Lockup

AGENDA

ORGANISE BDC BARGAIN PROGRESS 2017 BELFAST 4 6 JULY

Contents

Notice to Delegates 2

Timetable of Business 4

List of Motions and Amendments to BDC2017 10

Motions to BDC2017 14

Standing Orders Committee Report Number One 42

Nominations to BDC2017 46

Fringe Events at BDC2017 50

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 1 Notice to Delegates

1. This year, the overall theme of the 5. You must show your Credential/Lanyard Conference is ‘Organise Bargain Progress’. Card to gain entrance to the Conference Within that overall theme, Conference will Hall. You should bring Conference debate: documents with you to each session, as additional copies will not be available. • 55 Motions and 3 Amendments, including 11 Motions from the Executive Council; 6. If you are moving a motion you will be allowed to speak for five minutes, and each • A Report from the Executive Council subsequent speaker for three minutes. You on Congress Priorities & Strategy, should give your name and the name of Organisation & Finance over the past your organisation when speaking. two years. If you wish to contact the Standing Orders 2. This document contains the motions to Committee you may do so by contacting any be debated at Conference, the timetable member of the Congress Secretariat at the en- of business and the first report from the trance to the Conference Hall. The members of Standing Orders Committee. Standing Orders Committee are: Kieran Jack McGinley (Chair), Services Industrial Profession- 3. The timetable of business gives you the al & Technical Union, Annette Dolan, Teachers’ order in which the motions will be debated Union of Ireland, Joan Gaffney, MANDATE, Pat and voted on for each day. Guilfoyle, Technical, Engineering & Electrical It also gives you the times at which various Union, Denis Keatings, UNISON. sections of the Report from the Executive Council will be discussed.

Any changes in the order of business will be notified to the Conference by the Standing Orders Committee.

4. The commencement time for each morning session of the Conference is 09.30hrs on Tuesday 4th July, Wednes day 5th July and Thursday 6th July, 2015, and the afternoon sessions will commence at 14.30hrs. The Conference is scheduled to finish at 17.30hrs on Tuesday 4th July, and at 17.00hrs on Wednesday 5th July, and at 13.00hrs on Thursday 6th July. You are asked to be in the Conference Hall punctually and to remain throughout the sessions.

2 Timetable of Business Timetable of Business Tuesday 4th July

Morning Session Afternoon Session

— 09.30 – 11.30 Exchange of Stubs for Voting Cards from Opening Of Conference 14.30hrs on Tuesday to 11.00am on Wednesday

Address of Welcome: — 14.30 – 15.45 Lord Mayor of Belfast and President of Belfast Employment Rights Trades Council (Principle EC Report Reference Section 2 The Address by President of Ireland: Work of Congress (i), Industrial, Legislation & Michael D Higgins Strategic Organising’)

Election of Tellers (Six) Motion 7 (The Right of Trade Union Access – MANDATE) Election of Scrutineers (Six) Motion 8 (Trade Union Access and Statutory Adoption of Standing Orders Reports Recognition – USDAW) No. 1, and No. 2 Motion 9 (Precarious Employment – TEEU) Address by Congress President: Brian Campfield Motion 10 (Precarious Employment Practices in the Construction Sector – OPATSI) Introduction of Executive Council Report Motion 11 (Bogus Self-Employment – CWU)

— 11.30 – 13.00 Motion 12 (Exploitation of Seafarers – Northern Ireland NURMT)

(Principle EC Report Reference: Section 2 The Motion 13 (Competition Amendment Bill 2016 – Work of Congress, (i) Industrial, Legislation and NUJ) Strategic Organising (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Motion 14 (Constructing the Recovery – TEEU) Equality, Social Policy & the Labour Market, (iv) Education & Training and (v) Public Engagement, Motion 15 (Gender Pay Gap – IMPACT) Campaigns & Communications) Motion 16 (Mental Health Awareness Training Motion 1 (Northern Ireland – – GMB) Executive Council) Committee Speaker: Adam Murry – Congress Youth Motion 2 (Northern Ireland Political Committee Situation/Austerity – NIPSA)

Motion 3 (Trade Union and Labour Rights - PCSU) — 15.45 – 16.00 Break Motion 4 (Sunday Trading – USDAW)

Motion 5 (Pay for Health and Social Care Staff in Northern Ireland – CSP)

Motion 6 (EU Exit – Protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process – UNISON) Fraternal Speaker: Frances O’Grady, TUC

— 13.00 – 14.30 Lunch Adjournment

4 Timetable of Business Tuesday 4th July (cont.) Wednesday 5th July

— 16.00 – 17.30 Morning Session Finance, Organisation & Organising (Private Session) Polling Stations open 11.00 - 15.00hrs.

(Principle EC Report Reference Section 2 The — 09.30 – 10.30 Work of Congress, (i) Industrial, Legislation The Economy & Strategic Organising (iv) Education & Training, (v) Public Engagement, Campaigns (Principle EC Report Reference: Section 1 The & Communications, ‘Appendix 1 – Accounts, Economy) Appendix 2 –Executive Council, General Purposes Committee, Northern Ireland Committee & Motion 24 (The Economy – Executive Council) Obituaries, Appendix 3 – Affiliated Membership, Motion 25 (Sustaining Access to Financial Appendix 4 – Staff at Congress 2017, Appendix Services as Part of Thriving 5 – Membership of Congress Committees and Communities – FSU) External Bodies, Appendix 6 – Action on Motions Committee Speaker: to Biennial Conference 2015, Appendix 7 – Brendan Mackin – Congress Centres Disputes Committee Reports) Network Motion 17 (Organising our Future – Executive Council) — 10.30 – 12.00 Motion 18 (Youth Organising – CPSU) Brexit

Motion 19 (Strategic Plan for Future of (Principle EC Report Reference Section 1 The the Trade Union Movement – Economy, Section 2 The Work of Congress (ii) MANDATE) Northern Ireland)

Motion 20 (Special Fund for Trades Fraternal Speaker: Councils – Dublin CTU) Luca Visentini, ETUC Motion 21 (Promoting Worker Welfare Motion 26 (Brexit – Executive Council) – ASTI) Motion 27 (Brexit and Irish Shipping Policy – Motion 22 (Selection of Labour Panel Wexford CTU) Candidates to Seanad Motion 28 (Brexit – UNITE) Elections – PSEU) Motion 29 (Impact of UK EU Withdrawal on Motion 23 (Disputes Committee Report Cross-border Working – Prospect) No. 16/3, 2016 Regarding the Issue of Trade Union Rights in Motion 30 (All-Island Agreement in Respect Dublin City University – IFUT) of Freedom of Movement and the Right to Work – Equity) (Amendment – SIPTU) Motion 31 (Workers Must Not Pay the Price – GMB) Adjournment Until Wednesday 5th July

— 12.00 – 13.00 Social Policy

(Principle EC Report Reference Section 1 The Economy, Section 2 The Work of Congress (ii) Northern Ireland)

Committee Speakers: Margaret Brown, Margaret Galloway – Retired Workers’ Committee Motion 32 (Retired Workers – Executive Council)

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 5 Wednesday 5th July (cont.) — 15.45 – 17.00 Public Services

Motion 33 (Retired Members – Fermanagh (Principle EC Report Reference Section 1 The Trades Council) Economy, Section 2 The Work of Congress (i) Industrial, Legislation & Strategic Organising) Motion 34 (Pensions – Executive Council) Motion 44 (The Future of Health Care in Ireland – INMO) — 13.00 – 14.30 Lunch Adjournment Motion 45 (Irish Public Health System – IMO)

Motion 46 (Support for Workers in Relation Afternoon Session to Mental Health and Well-being – NASUWT) — 14.30 – 15.45 Social Policy (cont.) Motion 47 (Perinatal Mental Health – RCM) Motion 48 (Cancer Awareness – Fermanagh (Principle EC Report Reference: Section 2 The Trades Council) Work of Congress (iii) Equality & Social Policy) Motion 49 (Protection of Local Services – Guest Speaker: Letterkenny TC) Martin Collins, Pavee Point Motion 50 (Bus Éireann – Cork CTU) Motion 35 (Housing – Executive Council) Motion 51 (Sectarianism/Hate Crimes and the Amendment (Belfast & District Trade Union Response – NIPSA) TUC) Committee Speaker: Motion 36 (Housing Policy – GSU) Claire Mahon – Congress Disability Motion 37 (Social Progress – SIPTU) Committee

Committee Speaker: Margaret Coughlan – Congress Adjournment Until Thursday 6th July Women’s Committee

Motion 38 (Equality & Human Rights – Executive Council)

Motion 39 (Securing Reproductive Rights for Women – UNISON)

Motion 40 (Prejudice and Discrimination – Belfast District CTU)

Motion 41 (Accessible and Inclusive Public Education System – INTO)

Motion 42 (Investment in Education – TUI)

Motion 43 (Media Control – UNITE)

Amendment (NUJ)

6 Timetable of Business Thursday 6th July

Morning Session

— 09.30 – 13.00 International Affairs

(Principle EC Report Reference Section 2 The Work of Congress, (vi) European Union & International)

Guest Speaker: Huber Ballesteros, CUT Colombia

Motion 52 (European Pillar of Social Rights – Executive Council)

Motion 53 (Global Solidarity – Executive Council)

Motion 54 (International Labour Organisation – Executive Council)

Fraternal Speaker: Sharan Burrow, ITUC

Motion 55 (Palestinian Solidarity – Derry CTU) Committee Speaker: Congress Global Solidarity

Guest Speaker: Omar Barghouti, BDS

— 13.00 Closing Ceremonies

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 7

List of Motions and Amendments to BDC2017 Tuesday 4th July, 2017

Morning Session, 11.30 – 13.00hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

1 Northern Ireland Executive Council

2 Northern Ireland Political Situation/Austerity NIPSA

3 Trade Union and Labour Rights PCSU

4 Sunday Trading USDAW

5 Pay for Health and Social Care Staff in Northern Ireland CSP

6 EU Exit – Protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process UNISON

Afternoon Session, 14.30 – 15.45hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

7 The Right of Trade Union Access MANDATE

8 Trade Union Access and Statutory Recognition USDAW

9 Precarious Employment TEEU

10 Precarious Employment Practices in the Construction Sector OPATSI

11 Bogus Self-Employment CWU

12 Exploitation of Seafarers NURMT

13 Competition Amendment Bill 2016 NUJ

14 Constructing the Recovery TEEU

15 Gender Pay Gap IMPACT

16 Mental Health Awareness Training GMB

Afternoon Session, 15.45 – 17.30hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

17 Organising our Future Executive Council

18 Youth Organising CPSU

19 Strategic Plan for Future of the Trade Union Movement MANDATE

20 Special Fund for Trades Councils Dublin CTU

21 Promoting Worker Welfare ASTI

22 Selection of Labour Panel Candidates to Seanad Elections PSEU

Disputes Committee Report No. 16/3, 2016 Regarding the 23 IFUT Issue of Trade Union Rights in Dublin City University

Amendment SIPTU

10 List of Motions and Amendments to BDC2017 Wednesday 5th July, 2017

Morning Session, 09.30 – 10.30hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

24 The Economy Executive Council

Sustaining Access to Financial Services as Part of 25 FSU Thriving Communities

Morning Session, 10.30 – 12.00hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

26 Brexit Executive Council

27 Brexit and Irish Shipping Policy Wexford CTU

28 Brexit UNITE

29 Impact of UK EU Withdrawal on Cross-border Working Prospect

All-Island Agreement in Respect of Freedom of Movement 30 Equity and the Right to Work

31 Workers Must Not Pay the Price GMB

Morning Session, 12.00 – 13.00hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

32 Retired Workers Executive Council Fermanagh Trades 33 Retired Members Council 34 Pensions Executive Council

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 11 Wednesday 5th July, 2017 (cont.)

Afternoon Session, 14.30 – 15.45hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

35 Housing Executive Council

Belfast & District Amendment TUC

36 Housing Policy GSU

37 Social Progress SIPTU

38 Equality & Human Rights Executive Council

39 Securing Reproductive Rights for Women UNISON Belfast & District 40 Prejudice and Discrimination TUC 41 Accessible and Inclusive Public Education System INTO

42 Investment in Education TUI

43 Media Control UNITE

Amendment NUJ

44 The Future of Health Care in Ireland INMO

45 Irish Public Health System IMO

Support for Workers in Relation to Mental Health and 46 NASUWT Well-being

47 Perinatal Mental Health RCM

Fermanagh Trades 48 Cancer Awareness Council

49 Protection of Local Services Letterkenny TC

50 Bus Éireann Cork CTU

51 Sectarianism/Hate Crimes and the Trade Union Response NIPSA

Thursday 6th July, 2017

Morning Session, 09.30 – 13.00hrs

Motion No. Motion Name Mover

52 European Pillar of Social Rights Executive Council

53 Global Solidarity Executive Council

54 International Labour Organisation Executive Council

55 Palestinian Solidarity Derry CTU

12 List of Motions and Amendments to BDC2017 Motions to BDC2017

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 13 1 Northern Ireland • Housing is a right for every citizen and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has Congress notes that the recent political demonstrated for more than 40 years its instability has left a political vacuum in ability to provide for citizens in an impartial Northern Ireland at an incredibly challenging way and is truly one of the very few success time in light of seeking to deal with the stories to come out of decades of conflict. consequences of the triggering of Article 50 and Congress supports maintaining the Northern the forthcoming Brexit process. Congress re Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) as a affirms its support for the principle of devolution publicly accountable Housing Authority and as outlined and enshrined in the Good Friday the promotion of an adequate supply of social Agreement and will seek the following from the housing to meet objective need. Executive (or in the absence of an Executive • Congress repeats it demand made each the British government) in order to make year since the signing of the Good Friday local devolved government more relevant and Agreement that its commitment to a responsive to the needs of workers. comprehensive Bill of Rights be honoured. • That the parties re affirm and commit to 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the support the principles and practice of power Agreement and its ratification by the sharing as envisaged under the terms of people of both jurisdictions. The GFA is an the Good Friday Agreement, particularly international peace treaty and not a political given the nature of the divided society in deal which can be selectively implemented Northern Ireland. at the whim of whomsoever is in power. The people voted for a Bill of Rights and they • That in the event of Brexit whereby Northern must have the Bill of Rights they deserve Ireland is taken out of the EU against the will and desire. of the people, the rights which the people have acquired through EU membership are Executive Council maintained. That the Assembly/Executive also agree to transpose future progressive EU directives in the areas/competencies 2 Northern Ireland Political that are devolved, e.g. employment rights amongst others. Situation/Austerity • That the Executive develop (in conjunction Conference is alarmed at the current political with the trade union movement and other situation in Northern Ireland and in particular relevant interested parties) a comprehensive the impact that this is and will have on workers industrial strategy for Northern Ireland across the private, public and voluntary/ that supports the creation of decent quality community sectors. While we continue to employment and promotes the important have obvious disputes and difficulties with the skills agenda. devolved administration in Northern Ireland, no • Welfare reform mitigations agreed one doubts that Direct Rule and the unmitigated under the Fresh Start agreement must be full force of the Tory cuts/austerity agenda will guaranteed and adequately funded to fully be bad for the economy, bad for workers and bad and permanently offset the additional and for all citizens across the island of Ireland. deliberate burdens, such as the Bedroom Across all areas of the public sector there is a Tax, on the working poor and other citizens crisis – particularly in our health and education entitled to support through the benefits sectors. There, on a daily basis, critical issues system. Congress reiterates its opposition to cannot be strategically addressed due to a lack the punitive values expressed in this vision of appropriate funding, manpower planning and of welfare reform and reasserts is support political direction. for a humane welfare system which targets objective need. Implementation of any Conference is appalled at the apparent inability welfare reform has to take into account of democratically elected politicians to sort out the special circumstances that apply in their differences, including the failure to deal Northern Ireland. with issues that were at the core of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

There are many issues facing the public sector which need to be urgently addressed and the trade union movement will no longer accept

14 Motions to BDC2017 or tolerate the idea that austerity has to be • Campaign and fight to outlaw zero hours accepted because “there is no money”. Both contracts, precarious employment and under the longstanding promise to gift corporations employment. a tax cut on their profits and the recent • Campaign against privatisation by showing Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme the failures and costs of privatisation. show that this is a lie and that, where there is the political will, money can be found. ICTU • Create a public campaign with new materials must ensure, therefore, that the case is made for the general public detailing what a trade for the progressive use of our resources and union is, what reps do and how we benefit that we no longer tolerate Ministers and the NI society socially and economically and in Executive carrying out an economic policy that relation to public sector unions how we save is destructive to our society. taxpayers money.

Conference therefore calls on the Executive Public & Commercial Services Union Council to build a strong campaign to re- invigorate a comprehensive and strategic campaign of opposition to austerity both North 4 Sunday Trading and South. This will ensure that we can build a trade union movement that members will turn Conference is concerned by the trend, both in to in order to defend jobs, terms and conditions the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and enhance the wider society in which they and towards a 24/7 culture in retail. their families live. Conference notes with particular concern Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance the proposals by Belfast City and Derry City & Strabane Councils to designate their areas as ‘holiday resorts’ with the aim of extending 3 Trade Union and Labour Rights Sunday trading hours, a step which would put pressure on councils across Northern Ireland to Conference notes the continued attacks on follow suit. trade unions by the Irish, N Irish and UK Conference believes that the trend towards 24/7 governments which aim to undermine the role retail trading, including deregulated Sunday of trade unions in the workplace by cutting trading, is having a serious negative impact facilities time for trade union duties, obstructing on retail workers, associated workers and collective bargaining, creating a labour market of local communities across Ireland. Employee precarious employment and pursuing an agenda flexibility in retail is increasingly one-sided with of privatisation. the employer changing shifts and hours at short Conference acknowledges the difficulties this notice with little discussion. creates for unions to organise, bargain, campaign Conference believes that workers should have and take action. Conference commends the a right to enjoy a healthy work-life balance and unions who have organised to flex their that working on Sundays should be voluntary for industrial power by taking industrial action over retail workers. workplace disputes to defend members’ rights in the face of gross hostility from the governments, Conference further believes that retail staff employers and right-wing press. working unsocial shifts, such as Sundays, should be compensated through premium pay. Conference therefore instructs the incoming Executive to: Conference agrees that the ICTU will:

• Campaign to demand the NI Executive repeal • Promote the importance of all workers the current anti-trade union legislation and enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a 24/7 stop attacking facilities time for reps. retail sector. • Support UK unions campaigns against the • Support the campaign against the proposals Trade Union Bill and stop attacking facilities from Belfast City and Derry City & Strabane time for reps. Councils to use the ‘holiday resort’ provisions • Campaign to improve labour rights in Ireland to extend Sunday trading hours. particularly the right to collective bargaining in the workplace.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 15 • Support the principle that Sunday working • To use all means available to the ICTU to should be voluntary for retail workers and support the health unions in their battle to that working on a Sunday should be rewarded get parity across the health service. with premium pay. Chartered Society for Physiotherapists Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

6 EU Exit – Protecting the 5 Pay for Health and Social Care Northern Ireland Peace Process Staff in Northern Ireland The current position of the UK Government for Congress notes that: a ‘hard’ exit from the EU places the Northern Ireland peace process in severe jeopardy and has • Although pay in the health service is devolved serious implications for the island of Ireland as a there has long been equality of pay across all whole. four administrations. This peace agreement received the consent of • The Independent pay review body has been the majority of the people in both Northern one element of this. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by way However, congress also notes that: of referendum. It is an international peace treaty co-signed by the UK Government and • In 2010 George Osborne announced there the Irish Government and registered with the would be a pay freeze followed by a pay cap of United Nations. European Community law, its 1% until 2015. The policy of public sector pay conventions and charters and access both to the restraint has continued and Philip Hammond European Court of Justice and the European has announced the 1% pay cap will continue Court of Human Rights are explicit in the until 2020. provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and • The situation in Northern Ireland was the Northern Ireland Act 1998. exacerbated when for two years (2014/15 The desire to protect our precarious peace and 2015/16) the health minister refused to process was a major feature of the successful implement the pay review body award and trade union campaign, led by the Northern only applied a non-consolidated increase. Ireland Committee of Congress, which resulted This has meant that staff in the health and in a majority vote to ‘remain’ in Northern social care service in Northern Ireland are the Ireland. The desire of the UK Government to lowest paid in the UK and that with cost of living pursue a ‘hard’ exit from the EU is a major threat increases we are actually seeing staff in the to the principles of consent and equivalence health and social care service facing a real time of rights across the island of Ireland that are cut in their wages core principles of the peace process. It will undoubtedly be followed by a sustained attack on Given the unique challenges for NI posed the Human Rights Act, which would represent by Brexit and highlighted by the Cavendish another disastrous blow to the equality and Commission, the NI Executive needs to consider human rights provisions and unfinished business carefully whether the current level of pay is of the Good Friday Agreement. sufficient to ensuring an adequate supply of safe and qualified healthcare staff. Consequently Whilst Theresa May can repeat the mantra that with increased competition for staff across there will be ‘‘no return to the borders of the the UK expected post Brexit; it is even more past’’, it is increasingly clear that a ‘hard’ exit important that the NI Executive move to address will result in the return of a border across the the differential in pay, which currently exists island of Ireland which will damage the fragile between NI and the rest of the UK. peace that has been hard won. Exit from the EU customs union in particular will also have Congress resolves: profound social and economic consequences for • That since all union members will require the both jurisdictions in Ireland. It is to the shame support of the health service, for them or for of the UK Government that the implications for their family, at some point in their life; that peace in Northern Ireland of a ‘hard’ exit from the pay of staff in the health and social care the EU have been completely ignored. service is a wider union issue.

16 Motions to BDC2017 The political situation in Northern Ireland • Build support for the policy priorities has dramatically destabilised resulting in the outlined by Congress in ‘Brexit: The Key collapse of the Executive after only nine months, Issues’ (October 2016) amongst the Irish fresh elections in March 2017 and protracted Government, UK Government and NI political negotiations between the parties to Executive and further develop policy attempt to establish a new Executive and a positions in relation to worker’s rights; common position on the impending EU exit. equality and human rights; jobs and the At the time of writing this motion, the future economy; trade; public spending; the border is unclear. and the free movement of people; the support that should be provided for agriculture, Meanwhile, the UK Government continues apace fishing, the development of infrastructure to introduce its ‘Great Repeal Bill’, designed and community projects if EU based funding to incorporate existing EU law into UK law is withdrawn; the rights of Irish citizens whilst repealing the European Communities Act living in Northern Ireland; and a right to 1972. However, as part of this process, the UK remain for non-Irish EU citizens in Northern Government intends to ditch the EU Charter of Ireland as the negotiating process develops. Fundamental Rights. Following the passing of this Act decisions will be made, possibly by UK • Oppose any attempts by the UK Government Government Ministers acting alone, about which to weaken devolution through ‘clawing-back’ elements of EU law to retain and which elements powers in order to weaken existing EU law to discard. Given the current UK Government’s provisions; seek that legislative consent attitude to equality and human rights in general, is sought from the NI Assembly for the and worker’s rights in particular, this has provisions of the Great Repeal Bill that affect potential adverse implications for workers in devolution; seek that the NI Executive and Northern Ireland. Assembly are given the autonomy to reach their own positions regarding the future Conference notes that this legislation will have status of EU law and that further devolution major implications for the devolution settlement of powers is brought forwards, including, in Northern Ireland. Any interference by the but not limited to, any powers that are UK Government in the devolution settlement, or ‘repatriated’ from the EU. attempts to ‘claw-back’ powers which have been • Gain support from the TUC, STUC, Wales devolved are unwelcome and will damage the TUC, ETUC and the various political parties delicate constitutional settlement established across Britain and Ireland for these positions. under the peace process. UNISON Conference calls on the incoming Executive Council to spearhead a campaign to protect workers across the island of Ireland as the process of EU exit continues. 7 The Right of Trade Union This campaign should: Access

• Ensure that protection of the Northern This conference calls on the incoming Executive Ireland peace process is a negotiating priority Council to campaign and lobby government for the Irish Government, UK Government for the introduction of ‘The Right to Trade and NI Executive, if formed. If the result Union Access’ legislation which will give of the EU referendum from across the UK union representatives the legal right to enter must be respected, regardless of the fact workplaces in order to carry out the legitimate that people in Northern Ireland voted to functions of trade unions such as representation, ‘remain’, then the overwhelming will of the organising and recruitment of workers. people in Northern Ireland and the Republic MANDATE of Ireland in voting in favour of the Good Friday Agreement must also be respected and enacted.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 17 8 Trade Union Access and • Improvements to the Northern Ireland Statutory Recognition statutory recognition rules to ensure that ballots on trade union recognition will be Conference believes the presence of trade held if at least 10% of the workforce joins the unions in the workplace is essential to winning union and that a simple majority of those fairness at work. The growth of insecure work voting in the ballot will be sufficient to grant and the ongoing issues of underemployment and statutory recognition. short-hours contracts make trade unions in the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers workplace even more important. Trade unions are essential to protecting and representing workers in the modern workplace. 9 Precarious Employment Organising the unorganised workers and winning trade union recognition must be a key Conference condemns unscrupulous employers aim of the Trade Union Movement in Ireland. who engage in practices such as unpaid hours, zero hour contracts, agency work and bogus Trade union rights of access to workforces self-employment. These practices are not only in workplaces need to be strengthened. a threat to the livelihood of workers but also to Trade unions should have rights of access to compliant employers. Any employer found to workplaces to speak to, advise and represent have forced workers in to bogus self-employment members. should be: Workers should have the opportunity to join a • Fined for engaging in the practice, the fine trade union in their workplace. Trade unions being a multiple of tax and PRSI forgone should have the statutory right to access workplaces to put forward and promote the case • Barred from the public sector projects for trade union membership. Any such statutory tender list right of access would need to be co-ordinated by • Barred from holding a directorship in the ICTU to ensure that it did not develop into any company competition between unions over membership in a workplace. Conference calls for ICTU to work with all trade unions, compliant employers and any other like- The ICTU welcomes the right to statutory minded bodies to stamp out the scourge of bogus trade union recognition that exists in Northern self-employment & all other forms of precarious Ireland but believes this right needs to be employment. strengthened. The thresholds that unions need to achieve to gain statutory recognition are too Technical Engineering & Electrical Union high and need reviewing.

Currently, to get a ballot on statutory recognition in Northern Ireland at least 10% of the workforce 10 Precarious Employment must be trade union members and the union practices in the must produce evidence to show that a majority Construction Sector of the workforce are likely to support the union’s claim for recognition. To win the ballot, the Conference notes the excellent work carried trade union must get the support of a majority of out by the Executive Council with regard to the votes cast and the votes of at least 40% of the the False Economy Report. The false economy total workforce. report has now been supported by the TASC Conference agrees that the ICTU, in liaison with report on Bogus Self Employment in the Irish the NIC-ICTU, will campaign for: Construction sector which confirms the loss to the state in the region of ¤80million per year. • Trade unions to have a statutory right of access to the workplace to promote the The bogus self-employment system facilitated benefits of trade union membership to non- by the Revenue Commissioners is continuing to members and to have contact with members. circumvent employment rights of casual workers where it has become the default position in gaining work for plasterers and other craft workers. The Revenue facilitated system supports the continued pocketing by industries bosses of millions in lost revenue whilst our sick are languishing on trollies in our under staffed hospitals.

18 Motions to BDC2017 We note the changes introduced by the 12 Exploitation of Seafarers Workplace Relations Act 2015. We ask the Executive Council to lobby Government in Conference remains deeply concerned at order to have all matters relating to bogus the impact on domestic seafarers from ferry self-employment dealt with within that fora as operators trading who recruit foreign crews to opposed to the current arrangements in place. pay them below legal minimum wage rates on both sides of the Irish Sea. We further call upon the Executive Council to lobby Government to introduce legislation For example, Conference notes that Polish and other measures outlawing this precarious seafarer ratings employed by freight operator employment practice facilitated by the Revenue Seatruck are paid £3.78 per hour on the Cypriot- Commissioners. flagged Clipper Pennant between Heysham and Warrenpoint. Operative Plasterers’ & Allied Trades Society of Ireland Conference is dismayed by the continued practice of nationality based pay discrimination against seafarers from EU and non-EU countries and recognises that this is a direct consequence 11 Bogus self-employment of political failure to enforce employment law, particularly National Minimum Wage legislation Bogus self-employment costs the Irish and equality legislation on behalf of all seafarers, Exchequer an estimated ¤80 million per year whatever their nationality. in lost revenue and is a means of exploiting workers and driving down labour costs Conference also notes the effect that this for employers. It also places workers in a exploitation has on major employers in the precarious position with losses of entitlements Irish Sea, particularly the largest employer of that ‘employees’ would enjoy such as sick Irish seafarers Stena Line which is consistently pay, maternity pay, unemployment benefit, undercut by competitors’ low cost crewing holiday pay, pensions and PPE equipment. practices. In effect, bogus self-employment means that workers and the Exchequer end up subsidising Conference agrees to support the campaign to unscrupulous employers. enforce and, if necessary, amend legislation in support of domestic seafaring skills and urges In the postal/courier sector, due to sustained the Governments of the Republic of Ireland and growth in the parcel delivery business and Northern Ireland to formulate a joint approach the liberalisation of the postal market, there to eliminate the exploitation of seafarers in the has been a marked increase in competition Irish Sea by creating a level commercial playing from low-cost competitors entering the field based on minimum domestic employment market. This, in its turn, has led to an increase and equality standards which cannot be in atypical employment relationships such avoided through registering vessels under flags as ‘self-employment’, sub-contracting and of convenience. casualisation. This practice is not confined to the postal/courier sector, however, and Conference is concerned that if such nationality- demands a national response. based exploitation of seafarers persists then we will lose our seafarers by the beginning of the To enable the relevant unions to develop next decade with damaging consequences for strategic organising plans to tackle the practice the economic, social and strategic future of of bogus self-employment, Conference instructs these islands. the incoming Executive Council to undertake research to produce a paper, similar to that Finally, Conference fully supports the RMT’s conducted in the construction sector, on bogus ‘SOS 2020’ campaign, particularly its following self-employment across all sectors in Ireland. aims:

Communications Workers’ Union 1 Equal rights in employment, equality and immigration law for domestic seafarers.

2 ‘Cabotage’ (transport between domestic ports) protections for domestic crew.

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 19 13 Competition Amendment 14 Constructing the Recovery Bill 2016 This conference calls for the trade union This Biennial Delegate Conference notes the all- movement to work to ensure that the current party support in both houses of the Oireachtas recovery is one for workers, their families and for the Competition Amendment Bill 2016. their communities. Any gains from this recovery must be directed to those who bore the brunt In welcoming legislation aimed at restoring the of the last 10 years of cuts and austerity. The right of collective representation to categories of ICTU must lead the way in ensuring we use this workers, including freelance journalists, session opportunity to construct a society that’s fair, musicians and voice-over actors, Conference equitable and directs the states resources to acknowledges that a significant number of those in need from those who can afford to pay. freelance and so called atypical workers are still denied the right to trade union representation. Technical Engineering & Electrical Union

Conference affirms the right of freelance workers to enjoy the benefits of trade union membership and to be treated in accordance 15 Gender Pay Gap with the principles of the ILO Charter, including Convention No. 87 on freedom of association and The gender pay gap in the Republic of the right to organise. Ireland has been stuck around 15% for far too long, despite longstanding Irish and EU All workers deserve to be treated equally, legal protections against direct gender pay regardless of employment status. Conference discrimination. This pay gap also contributes to deplores the use of Competition law at national poverty in retirement for many women. and European level to deprive categories of workers the right to trade union representation. Conference applauds trade union and other initiatives aimed at closing the gap, including Where workers freely choose to operate the #Clockedout social media campaign, and on a freelance basis they must retain their believes that Congress and its affiliates should fundamental rights as workers and should actively prioritise narrowing the gender pay not automatically be regarded as business gap through both political campaigning and undertakings. bargaining strategy.

Freelance workers frequently experience Conference therefore calls on Congress to: isolation, exploitation and discrimination; are forced to accept unfair terms and conditions • Actively campaign for legislation (similar of engagement and are deprived of the social to that in force in Britain and elsewhere) to protections afforded to workers employed on oblige medium and large employers to publish contracts of service. details of their organisations’ gender pay gap.

In considering the future of work Congress must • Develop guidance for affiliates on specific be cognisant of the growth in freelance working measures to gender-proof pay claims and and of the relentless pressure on many workers pay structures. These would address issues to accept inappropriate contracts for service. like time spent out of the workplace in order to meet caring commitments, and the The sharp increase in workers engaged potential for shortening long pay scales which on a freelance basis presents significant can, in certain circumstances, indirectly organisational challenges to the ICTU and to discriminate against women. affiliate unions. • Support affiliates pressing for pay Conference calls on the incoming Executive improvements in highly feminised sectors Council to work with affiliate unions in of the economy including elder care, early campaigning for social protection for all education, care and education of children freelance workers and to develop a strategy for with special needs, retail, hospitality and the recruitment, organising and servicing of clerical and administrative work. freelance workers across all industrial sectors. • Support broader social campaigns to promote gender equality in domestic and caring National Union of Journalists environments, as well as in the workplace and throughout society.

20 Motions to BDC2017 Conference also calls on Congress affiliates to • Include young workers as a separate support these initiatives and prioritise them in organising cohort in any strategic organising their campaigns and bargaining strategies. initiatives within Congress.

Irish Municipal Public & Civil Trade Union • Establish a dynamic organising campaign targeting young people of different age cohorts to join unions, particularly low-paid 16 Mental Health precarious workers. Awareness Training • Such campaigns should be: Congress commits to developing and delivering • informed by external research undertaken training for affiliates that will empower to create a sectoral profile of workers workplace representatives to better deal with under 35, internal research to create a mental health problems in the workplace. profile and map of trade union members under 35 followed by a series of direct As a minimum this training will deliver engagements to identify the needs and signposting training for reps so that they can expectations of young workers, both help individual members get the assistance they members and non-members; need. This training should assist workplace reps with the basic skills to deal effectively • established, developed and led by the and sympathetically with members who are ICTU Youth committee, and where experiencing difficulties. deemed appropriate and relevant, in collaboration with other youth focussed The position of workplace rep is becoming and youth representative organisations increasing stressful and we must protect the such as student unions and youth groups mental health of this army of volunteers. Courses • A youth awareness, education and should be developed which will help these reps engagement programme which can be to protect their own mental health. utilised by local trade union activists, GMB education unions, organisers and local trades councils to engage with students and young workers in their own community and local areas. 17 Organising our Future Executive Council This conference recognises:

• The difficulties facing young workers regarding rates of pay, conditions at work, 18 Youth Organising the rise of precarious employment and lack of This BDC commends the work of Youth Connect progression opportunities. and the ONE Cork Project in educating and • The importance of encouraging, engaging encouraging non-union members to join trade and empowering young people to connect unions and become active in building our with our movement to secure its future and movement. that of the Decent Work Agenda. Conference agrees that it is critical to the growth • Falling union density particularly amongst and success of our movement that we bring young workers under 35 years. greater numbers of young people into active Taking into account the work already membership and that this is best achieved by undertaken with young people through the developing an active campaigning movement YouthConnect programme, it is critical that we committed to ending inequality and unfairness continue to connect directly with students and in the workplace and in society in general. young workers, particularly those closer to the Conference recognises the efforts being made labour market, to ensure that they understand by several affiliate unions to build membership the premium and benefits of union membership. recruitment through special organising Therefore, we call on this Conference to direct programmes and units but notes that many other the incoming Executive Council to prioritise the unions do not have the resources to replicate following initiatives: that work. Conference further recognises that affiliate unions, through their membership profile and work environment, may be in a

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 21 position to reach out to young non-union 21 Promoting Worker Welfare members promoting membership and a positive image for the movement. That as part of its role in promoting worker welfare, ICTU’s analysis of the working BDC therefore instructs the incoming conditions proposed in national pay agreements Executive Council to seek to develop cross include scrutiny of the following areas and be union organising programmes to help resource disseminated to all members prior to balloting: membership recruitment and build a strong campaigning profile for the ICTU and its • A clear exposition of proposed changes to affiliates which encourages young people to want work practices. to join and play their part in building a better fairer society through active union membership. • A clear rationale for changes in work practices. Civil Public & Services Union • A review of resources. • Impact of proposed changes on professional 19 Strategic Plan for Future of autonomy. the Trade Union Movement • Equity. This conference recognises the extremely • Pace of change. serious challenges facing the very existence of Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland the trade union movement in Ireland and fully accepts the absolute necessity to respond with an appropriate and resourced plan of action to 22 Selection of Labour Panel reverse current trends. Candidates to Seanad Éireann Therefore, this conference calls on the incoming This conference directs that, if at the next Executive Council, as a matter of urgency, to election to the Seanad, the ICTU has a part in establish a small working group comprising of the nomination process of candidates to the members of the Executive Council and others Seanad, the selection of those nominated in the deemed appropriate to develop a strategic plan name of ICTU is made by rank and file members for the future of the movement building on the by way of ballot of all individual members. work of the Commission on Trade Unions and best international practice. A draft plan should Public Service Executive Union be presented to the Executive Council no later than 31st January, 2018. 23 Disputes Committee Report MANDATE No. 16/3 2016 Regarding the Issue of Trade Union Rights 20 Special Fund for in Dublin City University Trades Councils Conference notes that: That this conference instructs the incoming ICTU Executive Council to address the matter • IFUT and SIPTU work in harmony together of all ICTU affiliated unions providing a in UCD, UCC, TCD, Maynooth and NUI special fund, to be controlled by the Executive Galway and that no precedent is being set in Council, to develop and expand the role of Trade terms of membership or spheres of influence. Councils, particularly with regard to cultural • Prior to 1 October, 2016 SIPTU had sole and community work. The object of the fund negotiating rights in DCU and IFUT had sole being to improve the profile of unions in the negotiating rights in the Church of Ireland relevant Council area. This should also seek to College of Education and the Mater Dei expand/grow trade union membership in the Institute of Education and also sole rights to Trades Councils’ areas. None of the foregoing represent academic, library and professional would detrimentally affect current affiliations staff in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. On paid to existing Trades Councils. that date all four colleges merged on the basis of explicit assurances of parity of esteem for Dublin Council of Trades Unions the staff of each of the four colleges. This assurance was given not only by management but also by all four unions involved, including SIPTU. Furthermore, the assurance was

22 Motions to BDC2017 given repeatedly and without qualification. Amendment It was, therefore, the basis upon which IFUT members accepted the merger. Conference notes the Disputes Committee Report 16/3 which was issued in response to • The Department of Education and DCU the Appeal Submitted by IFUT and UNITE to have made it explicitly clear that they have Disputes Committee report 16/1. no objection to IFUT and SIPTU sharing representation rights for academic, research The Disputes Committee Findings are: and library staff. The sole objection has been “This Dispute’s Committee does not accept from SIPTU. that the original Dispute’s Committee report • Congress’s original proposal to settle this contained incompatible clauses. Rather it was dispute was that IFUT, SIPTU, IMPACT and an attempt to find a compromise which would UNITE would agree on strict boundaries of be acceptable to all the unions involved. As membership in New DCU and that a clear and the attempt at compromise has failed this explicit prohibition of predatory recruitment Committee finds: would be observed by all four unions. This proposal was accepted by IFUT, IMPACT and • IFUT, UNITE and IMPACT will give their UNITE. It was also acceptable to the local full list of members and details to the Irish Branch of SIPTU but, after some months, not Congress of Trade Unions. SIPTU will not by SIPTU Head Office. take into membership anyone who is on this list. • IFUT has increased its membership every year for the past ten years by concentrating • IFUT, UNITE and IMPACT accept that they on recruiting in areas where union will not take into membership any other membership is, traditionally, very low. IFUT worker at DCU. has never once broken any of the Congress • IFUT, UNITE and IMPACT will have rights rules and guidelines regarding recruitment of to represent these members on an individual members. Nor has there ever been a dispute basis to ensure that they are getting their between IFUT and SIPTU in the numerous entitlements from a Collective Agreement, colleges where we work in partnership. but not where any representation would • There are substantial numbers of non-union have the effect of changing the Collective employees in DCU, many of whom have Agreement. applied in the past to join IFUT. All such • IFUT, UNITE and IMPACT will not continue applications were refused on the basis that, to seek recognition for Collective Bargaining prior to the mergers, SIPTU was at that time Rights and accept that Dublin City University the sole union in DCU. These employees recognises SIPTU as the sole Representative remain outside of the trade union movement. Body for Collective Bargaining Purposes Conference therefore resolves: for staff employed by the University, in accordance with the Agreement between That, following the example of UCD, TCD, Dublin City University and SIPTU. MU and NUIG, IFUT and SIPTU should • However, SIPTU should initiate suitable share representation and collective bargaining arrangements where the views of IMPACT, rights in DCU, but only for those specific staff UNITE and IFUT on any issues within the categories which IFUT already organises scope of the Collective Agreement can be and not otherwise. This agreement should be ascertained. reviewed every 12 months by Congress to ensure that neither union engages in activities likely to • IFUT, UNITE and IMPACT will continue undermine the other. to represent their members in national level negotiations in the normal way.” Finally, mindful of Congress’s long standing position that unions should spend more time In these circumstances, Conference affirms that recruiting non-union workers and less time the decision of the ICTU Executive to accept the fighting amongst ourselves, Conference affirms Disputes Committees Report 16/3 to the Appeal that it will not penalise any union for recruiting submitted by IFUT be accepted by the parties as new, previously unorganised, workers within the resolution to this dispute. their existing spheres of influence. Services, Industrial, Professional Irish Federation of University Teachers and Technical Union

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 23 24 The Economy 25 Sustaining Access to Financial Services as Part Conference notes the continuing failure in both of Thriving Communities parts of Ireland to develop a strong and outward looking high-productivity indigenous enterprise Mindful of the fact that banks in the Republic of sector. While welcoming the contribution Ireland have returned to profitability and that of multinational enterprises to the domestic the banks in Northern Ireland are also returning economy, especially in the Republic of Ireland, to profit. Conference recognises the vulnerability of workers in face of changing global markets, Acknowledging the role that bank staff have Brexit and the rise of new forms of aggressive played over the past decade in restoring stability nationalist chauvinist in the USA and in the UK. and confidence to our banking system.

Conference notes and welcomes the work Recognising the vital role that bank branches of Congress and its affiliates together with play in the economic and social fabric of the Nevin Economic Research Institute in communities, especially our rural communities. developing analysis and policy innovations in regards to a new industrial strategy. Conference notes with dismay the number of bank branch closures announced in the past 12 Developments in these areas hold the key months on the island of Ireland. to raising productivity and wages as well as improving the quality of work and laying the Conference also notes the fact that many of these basis for a high quality social wage in the form of branches were profitable and the fact that the health, education, social housing and childcare. closure of branches has left some rural towns without access to any banking service. Conference instructs the incoming Executive to launch a ‘Year of Enterprise’ in 2018 which will Conference is mindful of research that be based on research undertaken collaboratively indicates the detrimental effect on investment, between the NERI and Congress affiliates as loan finance and jobs that arises in a locality well as building on links with researchers and following a branch closure. employers. The aim of this initiative will be to: Conference also recognises the fact that many • What needs fixing in terms of enterprise rural communities in particular are also deeply development. concerned about the future of their post office network, the availability of broadband and a • Collaborate with the ETUC, the TUC, number of other important issues that affect STUC, WTUC and other European affiliates quality of life, connectivity and sustainability. in defending and advancing the cause of a democratic and social Europe. This Biennial Delegate Conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions believes that: • Identify areas for progress in relation to innovation, employee participation and skills • The right of access by citizens to financial at local, regional, national and European services is a priority for public policy. levels; and • That a forum on the future of banking and • Campaign to raise public awareness and financial services is urgently required to influence public policy in both jurisdictions. chart a strategic vision for the sector in both Executive Council the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. • That vision should devise policies that promote a well-regulated, dynamic financial services industry where staff have quality jobs and are entitled to be represented by trade unions. • That the public cost of branch closures and withdrawal of services should be a priority for the forum. • At a minimum the relevant authorities on both sides of the border should immediately seek commitments from all financial institutions that where they operate the ‘last bank in town’ that this institution will not be closed.

24 Motions to BDC2017 • That an independent, transparent and 27 Brexit and Irish Shipping Policy credible process of consultation with staff, other financial service providers and That this conference notes with concern the community interests is engaged in before any potential implications for the Irish economy future bank branch closure proceeds. resulting from the decision of the U.K to Financial Services Union withdraw from the European Union. In particular, conference notes the special position of Ireland, being an Island nation, within the E.U. This status places vastly higher costs on 26 Brexit Ireland in terms of getting Irish goods to the European markets, specifically in relation to Congress notes that the UK’s decision to exit shipping costs. Conference calls on the incoming the EU has the potential to have a unique and Executive to develop a policy on Irish shipping disproportionately damaging impact on the in this context and to instigate a strategy to people of the island of Ireland from an economic, lobby both nationally and at E.U level for its political, social and cultural perspective. The implementation. people of the Republic of Ireland were not consulted on the UK’s decision to leave the EU Wexford Council of Trade Unions and the people of Northern Ireland clearly voted to reject leaving the EU.

On both sides of the border trade, employment 28 Brexit and inevitably employment standards will be impacted upon in the event of the UK Tory Since the EU Brexit referendum result in June government proceeding with a hard Brexit. 2016, the trade union movement has led the way In Northern Ireland the important concept of in highlighting the challenges posed to workers consent is being flagrantly set aside which has and the local economy from the UK leaving the the potential to undermine the Good Friday European Union. Agreement and add further political instability. The workers in Northern Ireland, and the Congress reaffirms its policy position on Brexit Republic of Ireland, are highly exposed to the as published in the winter of 2016 and to that ramifications of this decision; in particular, of the end seeks: economic consequences from any impediments to trade arising. While we respect the decision • To lead and build a consensus amongst civic made by the UK electorate to vote for Brexit, society in Northern Ireland and the Republic we also note that a clear majority in Northern of Ireland around the core and fundamental Ireland voted to Remain, and voters in the elements of our policy positon on Brexit to Republic of Ireland had no say in this decision. seek to ensure that workers, both north and south do not pay the price of Brexit. As such, conference demands a central place and voice for trade union representatives in the • To engage with our trade union colleagues Brexit process both at a national and regional across the UK and in Europe through the level. Our experience in collective bargaining established Council of the Isles and the could be invaluable to those negotiating the best ETUC respectively, to ensure that our unique possible outcome in this process. We will not circumstances and workers’ concerns both stand idly by and allow a Tory government to north and south are understood and taken on be given a blank cheque to simply implement board internationally. its own vision of Brexit. We will never accept • To pursue a coherent and sustained lobbying a Brexit that will be paid for by working class campaign with the Republic of Ireland communities. government, the UK government and any It is vital that our social, employment and local devolved Executive in Northern environmental rights be fully safeguarded by Ireland in order to seek to ensure that the UK government in the future. That means workers’ concerns are seriously addressed the transposition of EU directives, guidelines in the negotiations (and in any subsequent and ECJ rulings in the Great Repeal Bill’ negotiated outcome) as the UK government process must not involve any diminishment of negotiates its exit with the remaining EU 27 rights and entitlements whatsoever and that states over 2017/18. indeed additional safeguards are provided. Executive Council We call for the two-thirds majority qualified vote arrangements currently applied to fixed

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 25 term parliaments in Westminster be extended Conference also stands opposed to the race- to any future revision of social, employment to-the-bottom economics that risks being and environmental rights protections and heralded by Brexit. ‘Beggar-thy-neighbour’ safeguards. economic policies that see a race-to-the-bottom on corporate taxes and wages are based on Workers’ jobs are more dependent today on neoliberal ideology – not the goal of delivering international trade than ever before. Major sustainable growth that supports rising living industries are inter-connected on a previously conditions for all and quality public services. unimaginable scale across continents. The concept of a national, inward-looking society Looking forward we call for a full exploration of or economy can only offer the prospect of those new opportunities for state-led investment, further economic dislocation and joblessness renationalisation and redirected public for workers in the era of globalisation. As such, procurement in the absence of EU state-aid rules this conference demands that all governments and competition regulation. We also call on the negotiate continued tariff-free trade and full EU to set in train a process to evaluate what has market access between the UK and the EU. This created an environment - evidenced by the Brexit will guarantee no borders to trade – whether vote- where in Britain, Ireland and elsewhere North-South, or East-West. the EU is now increasingly seen as a neoliberal project of wealth inequality and division as Even if tariff-free trade is delivered there are opposed to a social project of economic equality, still a range of concerns for workers from Brexit: liberty, social justice, and peace. the rights of EU workers in the UK and UK workers in the EU, the rights and entitlements of UNITE domestic cross-border workers, the risk of bad bosses exploiting Brexit to push down wages, and the economic dislocation arising from 29 Impact of UK EU Withdrawal protracted uncertainty. Conference demands on Cross-border Working protections and entitlements, at least equivalent to existing ones, for all workers, regardless of Conference notes that cross-border working is where they come from or where they work. very common at present, e.g. people living on We demand investment and planning for the one side of the border and working on the other, future, now, to counter the negative economic freelancers and self-employed people who work consequences of Brexit on exposed sectors such in both jurisdictions, and people working for as our Agri-Food, Retail and Hospitality sectors; all-island companies who regularly travel across as well as guarantees for the inclusion of UK- the border at the request of their employer. The based Further and Higher Education sectors in employment and economic benefits of such EU-sponsored programmes such as Erasmus, arrangements are also noted. Conference is Horizon2020 or the likes of the Innovative concerned at the likely impact on these people Medicines Initiative, and that of substitute of the UK’s forthcoming withdrawal from the funding on a pound-for-pound basis for European Union, and also at the wider economic Infrastructural, Community, Peace-building and impact of a ‘hard border’. Conference instructs Agricultural programmes for Northern Ireland. the Executive Council to campaign and lobby in this area, and to support affiliates in dealing Conference stands full-square with migrant with these issues on behalf of their members. communities feeling the brunt of the upsurge in attacks and intolerance following the Brexit Prospect vote. We reiterate our stance against all forms of prejudice, whether that is sectarianism, racism, 30 All-Ireland Agreement religious or ethnic hate-crime. in Respect of Freedom The peace process has been brought forward of Movement and the through agreements negotiated between the Right to Work parties and governments in the context of a common EU membership. It is vital that Brexit Northern Ireland shares a border with the doesn’t undermine the political progress of past Republic of Ireland and workers are free to travel decades. Conference expects both governments across that border for work and leisure as well as and the EU to live up to their promises that there having no restriction on which side of the border will be no hard border on this island. We also to work. The Referendum to leave the European reiterate our demand for the fulfilment of those Union has put workers living in both sides of the provisions relating to the ECHR being adopted border in an unpredictable state with no real into Northern Ireland law through a Bill of Rights.

26 Motions to BDC2017 assurance from the Government in Westminster cannot seek pay increases to compensate for the whether the hitherto freedoms will exist after increases of the cost of living. the UK has formally left the EU. The Northern Ireland Committee of Equity urges the ICTU Conference, therefore calls for: to campaign for Northern Ireland to continue 1 The repeal of the FEMPI legislation and the to have an All-Ireland Agreement in respect restoration of the losses imposed on public of freedom of movement and the right to work sector pensioners/retired workers. with no restriction on either nationality and that the investment that the EU put into both sides 2 The continuation of its campaign to protect of the border for film and television production private sector pensions. will be ring fenced and paid through either the European or Westminster Governments. Congress should continue to make strong representations to Government to facilitate Equity unions to represent the interests of retired workers.

Executive Council 31 Workers Must Not Pay the Price

This Congress believes that workers must not pay the price of the UK’s exit from the 33 Retired Members European Union. At the second North/South Retired Workers Congress will commit to ensuring that there seminar in February 2017, it was noted that the will be no attempt to undermine, erode or trade union movement has nothing to fear from remove worker’s rights gained under European the retired members sections as their common legislation. objective is to support and grow the union movement. One avenue to develop this would Congress will do all within its power to seek be structures by which to submit directly and to keep employment a matter devolved to the speak in support of motions to BDCs. Congress Northern Ireland assembly. is therefore instructed to bring forward Furthermore, Congress will lobby vigorously whatever change of rules is necessary, to enable to have any future legislation passed in the one motion jointly submitted by the Northern European Union and enacted in Ireland which Ireland and Republic of Ireland Retired Workers benefits workers, extended to Northern Ireland. Committees for each Congress BDC. The content of this motion to be issues which are of Congress will seek to ensure that protections concern to retired members. under the Posted Workers Directive are fully maintained to ensure that there is no Fermanagh Trades Council undercutting of pay rates or the potential exploitation of those workers posted.

GMB 34 Pensions

In recent years the Irish DB pension system has been overtaken by a catastrophic crisis. A close 32 Retired Workers examination of the Pension Authority’s figures shows the scale of the unfolding calamity. From Retired Workers in the Private and Public a peak of 1,500 healthy vibrant DB pension Sector have made a huge contribution to Irish schemes a few years ago, which had nearly society during the economic crisis. Many help 300,000 active members, only 715 schemes their children with mortgages and mortgage continue to meet the Minimum Funding with repayments. In the absence of decent and little more than 100,000 active members. The affordable childcare many of our older people Pensions Authority suggests that in 2015 60% of have provided free childcare for grandchildren. the surviving schemes remain vulnerable.

Many pensions have been reduced, yet To date the government has chosen to ignore pensioners/retired workers face extra this problem as if it has nothing to do with them. charges such as property tax, bin charges and When opportunist employers decide to walk away increasing insurance costs. Unlike those in from their pension promise the State and the full employment pensions/retired workers Regulator do nothing to protect scheme members.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 27 Most of the schemes that are in trouble are well 35 Housing run and have recorded significant appreciation in asset value in recent years. However DB Congress views the right to housing as a provision is regulated on the basis of the so fundamental and social right. called ‘Minimum Funding Standard’ and liabilities are calculated on bond yields and Ireland is one of the wealthiest countries in annuity prices. This has the effect of massively the world and yet we are unable to house our over–valuing scheme liabilities. people. The scale of emergency and the extent of human suffering caused by this major policy Schemes are being forced into unnecessary failure based on a surrender to the market and wind-up and the significant assets are property developers needs to be recognised. squandered on over-priced annuities. Official In order to deliver this human right, Congress indifference to date means we are sleepwalking calls on Governments, North and South to act. into an avoidable pension catastrophe where In the Republic, as a matter of urgency, the workers will be the losers. Government has to:

The resultant reduction in the coverage and • Set out a National and County level plan to quality of second pillar coverage suggests that deliver the largest housing programme in the if the next generation of workers is to enjoy any history of the State. form of occupational pension provision, a start needs to be made on developing a universal • An immediate sharp increase in capital occupational scheme involving contribution by investment with the aim of reaching an employers, workers and the State. annual output of 10,000 social (affordable) housing units per annum for the duration of • Therefore, Conference calls for the the emergency. immediate introduction of employer debt • Put in place, a new Commercial Funding legislation such as exists in the UK since 1995, Agency accountable to the Oireachtas, to and provide a mix of supports for home owners • The establishment of an expert Commission, and social rent. including stakeholders, to devise a plan Establish a Municipal Housing Authority to drive to protect the remaining assets of the DB the national and county delivery plans. This schemes, to maximize the commitment of agency should have the necessary ministerial/ employers and to ensure that as much as legislative authority to: a) compulsorily purchase possible can be salvaged in the interests of land/derelict housing stock; b) ensure proper the all scheme members. building and procurement standards and c) hold • The early introduction of a universal Local Authorities to account for the housing occupational pensions scheme. delivery in each county. Implements immediately the Vacant Site Levy and develop emergency By raising the pension age to 68 the State will measures to regulate new vulture funds confiscate up to ¤36,000 contributory old age operating in the rental and property markets. pension entitlement for PRSI payers. Ireland will soon have the highest pension age in The Housing crisis in the North is equally Europe. By changing the rate bands for PRSI bleak with 37,000 applicants waiting for social contributions in 2012, the State has taken housing, 22,645 of whom are in housing stress. ¤1,500 per annum from many working women Compounding the political failure to deal with in a blatant example of gender discrimination. this crisis is the deliberate undermining of Conference calls on government to end this the one body (the Northern Ireland Housing gender discrimination immediately, and not to Executive) that has the experience and capacity raise the pension age further. to impartially deliver housing policy based on objective need in a deeply divided society. Executive Council Congress calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to:

• Recognise the crucial role of public housing provision and delivery as test of equality in public policy.

28 Motions to BDC2017 • Support the retention of the Housing Unless this type of approach is now adapted Executive as the single housing authority as outlined in the NERI document young with strategic responsibility for housing Irish workers will be condemned to another delivery. generation where they will be subject to the whims of property speculation which has had a • Stop the Voluntary Stock Transfer disastrous consequence on workers in Ireland programme. over the last period of the economic collapse in • Remove the restrictions on the Housing particular. Executive’s right to borrow so that it can build new (income-related affordable) homes Guinness Staff Union on a scale that is sufficient to deal with the crisis and repair/upgrade its existing properties. 37 Social Progress Executive Council Conference directs the incoming Executive Amendment Council to lay out a clear perspective for the optimum degree of social progress that can Insert at end of Motion: be achieved in both jurisdictions on the island ‘Conference calls on the incoming Executive of Ireland over the period extending to the Council to commence a campaign involving centenary of the founding of the Irish Free affiliates and Trades Councils to ensure that the State in 2022 based on the best economic above demands are met.’ and demographic projections available with particular regard to: Belfast & District Trades Union Council • The attainment of full collective bargaining rights for all workers.

36 Housing Policy • Increasing the national minimum wage so that it equates with the ‘Living Wage’. This Conference endorses the NERI Document • Decent housing for all our people. “Irelands Housing Emergency Time for a Game • Health, childcare and eldercare. Changer.” • Education, training and skills development. We particularly welcome the proposal within the document which proposes to establish The • Pension provision. Housing Company of Ireland. We reject the • Rights of people with disabilities. Government emphasis on relying on the market to solve the Housing Emergency and we cite the • Social and Cultural Rights, following paragraph from the NERI document to and to develop a political and campaigning emphasise our concern: strategy to achieve it on the basis of prioritising the necessary public investment it would involve “(Government) Policy has placed the emphasis over any consideration of tax reductions. on public subsidies to private landlords and plans to leave the lead role to the private sector Services, Industrial, Professional in building the houses when and where markets and Technical Union dictate (albeit influenced by regulatory and planning restrictions)”. We also welcome the proposals within this 38 Equality and Human Rights document on ‘A European Cost Rental Model’ which would distribute the cost of new homes Conference commends the ongoing work of over a long period of time and would socialise Congress and Affiliates in protecting and the costs of constructing and renting high promoting human rights and equality on the quality accommodation. island of Ireland and in building a culture of respect for human rights and equality in our workplaces and trade unions. Rights violations and inequalities are still a feature of our workplaces and societies and we need to redouble our efforts, including:

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 29 • IHREC Group – continue our engagement • Continue to call for the full implementation with employers in the advisory group set of the Belfast Agreement, including the long up by the Irish Human Rights and Equality awaited Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland Commission to promote a culture of respect and Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland. for human rights and equality in our • As co guarantor of an international peace workplaces. agreement, Conference calls on the Irish • National Women’s Strategy – participate Government to robustly defend the equality in the monitoring structures for the 2nd and human rights mechanisms enshrined by National Women’s Strategy to seek to “an the Belfast Agreement. Conference considers Ireland where all women enjoy equality with that this is more pressing than ever in the men and can achieve their full potential, context of the withdrawal from the European while enjoying a safe and fulfilling life”. Union and the UK Government’s threats to repeal the Human Rights Act. • Family Leaves – building on the introduction of Paternity Leave, continue to campaign for • In Northern Ireland, Conference notes that paid parental leave and more equal sharing savage cuts to the public sector are leading of caring responsibilities between men and to the loss of thousands of jobs and vital women. public services. Job losses and cuts to public services will impact disproportionally on • Childcare – continue our advocacy with the women as they make up two thirds of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs public sector and form the majority of public to ensure the development of the single service users. affordable childcare system equates quality with an agreed set of terms and conditions • Conference continues to call on the NI for those charged with working in the Executive to comply with its statutory duty sector; Conference notes the unacceptably to impact assess the so called ‘voluntary high cost of childcare in Northern Ireland exit scheme’ in the public sector for impacts and the burden that this places on families. across the protected section 75 groups. Conference further notes that the absence • Conference is dismayed at the failure of the of a comprehensive and affordable childcare NI Executive to bring forward progressive system impacts disproportionally on women abortion legislation, despite there being and their participation in the labour market. widespread popular support for changes to the • Comprehensive Employment Strategy for the law. Conference reiterates its support for the Employment of People with Disabilities (CES) Alliance for Trust group and for their Trust – Conference welcomes the publication of Women Campaign. Conference reiterates its the strategy, and calls for adequate resources support for a referendum to repeal the 8th and inter departmental cooperation to ensure amendment in the Republic of Ireland. that it is implemented effectively, with the • Conference notes that Northern Ireland is the aim of significant increased recruitment only part of the UK and Ireland which does and retention of people with disabilities in not enjoy civil marriage equality. Conference employment. urges every party within the NI Executive • Conference is concerned at the failure of to listen to the vast majority of people of the NI Executive to publish long awaited Northern Ireland who support civil marriage strategic equality strategies. Whilst noting equality and legislate for same sex marriage. the uncertainty in relation to the political Conference pledges continued support to the infrastructure, Conference calls on the Love Equality Campaign. NI government to publish, without delay, Executive Council the Anti-Poverty Strategy as well as the Sexual Orientation Strategy and urges the NI Executive to update and properly 39 Securing Reproductive resource other equality strategies including Rights for Women the Gender, Racial Equality and Disability strategies. Conference endorses Motion 15 ‘Reproductive • Equality within our unions – to continue to Health and Justice’ endorsed at Congress’ monitor equality within our trade unions and Women’s Conference 2016. to develop initiatives to improve the diversity Conference calls on the incoming Executive in our leadership structures. Council to:

30 Motions to BDC2017 • Demand that international human rights Executive to: standards on women’s and reproductive rights be applied in both jurisdictions on the 1 Initiate a review of the experience and island of Ireland. evidence on what measures are considered to be most effective in tackling prejudice in • Continues to work for the repeal of the 8th all the forms we experience it on this island, Amendment of the Irish Constitution, and including sectarianism, sexism, homophobia, decriminalisation in both jurisdictions. racism, etc. • Continues to work directly through the trade 2 Produce a charter to tackle prejudice union movement and in cooperation with our and discrimination for the trade union allies in the women’s equality and human movement, the workplace and wider society. rights sectors. UNISON Belfast & District Trades Union Council

41 Accessible and Inclusive 40 Prejudice and Discrimination Public Education System

Conference notes with great concern the rise Congress recognises the devastating consequences in right-wing populist forces internationally. of cutbacks in education during the austerity Although there is diversity in their ideologies years and the changing political context where and perceived enemies a common issue amongst many public services are underfunded, and where these dangerous political movements is their uncertainties are compounded by Brexit. promotion of nationalism and hostility to the Congress believes that progress can be made growth in ethnic minority communities. in the engagement and achievement of pupils More worrying than the resurrection of the at risk when Governments invest in education far right are the temporising gestures to the intervention programmes and reductions in class racists and anti-immigrants now coming from size as evidenced by the success of the targeted mainstream political parties and the uncritical programmes. propagation of their message by elements of Congress calls on Governments North and the media. South to: Conference also expresses concern at the recent • Provide an accessible and inclusive rise in racist incidents on this island both north public education system as a prerequisite and south of the border which is linked to these for an equal society and demands that recent political developments. schools which cater for students from Whilst acknowledging the trade union socioeconomically disadvantaged movement’s long and proud history of backgrounds are adequately supported in challenging prejudice and discrimination in all terms of preferential teaching, funding and its forms here, conference believes that there is a support services. grave onus on us to do more now. • Ensure all pupils with special educational needs have access to additional teaching The spectrum of prejudice ranges from instances support and therapeutic services at school of overt discrimination or hate crime, to much level according to their needs. more subtle ‘everyday’ expressions, such as so-called ‘banter’, or ignoring or excluding • Increase spending on education to reflect 7% certain people or groups, even unwittingly. Even of GDP. people who consider themselves tolerant and are • Invest in teacher professional development consciously non-prejudiced can have ‘implicit to support teachers to enhance their bias’ which is often activated without being professional knowledge and skills throughout recognised. their teaching career. Conference believes that prejudice should be • Reduce class size in primary schools, to the viewed as a process in a set of relationships OECD average of 20. between people and, as such, prejudice should be regarded as a social problem which requires • Recognise that decent pay and conditions social change. for teachers are a pre-requisite to providing quality education. Conference therefore calls on the incoming Irish National Teachers’ Organisation

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 31 42 Investment in Education • Restore the capacity of schools to provide the requisite levels of support for students, Recognising that high-quality, appropriately including support for inclusion, for special accountable, universally accessible, non- needs and for students who exhibit selective, free and community-based public challenging behaviour or are otherwise at risk. education is one of the pillars of a truly • Repair staff morale by ensuring equity in participative, democratic society and also relation to pay rates. recognising the positive co-relation between levels of educational attainment and quality • Ensure parity of esteem and equitable of life, employability, national prosperity and provision for adults returning to education economic resilience, Congress notes that: and • Provide a range of viable progression routes • Investment in education was severely and curricular offerings, suitable to the needs restricted during the period of austerity. of learners. • Service to students suffered accordingly, Acknowledging: throughout all sectors of the public education system. • The acute and immediate nature of the • The morale of those working in the funding crisis at third level. public education service was significantly • The multiplicity of competing demands on undermined. the public purse and the need. • The discriminatory treatment in relation • Therefore, significantly to increase the funds to pay that has been applied to teachers, available for public investment, and lecturers and other education staff appointed since 2011 accelerated the erosion of morale. • in order also to ensure an appropriate contribution by corporations, that fairly Congress also notes that: reflects the significant benefit to them of access to a highly educated and skilled • There has been a steady pattern of economic graduate labour pool that the public growth since 2015. education system provides, • Significant public investment in education is Congress agrees that the ICTU will actively both necessary and possible. demand and advocate for application of a levy of • The benefit to individual citizens and broader 1% to corporate profits, the proceeds of which society deriving from such public investment will go to a dedicated Higher Education Fund. is safeguarded by appropriate statutory regulatory frameworks. Teachers’ Union of Ireland • In the absence of public investment, elements of the public education system will be vulnerable to opportunistic incursions by for- 43 Media Control profit private businesses/corporations.Such incursions reduce the quality of education Conference notes the effective ownership and provision, are inimical to the principles of control of modern mainstream media by a equity and inclusion, erode the pay and other neoliberal ideological group. conditions of employment of education sector workers, weaken regulatory protections and That this control is damaging to our democracies lessen democratic accountability. and working people insofar as it captures and controls debate in narrow confines that are hostile • Private sector incursions are motivated by to unions, their members and their interests. shareholder value and not by commitment to the social contract and the common good. That this is consistently the case and is a contributor to wealth inequality through attacking • Congress therefore requires the ICTU to worker’s pay, pensions, terms and conditions, tax demand that investment by the State in public justice and investment in public services. education be substantially increased and that such investment be targeted so as to address Conference encourages unions and their and ameliorate disadvantage where it exists members to create a progressive debate about a and, in that context, to: fairer society through democratically controlled • Enhance early childhood provision. new media forums and discussions. • Progressively improve the pupil/teacher UNITE ratios at primary and post-primary levels.

32 Motions to BDC2017 Amendment upon which workers and their families rely, is too small to meet demand, Add after final paragraph: calls on this conference to reaffirm our policy, “This Conference further notes that BDC 2015 which seeks a properly funded world class health unanimously adopted a motion calling for the service, and directs the incoming Executive establishment of a commission on the future of Council to: the media in Ireland. The concentration of media ownership and control has an impact on the • Engage immediately, with all political terms and conditions of employment of workers parties, on the work, and report, of the in the media sector, on the resources available for Special Oireachtas Committee on the Future newsgathering and influences editorial content. of Health Care.

The issue of media ownership and control would • Seek from all political parties a commitment form part of the work of any such Commission. to adopt, as their long term policy, the Conference also notes the failure of successive introduction of a world class public governments to introduce legislation to health service, funded through a system adequately tackle the issue of media diversity of progressive general taxation, with a and plurality in the Republic of Ireland. declaration that the State will, over time, cease to fund, or to subvent, any form of Conference reaffirms its commitment to the private health care provision; and principle of public service broadcasting. While • continue to demand that this new, single recognising the potential value of social media tiered, public health service must be an platforms for promoting dialogue Conference employer of choice offering all staff the also recognises the value of professional opportunity to fully utilise their skills and journalism and, in particular, public service talents in an environment which encourages broadcasting as an integral part of a diverse, innovation, autonomy and excellence. pluralist media landscape. Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation Conference supports the campaign by the RTÉ Group of Unions, representing working people employed by RTÉ -members of SIPTU (including the Musicians Union of Ireland and 45 Irish Public Health System Irish Actors Equity Group), NUJ, TEEU, BATU, UCATT, and UNITE, in defence of public service Given that the Irish public health system is broadcasting”. experiencing an unprecedented medical staffing crisis both in the hospital and the community National Union of Journalists setting, Congress calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to make the Irish public 44 The Future of Health health system the employer of choice for Irish medical graduates and thereby ensure that Care in Ireland patients can avail of the services that they require.

This conference, noting: Irish Medical Organisation • The welcome establishment, in the Programme for Government, of a special, All 46 Support for Workers in Party, Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Relation to Mental Health Health Care. and Well-being • The Congress submission to that committee, made in October 2016, which clearly called Congress asserts that public sector austerity, cuts for the introduction of a single tiered public to pay and pensions and attacks on conditions health service which treats everyone equally. of service have created a crisis in mental health and wellbeing that is damaging lives and • The continuing daily overcrowding, facing undermining the ability of public services to our existing, overstretched, public health meet the needs of the general public. service, which still leaves admitted patients on trolleys, lengthening waiting lists for Congress welcomes the ground-breaking access to care, both in the hospital and the research by the NASUWT over the last five years community; and in tracking the declining well-being of teachers, • The reality that our public health service, and in providing teachers with tools to monitor and review well-being at work.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 33 Congress notes with concern that as a result 47 Perinatal Mental Health of rising job insecurity, increasing demands and accountability pressures, workload is the Congress notes that: highest-rated issue affecting teachers, and that work-related stress, mental health and well- Perinatal mental health problems are very being are directly and damagingly impacted by common, affecting up to 20% of women at some the pursuit of policies and procedures that are point during pregnancy or in the first year of antithetical to health at work. motherhood. This is not only a major public health issue but also an issue with hidden Congress calls on the Executive Council to economic costs as it is estimated that taken campaign vigorously for increased support for all together perinatal depression, anxiety and workers in relation to mental health and well- psychosis carry a long term cost to society of being, including access to effective occupational about £8.1 billion for each one year cohort of health services that are genuinely supportive. births in the UK according to a report published by the London School of Economics and Centre The National Association of Schoolmasters for Mental Health. Nearly three-quarters of Union of Women Teachers this cost relates to adverse impacts on the child rather than the mother.

Congress also notes that:

Despite the recognition in the National Maternity Strategy for the South of Ireland that “perinatal mental health was a recurring theme of the public consultation, the findings of which point to the need for better and more accessible mental health support pre, during and post pregnancy”, and a recent report by the RQIA in Northern Ireland which recommends that “specialist perinatal mental health services should be developed in each HSC Trust” and “that a single regional Mother and Baby Unit be established in Northern Ireland” , only one out of the five HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland provides a very limited outpatient specialist perinatal mental health service and there is no specialist in-patient service available anywhere on the island of Ireland where women and their babies can be admitted for specialist treatment.

This means that women who are unable to be provided with appropriate care and treatment take longer to be diagnosed and to recover, all women who require specialist in-patient hospital treatment are separated from their babies and the emotional and financial cost to women, their families and wider society is incalculable

Congress resolves:

• To use all means available to ensure that appropriate specialist perinatal mental health services, both in-patient and out-patient, are provided to women in both the North and South of Ireland • To support those campaigning to have adequate numbers of specialist health care staff trained and employed to meet the needs of women with perinatal mental ill health. Royal College of Midwives

34 Motions to BDC2017 48 Cancer Awareness 50 Bus Éireann

This conference notes that an unknown but Congress expresses its grave concern at significant number of men are suffering from developments in Bus Éireann in recent months terminal prostate cancer who are not aware of which necessitated its workers to strike to their medical condition until it is untreatable. defend their agreed terms and conditions against Many of these cancer deaths could be averted attempts by its management to force through by earlier detection. Fortunately, there is cuts in these which is tantamount to a ‘race to a precedent by which men can learn from the bottom’. women. Due to a series of awareness initiatives, especially in workplaces, the number of early We regard this as another step on the Fine diagnoses which resulted in lives saved rapidly Gael policy of privatisation of the public bus increased. sector as stated in its 2011 Election Manifesto and implemented by a very willing Transport This motion calls on the trade union movement Minister Shane Ross who himself has expressed to utilise the structures it has to mount a similar open hostility to the C.I.E. companies. awareness campaign for the most common of male cancers. The network of Union Learning We condemn the cuts in public subvention to Reps in NI and education officers in affiliates Bus Éireann from ¤42m in 2009 to ¤33m in 2015, would be perfect for disseminating life-saving while the company and its workers paid ¤59m in information to men who may otherwise go taxes, PRSI and USC to the exchequer - that year untested and untreated until too late. Horse Racing received ¤60m from the State.

Research funding for this most common of male We also condemn in the strongest possible terms cancers falls well behind other cancer research the role of the National Transport Authority programmes. Congress is instructed to both (NTA) in effectively sabotaging Bus Éireann by raise awareness of the matter as a public health issuing licences to private operators on the most duty, and to lobby for appropriate resourcing lucrative bus routes, while denying Bus Éireann for public information and medical research to any of these routes, but instead confining it to resolve this silent health crisis. Expressway services which, while socially very desirable, were completely uneconomic due to Fermanagh Trades Council faster journey times being available from the largely non-stop privately operated routes.

Congress deplores the fact that the NTA plays 49 Protection of Local Services no role in insisting that these private operators abide by any standards such as the enforcement Conference instructs the incoming National of the EU Working Time directive, or the Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade provision on facilities for passengers at terminals Unions to engage with the current Government as required under EU law. Neither is there any to halt the decline of the services that the citizens nationally set wage level for bus drivers other of Ireland have been denied over the past three than the minimum wage and it is widely believed years, with the closure of banking outlets & the that some private operators do not even pay this. untimely consultancy report of the elimination of rural post offices, the debate nationally to reduce We therefore call for the following measures to the number of routes services by the national secure the future of Bus Éireann, its workers and bus company, where the general population the tens of thousands of people who depend on it has contributed to and continue to support the to meet their travel needs: financial institutions through taxation & revenue 1 An increase of the PSO funding to the 2009 measures since 2008. level.

Letterkenny Trades Council 2 That the Dept. of Social Welfare increases its payment per journey to the 2009 level.

3 Insist on a level playing pitch between Bus Éireann and private operators by:

• Insisting that licences are only given to operators who sign up to a code of decent work which would include abiding by legal driving hours and pay.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 35 • Ensuring that these operators be obliged Conference therefore calls on the Executive to negotiate with Trade Unions that the Council to: workers chose to represent them. • Ensure that all forms of hate crimes are • The Department of Social Welfare Travel condemned by ICTU by issuing unequivocal Pass be accepted on all licenced bus statements against each and every attack and services. that the power of the trade union movement • All bus operators to be obliged to provide is drawn upon to campaign in support of passenger facilities at terminals. those who are under attack; • That all of the above be strictly enforced • Promote the pursuit of training and education and that those found to be in breach of any via affiliates to educate and reinforce why of them have their licence/s revoked. this type of behaviour and criminal activity is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a • A Sectoral Employment Order be civilised society; introduced for workers in the bus industry • Promote unity of all workers in Northern • That Bus Éireann be granted non- Ireland and the Republic of Ireland stop Expressway routes just as private irrespective of community allegiances. operators are. Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance • Where existing Bus Éireann Expressway services are found to be providing a socially desirable service, that they be funded as PSO services. 52 European Pillar of Social Rights • That plans to tender out 10% of PSO routes Congress recognises the danger posed by be scrapped. extreme right-wing populism throughout • That the NTA be abolished and its Europe. At least part of the reason for this functions to be transferred to the CIE has been the tendency by EU institutions to holding company. This model works prioritise the rights of capital over the rights well in other European countries such of workers, and they enthusiastically support as in Paris where the RATP is both the the single market while adopting a hands-off public owner and regulator of all public attitude to social rights. transport in the Paris Region. The European Pillar of Social Rights can be a Cork Council of Trade Unions way forward, but only if it provides a credible promise of hope for working people and leads to 51 Sectarianism/Hate Crime and a real and substantive social action programme the Trade Union Response encompassing legislation, policymaking mechanisms and financial resources. It must promote trade union and collective bargaining Conference expresses its deep concern at the rights at national level and with multinational increased sectarian tension and polarisation of companies, and also proactively address the communities. This has not been assisted by the labour dimension of digitalisation in order to current political impasse. In response Congress guarantee a just transition for workers. reiterates its total opposition to sectarianism in all its forms. In addition to the increased Congress therefore welcomes President sectarian tensions there has also been a rise in Juncker’s proposal for a European Pillar of other forms of hate crime - against the LGBT Social Rights, and supports the work of the community, ethnic minorities, refugees and ETUC in ensuring its effectiveness. Congress asylum seekers. This rise in hate crime has not expects that the Pillar would as a minimum: been limited just to Northern Ireland. • Include enforceable rights as well as The current political vacuum will only give the benchmarks and recommendations. opportunity to fuel sectarianism, xenophobia and other hate crimes which the trade union • Improve social rights and standards of living. movement has proudly stood firmly against for • Invest for strong public services, jobs and the last 50 years. We must not allow the most quality employment and sustainable growth. regressive elements of society to drag us back to the past. • Promote social dialogue, collective bargaining and wage increases to support economic demand and to tackle inequalities.

36 Motions to BDC2017 • Apply to all member states and not just As part of this campaign Congress will: Eurozone countries and comprehend collective agreements as well as minimum • Provide guidance to trades councils on standards. working with local decision makers and community groups to dispel myths about The Pillar must contain legislative proposals to migrant workers and refugees. promote quality work and halt excessive moves towards flexibility and casualization. The • Continue to campaign on ending the Direct proposals should guarantee the social model Provision System and in doing so providing built on trade union rights and protecting opportunities for education, training and collective agreements especially in the context of decent work for those within it. free movement, introduce better economic rules • Use every opportunity to publicise the so that workers can negotiate a pay rise, and benefits of migrant workers to the national encourage investment in much-needed public and local economy and encourage them to services such as transport and childcare. join a trade union. Only an ambitious and binding Social Pillar • Encourage affiliated unions to share and can be a step towards regaining workers’ lost promote good-practice aimed at countering confidence in our European project. all forms of racism in the workplace.

Executive Council • Seek to include anti-racist workplace strategies in our collective bargaining agendas. Executive Council 53 Global Solidarity

Conference notes the significant international 54 International Labour developments since we last met, including: Organisation (ILO) • The adoption of the Paris Agreement under The Irish Government has just taken up a seat the United Nations Framework Convention on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Climate Change in Paris. and will be represented by the Department of • The UN Sustainable Development Agenda Jobs Enterprise and Innovation. The ILO is the (Agenda 2030) and its inclusion of Decent only tripartite U.N. agency, and since 1919 brings Work in Goal 8. together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States, to set • The New York Declaration for Refugees labour standards, develop policies and devise and Migrants. programmes promoting decent work for all While these are significant milestones for the women and men. The unique tripartite structure international community, they face serious of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, challenges in 2017 with the rise of racism, right- employers and governments to ensure that the wing populism, far right politics and climate views of the social partners are closely reflected change denial. in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes. The main aims of the ILO are Conference commends the work of the Global to promote rights at work, encourage decent Solidarity Committee and the Energy and employment opportunities, enhance social Natural Resources Committee in engaging on protection and strengthen dialogue on work- these issues on our behalf and encourages all related issues. affiliates to continue to engage at Congress, trade union and workplace level. Conference welcomes the participation by the Government of Ireland in the Governing Body Trade Unions continue to play a crucial role in and urges it to use this opportunity to fulfil the defeating Racial Discrimination. Conference ILO aims and objectives at home and abroad. believes that we must continue our efforts to It is an opportune time to be in this position as combat attempts to divide ordinary people and the ILO is marking its centenary in 2019 and defend the positive role migrant workers play in is preparing a number of initiatives including Ireland, and to tackle all forms of racism in the the “future of work initiative”, which “aims to workplace and society. cultivate a global dialogue on the future of work, In order to achieve this, conference calls on to build the ILO’s ability to prepare and guide Congress to launch a national ‘Stand up to governments, workers and employers to better Racism‘ campaign. meet the world of work challenges of the next

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 37 century”. Similar initiatives on ending poverty, 55 Palestine Solidarity women and work, green jobs and enhancing the relevance of ILO standards are also planned. This conference applauds the ICTU Executive Council and Congress affiliates, as well as Trade While Ireland has ratified 73 of the 189 ILO Union Friends of Palestine, for the wide range Conventions (47 are in force, 28 Conventions and of actions taken to highlight the injustices 1 Protocol have been denounced), a significant suffered by the Palestinian people under Israeli number of up to date conventions and protocols occupation, colonisation and apartheid. We remain not ratified. These include: applaud in particular the leadership role played C097 - Migration for Employment Convention by Congress in supporting the establishment of (Revised), 1949 (No. 97). the European Trade Union Network for Justice in Palestine. Conference calls on all affiliates to C131 - Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 endorse, to publicise and actively support the (No. 131). work of the European network in challenging EU complicity, corporate complicity and the arms C140 - Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 trade with Israel. (No. 140). Conference also notes the support for ICTU C143 - Migrant Workers (Supplementary BDS policy (adopted at 2007 BDC) by the Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143). recent UN report of the Economic and Social C156 - Workers with Family Responsibilities Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) titled Convention, 1981 (No. 156). ‘Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid’. The primary C162 - Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162). and unequivocal conclusion of this document is: ‘This report establishes, on the basis of C173 - Protection of Workers’ Claims scholarly inquiry and overwhelming evidence, (Employer’s Insolvency) Convention, 1992 that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid.’ (No. 173). The recommendations of the report include that ‘National Governments should support C175 - Part-Time Work Convention, 1994 (No. boycott, divestment and sanctions activities 175). and respond positively to calls for such P029 - Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour initiatives.’ The recommendations for civil Convention, 1930. society and private sector actors are particularly relevant. These are: P155 - Protocol of 2002 to the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981. “1 Civil society actors should be invited to submit to the Human Rights Council Conference urges the Irish Government to liaise reactions to this report. A special meeting with trade unions and employers in a process should be convened to consider those to ratify the most relevant of these for Ireland’s reactions and to plan appropriate next workplaces in the 21st Century. steps, including recommendations to the Human Rights Council and to the Office of Executive Council the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

2 Efforts should be made to broaden support for boycott, divestment and sanctions initiatives among civil society actors.

3 Private sector actors should be made aware of the findings of this report and requested to act accordingly, including by informing the public about the criminality of the apartheid regime, and urging Governments to fulfil their obligations under the Apartheid Convention and to propose initiatives that could be undertaken by civil society. Private sector actors should also be reminded of their

38 Motions to BDC2017 legal, moral and political responsibility to In the light of these developments conference sever ties with commercial ventures and commits ICTU to publicly defending whenever projects that directly or indirectly aid and necessary the democratic rights of human rights abet the apartheid regime imposed.” defenders like Omar Barghouti. We call on the ICTU executive to respond to the attempts Given the extreme gravity of this finding, and to smear and criminalise our movement, and the high standing of the UN body that produced its defence of human rights, by intensifying the report, conference authorises ICTU to its efforts to implement ICTU BDS policy. We circulate the report to all affiliates with the furthermore mandate the EC to seek a meeting recommendation that it be widely disseminated with the Irish Government, at the highest level, throughout the membership. The report should to inform them of our determination, and to be highlighted on the ICTU website. Conference advance the case for effective action to end also mandates the incoming Executive Council Israeli breaches of international law and EU to submit to the UN Human Rights Council complicity with this. the response of ICTU to the report, including a call for the appropriate UN bodies to take the Derry Trades Union Council remedial action recommended by the report.

Conference furthermore recognises that the moral and civil imperative to support BDS against Israel until it complies with international law is now being actively suppressed by Israel. The Israeli government and its allies in the West – prompted by the doctrine of ‘Israeli exceptionalism’, permitting it to be exempt from international law - are attempting to criminalise the BDS movement and to accuse its supporters of being anti-Semitic. Israeli government ministers have publically called for a campaign of ‘civil assassination’ against BDS activists. Israel, the so-called ‘only democracy in the middle east’ now openly proclaims its sectarian and racist character by declaring itself a Jewish state. BDS activists are now legally prohibited from entering Israel. A ‘tarnishing unit’ has been created by the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs tasked with undermining the credibility of BDS activists. We have recently seen the outworking of this in the arrest and interrogation for 12 days of Omar Barghouti, the leading spokesperson for the BDS movement. Barghouti has since April 2016 been subjected to a travel ban, now extended, and which is timed to prevent him from travelling to the USA to receive the Ghandi Peace Award.

Conference also expresses grave concern at the proposed collaboration between the Ministry for Strategic Affairs and the Israeli trade union federation Histadrut. As reported in the respected Israeli newspaper Haaretz: ‘Last September, the ministry also stated its intent to launch a cooperative effort with the Histadrut through a Histadrut NGO called the International Leadership Institute, at a cost of 22 million shekels. The program’s purpose would be to “work among labor unions and professional associations abroad to root out the ability of BDS entities to influence the unions.”’ (http://www. haaretz.com/israel-news/1.779434

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 39

Standing Orders Committee Report Number One

Tuesday 4th July, 2017 Opening Session Opening Session of Conference ing candidates for 30 seats. Therefore there will be no need to hold an election. The names of those elected as ordinary members of the Exec- utive Council will be notified to delegates during 1. Time of Sessions conference.

— 1.1 — 2.3 The time of the various conference sessions will The Standing Orders Committee notes that Con- be as follows: gress has received 2 nominations for the position on the Congress Executive Council reserved • Tuesday 4th July 2017 from 09:30 to 17:30; for a person to represent Trades Councils. An • Wednesday 5th July 2017 from 09:30 to 17:00; election will be held to fill this positon on the Congress Executive Council. • Thursday 6th July 2017 from 09:30 to 13:00 unless the business of Conference is concluded — 2.4 earlier. The Standing Orders Committee notes that Conference will adjourn at 13:00 on Tuesday and Congress has received 6 nominations for the Wednesday for lunch and will recommence at Congress Standing Orders Committee. There are 14:30. 5 seats to be filled and an election will be held to fill these positions. 2. The Election of Officers and Ordinary Members of the Congress — 2.5 Executive Council and the Congress Standing Orders Committee. The Standing Orders Committee notes that Congress has received 5 nominations for the — 2.1 Congress Appeals Committee. As there are 5 seats to be filled the following are deemed The Standing Orders Committee notes that Con- elected, Noel Ward, Aidan Kenny, Tom O’ Driscoll, gress has received nominations for the Officer Matt Staunton and Billy Hannigan. positions as follows:

• Congress has received 1 nomination for the 3. Ballot Papers positon of President and Shelia Nunan is — 3.1 therefore deemed elected; The arrangements for the exchange of credential • Congress has received 3 nominations for stubs and the issuing of voting cards and ballot the two Vice-President positions. The per- papers will be as follows, sons nominated are Kevin Callinan, Alison Millar and Jackie Pollock. The Congress • Credential stubs will be exchanged for voting Constitution requires that at least one of cards commencing from 14:30 on Tuesday 4th the Vice-Presidents must be a woman and July 2017 until 11.00 on Wednesday 5th July therefore Alison Millar is deemed elected. 2017. Each delegate must personally exchange An election to select the other Vice-President his or her credential stub for a voting card. will be held during conference. • Ballot Papers for the election of 1 of the • Congress has received 1 nomination for the Congress Vice-Presidents positions, for the position of Treasurer and Joe O’Flynn is person to represent Trades Councils on the therefore deemed elected. Congress Executive Council and for the Standing Orders Committee will be issued on — 2.2 Wednesday 5th July 2017 from 11:00 to 15:00. The Standing Orders Committee notes that Con- • Each union will be asked to nominate a prin- gress has received 31 nominations for election cipal delegate who, in exchange for the voting as ordinary members of the Congress Executive cards, will collect the ballot papers from a Council. There are 30 seats to be filled. Ordinar- polling station situated away from the main ily this would require the holding of an election. conference hall. However, because both persons contesting the election for the remaining Vice-President • On completion, ballot papers should be position have also been nominated as ordinary returned to the sealed ballot boxes in the members of the Executive Council, the result of polling station by the individual delegates that election will mean that there are 30 remain- or by the principal delegate in accordance

42 Nominations to BDC2017 with union practice, before 15:00 hours on — 4.6 Wednesday 5th July 2017. The Standing Orders Committee wishes to draw • The results of the election will be announced to the attention of delegates the rules relating to during the conference proceedings during the speaking time as set out in the Standing Orders morning of Thursday 6th July 2017. of Congress. The proposer of a motion or amend- ment shall be allowed five minutes and each 4. Motions and Amendments subsequent speaker three minutes. The Standing — 4.1 Orders Committee may seek the agreement of the Chairperson to further limit speaking time The Standing Orders Committee has examined in order that the business of conference can be the motions and the amendments submitted by concluded. affiliated organisations. 5. Suspension of Standing Orders — 4.2 — 5.1 The Standing Orders Committee rules that Motion 22 standing in the name of the Public In the interest of orderly and effective conduct Services Executive Union (Selection of Labour of business, the Standing Orders Committee Panel Candidates to Seanad Éireann) is not in draws the attention of delegates and affiliated order as in the view of the Standing Orders Com- organisations to the provisions of paragraph 12 mittee it will be impossible and impractical for of Standing Orders, as follows, Congress to implement the requirements of the • “A motion to suspend Standing Orders must motion. be submitted in writing to the Chairperson by — 4.3 the proposer and seconder who are delegates to Conference. It must specify the Standing The Standing Orders Committee rules that Orders to be suspended and the period of sus- Motion 23 standing in the name of the Irish pension. It must state reasons of urgency and Federation of University Teachers (Disputes importance, and if the suspension is sought Committee Report No. 3/2016 Regarding the for the purpose of giving consideration to a issue of Trade Union Rights in Dublin City Uni- matter not on the Agenda, the reason for not versity) is not in order as the matters referred submitting such matter by way of a motion in to in the motion are still the subject of a process accordance with Standing Orders. A Mo- under the auspices of the Congress Executive tion to suspend Standing Orders may not be Council. The amendment to motion 23 proposed adopted except: by the Services, Industrial, Professional and (a) with the permission of the Technical Union will fall on the adoption of this Chairperson; and report by conference. (b) with the consent of two thirds of the — 4.4 delegates voting on the motion. The Standing Orders Committee rules that Motion 33 standing in the name of the Ferman- 6. Conference Sessions agh Trades Council (Retired Members) is not in — 6.1 order, as a facility exists in the Congress Con- stitution that allows any affiliated organisation Time periods have been allocated in the agenda to propose a motion to amend the Congress for BDC for the consideration of specific topics Constitution, and it is proper that if an affiliated as detailed in the Executive Council Report. Mo- organisation wishes to propose a motion seeking tions related to these topics will be taken during to change the Congress Constitution they should these time periods. If there is any time left over avail of this facility specifying the change they after the completion of the specified business, wish to see made and the precise amendments Conference will proceed to deal with other busi- required to achieve this change. ness as appropriate.

—4.5 — 6.2 The Standing Orders Committee rules that all Motions have been grouped and votes on mo- the remaining motions and amendments in the tions will be taken as indicated in the Timetable final agenda are in order. of Business.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 43 — 6.3 — 8.2 Delegates are asked to especially note that there Affiliates and delegates to conference are is a private session scheduled during BDC. Dur- reminded that guest speakers are attending ing this session only accredited delegates will conference at the invitation of Congress and be admitted to the conference hall. The private therefore should be afforded the same respect as session is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 4th any other speaker at the BDC. July 2017 from 16:00 until 17:30. Conference will break at 15:45 on Tuesday 4th July 2017 for 15 minutes to facilitate participation in this session of conference by accredited delegates only.

7. Distribution of Materials at BDC — 7.1 Affiliates and delegates to BDC are reminded of the requirement to seek the permission of the Standing Orders Committee in advance of the distribution of any material to delegates during the course of the BDC. Particular attention is drawn to the prohibition in conference venue on the display of banners, posters and of other material that may cause offence.

8. Fraternal Guests and Speakers Left to Right: Kieran Jack McGinley (Chair), SIPTU, Joan Gaffney, MANDATE, Annette 8.1 Dolan, TUI, Denis Keatings, UNISON, (Pat The following people have been invited to address Guilfoyle, TEEU missing from photo) Conference and have accepted the invitation:

• Representative of Belfast City Council; • The President of Belfast Trades Council; • The President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins; • The General Secretary of the TUC; • General Secretary of the ETUC; • General Secretary of the ITUC; • A speaker on behalf of the Congress Youth Committee; • A speaker on behalf of the Congress Centres Network; • A speaker on behalf of the Congress Disabili- ty Committee; • A speaker on behalf of the Congress Women’s Committee; • A speaker on behalf of the Congress Global Solidarity Committee; • Speakers on behalf of the Congress Retired Workers Committee.

44 Nominations to BDC2017 Nominations to BDC 2017

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 45 POSITION NOMINEE MEMBER OF NOMINATED BY President Sheila Nunan INTO INTO PSEU UCU NUJ IMPACT SIPTU UNISON

Vice President (two positions)

Kevin Callinan IMPACT IMPACT

PSEU SIPTU UNISON INTO Alison Millar NIPSA UNISON Jackie Pollock UNITE UNITE

Treasurer Joe O’Flynn SIPTU SIPTU NUJ FSU

Executive Council Ordinary Panel Ciaran Rohan AHCPS AHCPS Kieran Christie ASTI ASTI Eoin Ronayne CPSU CPSU Steve Fitzpatrick CWU CWU Fionnuala Ní Bhrógáin CWU CWU David Kennedy CWU UK CWU UK Larry Broderick FSU FSU Denise Walker GMB GMB Shay Cody IMPACT IMPACT Kevin Callinan IMPACT IMPACT Marie Levis IMPACT IMPACT Dave Hughes INMO INMO Phil Ni Sheaghdha INMO INMO Deirdre O’Connor INTO INTO Noel Ward INTO INTO John Douglas MANDATE MANDATE

46 Nominations to BDC2017 POSITION NOMINEE MEMBER OF NOMINATED BY Justin McCamphill NASUWT NASUWT Maria Morgan NIPSA NIPSA Séamus Dooley NUJ NUJ Tom Geraghty PSEU PSEU Ethel Buckley SIPTU SIPTU Joe Cunningham SIPTU SIPTU Jack O’Connor SIPTU SIPTU Sean Heading TEEU TEEU Paddy Kavanagh TEEU TEEU John MacGabhann TUI TUI Patricia McKeown UNISON UNISON Anne Speed UNISON UNISON/GSU Richie Browne UNITE UNITE Jackie Pollock UNITE UNITE Jacquie White UTU UTU

Executive Council Local Reserved Panel Colm Cronin CCTU CCTU Paddy Mackell BDTUC BDTUC

Standing Orders Dennis Walshe CPSU CPSU Joan Gaffney MANDATE MANDATE Jack McGinley SIPTU SIPTU Darren Erangey TEEU TEEU Annette Dolan TUI TUI Denis Keatings UNISON UNISON

Appeals Board Billy Hannigan PSEU PSEU Aidan Kenny TUI TUI Tom O’Driscoll SIPTU SIPTU Matt Staunton IMPACT IMPACT Noel Ward INTO INTO

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 47 48 Nominations to BDC2017 Fringe Events at BDC 2017

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 49 NERI – AN OVERVIEW OF THE LOVE EQUALITY – THE CAMPAIGN FIRST THREE YEARS OF WORK FOR CIVIL MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NORTHERN IRELAND Tuesday, 4th July, Lunchtime (13.00hrs), Assembly Buildings Wednesday, 5th July, Lunchtime Conference Centre (13.15hrs) – Dublin Suite, Europa Hotel Staff from the Nevin Economic Research In- With the introduction of civil marriage equality in stitute will give a series of short presentations England, Scotland and Wales and the passing of the recapping on recent work and highlighting referendum in the Republic of Ireland, Northern emerging research on both economies of Ireland. Ireland is now the only part of these islands where The brief presentations will be followed by an same sex couples cannot get married. open discussion with delegates. All are welcome to this event, with no economic question too big In this Fringe meeting, representatives from or awkward to raise! ‘Love Equality’ will reflect on the campaign in Northern Ireland, outlining the political and A light lunch will be served and entrance will be on legislative context as well as launching Trade a ‘first come, first served’ basis, but will be limited Unions LoveEquality and discussing the vital to 60 people. role which trade unions can play in mobilising public support.

Speakers: Representatives from the Love Equality Coalition including John O’Doherty, The Rainbow Project, Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International. GLOBAL SOLIDARITY – CONFRONTING RACISM, Sandwiches and tea/coffee will be served on a XENOPHOBIA AND POPULISM first come, first served basis. Please note that numbers are limited to 50 people. Tuesday, 4th July, Lunchtime (13.00hrs), Assembly Buildings Conference Centre

The Global Solidarity Committee of Congress is hosting this event entitled ‘Confronting Racism, Xenophobia and Populism’. It is being organised against the backdrop of the global rise in popu- list movements such as the 2016 US presidential elections, Brexit referendum and rise of right wing populism in Europe. Many of these cam- paigns have been built around white supremacist ideologies and set forth policies to contain, deport and ban people who are Black, Latino, Muslim, Immigrant, and LGBTQ.

There will be a panel of speakers who will exam- ine the misleading of the public through populist rhetoric and give examples on the key role trade unions can play in counteracting the rise of right wing populism, racism and xenophobia. We plan to create a short video from the event itself with interviews with panellists and delegates for sharing on social media.

Light lunch will be served on a first come first served basis and limited to 50 people.

50 Fringe Events at BDC2017 JUSTICE FOR COLOMBIA – TRADE UNION FRIENDS OF PEACE, PRISONERS AND TRADE PALESTINE – CAMPAIGNING IN UNIONISTS IN COLOMBIA SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE Wednesday, 5th July, Lunchtime (13.00hrs) – Assembly Buildings Wednesday, 5th July, Evening Conference Centre (17.30hrs) – Assembly Buildings After three and a half years imprisoned on false Conference Centre charges, Colombian trade union leader Huber Omar Barghouti: BDS for Palestinian Rights - Ballesteros was finally released in January 2017. The Challenges Ahead Justice for Colombia, with the support of ICTU and its affiliates, played a key role in securing his Chair: Patricia McKeown, (UNISION) and Chair freedom. Come and hear first-hand about the of TUFP current situation for trade unionists in Colombia, Speaker: Omar Barghouti – BDC for Palestinian recent developments in the Colombian peace Rights process and the ongoing threats to trade union- ists and activists despite the historic advances This talk by the leading spokesperson of the BDS towards peace. movement includes an analysis of why Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions has become the most Chair: Brian Campfield, President, ICTU effective form of international solidarity with Speakers: Huber Ballesteros, Colombian Trade the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-de- Union Leader and former Political Prisoner termination and other UN-stipulated rights. It also examines how the much appreciated trade Kevin Callinan, Deputy General Secretary, union support for BDS needs to go to the next IMPACT, Vice-President, ICTU level of practical effectiveness in the face of a John Douglas, General Secretary, Mandate rapidly intensifying regime of Israeli occupation, Tom Geraghty, General Secretary, PSEU settler-colonialism and apartheid. Jimmy Kelly, Regional Secretary, Unite Ireland Refreshments will be available. Mariela Kohon, Director, Justice for Colombia Patricia McKeown, Regional Secretary, UNISON Northern Ireland

Refreshments will be available.

Biennial Delegate Conference Agenda 51 Irish Congress of Trade Unions Northern Ireland Committee 31/32 Parnell Square Irish Congress of Trades Unions Dublin 1, Ireland 45-47 Donegall Street Tel: +353 1 8897777 Belfast BT1 2FG, Northern Ireland Fax: +353 1 8872012 Tel: 02890 247940 Email: [email protected] Fax: 02890 246898 Web: www.ictu.ie Email: [email protected] Web: www.ictuni.org PRINTED BY TRADE UNION LABOUR