and the latest information into Bunreacht na hÉireann. coming from Spain as to the depth Instead, the referendum is about of the problem there provides a enabling the Oireachtas to intro- stark reminder of just how unpre- duce legislation to comply with the pared the EU is to deal with the Treaty. Either way, Ireland is facing Spanish bail-out if it were needed. a type of Hobson’s choice – An informal summit of EU lead- whichever way we vote, we will be ers has been called for 23rd May in facing a long number of years of the wake of such political change tough budgets. and while many heads of state may The main difference between a argue that they have already com- ‘Yes’ and a ‘No’ vote will be the cost mitted to the growth agenda with and size of those budgets over announcements on youth unem- future years. ployment and support to SMEs, However, events of recent weeks there is reason to believe that this in France, Greece, the Netherlands, time something will actually be Spain and in Germany have brought done. to a head very important questions For Ireland, all this spells some about the future of the EU. These cause for hope. An increase in our are events which will undoubtedly borrowing capacity with the European Investment Bank and the colour how we vote. allocation of unused EU funds President-elect Hollande’s victory would be a critical first step in beef- in France provides campaigners for Push for growth ing up resources for investment in a growth strategy including the infrastructure and supports to busi- Irish trade union movement with a nesses and employment here. very powerful ally, but it would be The Government here points out rash to assume that there has been that “stability” – which it argues can any real or immediate change in the a cause for hope be delivered by the Treaty – and balance of power in Europe. “growth” are hand in glove. Instead, we are likely to see a If that is so, then we need to see new infrastructure bonds at EU Fiscal Compact treaty over future the Government’s own plan for level would be a significant devel- years across all participating mem- growth on a sufficient scale and opment for Ireland in the fight for ber states. without delay. We need to see the greater support to investment If the rules of the Treaty are to here. come into force, then in 2013 some Progress may well be under way Government’s own However, Hollande’s demands 21 of the 25 signatory states to the in Europe, but there is much that for the ECB to become lender of Treaty are likely to be in breach of can be done here to complement last resort and for the creation of plan for growth on Eurobonds designed to pool mem- a sufficient scale ber states’ sovereign borrowing requirements, are not likely to There is much that can be arrive on the negotiating table for and without delay some time. done here to complement In the Netherlands, after many months of virulent rhetoric on the more accommodating stance on the Politically, Chancellor Merkel need for EU-wide budget discipline that growth strategy – part of those pushing the fiscal will have to make some acknowl- and the issuing of threats to retrenchment agenda in the EU. edgement of President Hollande’s Greece, the mask eventually harnessing the private Tentative signs of this are already powerful mandate for a growth slipped in May. beginning to emerge with the compact. The right-wing populist and cen- pension funds and German Central Bank acknowledg- At home, the Social Democrats tre right party Government col- ing that inflation could be allowed (SPD) are effectively holding up lapsed over the depth of the cuts to deploying the NPRF are to rise in Germany. ratification of the Fiscal Compact be imposed there and the Dutch enthusiasm for sanctions for Put simply, they may be willing to treaty in the Bundestag and are two such important steps marginally loosen the reins on price breaches of fiscal discipline was demanding a growth compact to be blown apart as they struggle to find control, allow increases in wages added to the Fiscal Compact, if a way to meet their commitment to the 0.5% structural deficit rule in and, hopefully, generate a rise in they are to comply with the that growth strategy – harnessing bring their budget deficit from 2013. demand for goods produced across Chancellor’s timetable for ratifica- the private pension funds and the rest of Europe. This, however, 4.4% to the 3% EU Commission tar- The prospect of a synchronised tion in June. At EU level, any agree- deploying the NPRF are two such would be counterbalanced by get next year. fiscal contraction across Europe in ment that would see an increase in If anything, the Dutch experi- important steps. tighter domestic credit and lending attempting to meet these rules can Marie Sherlock works in controls. the European Investment Bank’s ence calls into question the very only have the effect of further lending capacity and the roll-out of enforceability of the terms of the SIPTU’s Research Policy Unit ILO report proves austerity is failing UNEMPLOYMENT is still problems in the labour market of the catastrophic effects of pur- illustrate just how great a chal- The ILO pointed out that since rising in most European were becoming ingrained, with suing a one-sided austerity lenge is faced when they suggest the onset of the global economic countries as austerity poli- high levels of long-term and approach to repairing the public there is little chance of global crisis, youth unemployment had cies continue to hit growth youth unemployment. finances. employment returning to pre-eco- risen in 80% of advanced The study found that global “Cutting the budget deficit in nomic crisis levels by 2016. economies and in two-thirds of and jobs, the International unemployment is expected to the absence of any boost to “Here in Ireland the challenge emerging market economies. Labour Organisation (ILO) reach 212 million this year – up growth both here in Ireland and is even greater. It is widely expect- Long-term unemployment was has warned. six million from last year. across the EU will be self-defeat- ed that the unemployment rate also on the rise, with one third of In its World of Work Report SIPTU economist, Marie ing as these policies will further will remain well above 10% in the jobless in developed countries 2012, published on 29th April, the Sherlock, told Liberty: “The ILO deflate the economy.” 2016 and for a number of years out of work for more than a Geneva-based ILO outlined how report provides a stark reminder She added:“The ILO findings after.” year. Liberty 15 Liberty View MAY 2012 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President

CROSS EUROPE, tracted severely and businesses have It is well past the time to offer hope requirement for such a stimulus and the wheels of the closed across the euro zone, while, in place of despair. The victory of since May Day 2011, we have been lob- disastrous one- instead of stabilising the bond mar- Francois Hollande in France, who ran a bying Government and other interest- sided austerity kets, the adjustment programmes ren- campaign of opposition to one-sided ed parties in this regard. approach adopted dered countries less and less capable austerity and has insisted on a parallel In September last year we presented A by centre right of repaying their debts ‘investment for growth’ strategy, must a detailed, off-balance sheet, plan for led governments since 2008 The insistence by the Right in be maximised in Ireland. jobs and growth. This involves utilis- imposing ineffective and unfair poli- Back to 2008 we in the Irish trade have finally come off the ing a portion of the residue of the wagon. The working people cies on working people has managed union movement insisted that the National Pension Reserve Fund, incen- of Europe from France to Greece, and even in Germany tivising investment from private pen- have firmly rejected austerity In September last year we presented a sions funds through exemptions from policies in recent election the pension levy and accessing contests. detailed, off-balance sheet, plan for jobs resources from the European The tragic consequences of reckless and growth. This involves utilising a portion Investment Bank to raise upwards of banking practices and blind eye regula- of the residue of the National Pension €10 billion over three years. tion that led to the crash four years This could generate tens of thou- ago, and the misguided remedy Reserve Fund, incentivising investment from sands of new jobs in infrastructure and designed to rectify the mess, placed other necessary projects and stimulate the burden of pain on the backs of the private pensions funds through exemptions the growth needed to ensure that the working people of Europe. Now the from the pension levy and accessing people have responded by electing a resources from the European Investment economy can get ahead of the structur- socialist president in France, voting al deficit limit envisaged in the pro- overwhelmingly for the anti-austerity Bank to raise upwards of €10 billion over posed Fiscal Treaty. left wing parties in the Greek general three years We do not see a stimulus plan, how- election and rejecting Angela Merkel’s ever it is constructed, as a panacea for Christian Democrats at a poll in all the problems confronting Ireland, to drive a growing and critical mass of exclusive concentration on belt tight- Germany’s most populous state, North or Europe for that matter. However, it the population of several countries, ening would not work and we argued Rhine-Westphalia. is critical to maintaining a functioning Apart from the inherent unfairness most notably in Greece, beyond the for a longer period for adjustment as economy while bigger issues like the of the one-sided austerity approach it point where they have nothing to lose. well as debt restructuring and invest- mountain of recklessly incurred bank is patently failing exactly as we always And now the very existence of the ment for growth. and mortgage debt are tackled over the said it would. Economies have con- euro zone, and potentially of the dem- In this country, arguably more than ocratic system itself, is threatened. many others, there is an urgent medium term.

NEC Notes At its monthly meeting in April SIPTU – Draft Budget 2012 under three categories. course up to a maximum of four the National Executive Council The NEC agreed the SIPTU Budget There were 41 applicants for 30 sec- years. of SIPTU made the following Plan for 2012 ond level awards. The second level Members applying for a third level decisions. awards have a value of €700 (€350 award are required to submit a note, Affiliation and merger each year for two years). with their application form, on the New appointment Talks with the Building and Allied A total of 25 of these awards are course for which an award is being Eamon Lawless has been appointed Trade Union are on-going with a view subject to a member’s income being sought, outlining the relevance of the to a merger with SIPTU. An applica- as SIPTU Head of Finance below the average industrial earnings course to their own development, tion by the Local Government as indicated by the CSO. their employment and membership Directors Society to affiliate with Fiscal Treaty SIPTU has been agreed. The additional five awards are not of SIPTU. The NEC decided to recommend in subject to the income threshold. There were 101 applicants for 25 favour of the Treaty proposal if the Education and Development There were 25 applicants for 10 Gaeltacht awards. Awards cover the third level awards. cost of either two or three weeks at a New appointment: Eamon Lawless government commits to an off-bal- Support Scheme Each of the 10 awards has a value of Gaeltacht college designated by Gael ance sheet stimulus plan to create The NEC recommended the award €1,000 per year for each year of the Linn. jobs – but only if it does so. of Education grants to applicants 16 Liberty MAY 2012 May Da May Day 2012

P to 5000 people marched in the May Day parade in Belfast on Saturday (5th May) in one of the most colour- ful celebrations seen in U the city in many years. SIPTU members engaged in the dis- pute at Lagan Brick in county Cavan were prominent in the march which went from Writers Square and around City Hall. SIPTU activists from the community and vol- untary sector in the North were also present in large numbers while members also travelled from Dublin and Newry for the May Day festivi- ties in Belfast which were officially opened by the Cor Meibion Onllwyn Wesh male voice choir. Across the country various May Day events drew thousands of workers with up to 1,000 braving foul weather in Dublin on the evening of Tuesday (1st May). On Sunday (6th May), SIPTU vice- president, Patricia King, addressed the annual Jim Connell trade union festi- val in Crossakiel county Meath which was also attended by Bob Crow, the General Secretary of the RMT union in Britain. In her speech Patricia King accused the German chancellor Angle Merkel of having little concern about the effects of austerity on Irish workers and said she was NIPSA members taking part primarily influenced by the in the Belfast May Day interests of the wealthy elites in march Saturday, 5th May. Picture: Kevin Cooper Germany and across Europe.

NUJ members on Belfast May Day march.

Sean McMonnagle Spectacle of Defiance and SIPTU activist with his Hope activists at the Dublin two sons marching for May Day march Tuesday, 1st May Day in Derry. May. Picture: Photocall Liberty 17 ay 2012 MAY 2012 012

Lagan Brick workers lead the Participants in the Jim Connell SIPTU delegation in the Trade Union Festival march in Belfast May Day march Crossakiel, Co. Meath on Sunday, Saturday, 5th May. 6th May. Picture: John Moran Picture: Brian McDermott

A theatrical display by the Defiance and Hope campaign leads the Dublin May Day march Saturday, 5th May. Picture: Paula Geraghty

‘An injury to one is an injury to all’ A young supporter of the Lagan Brick workers at the Belfast May Day march on Saturday, 5th May. Picture: Brian McDermott SIPTU members marching in the Belfast May Day march Saturday, 5th May. Picture: Kevin Cooper

SIPTU Vice President Patricia King addressing Community activists carrying gravestones the Jim Connell Trade in memory of Community Development Union Festival, Kells, Union banners on Belfast Projects closed due to a lack of funding in Co. Meath on Sunday, May Day march. the Dublin May Day march on Tuesday, 1st 6th May. Picture: John Moran May. Picture: Photocall 18 Liberty MAY 2012 Health

March to SIPTU’s Protect our home helps Services set to march Home Helps Protest in Cork in Cork SIPTU members in the the HSE’s agenda of out- mental to the high-quality, SATURDAY, 26th MAY 2012 at 2.00 p.m. home help service will sourcing jobs and eroding professional service home march through Cork hard fought for terms and helps currently provide city centre on conditions of employ- within our communities.” Assemble at SIPTU Offices, ment.” SIPTU has held a num- Saturday, 26th May at There have been a num- ber of meetings with the Connolly Hall, Lapps Quay, 2.00 p.m. as part of ber of funding cuts to the HSE to discuss the threat their campaign against budgets received by home facing the home help serv- Cork for march to the lower the outsourcing of the help services from the ice from cutbacks and out- service by the Health HSE. In addition, the HSE sourcing to private ‘for end of Grand Parade Service Executive recently released a pro- profit’ companies. (HSE). curement tender inviting The union and the HSE Marchers will assemble care companies to bid for attended a conciliation at 1.30 p.m. at Connolly contracts of work in pro- conference at the Labour Hall, Lapps Quay, and from viding enhanced home Relations Commission on there march to Grand care services. 7th March to discuss the Parade. SIPTU Organiser, Ted Kenny added: “We home help service but no Ted Kenny, told Liberty; oppose this process progress was made. “We cannot emphasise because it will undermine A full hearing of the enough how important it our members’ current issues currently facing the is for all home helps to terms and conditions of service has been scheduled support this campaign and employment. It will also, for the Labour Court for display their opposition to most importantly, be detri- Tuesday, 5th June.

Health workers worth over €100m to Waterford economy SIPTU Sector Organiser, Marie Butler, told Liberty: “Those calling for further public spending cuts should take into account that any reduction in jobs or pay will fur- ther depress the local economy in Waterford. Health Campaign rallies “With over 20% of the workforce in Waterford either jobless or in TULLAMORE: DUBLIN: part-time work, health workers’ Tullamore Court Hotel, Tallaght Hospital, income is crucial in supporting the Tullamore, 24th May local economy.” She added: “Several workers at 16th May, 8:00pm (9:00am – 3:00pm) the Better Health Care, Better Jobs Waterford city Picture: Photocall campaign meeting expressed the ATHY: DUBLIN: He told the audience: “The take view that that those who were call- Clanard Court Hotel, The Auditorium HEALTH service workers in ing for an end to the Croke Park Waterford have been told home pay of over 3,000 workers Dublin Road, Athy, (Theatre), employed full-time and part-time agreement did not fully appreciate 17th May, 8:00pm Liberty Hall, their combined spending the significant restructuring that in the health service in Waterford 24th May, 2:30pm power is worth more than amounts to approximately €143 was going on in every unit, ward CLONMEL: million.” and hospital across the country. €100 million to the local Park Hotel, Clonmel, DROGHEDA: economy. And the amount spent by health “Every worker in the public SIPTU Health Division Organiser, service workers on local goods and health service has experienced sig- 23rd May, 7:00pm Droichead Arts Centre, Paul Bell, made the claim at a meet- services is more than €71 million, nificant changes to their work prac- Stockwell Street, tices and conditions of employ- ing of the Better Health Care, Better Paul Bell added. Drogheda, Co. Louth, Jobs campaign in the Granville An additional €36 million in ment but this is something which Hotel, Waterford, on Thursday 3rd local economic activity is also gen- is often not fully reported by the 31st May, 8:00pm May. erated through this spending. media.” Liberty 19 SIPTU Membership Benefits MAY 2012

Another Fair Hotels success – union recognition in the Westgrove Hotel, SIPTU’s Kildare home helps set to march in Cork

At the signing of the Fair Hotels recognition agreement between SIPTU and the Westgrove Hotel and Conference Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare were l-r back Denis Hynes, Industrial Organiser, SIPTU, Sheena McCanny, Sales and Marketing Manager, Westgrove Hotel; Eoin Flanagan HR Manager, Westgrove Hotel; front/sitting John King Divisional Organiser, SIPTU and Jerry Russell, General Manager, Westgrove Hotel.

SIPTU MEMBERSHIP We’re proud to SERVICES offer members best products in marketplace IPTU Membership and daughters who are first great deals and benefits. Services are coordi- time or young drivers. He said: “This is one of the nated by Tony Tony believes that through reasons we launched income S Burke, the Operations protection plans for SIPTU Director of JLT Ireland and members. We can offer income protection plans to someone who has had a members both on an individ- long association with the ual basis and group scheme union. basis. JLT Ireland provides com- “Recently we were delight- petitive and comprehensive ed to launch a scheme for the car and home insurance for Ambulance Sector and we SIPTU members and their hope to expand into other INSURA families and recently E NC sectors also.” M E O launched their Young Drivers H Tony added: “Our compre- R car insurance product – aimed E hensive offering for car and

P at first time and young driv- A

D home insurance is proving E

E ers. H H H H E

C C E very popular with members. T Tony told Liberty: “It’s an N We review our policies on a G U A R A ideal product for members Tony Burke, monthly basis to ensure we with younger drivers in the Operations Director at family as there has been a lot JTL Ireland are offering the best that of interest from SIPTU mem- money can buy for SIPTU Call us now on 1890 300 745 to avail of this Special Offer bers enquiring about such a members.” product.” JLT Ireland now offers a The Young Drivers policy – membership services, SIPTU guarantee to beat members’ which is underwritten by members can access some of home insurance premiums. TTee amr cns anoitidnod ylpps Asgard at Lloyds – is not only the best products in the mar- To avail of this members JLLTT I Bcnarusn Irekore Lnalers id m teti anidard s Jg LLTT I dnaler open to members aged from ketplace and through the col- should call JLT Ireland on nal Bartnee Chy td betaluges ri betaluges td Chy Bartnee nal k o I dnalerf . 17 to 24 years old, but is also lective buying power of 1890 300 745 or go to available to members’ sons SIPTU can avail of www.jlt.ie 20 Liberty MAY 2012 Community

Reeling them in... How community angling project has tackled social isolation among men

By Paul Gavan What makes this angling club dif- course, underlined the benefits of line up and hook up. O’Connor, of SIPTU’s Community ferent is that no previous experi- this wide age range. He said: “We “The club and the community in Sector Campaign, said: “The T THE heart of commu- ence of fishing is required. wanted to create an environment general are very supportive to older Bluebell Community Angling Club nity development is Indeed one of the conditions of where men, old and young, could people. They have a number of proj- is just one example of the presence membership is that experienced integrate and socialise with each ects going on and this just happens of a multiplier effect when it comes the idea that local anglers have to provide workshops other. When you see them working to be one of them.” to measuring the real value of CDPs. A issues can be solved by for those new to the sport. together, you can see how social Mick Mooney sees the club’s pri- “The problem is that a crude local people. So when the Bluebell But then it’s also clear that this integration can prosper. In setting mary role as being a practical way of book-keeping exercise with an Community Development Project club is about much more than just up the community angling club combating social isolation. exclusive focus on so called ‘labour (CDP) in South Dublin found fishing. we’ve relied heavily on community He said: “They can learn life skills market activation measures’ will that many local men did not Derek O’Neill, one of the club’s development values and principles. and how to deal with the anger they not reflect the positive changes to engage with their community, younger members, told Liberty: “I “We have a membership sub of may be feeling, the anger that these men’s lives or to their com- comes from sitting at home all day they found a novel way of had never fished before but this just €2 a week to ensure finance is munities.“ club is different from any club I’ve not a barrier to people, and we’ve with nothing to do. Too often men He added: “This sector is first and approaching the issue of social been involved in. ensured the project is self-financing can fall victim to dependency on foremost about people young and isolation. “Look at the mix of ages. It goes via a series of fundraising activities. alcohol and drugs because of an old, about building communities They formed the Bluebell from 21 to men in their 70s. It ben- “We’ve also had great support inability to engage with people that are strong, vibrant and inclu- Community Angling Club in efits everybody. Everybody gets dif- from organisations like Waterways about what may be troubling sive. Cutting funding to these vital January, initially with 10 members. ferent views, different life stories Ireland and Inland Fisheries them.” projects is not the answer. Just three months later there are and everyone can share their feel- Ireland.” Sean Duffy spoke for This type of project would never “That’s a message that our cam- now 49 members who meet once a ings.” many of the older members of the have come about had it not been for paign will be bringing to the week, attend workshops and NUI student Mick Mooney, who is club. He told Liberty: “There are Bluebell CDP – so it is shocking to Government on behalf of all work- arrange monthly outings to lakes as doing work placement with young lads here and it’s amazing discover it has had (since last ers in the community sector.” far apart as Monaghan, Cavan, Bluebell CDP as part of his degree how they take the time to help me December) all direct funding cut by Carlow and Kilkenny. the Government. Darragh

‘Community organisations now need to ICTU team join and campaign with unions. This is now the last line of defence for the briefs TDs community sector’ on report – David Connolly, community worker and findings SIPTU activist

AN ICTU delegation of union Anti-cuts coalition activists and officials met with Sinn Fein TDs on 8th May to dis- reconvenes campaign cuss the Downsizing the Community Sector report as well UNIONS and community groups plan a campaign of resistance. as the Road to Recognition cam- met on the 10th May to recon- Communities Against Cuts has vene the Communities Against previously organised a range of paign. Cuts campaign to protect jobs actions including lobbying TDs, This meeting was the latest in a SIPTU activist David Connolly, centre, with UNITE official Clare Keane and SIPTU organiser Darragh O’Connor at the Oireachtas and services in the community community events and protests, series of political actions following sector. the biggest of which saw 15,000 separate engagements with both Since 2008 the sector has faced people march through Dublin in the Labour Party and the Technical SIPTU Organiser Darragh ing, Senator David Cullinane, SF disproportionate budget cuts 2009. Group in late March. O’Connor also gave a presentation spokesperson on workers’ rights, including childcare services, drug SIPTU Organiser Darragh SIPTU activist David Connolly on the Road to Recognition cam- called on the Government to rehabilitation, disability and O’Connor told Liberty: “Over the gave a presentation on Downsizing paign, an initiative that aims to “move immediately to engage with youth programmes which have coming months we will be work- the Community Sector setting out give community sector workers a trade unions representing commu- all faced large funding reduc- ing with union activists and com- the impact the cuts have had since voice when big decisions are taken nity sector workers in order to tions. munity groups to fight for the 2008. Written by social researcher by government departments. address the current crisis in fund- To highlight the crucial role jobs and services our communi- Brian Harvey, the report clearly A pragmatic and constructive dis- ing.” played by the community sector ties need. demonstrates how the community cussion was had with all political The Downsizing the Community and challenge budget cuts, SIPTU “While we have suffered major and voluntary sector has suffered parties and further meetings with Sector report and information on has joined again with other cuts, there are even greater chal- disproportionate funding cuts in the other Dáíl parties are planned the Road to Recognition campaign unions and community groups to lenges ahead of us.” comparison with overall in the coming weeks. is available at Government spending reductions. Responding to this latest meet- www.siptu.ie/community Liberty 21 Comment MAY 2012 Why we need game changing politics, not more of the same

By Niall Crowley level of the workplace, democracy is diminished with the failure to N Ipsos/Mrbi poll in recognise the right to collective bar- gaining. April recorded 23% sat- A reform agenda should, by way isfaction with the of example, be seeking a more effec- A Coalition Government tive parliament by abolishing the and 73% dissatisfaction. The party-whip system, empowering level of dissatisfaction is up 16% committees to initiate legislation, Reeling them in... from October 2011. Nothing and separating Cabinet from parlia- changes, however, as the current ment with ministers appointed government races to the levels of from outside parliamentary politics to secure greater capacity and unpopularity enjoyed by its predecessor. Welcome to democ- racy Irish-style! We have had all sorts of econom- At the level of ic analyses of the causes of our cri- sis. Poor regulation, group-think at the workplace, the top, excess availability of sav- democracy is ings and so on. We have had little analysis of the political decision diminished with making that enabled these various the failure to causes to play their part. There has been some appetite for recognise the naming and blaming responsible politicians but none for looking at right to collective the political systems that got us bargaining into this mess. Now we have a new set of politicians following the same path with the same levels of Reinventing accountability to the Dáil. popularity, there is an urgent need It would devolve powers to local to explore what is wrong with our government and develop local fund- politics. Our Democracy ing streams. It would develop delib- The multi-flawed Celtic Tiger was erative forms of citizen engagement a creation of this politics. It was JoinJJooiinn tththehe nationalnattiiioonal discussionddiiisscuussssssiiioon onon thetthhe in national and local governance. It political decision-making that collapseoc lllllaaapp offoes IIrIrishrriiissshh democracyddee com rraaccyy anda dn whatwwhh ta MEPs vote in EU Parliament in Brussels but iitt sshshouldhouullldd llolooko ko llilikeiikkkee forffoo a moreomar rree equalequuaa anddnal the real power seems to have been ceded to would secure the trade union right enabled this particular model of sustainablesuussttaaiinn ba llee IrelandIIrrreellaa anddnadn forffoo peoplepr eooppllee toto the Council Picture: CC European Parliament of recognition. development, diminished our haveah vvee a realrree la say.ssaayy.. We need to develop and advance capacity to regulate the financial The political appetite for reform demands for a democracy that is sector, ceded all power to the mar- only stretches to issues such as the capable of realising real change in kets and failed to redistribute the number of days the Dáil sits and the our society and economy, based on huge wealth that was and continues manner in which expenses are dis- equality and environmental sus- to be held by a small minority. CROKE PARK, DUBLIN bursed. tainability. Yet we seem content to continue European democracy is being Claiming Our Future is organising with the same political systems. diminished with the dominance of Saturday 26TH MAY 2012 a national event to identify these It is not that these political sys- the Council, and in particular demands and how best to advance tems are getting any better. We have Germany and France, and the exclu- them. been promised dramatic reform. All REGISTRATION: 10 AM sion of the Parliament. It is being held in Croke Park on we are getting is a Constitutional National democracy is being May 26th on the theme Convention with the limited agen- diminished with ministers regular- RegisterRegister now at: ‘Reinventing our Democracy’. da to examine the length of the ly hiding behind the demands (real Participate in this debate by regis- Presidential mandate and the vot- c.laimin tufruogu ei.er and imagined) of the Troika. We www.claimingourfuture.iewww tering on our website at ing age. never had local democracy. At the www.claimingourfuture.ie.

Stella Larkin McConn, granddaughter of Big Jim Larkin admires a statue of The poet and the piper: Macdara Woods, left, and students of Larkin Community College listen to Neilidh Mulligan at her grandfather with first year students at Larkin Community College the Poetry Ireland morning during the Larkin Hedge School on Friday (11th May). during the Larkin Hedge School on Friday (11th May). 22 Liberty MAY 2012 Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Workplace investigations

By Tom O’Driscoll It is a fundamental require- injunction against their employer ment of fairness that an accused if they believe they have been sub- THE working environment employee is given a full and rea- ject to unfair procedures in an has never been more chal- sonable opportunity to examine investigation. lenging so it is important all relevant witnesses. However, it is vital to under- that union activists are in a stand that this is a costly and risky position to help and sup- 3. Employees are entitled to route by way of the High Court port colleagues who find representation. and is not within the realm of themselves in trouble with Union employees are entitled trade union representation. their employer. UNION to representation by their union Trade unions are at an advantage Workplace investigations are, representative under a Code of by nature of operating at the coal unfortunately, not uncommon REP Practice in disciplinary matters face where representatives can put occurrences and arise where it is (S.I. 146 of 2000). pressure on an employer to ensure alleged that an employee commit- This is not a legally enforce- fairness at the initial stages of an ted an act of serious misconduct able instrument but if the investigation. e.g. theft, violence, intoxication at employer refuses this facility The convincing argument usual- work, falsification of records etc. the Tribunal may make an infer- ly put to the employer is that if It is said in a criminal trial that ence of unfair procedure in an the investigation is found to be every man or woman is innocent Unfair Dismissal case. unfair, the likelihood is that any dismissal arising will also be until proven guilty “beyond rea- Employees under investigation are entitled to representation by a union rep deemed to be unfair thus leaving sonable doubt”. Employment 4. There must be an impartial the employer exposed to a costly investigations, on the other hand, investigation. hearing and a probable compensa- need only satisfy the lower civil under the circumstances?) might representative should be looking If there is a history of “bad tory sum, if not re-engagement/re- law threshold of the balance of have to be addressed but this is a for them. blood” in the relationship instatement, depending on the probabilities. For example, a work- separate argument for the discipli- If there is a written report avail- between the accused employee facts. place investigation could reach a nary stage. able, the employee ought to and the investigator or if the The above information is just a conclusion that something hap- Fair procedures are grounded in receive a copy of that report in investigator is connected to a wit- broad outline of the law and pened (or not) based on probabili- the concept of natural justice. The good time before the disciplinary ness, or previously had an four fundamental factors for fair- hearing. involvement in the issue, then the should not be used as a legal guide ty. in this complex area. However, for an employer to ness in investigations are as fol- affected employee may be able to lows. 2. The right to be heard and to argue that there is an element of SIPTU provides a specialist indi- come to such a conclusion, and vidual representation and advice answer any charges made against bias. fairly dismiss the employee, they service for members who find must have utilised fair procedures 1. Every employee must be made the employee. Likewise, if there is an appeal of a disciplinary decision to a themselves in trouble with their in the investigation. Otherwise aware of the charges being made The employee should be manager, the person hearing the employer. they may be found to have acted against him/her: allowed to respond to the allega- appeal should not have taken part The Membership Information unreasonably and become The charges should be set out in tions. The employer must give fair in the investigation or the original and Support Centre can be contact- exposed to a claim of Unfair writing including all relevant doc- value and consideration to the disciplinary hearing. ed at 1890 747 881 or through Dismissal. umentation e.g. any witness state- employee’s explanation or com- An employee may seperately the designated union official. The question of proportionality ments being relied upon. If these ments ans representations made consider an alternative civil law Tom O’Driscoll is Head of SIPTU (i.e. was the sanction too severe are not available then the union on their behalf. Legal Rights Unit. Liberty 23 Features MAY 2012 Hair loss can be treated

AIR loss, hair-thinning and and lead to sudden hair loss. baldness are problems that Commonly, women will notice dramatic hair loss a few affect both men and women months after having a baby. Similarly people may notice thin- and are associated with huge ning of their hair up to six months after illness or sudden MIND H weight loss. emotional distress for many. Medical problems such as anaemia and an under active thy- It is an accepted fact that most men roid gland can cause hair thinning. YOUR will develop thinning of the hair and Alopecia Areata is an upsetting cause of hair loss where the even baldness with 50% of men over the patient will develop areas of complete hair loss. age of 50 having some experience of this It is felt that this is because of an inflammatory reaction. In HEALTH problem. most cases the hair will begin to re-grow within six months. This hair loss is directly related to hormone Hair loss can also occur due to physical trauma to the hair changes in the body. Women are also affected such as with repeated hair twisting and pulling as seen with By ILLONA DUFFY especially following the menopause but tend to children and teenagers. have generalised thinning rather than the reced- The constant wearing of tight ponytails can also strain the ing hair line seen in men. hair leading to hair loss. Our scalp is covered with hair follicles from Infection or inflammation of the scalp may affect the hair which grow individual hairs. Each hair has a life follicles and also lead to hair loss. This is seen in psoriasis, cycle during which it grows on average 1cm per dermatitis and fungal infections. All of these can be treated. month. The good news is that advances have been made in the man- The growth phase will normally last a few agement of hair loss, although they are not successful in all years and then there is a rest phase before the patients. next hair begins to grow from the follicle and For men with male pattern balding, a lotion called eventually push the original hair out. Minoxidil has been used with some success and more recent- Changes in the hair life cycle can occur due to ly an oral medication, Finasteride, has been prescribed. hormonal changes in men and post-menopausal The transplant of hair follicles is also more commonly avail- women. Serious illness, sudden weight loss and able but is costly. poor nutrition can also shorten the hair’s life

Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation Workers’ Memorial Day shows true cost of poor workplace safety By Sylvester Cronin

INTERNATIONAL Workers’ Such a reduction will hit front- back on 28th April next year com- niques and standards to protect One centenary being marked this Memorial Day – which takes line workplace inspections at a time year that did not receive much men- place on 28th April each when the reverse is needed, as tion – and perhaps the most impor- year – commemorates work- work-related deaths are on the tant for those concerned about safe- increase. ty and health – was that 100 years ers who have lost their lives In 2006, the then-Government through work-related causes. ago the work carried out by safety commissioned and published the representatives was enshrined in This year, ICTU’s Safety and Indecon Report revealing how poor Swedish labour law. Health Committee organised a fit- safety and health standards cost our In Sweden, if a safety representa- ting event to mark the day in the economy €3.6 billion a year. National Gallery in Dublin. tive believes a work activity is dan- ICTU General Secretary David gerous and poses an unacceptable Begg was among the speakers along The last three years risk, he/she has the legal right to with Martin O’Halloran, Chief has seen a rise in stop that work. Executive Officer of the Healthh The country has developed a and Safety Authority (HSA), the number of those ‘gold-standard’ in occupational safe- Michelle Peat-Morgan, Institute of killed at work even ty and health and one which we in Occupational Safety and Health Ireland should seek to emulate. (IOSH), John Devitt, CEO when overall the If front-line statutory inspections Transparency International, and number of those at for workplace safety and health in Safety and Health Committee chair Ireland are to be significantly Eamon Devoy. work has fallen r The last three years have seen an educed, then trade unions need to increase in the number of workers campaign for greater powers for memorating more people killed at every worker already exist and are safety representatives to carry out killed at work, even at a time when Cutting the number of front-line work. available. Protecting workers’ safe- inspections and follow up with pre- he number of people working is inspections can only increase this falling. cost to the country. But there is nothing inevitable ty, health and welfare at work is not ventative notices. This may indicate that safety and Across the so-called EU-15, about workers being killed as a simply a legal requirement – it is a If we can succeed in this goal, we health standards are in decline in around 2,500 workers are killed result of work-related causes – human right. can also deliver the requisite educa- the workplace. each year due to accidents at work. workers are killed because those in And this right must be strived tion and training for safety repre- A further worrying development What is particularly sad about control are not living up to their for – not just by trade unions – but sentatives to be competent in the are proposals to cut HSA resources these statistics is that they are responsibilities to protect employ- by all, including employers, govern- effective use of such powers for the because of the fiscal crisis. repeated ad infinitum. We will be ees. The safety and health tech- ment and society at large. benefit of all. 24 Liberty MAY 2012 International

CGT hails Hollande victory but calls for ‘real change’ in France

THE Confédération générale du travail (CGT) has welcomed the election of Socialist party candidate Francois Hollande as French SIPTU organiser president, claiming it was an expression of the strong desire for “economic and social witnesses triumph change” in the country. AMONG those assisting the Hollande election Representing about 720,000 French work- campaign was SIPTU organiser Rhonda ers, the CGT was strongly opposed to the Donaghey. plan for economic recovery put forward by She travelled to France with a delegation of outgoing president Nicolas Sarkozy, in par- Irish activists from the Party of European ticular his “authoritarian and anti-social” Socialists (PES) to assist their French com- policies and his forcing through of retire- rades for the final four days of campaigning. ment reform. A CGT statement issued fol- Rhonda told Liberty: “I canvassed in Paris. lowing Hollande’s May 6th victory said: Among socialist activists there was huge con- “The way he [Sarkozy] governed has clearly fidence after the Presidential debate between been punished.” Hollande and Sarkozy on the Wednesday It warned: “The influence of racist and evening before the election. It was very obvi- xenophobic ideas was ubiquitous through- ous who was the President during that debate out the campaign. The CGT will continue its and it wasn’t Sarkozy. battle against division and the ideas of the “On Sunday (6th May), I was among the extreme-right.“ The CGT called on the new thousands who partied in the Place de la administration to translate the mood for Bastille to celebrate the Hollande victory. It change into “new decisions” that would was absolutely amazing – the crowd was a change “the lives of workers, pensioners Francois Hollande salutes thousands of supporters following his election victory. The result brought a wave mix of young and old representing all the and the unemployed” and give hope to of celebration among left-wing voters across France Pictures: CC Olivier Clément/Mathieu Delmestre - Parti socialiste people that make up modern France. young people. “When Hollande came on stage his pres- its contents and its purpose – developing “The future of Europe cannot be built on It also said unions must resist employers’ ence was felt by everybody in the Bastille. public services across the whole territory, a social and fiscal competition between coun- demands for extra flexibility through so- The place erupted. You could feel that some- strong social welfare system and real indus- tries. What is needed is a Social Europe of called “job competitiveness” agreements. thing had changed not only for France but trial policy. The answer can emerge from the solidarity based on growth and co-operation The statement continued: “Real change also Europe.” happens through the job creation, increas- distribution of wealth in pursuit of sustain- and not on the generalised austerity ing wages, recognising and revaluing work – able human development. imposed on wage earners.”

Anti-austerity platform: Alexis Tsipras’ left coalition Syriza is now Greece’s second largest party Young hopeful leading Picture: karpidis (CC BY 2.0) charge against austerity

GREECE’s left coalition leader Syriza – which campaigned vigor- result showed that Greeks were Alexis Tsipras has called for a rene- ously against the EU-IMF blueprint not prepared to stomach what he gotiation of the EU-IMF “rescue for Greece – is now Greece’s sec- called "barbarous memorandums" package” for this country. ond largest party. and bailouts It follows the dramatic increase Formed in 2004, it previously And he vowed to freeze pay- in support for his Radical Coalition ranked fifth in terms of parliamen- ments to creditors and renegotiate of the Left party (Syriza) in elec- tary seats. measures included in the latest tions earlier this month. Tsipras, 37, claimed the election €130bn rescue package. Liberty 25 International MAY 2012

Dublin protests against Israeli occupation of Palestine and siege of Gaza Pictures: Photocall Palestinian refugees suffering Pictures: Wafa News Agency Palestine The world must not close its ears to pain of Palestine

HE 15th May is the day Israel’s inhumane imposition of solitary con- observed by all of our people finement, severe restrictions on family visits in Palestine and in exile as to the prisoners, and restrictions on access to “Nakbah Catastrophe Day” – T education. the most calamitous day in It is estimated that more than 2,000 our contemporary history. Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli Approximately 750,000 Palestinians were security forces since the Shalit “prisoner driven from their homes, many forcibly, at exchange” in October 2011, including some of the hands of Zionist gangs and thus found those that were released in that exchange. themselves until this date, homeless and Israel must be held accountable for its ill- stateless refugees. treatment and humiliation of thousands of As part of the Zionist-organised ethnic- Palestinian civilians, including children, cleansing campaign, more than 500 imprisoned in its jails and detention centres. Palestinian villages were obliterated to make By Ambassador Israel is responsible for the well-being of way for an expanded Jewish state in historic those prisoners. Palestine, which is now called the State of Hikmat Ajjuri It cannot be allowed to remain immune Israel. Mission of Palestine from the provisions of international humani- The situation today, in the Occupied Dublin, Ireland tarian and human rights law governing such Palestinian Territories, including East situations. Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate and ten- The international community has a clear sions continue to rise as a result of provoca- responsibility to hold Israel accountable for tions and illegal actions by Israel, the occupy- the deliberate and systematic breaches of its ing power, against the Palestinian people. On 17th April 2,000 Palestinian detainees legal obligations in this regard. Our catastrophe is an ongoing process. Should the occupying power continue to Since 1967, Israel has illegally imprisoned began an open-ended hunger strike... yet reject the demands for respect of internation- over 800,000 Palestinian political prisoners. the international community remained silent al law, then measures must be undertaken in This year, Israel holds captive 4,800 response aimed at ensuring an end to these Palestinian political prisoners. Of particular- violations and to ensure that the rule of law ly grave concern at this time is the precarious prevails. condition of those political prisoners in open-ended hunger strike to draw world policy of administrative detention by which While the 2,000 prisoners were on hunger Israeli jails and detention centres. attention to the deplorable conditions under more than 300 Palestinians are being held strike the international community remained On 17th April, which is commemorated which they are being held by the occupying without charge and without trial, some of silent – but when one Israeli soldier, Gilad annually by Palestinians as a day of solidari- power. The hunger strike ended on Monday them for many years now. They were also Shalit, was in captivity, the world roared! ty with prisoners, 2,000 detainees began an 14th May after Israel agreed not to renew the protesting against, among other practices, 26 Liberty MAY 2012 International

Liliany Obando pictured shortly after her release from prison in Bogota Picture: JFC Joy at Liliany’s release... but the killings continue By John O’Brien

OLOMBIAN researcher Liliany you choose to stand up for the rights of the have been forcibly disappeared. behind a widow, and three young daughters, Obando has been released oppressed. Mr Diaz had led efforts to organise a dele- aged 14, 11 and 4 years. following an international MOVICE – the national movement for the gation of 200 activists from Villa Guamez SINALCORTEROS noted in its statement campaign to gain her victims of displacement in Colombia – municipality in Putumayo department, who that the killing comes at a time of increased C denounced the assassination on 23rd March were travelling to take part in the Patriotic threats and violence against trade unionists freedom. of Manuel Ruiz, a land rights leader and March events on April 20th, 21st and 22nd in and people organised in the recent Patriotic Liliany was arrested in August 2008 and claimant. the capital Bogota. was put in a jail in Bógota awaiting trial – her Mr Ruiz was detained by paramilitaries as According to human rights organisations, March, and has called on the government to only “crime” was to uncover evidence of he took a bus home along with his 15-year- Mr Diaz was last seen in Puerto Vega area at fully investigate this crime and punish the murder and intimidation against Colombian old son, Samir, in Curvarado in the Choco 3.30 p.m. on April 18th. perpetrators. trade unionists and human rights defenders. region. Their bodies were recovered later He last made contact with his partner, Impunity for crimes against trade union- Evidence she collated had pointed to collu- telling her he was in the region. The area is ists stands at over 95% sion by the Colombian government of the heavily militarised sparking concern that he time and she later planned to publish her may have been held by the military. findings in an academic study. The Patriotic March – a coalition of trade Justice for Colombia (Ireland) announced Liliany, though free unions, student, indigenous and other social A total of seven trade at a special public meeting to mark from jail, is now organisations – has been wrongly accused of unionists have been Colombian activist Rosalba Toro’s visit to links to FARC, an accusation which often Ireland last December, that it would take on herself a potential ends in activists being imprisoned or mur- killed so far this year the case of Liliany Obando. target of the very dered. Requests were made for supporters to Mr Diaz had also helped to organise a meaning 61 have been send Christmas cards to Liliany. paramilitary groups human rights hearing in February, attended killed since the election Later, JFC Ireland member Marie Barry by a JFC delegation. made contact directly with Liliany’s support- she threatened to Over recent days, SINALCORTEROS, the of President Juan ers in Colombia. expose in 2008 sugar cane workers’ union has reported the We heard that she really appreciated the assassination of its General Secretary, Daniel Manuel Santos in 2010 number of cards and good wishes that got Aguirre Piedrahita. through, despite the efforts of the prison He was killed at about 9pm on Friday, 27th authorities to withhold post from her. and displayed signs of torture. April in the town of Florida, in Valle. He was Colombia is still the most dangerous coun- Little did we think then that a few short Mr Ruiz had been a victim of constant near his home making a phone call when he try in the world to be a trade unionist – it is months later Liliany would be free from threats from landholders who now own land was killed. an international trade union issue and we prison. Mr Aguirre had been a trade unionist since need your help. On March 1st, after more than three-and-a- claimed by the victims of displacement. before 2005, active in the struggle against JFC (Ireland) is a campaign network for half years in detention, delighted Justice for Much of this land has since been given over to the production of palm oil. sub-contracting which is rife in Colombia. He ICTU Global Solidarity Committee. Please Colombia Ireland activists received word of was also an active organiser and mobiliser of MOVICE claims the killing of Manuel Ruiz send your email address to her release. workers, and a vocal activist against the sign- Unfortunately, the charges against Liliany and his son was “part of a systematic and [email protected] to get involved. You can ing of free trade agreements with Colombia. also see us on Twitter and Facebook. Check Obando have not been dropped and while generalised policy against land claimants His killing takes the number of trade she is not in prison, she is now herself a and victims”. out our site at www.ictu.ie/ unionists killed so far this year to seven, globalsolidarity/justiceforcolombia/ potential target of the very paramilitary It was also revealed on 18th April that with 61 trade unionists assassinated since groups she threatened to expose in 2008. Herman Henry Diaz, a leading activist with President Juan Manuel Santos came to John O’Brien is Secretary of JFC (Ireland) and full-time Colombia is still a very dangerous place if the trade union FENSUAGRO, is believed to power in August 2010. Mr Aguirre leaves union official with INTO. Liberty 27 Book Reviews MAY 2012

Church Street Bridge after the heavy fighting, left, while, above, British Army Lancers advance along the quays. Below, One of the boilers from the Inchicore works converted for use as armour (Daily Sketch; The Queen’s Royal Lancers Regimental Museum; Mick O’Farrell)

Joy at Liliany’s release... The 1916fight for the Four Courts

Crossfire - The places from Broadstone and Battle of the Four Constitution Hill to Cabra, (partly Courts 1916 to cover an escape route to North By Paul O’Brien County Dublin if one was needed). but the killings continue New Island 2012 They did not have to wait long (1916 in Focus series) for the enemy, in the shape of the €12.99 British army with units of both Irish (e.g. Dublin Fusiliers) and English regiments. Overall, this N THE long runway battlefield saw some of the most into the centenary of sustained and fiercest fighting of the Easter Rising of the Rising and was the last to sur- 1916, it is reasonable render, with one post, Clarkes O Dairy under the command of the to suppose there will Holohan brothers, refusing to give be a tsunami of publications of Seán Heuston, who commanded the in until the day after the general Volunteers in the Mendicity Institute all classes and description. And ceasefire. It was also the location (Kilmainham Gaol) for such a pivotal event in the of atrocities against the civilian emphasise on the role of the history of this island, it’s the population of North King Street way it should be, even for a women fighters, often previously portrayed by some in an essential- story as generally well known ly passive role. That was never the as this Rising of barely 6 days. case. Paul O’Brien tells the story of No doubt there will be new Fianna Éireann Council with brothers Patrick and Gary Holahan, who both took a key role in the fighting, pictured standing and sitting on the left (Patrick Holohan) This was no ‘motley their bravery and the dangers they interpretations and reinterpre- crew’ out to make faced shoulder to shoulder with tations to beat the band, as not, and were prepared to pay the with high morale which posi- their male comrades. He points out well as revisions, neo –revisions price for seeking their goal. tioned itself well in the battlefield some theatrical that one of the most dangerous and attempts to “balance the This enthralling read tells the with strategic and tactical efficien- statement... this duties of all, that of carrying mes- books” with other centenaries story of one area of operations in cy and fully aimed to please any- sages under constant fire to and in this decade of commemora- the Rising in Dublin, that of 130 one who took them on for a fight. was a well-trained from the GPO HQ was entrusted to tions, often simply to satisfy volunteer soldiers of the (massive- However, as always in war, no fighting force that a member of Cumman na mBann. contemporary political pres- ly understrength) First Battalion of one side has the monopoly on This is one of a number of simi- sures. the Dublin Brigade Irish bravery and it is equally hard not had high morale lar books written by the author However, when all the academic Volunteers, Cumman na mBan and to admire the bravery of young 14 about different Dublin battlefields and political tumult and shouting Fianna Eireann under the com- year old Gerard Playfair, son of the of the Rising, the others being subsides, the story of 1916 mand of Commandant Edward British Army Commander of the “Uncommon Valour”, about the remains one of brave and deter- Daly (later executed). You cannot Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park, carried out by British forces and fighting in the South Dublin Union mined (mainly) young Irish people make your way through its pages who was shot while trying to warn which were not uncovered until (now St. James Hospital) and who took up arms against the without a growing admiration for of the start of the Rising. Similarly after the Rising had ended. “Blood on the Streets” covering the biggest Empire in the world their bravery and determination, the author acknowledges the The author, historian Paul battle in Mount St. Some of the because they believed this would as well as the military skill and “advanced” tactics used on the O’Brien, tells the story in detail best writing about the Rising will result in a better life for all in an knowledge acquired by these part ground by Edward Daly’s battle- and in a style and at a pace to cap- undoubtedly be in more focused Irish Republic. Many were working time soldiers in hours snatched field adversary, Lieutenant- tivate all but the most cynical of studies such as this, as well as class, some from organised labour, from work or family. The author in Colonel Henry Taylor. readers. Check out the story of more local histories. This work by or lower middle class. They armed particular notes their skilled The battleground was the area “Reilly’s Fort” and the escape of Paul O’Brien certainly sets a pace and trained themselves all over marksmanship which was honed around the Four Courts, Church the Volunteers towards the end, as and a standard for such micro his- pre-partition Ireland under the in secret rifle ranges hidden in Street (on the way from the Liffey well as the more harrowing tories for the both the general watchful eye of the authorities, buildings throughout the city. As to Phibsborough) and North King account of Captain Percival Lea- reader, and for the anoraks, and and if any of their leaders had pri- you read on, you realise this was Street. There was outlying action Wilson (of the Royal Irish should be read now by all of the vate doubts about the prospects of no “motley crew” out to make across the river in what was then Regiment) and his treatment of above. victory, many of the men and some theatrical statement. This the Mendicity Institute (for home- captured Volunteer leaders on page women of this volunteer army did was a well-trained fighting force less men), as well as outposts in 86. Overall note the author’s Michael Halpenny 28 Liberty MAY 2012 Book Reviews Connolly’s right hand man 16 Lives: the era, he is largely forgotten. in the esteem of fellow trade “prickly integrity” that beset Michael Mallin While much of the correspon- unionists, especially Connolly, Connolly and chose not to explain By Brian Hughes, dence of the 1916 leaders was who would make this taciturn but his behaviour to his superior offi- O’Brien Press, written with an eye to posterity, determined individual his second cer. Neither man was easy to get €11.99 Mallin had no such pretensions. in command when he took over along with and both were sticklers His last letter to his wife is moving leadership of the ICA on Larkin’s for military discipline. in its intimacy. The book is worth departure to America in 1914. This well-written biography buying for the letter alone. Both men had a shared experi- gives an insightful, sympathetic MICHAEL Mallin, Chief of Staff of Before the Rising, Mallin was ence as soldiers in the British but not uncritical portrait of the Irish Citizen Army, has always best known as Secretary of the Army but were comrades rather Mallin, including an interesting been overshadowed by his com- Silk Weavers Union, and he led than friends. assessment of his military per- mander James Connolly on one them in a 13-week strike at Hughes believes they became formance as commander in the side and his own colourful subor- Atkinson and Company’s Hanbury estranged because of an incident Stephen’s Green sector in 1916. dinate Countess Markievicz on the Lane plant from March until June when Connolly thought Mallin Hopefully, other biographies in other. 1913. Although ultimately success- was drunk on duty but was proba- the O’Brien Press 1916 series meet Unlike either he left no political ful, the strike took a heavy toll on bly suffering from a bout of malar- the high standard set by Brian testament behind him and, like his family and the union itself. ia contracted in India. Hughes. most working class activists from By the same token, it raised him Mallin possessed the same Padraig Yeates Michael Mallin: Trade unionist and soldier Tragedy, mutiny... then a farcical trial

By Michael Halpenny Titanic’s sister ship Olympic JUST when you thought it was safe during of life on the Titanic, the shipping Portsmouth on the 4th May 1912 to come out from under the bed Belfast line then pointed out that they had and were found guilty of mutiny in and that the “all clear” had sound- sea trials been passed by the Board of Trade. their campaign for health and safe- ed on Titanic stories, here’s a little No doubt mindful of the fact ty. interesting postscript. that the very same Board of Trade No doubt conscious of the public The RMS Olympic was a sister had sanctioned the lifeboat com- mood in response to the Titanic ship of the Titanic and for a short plement on the Titanic, the crew disaster, the court (sensibly) decid- period was herself the largest were, not surprisingly, unim- ed to impose no sentence or fine. ocean-going passenger liner in the Olympic, the Titanic, under con- was not lost on the crew of the pressed and stopped work. The Olympic eventually sailed to world. She was laid down in 1908 struction in Belfast, was “canni- Olympic, which, like the Titanic, Eventually, the employers were New York on the 15th May 1912 in Harland and Wolff in Belfast and balised” and her propeller shaft did not have enough for all aboard. forced to test a sample number of and enjoyed a long career as a pas- her maiden voyage was in June was removed and fitted to her sis- Accordingly, when the Olympic the additional boats and one was senger liner and troop ship during 1911. ter ship to keep her in service. was due to set sail from found to be unseaworthy. The the First World War. It was shortly after then that the These and later repairs to the Southampton to New York in late engine room crew agreed to sail if Unfortunately, the issue of mar- Olympic had her first mishap, Olympic delayed Titanic’s maiden April 1912, the ship’s firemen that, and any other defective boats, itime safety did not glide off as when, under the command of Capt voyage from March to April 1912. (engine room crew) went on strike were replaced. gracefully as the Olympic and a Edward Smith, she was involved in The story of the Titanic is, to say because they were fearful of the However, they said they would century later, earlier this month, a collision with the Royal Navy the least, well known – as is the seaworthiness of extra second- only do so if strikebreaking crew the International Transport warship HMS Hawke. The latter fate of the unfortunate and, appar- hand collapsible lifeboats hurriedly were removed from the ship. The Workers Federation were forced to came off the worst in this unex- ently accident-prone Capt Smith, added by the White Star Line to employers refused and when the call for “…effective safety stan- pected encounter with the White who had transferred command to the ship. Leaving aside the fact strikers went ashore, all 54 were dards for vessels and crew…” in Star liner and the Navy blamed the ill-fated vessel. However, the that the best the company could do arrested and charged with response to the Indian ferry Capt Smith. glaring inadequacy of the number were second-hand life boats, a mat- “mutiny”! They were brought tragedy. In order to repair the damaged of lifeboats on board the Titanic ter of days after the appalling loss before the Magistrate’s Court in Liberty 29 Obituaries MAY 2012

OBITUARYTom McCarthy Tom’s watchwords – Educate, Agitate, Organise IN SIPTU’s current mode of the and union structures. In the 1980s, he developed the months. He later welcomed SIPTU organising union, it is well to Indeed, in some quarters, there ITGWU Educational Scholarship College. remember the proven slogan, was outright opposition. Scheme fulfilling his ambition to McCarthy was a private, family Educate, Agitate, Organise. By 1976, a staggering 8,364 rank- provide opportunity for workers to person but good company. He The death of Tom McCarthy wit- and-file members were receiving access Third Level courses and for enjoyed reminiscing of his days nessed the passing of one of the training every year. Few shop stew- members’ children to be supported playing on the wing for Bohemians, union’s most significant figures in ards, branch officials, NEC mem- in continuing their education to but preferred an earnest discussion the development of its education bers, even general officers, over the Leaving Certificate and university about education, the key tool in programmes and a true champion next decades did not benefit from entrance. Musical scholarships liberating workers from the mar- of worker education in Ireland. union education programmes. reflected his support for arts activi- gins of society. Tom McCarthy was appointed as McCarthy contributed extensive- ties. He was sincerely committed to the ITGWU Head of Education and ly beyond his departmental brief, By now McCarthy was Head of union and class and a significant – Training in 1971. He was a highly including union submissions to the Development Services Division. albeit rarely glimpsed – figure in respected educationalist as senior the Commission on Industrial As the ITGWU and FWUI dis- shaping the ITGWU in the 1970s psychologist and adviser to the Relations and Commission on cussed merger, McCarthy was a key and 1980s. His contribution should City of Dublin Vocational Taxation, as well as many other background figure in mediating an be hailed. Education Committee. areas of policy formation. agreement, drawing up draft rules, Tom McCarthy died on 27th McCarthy developed the He published articles in academ- and contributing to mutual confi- April, 2012. He would not wish for Education and Training Department ic journals on education and work- dence building. speeches or memorials but that we, from scratch, insisting on the high- er education, taking special inter- In these tasks, his independence collectively as a union – not least est standards of scholarship and est in concepts of life-long learning of mind, understanding of – and in the task of organising in these course development. as provided for by ILO Convention expertise in – conflict resolution austere and vicious times – would His first tutors were recruited Tom McCarthy: Developed ITGWU Education 140 on Paid Educational Leave. and group dynamics, as well as an recognise that Agitation and and Training Department from scratch from within the union’s industrial He served on the ICTU Education amiable and open manner were of Organisation are best when served staff – Jim Buckley, Des Geraghty, as the tutors took to the road to Committee and the boards of extreme importance. by Education! He is survived by his Dónal Lehane, Des Mahon and teach shop stewards about griev- AnCo/FÁS, the National College of A regret for McCarthy was that wife, Noreen, and children Tom, Mattie O’Neill. ance handling and negotiating with Art & Design, Bord na Gaeilge and his retirement on 10th May 1990, Andrew, Paul, John, Brendan and There was considerable scepti- management, public speaking and International Federation of Worker when he was 63, meant he was daughter Elizabeth. cism among some industrial staff meetings procedure, labour law, Education Associations. only able to serve SIPTU for four

OBITUARY Noel Kelehan 1935-2012 A likeable and kind musician NOEL Kelehan who died in Dublin Kelehan directed five Irish-winning for a remarkable 47 years, until Symphony, the Largo from on 6th February at the age of 76 entries: What’s Another Year? 2002, when that union was dis- Dvorak’s New World Symphony, was a jazz pianist, composer, (1980), Hold Me Now (1987), Why solved. and Sondheim’s Send in the arranger, conductor and musical Me? (1992), In Your Eyes (1993) Together with musicians Greg Clowns, in a noted arrangement by director. and The Voice (1996). Boland, Donal Lunny and Melanie Kelehan. A self-taught composer and In addition to directing a total of O’Reilly, and former SIPTU European Song Contest winner, arranger, he was born in Dublin in 24 Irish entries, he conducted the General President, Des Geraghty, Eimear Quinn, sang the hymn, Be 1935. Having initially performed entries of Bosnia and Herzegovina Kelehan was a progenitor of the Not Afraid and Caccini’s Ave Maria. in dance and jazz bands, Kelehan (1993), Greece, Poland and present Musicians’ Union of In an anonymous Irish Times later played in jazz quartets and Romania (1994) and Poland (1995). Ireland (MUI), enrolling and tribute following his death, the quintets with such accomplished After his retirement as a conduc- remaining a member up to his writer said: “The tributes from musicians as Louis Stewart, Jimmy tor in 1998 and from RTÉ in 2000, final illness. friends, colleagues and associates, McKay, Mike Nolan, Keith Donald Kelehan continued arranging and In an impressive musical tribute in Ireland and internationally, to and John Wadham. conducting for several years, at his funeral Mass in the Church Noel Kelehan… are an indication He was appointed as a staff con- notably for the singer, Daniel of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan, of the affection which this warm, ductor with RTÉ in 1973 and later O’Donnell. Rathfarnham, on 9th February, the witty, kind and likeable man inspired in those who knew him.” as Musical Director. A lifelong trade union member, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, under its Noel Kelehan is survived by his Best known to the public as the Kelehan joined what was then the former Principal Conductor, wife Mary, daughter Carol and sons most successful conductor ever of Irish Federation of Musicians in Proinnsías Ó Duinn, performed a Noel Kelehan: Lifelong trade unionist movement of Beethoven’s Fourth Brian and Simon. the European Song Contest, 1955, remaining in membership

Stay Informed! Are you receiving Liberty Online? (SIPTU’s e-zine sent out via email to members) If not send your email address, together with your name and membership number to [email protected] Are you receiving Liberty newspaper to your workplace? If not, send your name, workplace address, and phone details to [email protected] and we will add you to our distribution list. Please specify how many copies of Liberty you would be able to distribute. Do you use the SIPTU website? The SIPTU website is updated daily with all the latest news, stories and features visit www.siptu.ie 30 Liberty MAY 2012 Sport

All Rovers bar the shouting: Shamrock Rovers raise the Airtricity League cup after a nail-biting encounter with UCD Picture: GMK Photography

St. Pauli fans will be supporting Ireland The Boys in Green face World Cup champs Spain, the skilful Italians and an in-form Croatia team in the World Cup’s opening this Summer. stages – but, whatever the results, 15,000 of their supporters will have a party in Poland anyway Picture: USP Photos Rocky road to Poland By Ciaran Murray

NTERNATIONAL tourna- Slavic phrase books, inflatable sion of talented Sunderland Berlin for two weeks then make ments can be a difficult shamrocks and the sound of winger, and ex-League of Ireland our way to Poznan and Gdansk topic for Irish football Damien Dempsey’s rousting chart- man James McClean, but it is still from there, by bus then rental car. fans. Stories of away trips topper, the Rocky Road to Poland, an Irish side reliant on the pairing Over the last couple of years, my I of Keith Andrews and Glenn will accompany an estimated visits to Germany have been many, tend to involve visits to the Whelan in midfield. credit union or calls home for 20,000 as they leave these shores watching St Pauli of Hamburg, and for Europe in June. And yet, we’ve qualified, and for experiencing all that goes with additional funds – Germany There they will see arguably the defenders of Giovanni Trapattoni, such. ’88 and Italia ’90 were accessi- least exciting Irish squad in recent that is evidence enough of the By our side at the Irish games great abilities of the conservative ble yet still sent many a fan times take on world champions will be the same German St Pauli Italian. deep into the financial red. Spain, previous world champions fans with whom we have stood Supporters of the League of Following the hey-day of Jack’s Italy and an incredibly talented shoulder to shoulder on the ter- Army, things became even more Ireland also have something to Croatian side, including in-form cheer us; who can say our domestic races of the Millerntor Stadium Trapattoni: Conservative approach difficult. The World Cups in the Everton striker Nikica Jelavic and league lacks talent when six out of based in the staunchly working USA in 1994 and Japan/South Wolfsburg's Mario Mandzukic up the final 23 players heading to class port district of Hamburg. expectation? For Ireland’s three Korea in 2002 were too much of a front. Poland honed their skills on the In recent years the St Pauli fans group games, I foresee three financial stretch for all but the When you consider our best turf of Dalymount or the Sligo have built a strong relationship results – a win, a draw and a loss. most committed, or loaded. chance at three points involves a Showgrounds? with Ireland, with teams travelling I’ll leave it up to you which result So this summer is the first game against a team with these I’ll be joining the green hordes to take part in Anti-Racism Cup will be which. chance for a whole new generation pair, you get some idea of the travelling to Europe in the compa- tournaments in Belfast and several A mixed bunch we may be, but of Irish fans to travel en masse to titanic struggle which awaits us. ny of international veterans and attending Bohemians games both whether Irish or German our battle an international championship This, of course, is not to knock newbies as part of the Dublin St home and away. cry is the same. Come on you boys again, and travel we will. an Irish side buoyed by the inclu- Pauli Supporters’ Club. We stay in So will I be traveling in hope or in green! Liberty 31 MAY 2012

James Connolly’s Great, Great was surprised to see about a unman me." The officer said: "Only five Grand-daughter, Niamh Connolly, dozen soldiers encamped outside "But your beautiful life, James. minutes more." Mama was nearly read a moving extract from a Papa's door. There was an officer Your beautiful life!" she sobbed. overcome - she had to be given ‘Portrait of a Rebel Father’ by on guard inside the room. Papa "Well, Lillie, hasn't it been a water. Papa tried to clasp her in Nora Connolly O’Brien at the turned his head at our coming. full life and isn't this a good end" I his arms but he could only lift his James Connolly Commemoration "Well, Lillie, I suppose you was also crying. "Don't cry, Nora, head and shoulders from the bed. in Arbour Hill cemetery, Dublin, know what this means?" there's nothing to cry about." The officer said: "Time is up." Papa on Sunday, 15th May. "Oh, James, it's not that - it's "I won't cry. Papa," I said. turned and said good-bye to her In the book Nora recalls the last not that." "He patted my hand and said: and she could not see him. I tried time she saw her father… "Yes, Lillie. I fell asleep for the "That's my brave girl." to bring Mama away but I could On Thursday, 11th May, at mid- first time tonight and they wak- "He tried to cheer Mama by not move her. The nurse came for- night, a motor ambulance came to ened me at eleven and told me telling her of the man who had ward and helped her away. I ran the door. The officer said father that I was to die at dawn."Mamma come into the Post Office during back and kissed Papa again. "Nora, was very weak and wished to see broke down and laid her head on the Rising to try and buy a penny I'm proud of you." Then the door his wife and eldest the bed and sobbed heartbreaking- stamp, "I don't know what was shut and I saw him no more. daughter…Through dark, deserted ly. Father patted her head and Dublin's coming to when you can't Niamh Connolly is observed by John Connolly sentry-ridden streets we rode. I said: "Don't cry, Lillie, you'll buy a stamp at the Post Office." a grandson of James Connolly at Arbour Hill. Boris’ SF fundraiser quip angered Paddy’s Day gala celebs TWO words to anyone prompted to pro- event in the past were such well known radi- mote the concept of a directly elected cals as Bob Geldof and the Irish Ambassador to Britain. Not amused: Actor Adrian Dunbar and chef Richard Corrigan Mayor of our capital – Boris Johnson. Ken Livingstone made a dignified exit after He wrongly described the gig at the losing to Boorish Boris after an impressive Dorchester Hotel as a fund-raiser for Sinn Féin, campaign, helped incidentally by some mem- incurring the wrath of a raft of celebrities such bers of the Irish Labour Party’s youth wing. as chef Richard Corrigan and actor Adrian Labour Youth were almost as strongly moti- Dunbar. He later apologised for the remark but vated by disdain for Boris as they were by tried to link it to other cost-cutting measures affection for Livingstone, who has never been after taking over from Red Ken. afraid to show support for Ireland, long before “Ken and his chums ran up bills of £37,500 circumstances allowed for a royal visit. for first class airfares and hotels visiting Fidel It’s a pity that Ken will not be on hand for Castro in Cuba and I had to cancel a £10,000-a- the inevitable State visit of President Higgins. year subscription to the Morning Star (the Boris will have to bite his lip as he entertains British communist newspaper),” he told the visiting Paddies but the mask slipped last Irish Indo. March when he dismissed the annual St Since the function had nothing got to do Patrick’s Day gala dinner as "leftie crap". with Ken’s budget, it was an odd apology Among the “lefties” who attended the black-tie indeed. Bob Geldof attended St Paddy’s Day event in the Dorchester So sorry: London Mayor Boris Johnson O’Brien ramps up pressure on Indo SO farewell then Gavin negotiated by his highly paid legal formal union recognition. Either way, agreements which O'Reilly. We will have to wait representatives. Independent Newspapers broke had stood the test of time were until June to see if the In the battle between the national agreements and refused torn up while a major outsourcing €1.87m golden handshake O'Reillys and the O'Briens, there to go to the LRC or Labour Court. programme led to massive redun- agreed by the board of INM may be little enough to chose It is a moot point whether this dancies. will be honoured. from, although under Sir Anthony was down to Gavin, who to his Poor Gav now knows how it The O'Brien camp were not con- O'Reilly, trade union recognition credit remained personally friend- feels, although the size of his pack- tent with getting rid of Sir Anto's was nevertheless not in doubt. ly towards union representatives age is significantly greater than the second eldest, known to Indo staff In the reign of Gavin, SIPTU and and indeed to the workforce, or to redundancy terms available to as “Baby Jesus”, but now want to the NUJ found their agreements the man who now takes over from those who helped to build the take away the severance package being undermined, despite having him, Vincent Crowley. O'Reilly empire.

SIPTU Membership Information & Support Centre (MISC)

8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday Cartoon SIPTU MEMBERSHHIP SERVICES

s Home Insurance s Car Insurance 1890 300 745 s Income Protection Plaans www.jllt.ie

s Car Insurance 1890 22 22 22 s Life Assurance www.onedirect.ie

s Travel Insurance 1890 929 373 www.quickcover.ie s The Low Cost Alternative to 1890 473 473 Private Medical Insurance www.hsf.ie

s Fair Hotels, the informed www.fairhotels.ie choice for Ethical Consumers

If you would likke to find out more information about the products that SIPTU Membership Services provide go to the Membership Services page at www.siptu.ie or email [email protected]