WORKERS RIGHTS CENTRE 8.30 A.M

Vol. 16 No 3 July 2017 ISSN 0791-458X Organising ICTU Venezuela the ports Conference the truth Page 24-25 Page 8 - 9 Page 29 Pay rise for building workers by Frank Connolly Tens of thousands of construction workers are set to win a 10% pay rise after months of campaigning by SIPTU and other unions. The proposed new minimum rates are set out in a Labour Court recommendation for a new Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) which is designed to provide for minimum rates of pay and other conditions of employment in the construction industry. The recommendation for a new SEO for construction workers follows detailed discussions with union representatives over recent weeks, according to SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Greg Ennis. “The union submission covered minimum rates of pay, pensions, sick pay and travel time. A key objective of all the construction unions in Sophia Byrne, age 2, with these negotiations was to preserve the integrated pay structure involv- (L to R back row) Big Start ing all categories and grades. We were also determined to protect or- supporters Fiona Glackin and Orla Quigley delivering ganised employments from under cutting by non-union labour,” Greg hundreds of ‘Postcards from Ennis said. the Dole’ to Minister for The negotiations achieved a 10% increase of the minimum craft rate Finance, Public Expenditure to €18.93 per hour with other operative grades receiving the same ‘pro and Reform, Paschal Donohoe rata’ increase. The increase restores the 7.5% pay cut enforced on con- at his department in Dublin on Friday 14th July as part of a struction workers during the recession with a 2.5% annual increase on SIPTU campaign to highlight top. The original demand by the trade unions was for a 15% rise. precarious contracts and the Greg Ennis said that SIPTU would now pursue the remaining 5% and lack of state investment for has also proposed a complete review of the grading structure within the Early Years sector. See the construction sector in the light of the changes which have occurred page 21. since it was put in place in 2000. Photo: Leah Continued on page 2 Farrell/RollingNews.ie WORKERS RIGHTS CENTRE 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday [email protected] 2 Liberty In this month’sLiberty JULY 2017 News WRC to open in Silgo Mayor Carr A Workers Rights Centre (WRC) cated in the SIPTU office in Han- mation and advice on workplace is- will be opened in Silgo on Friday, son Retail Park, Cleveragh, Sligo. sues. For more information visit Page 6 28th July, at 4.00 p.m. The latest in The WRC will be open to all work- workersrightscentre.ie the network of WRCs will be lo- ers who wish to ‘drop in’ for infor- Industrial action suspended in Cork County Council SIPTU members in Cork County Commission. deficiencies by the Council in ap- Liberty View Council suspended their industrial The long running dispute re- plying the ‘Service Delivery Op- Page 12-13 Liberty action on Monday, 17th July, in sults from the refusal of manage- tions’ of the Lansdowne Road order to allow for the commence- ment to recruit the additional staff Agreement. ment of a conciliation process con- required to adequately deliver View ducted by the Workplace Relations statutory services and to address

From Farm Support for 30c minimum wage rise to Fork The Low Pay Commission is under- iser, Ethel Buckley said: “A rise of way to ensure improvement to Page 15 stood to have recommended to the 30 cents on the minimum wage their livelihood remains organising Government that the minimum would be very welcomed by low in their union. In this way, they wage be increased by 30 cent to paid workers across the country. can secure increases in wages and €9.55 per hour. The move could However, it will still provide a improvements in the conditions of benefit over 100,000 low paid wage on which it is very difficult their employment.” workers. to survive. Health News SIPTU Services Division Organ- “For low paid workers the best Page 17 Ross meets unions to discuss transport forum A new forum is to be set up to give workers earlier this year. companies and the compensation TDs support all stakeholders, including unions, After the meeting, SIPTU TEAC they received for passengers with public and private operators, dis- Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, free passes. Big Start ability groups an input into trans- said the forum would be useful for “What we are about is trying to Page 21 port policy. members and provide an opportu- ensure that the public transport SIPTU representatives were nity for the union to set out its vi- service is funded appropriately, among those who met with the sion on public transport for the serves the citizens of the State as Minister for Transport, Tourism future. it should and removes any need and Sport, Shane Ross, on 10th He said a number of concerns for future industrial action”, Ennis July to discuss the establishment were raised with the Minister in- said. Polska page of the forum as agreed following cluding the level of State subven- Page 23 industrial action by Bus Eireann tion for public transport

BNM investment does nothing to allay Midlands jobs crisis

Sport The Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of BNM Group of Unions secretary, will result in widespread job Page 34 Unions has stated that the an- John Regan, said: “The negative el- losses.” nouncement by the company that ement of this major investment The Minister for Communica- it intends to invest €1.2 billion in plan is that it provides no job secu- tions, Climate Action and Environ- its solar, wind and biomass busi- rity for BNM workers. Indeed, the ment, Denis Naughten, has nesses will do nothing to allay the Midlands will become an unem- acknowledged a request by the growing jobs crisis in the Midlands ployment black spot in the coming BNM Group of Unions for an ur- resulting from its decision to exit years if BNM proceeds with its gent meeting to discuss the threat peat briquette production. plan to exit peat production which to the future of the company.

Editor: Frank Connolly, SIPTU Head of Communications Journalist: Scott Millar Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU), Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) & William Hederman Continued from page 1 — Pay rise for building workers Publications Assistant: Deirdre Price “A review will also seek to fur- Party during its term in the last the first to have such an SEO put Administrative Assistant: Karen Hackett ther improve wages and conditions government and is legally binding in place. Meanwhile, negotiations Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour. for workers and would afford all on all employers, across whole sec- with the CIF on the introduction of Printed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. categories, including crane operators of the economy. It prevents a new Registered Employment Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. tors, an opportunity to have claims undercutting of rates of pay and Agreement for workers in the in- If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: [email protected] assessed on their merits, while conditions by non-union employ- dustry will continue. This will deal Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, preserving the concept of an inte- ers in the competition for con- with issues other than pay, includ- Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 grated pay structure,” he said. tracts. An SEO must be approved ing dispute procedures, annual SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Gene Mealy• “However, we will be insisting on by the Government and both leave, bereavement leave, subsis- General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn immediate implementation of the houses of the Oireachtas before it tence payments, access to the Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, 10% pay increase.” becomes legally binding on all em- health trust scheme and other en- Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] The SEO is a new mechanism ployers. titlements. which was achieved by the Labour The construction sector will be Liberty 3 News JULY 2017 Building workers win 10% pay rise - and continue fight for more

June, SIPTU has formally proposed a complete review of the grading By structure within the construction Greg Ennis sector in the light of the changes which have occurred since it was The construction industry put in place in 2000. This would was decimated following the afford all categories, including bursting of the Irish property crane operators, an opportunity to bubble in 2007 and the 2008 have claims for improvements as- banking crisis. The crippling sessed on their merits, while pre- and unprecedented economic serving the concept of an crisis resulted in the cessa- integrated pay structure. All the tion of house construction unions represented on the ICTU and a postponement of key CIC support this approach, except infrastructural projects Unite. Unite has not opposed it but across the island of Ireland. sought time to reflect upon it. This resulted in many construction workers losing their 3. Crane Operators - In May 2017 jobs. and following months of negotia- Those who retained their em- tions with the CIF, SIPTU represen- ployment saw their income stag- nate initially and then reduce in tatives secured an increase of 25% 2011 under a Labour Court recom- for all crane operators by way of a mendation by way of a 7.5% im- negotiated restorative two hour posed pay cut. Also, the Registered per day ‘Greasing Allowance Pay- Employment Agreement (REA) for ment’, which has been applicable the construction industry, which since 5th June 2017. This signifi- had protected terms and condi- cant and well deserved increase tions since 1967, was also margin- alised on foot of the 2013 has been welcomed by our crane ‘McGowan’ court judgement, Picture: RollingNews.ie operator members and imple- which deemed such REA’s uncon- mented accordingly and impor- hotel rooms and those left with no worker solidarity between grades stitutional. SIPTU is continuing its Pay tantly does not distort in any way option but to sleep on the streets and within grades in the construc- engagement with employers 1. Sectoral Employment Order is an abomination and must be ad- tion industry is crucial because of the integrated pay structure involv- though the Construction Industry (SEO) - SIPTU along with the other dressed with an accelerated ap- the volatile nature of such employ- ing all construction categories by Federation (CIF) with a view to trade unions in the Construction proach to the building of social and ment. The current pay structure, in Industry Committee (CIC) of ICTU, way of basic pay rates. bringing about a future REA. This which all categories are based on a is intended to address other terms affordable housing. We have had (BATU, OPATSI, TEEU and Unite) presented our Sectoral Employ- and conditions not governed by enough ministerial rotation, talk SIPTU, through various forums in- ment Order (SEO) submission to the Sectoral Employment Order and indeed procrastination on this cluding social media, has been the Labour Court on 26th June set- (SEO) which is pending. (see page1) basic human right! I believe action falsely accused by some of seeking ting out minimum rates of pay, Over the last two and a half by way of direct provision of hous- to restrict or indeed cut pay within The Labour pensions, sick pay, and travel time. years, the construction industry ing by local authorities and a dis- This approach, which was agreed the construction sector. The fore- has seen significant recovery, al- incentives policy towards Court has now by all the CIC unions, seeks to pre- going sets out the undisputed facts though it is largely concentrated in land-hoarding are clearly needed. recommended serve the integrated pay structure of the matter and no effort to cre- the cities and urban centers. SIPTU As of July 2017, SIPTU represents involving all construction cate- membership in the construction over 14,000 active construction new minimum ate ‘fake news’ will succeed in con- gories. The objective is to secure its sector has grown exponentially. general operative members, in- tradicting the facts, of which our enshrinement in a future SEO so House building, although ramping cluding crane operators. The issue rates of pay for 14,000 active members are keenly as to protect organised employ- up, remains slow in rural areas. of ‘representational rights’ for this aware. The SIPTU Construction enshrinement ment against undercutting by non- The CIF commissioned report car- particular category i.e. crane oper- Sector and the TEAC Division will ators, who are an integral part of in a Sectoral union labour. ried out by DKM Economic Con- continue its unflinching support the General Operative negotiating sultants (Demand for Skills in Employment The Labour Court has now recom- for Irish construction workers, Construction to 2020) which was unit, was investigated at a formal ICTU hearing involving SIPTU and Order (SEO). mended new minimum rates of who have suffered through the publicised in December 2016, con- pay for enshrinement in a Sectoral Unite on 27th June, 2017. The out- faults of others, for almost 10 cluded that the construction indus- Employment Order (SEO). These come from this investigation is years, and we look forward to not try was projected to: envisage a new craft rate of €18.93 awaited and is expected shortly, a. Grow by 9% annually until 2020. per hour with general operative only reclaiming the lost ground of following the July meeting of the b. Invest €17.8bn in projects in grades increasing on a pro rata recent years, but to enhancing and ICTU executive. 2017. percentage of the craft worker rate, basis and in line with existing rel- improving pay, terms and condi- c. Sustain an additional 112,000 The SIPTU Transport Energy Avi- crystallises that solidarity. Collaps- ativities. tions alongside a better and safer jobs up to 2020, with up to 27,600 ation and Construction (TEAC) Di- ing it in the pursuit of short-term working environment for all con- jobs being created within the Gen- vision through its revamped gain by any single category or en- 2. Pay Review for all Construction struction workers in Ireland. eral Operative Grades. Construction Sector has set about tity would simply dismantle this Workers - The original demand of Notwithstanding these opti- improving the diminished terms hard won and important inter- the trade unions was for a 15% in- mistic projections, the shameful and conditions of employment on grade solidarity, resulting in long- crease. We will continue to pursue Greg Ennis is TEAC Divisional spectre of families having to live in a number of fronts. We believe that term pain for everybody. the outstanding 5% and as of 13th Organiser 4 Liberty JULY 2017 News Council accepts regular overtime should be included in pensions FTER a five-year However, only after several other battle a SIPTU delays and further appeals have member and former the Council finally concluded they ALimerick Council will have to pay Christy and several worker has secured a major of his colleagues in line with the victory that could have a Labour Court ruling. beneficial impact on local Christy’s pension will now be authority pensions across worth more than €160 more per the country. fortnight and the Council has fur- Following a Labour Court ruling ther accepted it most provide him and Rights Commissioner judg- with a lump sum of approximately ment the management of Limerick €20,000 to cover years of under- Council has finally accepted after payment. several years of delays that it must SIPTU Organiser, Ger Kennedy, include regular overtime in the cal- said: “This case directly effects ap- culations of workers’ pension enti- proximately 20 other retired for- tlements. mer workers in Limerick County The issue relates to a campaign Limerick County Council workers and supporters Council and 17 others still working by retired SIPTU members of the celebrating their success in winning greater pension Council’s cleaning department to entitlements Picture: Mick Cowhey, Limerick Leader in the cleaning department. have their overtime calculated in “However, it is likely to have a their pensions. Assisted by Ger beneficial impact for many others Kennedy, his union representative, in 2012. The Commissioner ruled ments to include regular overtime The Council appealed the deci- and I am already dealing with Christy Young successfully brought that the Council was obliged to re- he had worked as a council em- sion to the Labour Court which other cases for workers in Kerry a case to the Rights Commissioner calculate his pensionable entitle- ployee for 47 years. also found in Christy’s favour. and Tipperary Councils.” ITF to sue over Government failure to protect migrant fishers Kerry Foods plant dispute resolved

THE International Transport Wretched conditions: ex- Workers Federation is to hausted migrant trawler- launch legal proceedings men still in their oilskins sleep wherever they can against the Government during work breaks at sea over its failure to protect vulnerable migrant fishers from non-EEA countries working in the Irish fishing industry. It comes after a powerful presentation on the issue was made to the Joint Oireachtas Commit- tee on Jobs, Enterprise and Inno- vation by Ken Fleming, ITF Co-Ordinator for Ireland and Resolved: Kerry Food workers on picket line earlier this year Britain. At the July 4th committee meeting, Fleming told of an in- SIPTU members at the Kerry The company used strike-break- l “That both parties agree and jured Ghanaian fisher put in a There had still been no prose- Foods plant in Charleville, Co ers and bussed-in labour from confirm that the existing proce- survival suit and left in the water cutions to date of fishing boat Cork, have voted to accept a other Kerry sites to operate the dures for resolving disputes as per to be picked up by another vessel owners over breaches of the law. Labour Court recommenda- plant during the dispute. the company/union collective 142 miles off the south-west This was in stark contrast to the tion that brings to an end an Kerry Foods then placed SIPTU agreement will be fully honoured coast because a skipper did not treatment of migrant fishers who official trade dispute which members on protective notice and by both parties and utilised in the want to lose time fishing. had passports seized and been began in late January. began a temporary lay-off of mem- future.” He described how the ITF had threatened with deportation. The detailed recommendation bers. The WRC later intervened. According to SIPTU, this is a very submitted three reports to the Other problems included crew addresses both the resolution to Given the length of the dispute important and significant part of Workplace Relations Commission members having to work up to 20 the dispute and issues relating to and the fear of potential job losses, the recommendation for members. in May, June and August 2016 de- hours a day but only being paid a comprehensive change pro- it proposed that the strike be sus- The recommendation also ad- tailing widespread breaches of for eight hours at the National gramme. pended, the lay-offs and protective dressed: employment law in the industry, Minimum Wage. Fishers were so The dispute started after the notices be withdrawn and that l Improvements in the official complete with documentation exhausted they often lay down in company failed to adhere to a col- both sides should attend a full break structure; and photographic evidence. No their oilskins to sleep anywhere lective agreement on dispute reso- hearing of the Labour Court. l Future manning levels after feedback had been received aris- they could find shelter. lution by refusing to attend both The Labour Court considered the appropriate engagement; ing out of the submissions. In response, Committee mem- the Workplace Relations Commis- dispute on Monday, 6th March and l A minimum of 35 and a maxi- Members of the committee bers said the Marine Survey Of- sion (WRC) and the Labour Court. issued its recommendation mum of 40 voluntary redundan- were also told that the ITF had fice, the WRC and the boat The dispute, which commenced (LCR21413) on 14th March. cies on agreed terms; and predicted that the new permit owners should be brought in to on 30th January and continued The recommendation, which has lA €1,000 lump-sum payment scheme introduced in May 2016 explain themselves. throughout February, involved a now been accepted by both sides, to those workers remaining follow- would not work. See pages 23-24. series of one-day stoppages. reiterates: ing the restructuring process. Liberty 5 News JULY 2017 Council accepts regular overtime Legal bid to stop another Clerys debacle should be included in pensions hensible. This bill was drawn up in the By wake of recommendations made Susie Gaynor by the Duffy-Cahill report. The report was commissioned by Ged Nash, then Minister for Business N 29th June The and Employment with a special re- Protection Of Em- sponsibility for collective bargain- ployees (Collective ing. While commending Sinn Féin ORedundancies) Bill for its honest effort, Senator Nash 2016 passed second stage in the Oireachtas with cross- party support. The use of the This piece of legislation was put State’s insolvency forward by David Cullinane, Sinn mechanisms by Féin’s spokesperson on workers’ rights, and seeks to ensure that no employers to worker suffers in the same way avoid wage that I and my former colleagues at Justice for Clerys Workers protest and invoice Clerys did when we lost our jobs at outside the closed premises the retailer without warning two obligations must workers’ rights. years ago. He explained to Liberty: “The Picture: RollingNews.ie stop, and in Cullinane spoke about his com- need to change the law. utes notice of the store closing. In order for it to mitment to address tactical insol- use of the State’s insolvency mech- “The bill seeks to provide protec- my case, I found out on social vencies and underlined why all anisms by employers to avoid their stop we need to wage and invoice obligations must tion for employees in collective re- media that I had suddenly been political parties must work to- dundancy cases where the made unemployed. change the law stop, and in order for it to stop we gether to protect and enhance employer is insolvent and gives During the course of the Justice power to the High Court to return for Clerys Workers two-year cam- said the bill was loosely drafted assets which have been improperly paign, the consensus shared by transferred and give preference to most politicians, trade unionists and deficent and wide open to in- employees and to implement a 30- and indeed the public was that a terpretation in a number of key Insolvency law reviewed day consultation period before situation like Clerys should never areas. bringing about collective redun- be allowed to happen again. This This legislation is a welcome By Michael Halpenny dancies.” new legislation seeks to do just Two years ago the blitzkrieg positive recommendations. One of There have been many cases that. step forward in enhancing work- liquidation of Clerys in Dublin these is a proposal that provisional over the years where companies Cullinane and Sinn Féin say they ers’ rights. Not only does it give an left hundreds of workers un- liquidators must obtain a High have used the courts to their own are committed to the bill and wel- added protection in employment Court order before being allowed to advantage to engage in tactical liq- come any amendments that may employed overnight and ordi- which will require a 30-day consul- nary businesses owed let employees go or cease trading. uidations to avoid paying their be needed to ensure the passage of substantial sums. Liquidators will now also have to re- debts. The most recent example of the legislation. tation period but it gives unions a In the wake of this the then min- port to the Office of the Director of when this happened was the June Cullinane told the Dáil that no chance to negotiate in cases where Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) on 2015 closure of Clerys department isters, John Bruton and Ged Nash bill was perfect or without errors it is known that a company's liabil- commissioned two reports. The first how workers were treated by the store. More than 300 good and said he was open to any employer to establish whether s/he was to look at protections in em- unionised jobs were lost without changes that made the substance ities are such that they will trigger should be prosecuted. Another pro- ployment law for workers of insol- warning, with staff given 30 min- of the bill balanced and compre- redundancies. vent companies where assets had vides for the automatic restriction been transferred. This was under- of directors who fail to appoint a liq- taken by barrister, Ness Cahill, and uidator. the former Chairman of the Labour Further, the CLRG recommends Court, Kevin Duffy (The that workers in companies where Duffy/Cahill Report). The second re- employers can’t or won’t put the UnderstandingUnderstanding yyourour pension. port was sought from the Company business into formal liquidation Law Review Group (CLRG), a statu- should be able to apply to the state’s tory body, to look at protections in insolvency fund. They are currently Planning yyourour futurfuture.e. company law for employees and un- prevented from doing so and the secured creditors of insolvent com- Irish Congress of Trade Unions has panies. long argued for a reversal of this in- Services Division Pensions Seminar Duffy/Cahill reported in March of justice. 2016 and its significant recommen- However, there are weaknesses, Friday, 15th September 2017 dations include a mandatory 30 day notably the failure to strengthen ex- consultation period before workers isting provisions for chasing related 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. companies where assets have been in insolvent companies could be let Social Hall, Liberty Hall, Dublin go. Currently, this only applies transferred to them and workers in where the company is a going con- the original company subsequently Hear from a range of experts on topics including: the State cern. let go. Notwithstanding this mixed bag pension, Occupational pension schemes, retirement age, Since then both the Labour Party the Homemakers Scheme. and Sinn Féin have attempted to in- there is now an urgency to implement the positive recommenda- troduce legislation in the Seanad Who should attend? Pension Trustees, Shop Stewards, and Dáil to help workers in insol- tions in both reports and for the vent employments but these pro- further examination of issues not Workplace Representatives, Members interested in learning posals were delayed by the dealt with in either to assist in the more about pensions Government pending the publica- protection of workers in insolvent tion of the CLRG findings. situations. To find out more or to register, contact the Services Division Now the CLRG has published its Michael Halpenny was an ICTU nominee on 01 8586389 or [email protected] report which includes a number of on the CLRG. 6 Liberty JULY 2017 News Dublin’s deal-making Lord Mayor bows out

By Scott Millar file press conference that brought together the Justice for Clerys Work- OLICIES that seek to ad- ‘Throughout my ers campaign and businesswoman vance workers’ rights Deirdre Foley in the Mansion House and community integra- mayoral term I in February. tion were to the fore found myself “The resolution takes into ac- P count the interests of the former during the 2016-17 term as Dublin Lord Mayor of SIPTU Or- utilising the skills Clerys workers, those of future ganiser and Labour Party coun- you develop as a Clerys workers, the communities that lie in its hinterland and the cillor, Brendan Carr. After trade union commercial concerns of its develop- handing over the mayoral chain organiser’ ers,” Brendan said. “It also places an in June to Sinn Féin’s onus on Dublin City Councillors to Mícheál Mac Donncha, Brendan ensure that this proper balance is spoke to Liberty about what had maintained.” disability awareness campaign. After a well-deserved holiday been achieved during his term Among Brendan’s other policy of office. with his wife Suzanne and son achievements was the launch of a Jason, he will be back organising “I made clear when I took the po- scheme that allows businesses that sition that my focus would be on workers in SIPTU this August. It’s a pay their employees a Living Wage role Brendan relishes. “I really en- what could be done rather than just the right to highlight it by display- making aspirational gestures. As joyed my year in the Mansion ing a plaque; working to highlight House but I equally look forward to Lord Mayor I hope I have proved the worsening housing crisis and that you can make a difference”, working to advance fairness and recognising the role of workers in justice once again as a union organ- Brendan said. the city by awarding them, as a Two of the achievements that iser. Throughout my mayoral term I SIPTU organiser Brendan group, the Lord Mayor’s prize. gave him the greatest satisfaction found myself utilising the skills you Carr pictured during his Brendan also played a central role develop as a trade union organiser; were the agreement to establish the term as Lord Mayor of in brokering a settlement to the Dublin City Interfaith Charter and Dublin. Picture: RollingNews.ie such as hoe to motivate people and Clerys dispute, a role that became find solutions. the launch of a Dublin City Council public when he hosted a high-pro- Statement by the SIPTU National Executive Council on the Proposals for a Public Service Trade unionists get on the bus for Dublin Pride Stability Agreement 2018 - 2020 “The National Executive Council will vigorously pursue implemen- of SIPTU met on Thursday, 22nd tation of all elements of the June 2017, to consider the pro- proposals. In particular, we will posals for a Public Service Stabil- insist on full implementation of ity Agreement 2018 - 2020. Clause 4.1.3. which envisages a Having considered the matter process to satisfactorily resolve in full, we have decided to recom- the issue of pay for new entrants. mend acceptance of the propos- Balloting of members will com- als, on balance, as the benefits, mence on Monday, 3rd July and such as the protections against conclude on Wednesday, 9th outsourcing in particular, as well August. Counting of votes will take as other positive elements out- place on Thursday 10th August.” weigh the potential for what might be gained by running the SIPTU National Executive risk of rejection. Council In the event of acceptance, we 22nd June 2017 SIPTU - PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERSHIP BALLOT

PROPOSALS FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE LANDSDOWNE ROAD, PUBLIC SERVICE STABILITY AGREEMENT, 2018-2020 The SIPTU bus at Dublin Pride 2017. BALLOTING PERIOD Picture: Dan O’Neill Monday 3rd July, 2017 – Wednesday, 9th August, 2017 AN OPEN-TOP bus and a samba lin, said: “Equality for the LGBTQ “The key message that trade band accompanied trade union- community is of crucial importance unionists delivered at this year’s BALLOTING PROCESS ists at the annual Dublin Pride to the trade union movement. In re- Pride march was that discrimination • On the job - Workplace ballots organised by each sector march on 24th June. Up to cent years, Irish society has made in the workplace will not be toler- • Postal vote – If your workplace is not scheduled for an 30,000 people attended the major advances in terms of equality. ated by our movement. The other ‘on the job’ ballot, you may obtain a postal ballot by march which began with a rally “Central to these was the referen- key reason that trade unionists at- emailing. www/siptu.ie/ballot in St Stephens Green and con- dum vote in favour of marriage tended this year’s Pride was to offer cluded in Smithfield Square. equality. The campaign to secure solidarity to our brothers and sisters If you have any queries, please contact your SIPTU sector organiser. SIPTU National Campaigns and this important advance was sup- in Northern Ireland who are cur- Equality Organiser, Karan O'Lough- ported from the beginning by the rently campaigning for marriage trade union movement.” equality.” Liberty 7 News JULY 2017

Firefighters raise taskforce concerns with Minister A DELEGATION representing SIPTU firefighters met with Minister for Housing, Plan- ning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, on 11th July to discuss his failure to put front-line workers’ representatives on a taskforce looking at fire safety following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in London. SIPTU Community Sector activists after a Rebuilding our Communities campaign meeting in the SIPTU Office, Attending on behalf of both full- Tom Daly (Full-time Firefighter Rep), Ciaran Scallan (Chair Retained Firefighter Forster Court, Galway, on 10th July time and retained firefighters, the National Committee), Noel Heeney (Chair National Full-time Firefighter Commit- delegation underlined how criti- tee), Brian Murray (Dublin Fire Brigade Committee), Minister Eoghan Murphy, James Gannon (Retained Firefighter Rep) Paul O’Dwyer (Full-time Firefighter Rep) cally important it was to have their and Shane McGill (SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade Convener) input into any appraisal of fire safety. Activists briefed over The Minister said he would take to meet with them again within to visit three fire stations – in communities campaign on board their concerns and agreed two months and during that time Cork, Dublin and Roscommon. Supporting Quality THE Rebuilding our Com- and Community Organiser, munities campaign is John King and SIPTU holding meetings with Campaigner, Dan O’Neill. SIPTU activists across the O’Loughlin, said: “The country to brief them on Rebuilding our Communities a forthcoming political campaign, seeks to highlight lobbying drive. Meetings the need for sustainable have been held in Galway investment in our communi- on 10th July and in Cork ties. It is based around three on 13th July. core demands of the SIPTU The meetings were Community Sector – these are addressed by SIPTU National adequate funding of services, Campaigns and Equality no to privatisation and respect Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, for workers.” SIPTU Public Administration Security officers win deal on pay and hours A NEW agreement will result curity officers, with an immedi- in SIPTU members in the se- ate new minimum hourly rate curity industry seeing their of €11.05 per hour. A further in- pay increase by more than 8% crease to €11.35 per hour will over the next three years and be implemented in June 2018 guarantee them minimum and another to €11.65 per hour working hours. in June 2019.” The new Employment Regula- He added: “The ERO also en- tion Order (ERO) for the Security sures that workers who enter Sector was agreed following inten- the industry will be offered a sive negotiations by SIPTU shop contract of employment with a stewards and organisers with em- minimum of 24 hours work per ployer representatives within the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) week once they have completed structure. six months service. The new ERO, which will benefit “Other benefits included are up to 17,000 security officers in sick pay, personal attack benefit, the industry, came into force on death-in-service benefit, paid Thursday, 1st June. bereavement leave and the pro- SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed vision of uniforms, the cost of Kenny, told Liberty: “The ERO pro- which will be borne by the em- vides for three pay increases for se- ployer.” 8 Liberty JULY 2017 ICTU Biennial Conference

President tackles EU Social Pillar and ‘tide of populism’ By Scott Millar IN HIS address to the ICTU tre: “Its rather loose usage at the Biennial Delegate Conference present time should concern us. in Belfast on 4th July, Presi- We should remember it is capable dent Michael D Higgins high- of a benign as well as a malign lighted a possible failing in usage. the proposed new EU Social “The phrase was used to de- Pillar and his thoughts on the scribe the response to the New term ‘populism’. Deal in the United States, and to On the Social Pillar proposals which are expected to be signed- make the case for a national health off by the European Commission service and a national housing this year, the President said: “This scheme in the United Kingdom.” initiative, which it is suggested He continued: “Of course, the will deal with issues of cohesion, malign use of populism must upskilling, reduction of inequality never be forgotten. Drawing on and related poverty, would be all hate, ignorance, fear and genocidal the more effective if it incorpo- impulses, our European history rated a social, economic and cul- has a form of populism at its dark- tural rights perspective, resisted est heart. until now by the Council of Minis- ters of the European Union and “Thankfully, the tide of pop- those who advise them.” ulism that we are experiencing Offering a “brief critique” on the now has not yet reached either the word ‘populism’, the President level or the ferocity of the pop- told delegates gathered at the As- ulism that erupted across Europe President Higgins offered BDC ‘brief critique’ of differing forms of populism Picture: Kevin Cooper/Photoline sembly Buildings Conference Cen- in the 1930s.” ICTU General Secretary slams Hospitality Sector and “gig economy” THE future of work, threats ligerent refusal to engage in a Joint to ensure that this technology tran- to the right to strike and the Labour Committee” by employers. sition is managed in a just and failure of employers in the While this position was main- equal manner and not allowed to hospitality industry to retained she said it was not accept- be used as a tool for worker ex- spect workers were the focus able that the sector continued to ploitation,” she said. enjoy a reduced VAT rate, which She also made clear that the of the address by Congress has denied the State at least €660 General Secretary, Patricia trade union movement would million in tax foregone since its in- “trenchantly resist” any proposed King, to the Conference. troduction in 2011. She said that despite three-quar- King also issued a warning con- anti-strike or anti-worker legisla- ters of all workers in the hospital- cerning the so-called “gig econ- tion, as mentioned by Taoiseach ity sector earning less than €400 omy”, in which companies often Leo Varadkar. per week and businesses employ- operate a business model that “That is not radical. That is re- Patricia King: ‘gig economy’ warning ing them seeing “a consistent avoids adherence to employment gressive and every trade unionist Picture: Kevin Cooper/Photoline strong profit performance over re- rights. across the country will vehemently cent years” there remained a “bel- “It is vital that all steps are taken oppose it,” she added.

Pádraig Murray: Brexit will have huge impact Brexit hard border will on TV and film industry professionals damage arts industry Picture: Kevin Cooper/Photoline

EQUITY President, Pádraig same thing applies in Belfast. The ference dealt with the expected im- Murray, outlined to the con- largest production in the world is pact of the UK decision to leave the ference the damaging impact being shot here, Game of Thrones. EU. The conference also saw the that a hard border on the is- It provides great work for actors launch of Brexit: Time to Rethink down south. They move up north land resulting from Brexit is the Key Issues, which calls for a likely to have on the film and for work on that production. Down TV industry. south we have Vikings being shot scheme to help workers facing re- Murray told delegates: “We have so a hard border would have a huge dundancy in vulnerable sectors to actors from all over Europe living impact on that sort of thing.” seek new jobs. and working in Dublin and the A number of motions at the con- Liberty 9 ICTU Biennial Conference JULY 2017 Trade Unions Love Equality Unlocking the crisis in housing

NERI director, Tom Healy Housing accounts for a very public funding in the told conference delegates large slice of weekly income for Republic.The instalment of what that “too often we see whole many families. As new housing NERI calls a European Cost Rental communities, families and supply is at a critically low level, Model (ECRM) could be a game- workers torn apart by deci- still, in the Republic of Ireland, changer in the Republic. sions made elsewhere by rents and house prices are soar- This model would allow for full faceless and nameless per- ing. cost rents on quality, secure and sons or entities that own At the root of the crisis is the mixed-income tenancies. This and control the bulk of public policy addiction to housing would free up new supply and wealth.” as a commodity and not as a exert downward pressure on rent He said: “The crisis in housing, human need for a home. This ex- increases.” which affects the lives of many plains why investment activity in Launch of Love Equality campaign during ICTU across the UK and Ireland is a case the area of social housing led conference in Belfast. Picture: Kevin Cooper/Photoline in point. A dysfunctional and un- and funded by public authori- regulated lending system coupled ties is well short of Trade Unions Love Equality, “The campaign for Marriage with speculative investment in what is needed. Equality is in the great tradition of “Congress was proud to play an ac- land and property lay behind the And EU fiscal tive role in the referendum cam- trade union campaigns for full crisis of 2008-2010. rules have re- paign in the Republic of Ireland equality and realisation of rights i n f o r c e d and we saw how transformational for all. The overwhelming major- As property values recover, sig- the Yes result was for our society. ity of people in Northern Ireland nificant tracts of land and prop- the cri- Congress is part of the Love Equal- support equal marriage and are erty are falling into the hands of sis in t s ity consortium in NI and as several prepared to take to the streets in vulture funds who pay very little o l their thousands to demonstrate C de hundred trade union delegates tax. We may be seeing the rise of n o this. Now our politicians need to ea gather in Belfast, we wish to a new class of landlords inter- p M listen to the will of the people and ro al pledge our continued support to ested in short-term buck and not u t respond by ensuring that marriage E en achieving full marriage equality for sustainable housing for the ma- R all of the citizens for Northern Ire- equality legislation is introduced as part of any new NI Executive.” jority. land.’ Patricia King, Congress Gen- Brian Campfield, out-going eral Secretary. Congress President. Organising the Future Speaking to a motion ‘Organis- SIPTU calls for ‘social progress’ campaign ing our Future’, proposed by SIPTU, the union’s Services A motion calling on the incom- any consideration of tax reduc- Division Organiser, Ethel Buck- ing ICTU Executive Council “to tions”. ley, called for the resourcing of lay out a clear perspective for the Seconding the motion, SIPTU new organising campaigns, ed- optimum degree of social Public Administration and Com- ucation programmes and net- progress” that can be achieved in munity Organiser, John King, said works aimed specifically at Ireland by 2022, was proposed that the adoption of the motion young workers. She said there by SIPTU Vice President Gene would enable the incoming Exec- was a need to foster of a new Mealy. utive “to scope out the key issues leadership role for young work- The motion highlighted areas that are essential for the building ers through the ICTU Youth Ethel Buckley, were progress was needed includ- of a fair society, with decent work- Committee. Services Division Organiser ing collective bargaining rights, Buckley said: “The challenge of places, standards and conditions decent housing and healthcare of employment for workers”. reversing a decline in trade union tional forms of trade union organ- density and in particular that of provision. It added that the new He added that this work by the isation are declining, then we must executive should develop a politi- the active engagement in our strug- work to create new forms of organ- incoming executive can serve as gle by young people is the greatest cal and campaigning strategy to the overarching campaign, that John King, Public Administration isation; new ways to foster bonds and Community Division Organiser that we have ever faced.” of loyalty between workers.” achieve its aims “on the basis of each affiliate should seek to She added: “When economic Several young delegates spoke in prioritising the necessary public achieve in our everyday industrial conditions change we must support of the motion including investment it would involve over and organising work. change. If we find clear evidence SIPTU Campaigner, Paddy Cole. that the old pathways and tradi-

Lae na Báistí ag teacht By Tom Healy TÁ CISTE lae na báistí (Rainy an aidhm leis an gCiste Pinsin nó gcarranna agus glacadh le foinsí Cliath? T taí sa chuid sin den tír. Day Fund) againn. Cuireadh soláthrú a dhéanamh don tod- nua fuinimh trí infheistíocht I á tithe nua á dtógáil I dTuaisceart Ag an am céanna, tá géar-ghá le níos mó ná seacht billiúin hchaí ní amháin do phinsin – de gcumacht gaoithe agus gréine. Bhaile Atha Cliatha ach de réir mar hinfheistíocht ar fud na tíre go léir. Euro ón gCiste Cúltaca Pinsin réir ainm an chiste – ach don Tá sé ráite ag roinnt eacna- atá praghasanna tithe ag dul I méíd Tá gáth le tithíocht, banda leathan, Náisiúnta (National Pension chóras sláinnte agus réimsí áirithe maithe nár chóir dul ar aghaidh le tá an éileamh ar thithe in áiteanna córas nua aimseartha taistil agus Reserve Fund) isteach sna den sochaí de bharr an dul in aois Metro Thuaidh. Chualamar an port go mór lasmuigh de Bhleá Cliath – seirbhísí don phobal, mar sham- bainc idir dhá mhíle is a naoi amach as seo. céanna sna hochtóidí faoin DART i contae an Lú ina theanta. pla. agus dhá mhíle is a dó dhéag. Ba choir an t-airgead sin a úsaíd, mBaile Atha Cliatha agus aerphort Ba chóir córas nua thaistil a chur Is é seo an chaoi is fearr ullamhú Anois, tá cuid den airgead sin ag anois, le haghaidh tithe nua a Chnoc Mhuire. An bfearr linn níos ar fail I gcathair Bhaile Atha Cliatha don todhchaí agus Breatimeacht, teacht ar ais don rialtas de bharr thógáil, córas nua taistil a chur ar mó carranna a chur ar na bóithre chun cur le caighdeán beatha agus cúlú eacnamaíoch má tharlaítearr díolacháin scaireanna in AIB. Is é fail, daoine a thógáil amach as a idir Dun Dealgan agus Baile Athá caighdeán ginearálta do ghnólach- agus athruithe eile. 10 Liberty JULY 2017 Budget 2018

By Varadkar has Vic Duggan learned over the years to cloak his FTER months, if not Affairs Foreign of Dept Picture: hard-right years, of shadow box- ing, the Fine Gael lead- instincts in ership race was less language that is AGame of Thrones, and more Mad Max. Two men entered, populist and one man leads. Realistically, palatable. This is there was only ever going to be one winner. Leonomics: In some ways, the new Age of Leo Reaganomics bears all the hallmarks of what came before. His swift and seemingly in- with Irish evitable ascent to the throne was a decade-long masterclass in media characteristics management and the projection of a political image. Ever-ready with a pithy soundbite, if light on ministerial accomplishment, it was a true tri- umph of style over substance. That is not to say the Taoiseach is devoid of substance. Far from it. In fact, recognising Paddy’s scepticism of “ologies and isms”, he has become adept at using the dog-whistle, where once he would have blown the fog- horn. Whereas once he whipped up a frenzy of opposition to the sale of methadone in his local chemist or Leo Vardakar Ronald Reagan openly invited immigrants to self-de- port, his recent leadership campaign are taken into account. was aimed at “people who get up Recent reports suggest, however, early in the morning”. He has learned that the Department of Finance ex- over the years to cloak his hard-right pects to succeed in negotiations with instincts in language that is populist their EU counterparts around how and palatable. This is Leonomics: exactly the fiscal space is calculated, Reaganomics with Irish characteris- which could see it double in size to tics. more than €1 billion. This shows With remarkable chutzpah, and Leonomics: lost how sensitive the calculations are to largely unchallenged by Irish media, the underlying assumptions. Varadkar has seized upon the Zeit- The Government has made no se- geist of Macron-mania, styling his cret of who these income tax cuts Government as "neither right nor should benefit. They want to see a re- left", but of the rather vacuously-ti- duction in the marginal rate from its tled "new European centre". This current 52% to below 50%, while in- after his leadership campaign put a creasing the income threshold at Thatcherite nail in the coffin of Fine which the rate kicks in as high as Gael’s Just Society tradition. in fiscal space €40,000 for a single person. Similarly, earlier this month he According to the OECD, Ireland’s played fawning host to Justin lates to EU budget rules, as well as Underperforming tax revenues in of income tax cuts the new Govern- marginal rate of income tax is not Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister the extra post-bailout restrictions im- the early part of 2017 had begun to ment has set its sights on. So they particularly high, but it does kick in and global progressive icon in the posed on Ireland by the Troika. pick up by the end of June, meaning have come up with the concept of at a particularly low level. The prob- post-Obama era. The new Taoiseach Ahead of the budget, the Depart- full-year targets are likely to be met "hidden fiscal space", whereby cut- lem from a distributional point of sagely sought advice on how to get ment of Finance estimates on the as Irish and international growth re- ting expenditure or raising taxes else- view is that such changes only bene- more women involved in politics, basis of forecasts for economic mains robust. Although Brexit fears where could be used to finance fit the minority of better-off workers not a fortnight after his own Cabinet growth, Government spending and are likely to increasingly weigh on income tax cuts. who already pay the higher rate of appointments were slated for being tax revenues, what is likely to be the UK growth going forward, the euro Of course, there is nothing ground- tax. At the same time, unlocking male, pale and stale. Again, style – maximum margin for manoeuvre in zone and global economies are ex- breaking about pointing out these "hidden fiscal space" by cutting ex- and novelty socks – over substance. the coming year, assuming no policy pected to accelerate from their 2016 possibilities. It’s just that it can be penditure or by increasing indirect There is one thing that hasn’t changes and respecting the budget nadir during 2017 and 2018. difficult to do politically, other than taxes is likely to impose the highest changed, however: a zealous commit- rules. This is the so-called fiscal But, even this margin for manoeu- hiking excise on the "old reliables". burden on those on the lowest in- ment to cutting tax and shrinking the space. vre is insufficient to finance the sort Moreover, there’s no compelling rea- comes. State above all other public policy son why any such extra resources Every budget from 2011 to 2016 concerns. This remains the North shouldn’t be diverted to tackling the was regressive, imposing a dispro- Star in the new Age of Leo. The problem from a distributional country’s most pressing social chal- portionate burden of austerity on lenges, such as the housing crisis. those least able to bear it while giv- What does all this mean for Budget ing back disproportionately to the 2018? point of view is that such changes only Already, the Government has sig- nalled there is likely to be €550 mil- better-off once the shackles of aus- There are two big constraints on the benefit the minority of better-off lion in fiscal space when Paschal terity had been loosened. Increases Government as they piece together Donohoe comes to announce the in welfare payments in 2017 led to a next year’s budget. The confidence- workers who already pay the higher 2018 Budget in October. In its most slightly more progressive outcome, and-supply agreement with Fianna recent Quarterly Economic Observer, though the new Taoiseach has sig- Fáil stipulates that extra resources be rate of tax ... If Leo and Paschal get the Nevin Economic Research Insti- nalled a repeat is unlikely. allocated in a two-to-one ratio be- their way, the 2018 budget could be tute estimated there would be only If Leo and Paschal get their way, tween more spending and less tax. €350 million once the new public the 2018 budget could be the most The binding external constraint re- the most regressive yet pay deal and other pre-commitments regressive yet. Liberty 11 Housing JULY 2017

By The Housing Ger Gibbons Agency estimates that one-third of HE Republic is in the the population is midst of a major housing crisis. Some now in need of T 7,700 people, includ- some degree of ing 2,800 children, live in A Local Authority totally unsuitable accommo- housing support dation – in hostels, hotels led emergency and B&Bs. More than 90,000 families are on social housing response to the available to private developers and waiting lists, twice pre-crash vulture funds who, by NAMA’s own housing crisis admission, are hoarding land and levels. Census 2016 revealed awaiting further price rises. an increase in the average number of people per house- Trade Union Housing Group hold – the first since 1966. As originally proposed by One This crisis did not happen Cork, local authorities in the major overnight. In essence, it can be urban areas, where 75% of all those traced back to the late 1980s deci- on waiting lists live, should form sion to scale back social housing Municipal Housing Authorities to provision by local authorities – one pool expertise and resources (inter- in three homes were publicly pro- nal and external) to better manage vided in 1975 but only one in 14 in existing stock, refurbish voids and 2005. meet the new targets. Such bodies The failure of this approach is could also form part of a transition to borne out by the fact that just be- a cost-rental model, as proposed by fore the collapse of the property NERI. bubble, when total housing output in the Republic was approaching Funding can be found half the output in the UK – which Providing 10,000 units would cost has 15 times our population – the around €1.8 billion annually. This numbers on the social housing would mean an additional capital waiting lists was doubling com- spend of €1.15 billion in 2018, i.e. pared to mid-1990s levels. And the on top of 2017’s allocation of €650 slashing of social housing capital million. This could be funded from spending by 90% after 2008 greatly PICTURE: Elmira College (CC BY 2.0) the (limited) fiscal space available for exacerbated the problem. 2018 (which should be greater for The Housing Agency estimates subsequent years), from additional that one-third of the population is tax measures (e.g. the fast-tracking of now in need of some degree of the vacant site levy and a new vacant housing support. While the Gov- property tax etc.), from EU funding ernment’s 2016 Rebuilding Ire- mechanisms, by borrowing if need land: An Action Plan for Housing be, and from other sources; building and Homelessness contained a homes would be a better use of the Building a better monies raised from the sale of AIB number of positive proposals, it by and large continued the decades- shares than further reducing the de- long reliance on the market. clining national debt. It said that of the 47,000 social Why Local Authorities must take If necessary, and as has been done housing units to be provided by in recent years, the Government 2021, 26,000 to be constructed lead in dealing with housing crisis should seek greater flexibility regard- (half by local authorities), 11,000 ing the application of the fiscal rules to be acquired by local authorities for such investment; the European future Commission itself has highlighted the and Approved Housing Bodies union backed think tank NERI has lic provision. In a new policy doc- vided by local authorities and one- (AHBs) and 10,000 leased by local costs and the risks to the Irish econ- ument on housing the ICTU and quarter by AHBs. authorities. The plan has now been estimated that Ireland’s spend on omy arising from insufficient housing. This target should be pursued as effectively scrapped by the new such support, at 1.5% of GDP, is One Cork project suggest that the Current housing policy is the result part of an integrated strategy of housing minister, Eoghan Murphy. three times the EU average. Government should aim to in- of one of the worst policy failures well-planned mixed income hous- since the foundation of the State. Mar- In 2015, housing expert PJ Drudy crease social housing output to an ing, not a return to the large-scale, ket provision has failed. We urgently estimated that €5.5 billion has Time for public provision annual rate of 10,000 units by late poorly planned estates of the past. need a change in policy. That change been paid out to the private sector The time has come for a major 2018/early 2019 (i.e. up from the Public land should be used first is towards a greater role for local au- for ‘quasi-social housing’ over the change in direction in housing pol- current annual target of 5,000 by icy, towards a greater role for pub- 2021), with three-quarters pro- and foremost to provide public thorities. previous 15 years while trade housing, instead of being made

If yyou'reou're a SIPTU araLr kki in member in the iimm L egion, JimJJi Larkin OPENING Dublin RRegion, niioon the Jim Larkin UUn S: erestesteded in nion e int tide ou ar HOURHOURS: CreditCredit U If y edit Union, CCrCreditr UnionEEEDED A Jim Larkin Cr E ALL N AAYY is open for joining the Jim Larkin Credit Union, MESES WWE AL NAT THURSDAYHT SRUDS call 01 88721155721155 or email OMEETTTIMI OPMIRRTRTANTT p.m..m.p51:8-.m. youyou ccom.netom.net SOMES TTHEHE IMPO 7:00:7 p.mp00 . - 8:15 jimlarkincu@eir AN F O R LLOLOANO FO EFILNISGNIHTE SATURDASAATT RURRDDAAYY 30 a.m..m.a03:11-.m. THINGS IN LIFE 9:30 a03:9a.m. - 11: Jim LmiJ Larkin Credit Union, LibertyytrebiL,noinUtiderCnikra Hall, Eden Quay, Dublin 1nilbuD,yauQnedE,llaHy 1 12 Liberty JULY 2017 Liberty View

Liberty By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View Planning for the future Delegates representing every SIPTU Division, Sector and District Council throughout the country voted overwhelmingly at a Special Delegate Conference in Liberty Hall on 25th May to adopt a development plan for the union for the medium term.

The plan was outlined in a comprehensive report setting out a series of recommendations which had been drawn up following extensive consultation across the organisation. The process commenced in July 2016 on foot of two separate motions which were adopted virtually unanimously by the Biennial Delegate Conference in October 2015 in Cork. The motions read as follows:

(24) Development Plan for the Union ‘Conference, recognising the onset of a new period in Ireland and in Europe, in the aftermath of the greatest systemic crisis in capitalism since the Wall Street crash of 1929, which will be characterised by increas- Delegates at the Special ing recourse to precarious work and diminishing Delegate Conference on 25th May 2016. standards of employment, resolves to formulate a Picture: Jimmy Weldon Development Plan to enable the Union to best equip members and working people generally to meet these challenges’. (28) The Political Fund A Steering Committee was established by the ‘To this end, Conference directs the National Execu- ‘Conference resolves that a review of the use of the National Executive Council in June 2016 to oversee tive Council to initiate a major consultation exercise Political Fund be undertaken, entailing extensive con- the process. The committee issued an appeal for throughout 2016, entailing engagement with Divi- sultations with Divisional and Sector Committees, submissions on 14th September 2016. This was sional, Sector and Section Committees and District District Councils and otherwise throughout the Union accompanied by a questionnaire. In addition to Councils as well as Shop Stewards, Union Activists and that following same, a report should be prepared Divisional, Sector and District Committees, it was and individual members’. by the National Executive Council to be submitted for also addressed to 8,060 shop stewards, workplace consideration at a Special Conference early in 2017.’ representatives and activists ‘Conference also directs that upon completion and taking due account of the external advice based on Details of the initiative, accompanied by an appeal the experiences of other Trade Unions in Ireland and for submissions and the questionnaire were also internationally, a Development Plan be formulated to published over a two-page spread in the Septem- be submitted for consideration of a Special Delegate ber/October 2016 edition of Liberty. Conference early in 2017.’ Thirty-three (33) submissions were received. One thousand and nine (1009) completed questionnaires were returned. Liberty 13 Liberty View JULY 2017

A facilitated engagement with the Delegates Regional meetings which were open to all attending the Divisional Conferences took members were conducted as follows: place as follows: Galway 17th October 2016 Health Division 13th/14th October 2016 Dublin 1st November 2016 Manufacturing Division 3rd/4th November 2016 Cork 8th November 2016 Public Admin & Community 10th/11th November 2016 Monaghan 14th November 2016 Division Cork 23rd November 2016 Transport, Energy, Aviation 18th/19th November 2016 Dublin District Council 31st January 2017 & Construction Division Waterford 6th February 2017 Services Division 24th/25th November 2016 Limerick District Council 8th February 2017 This entailed engagement on the basis of a ratio of one Letterkenny 2nd March 2017 facilitator to not more than 25 Delegates against the Belfast 10th March 2017 background of a common agenda. Meetings with the Local Authority Professional Officers (LAPO) executive committee took place on 29th November 2016 and with the Retired Members’ Committee on 10th February 2017.

The Union Staff were consulted as meetings as follows: Cork 24th November 2016 Galway 12th December 2016 Dublin 13th December 2016

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN

The Plan, which is designed to equip the Union to meet the • Substantially improved communications capacity. challenges facing working people over the medium term, includes a number of key elements: • A new national leadership structure entailing a democratically elected honorary President and Vice • A Campaigning and Organising agenda to challenge the President (one of each gender), who will not be growing exploitation culture and assert the principle of employees of the Union. Three Deputy General decent work for decent lives. Secretaries will be elected to work with the General Secretary. The current National Officer positions of • The re-establishment of locally based democratic General President and Vice President will cease to structures of the union in each county or area. exist from January next. A General Secretary Designate will be elected to transition into office • Extending the Workers’ Rights - Welcome Centres at the end of the term of the current General throughout the country. Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.

• Increased investment in Education, Training and Skills • Retention of the Union’s Political Fund on the basis of development for members. a levy of 2 cent per member per week. The fund will continue to be used for political campaigning. It will • Development programmes to support Shop Stewards remain open to the National Executive Council to and Activists. subsidise union members contesting local, national and European elections. However, the funding will be • Establishment of a Staff Partnership Forum and available to all members, irrespective of provision for the election of a Staff Representative on political affiliation, conditional on signing a to the National Executive Council. pledge to support the Union’s policies. • Increased emphasis on gender equity and equality in all Access to the full Report, as adopted by the SIPTU Membership aspects of our work and activity. Consultative Initiative the National 2016-2017 Special Delegate Conference, is available to Report & 17 0 Recommendationsl 2 ri (as approvedp by Executive A Council) th 0 • Improved facilities for Retired Members and greater members on request to the office of the General 2 representational rights at national and divisional level. President at [email protected]

• A new emphasis on organising younger workers and migrant workers. 14 Liberty JULY 2017 Supporting Quality

DO YOUR PART TO S SUPPORT QUALITY JOBS IN IRELAND!

IrelIrelandand Liberty 15 Workplace Committee JULY 2017 Growing the union from farm to fork By Scott Millar ARMING in Ireland de- involved in everything from farm pends on close links to fork. Research on the best way between research, to produce food, the cleanest way, the shortest way, the most sustain- training and advice on F able, the most environmentally- accessing international mar- friendly. kets and development. Tea- “Partnership between workers gasc – the Agriculture and and management is very much em- Food Development Authority bedded in Teagasc. The director is – is the national body with the chief executive of the organisa- the role of providing these tion and I co-chair the national services to farmers and rural communities across the Re- Trying to get public. young people Teagasc is made up of advisory, SIPTU National Teagasc Clerical and Administration Staff Section Committee members, left to right: Bridget Murphy, Mary Quinn, Mary Reilly and Sarah interested in education and research divisions Lacey, SIPTU Organiser Jane Boushell and Teagasc Board member Joe Larkin which are supported by clerical joining the union and administration workers. The is a challenge not company is involved in all aspects sents clerical and administration an Advisory Office in Mohill, the union. We needed someone to just in Teagasc of agriculture including the beef, staff in Teagasc from most of its County Leitrim, told Liberty: “The represent the research office in sheep and diary industries as well but right across areas, such as advisory, education, major challenges we faced as trade Johnstown so I volunteered,” she as developing the food industry. the board This includes developing new research and headquarters. There unionists in Teagasc was really said. products along with companies are approximately 120 clerical and during the economic downturn Mary Quinn said: “The work we administration staff who are SIPTU which led to cuts in staff numbers. are doing as a company is increas- that often test them in the Teagasc partnership committee with him. research kitchens before investing members. These are based in Tea- “That placed huge pressures on ing rapidly with more farmers in their roll-out. These products gasc facilities across the country.” clerical staff because a lot of the seeking our services and more ed- It allows me to feed back informa- range from soup to cheese to de- Bridget Murphy works in the ad- other work was outsourced but ucation schemes but we have tion to workers and influence visory office in Johnstown, county clerical work wasn’t. That has been fewer staff to deal with it.” veloping new strains of potato – things where needed.” including the Rooster, which was a Wexford, and has been with the a huge challenge and is still an on- According to Joe Larkin, it now Teagasc creation. company for more than 34 years. going challenge.” has more than 40,000 farmer Mary Quinn pointed out that the Throughout the non-commercial “The main work we are involved She added: “Also trying to get clients and points out that Teagasc biggest concern she has for Teagasc in is advising farmers and agricul- young people interested in joining state agency, workers are organised is tasked with rolling out many EU- is outsourcing in the future. into SIPTU, with a smaller number tural students. I have seen major the union is a challenge not just in funded programmes on behalf of “It is the young people that I’m being members of IMPACT. changes over the period I have Teagasc but right across the board.” the Department of Agriculture. Liberty caught up with members worked there.” However, people are continuing Larkin has worked for 40 years most concerned about if things of the SIPTU National Teagasc Cler- She added: “Over the years we to get active in the union. as a technician at Teagasc serving keep on going the way they have ical and Administration Staff Sec- have changed from mainly typing Sarah Lacey who has worked in as a trade union representative on been,” she said. “There is a threat tion Committee at their July to doing a greater variety of things Teagasc for 39 years and is based in its board for the last four. He is at- meeting in Liberty Hall. as computerisation and IT have ad- its research facility in Johnstown tending the Clerical and Adminis- to bodies like Teagasc even being Mary Reilly, 27 years with the vanced. It is more interesting now Castle, County Wexford, was only tration Staff Section Committee able to employ people. company and based in Ashtown, because you’re doing more things attending her second committee meeting to inform them of devel- “There is such an increase in out- Dublin, has chaired the committee and involved with more schemes.” meeting since joining it earlier this opments across the company and for the last five years. Mary Quinn, who has been with year. at board level. sourcing and short-term contracts She said: “Our committee repre- Teagasc for 38 years and is based in “I’ve always been a member of He continued: “Our research is leading to greater insecurity.” Why a balanced budget is no path to nirvana When compared with the Fund”, from 2019 on. rates with little or no return in- By Marie dire state of the public finances The Government’s Summer Eco- vestment in strategic infrastruc- in 2009, recording a (structural) nomic Statement was published in ture with a long-term positive Sherlock “balanced budget” almost a mid-July to much fanfare about return and it is clear which is the decade later in 2018 is an im- the need for prudent economic more “prudent” use of money. portant milestone in the con- management and preparation for Finally, it is worth recalling that EXPECT to hear and see lots text of the EU’s fiscal rules. future downturns, particularly in we already have a rainy day/con- of backslapping and self con- It will mean that Ireland has the context of Brexit. The launch tingency fund. The Social Insur- gratulation over the next 12 technically met its medium- of the Rainy Day Fund is the cen- ance Fund (SIF) already acts as an months as Ireland records term objective (MTO) under EU terpiece of this approach. automatic stabiliser during peri- what has been termed a “bal- MONIES fiscal rules and so it will no The intention to stockpile sav- ods of increasing unemployment MONIES anced budget”. OUT longer be subject to what is ings might make sense when an and increased joblessness. It is IN termed the “expenditure In reality, this is no great cause economy is generating budgetary funded by employer and em- benchmark”. for celebration, given the signifi- surpluses and expenditure growth ployee PRSI payments. Put simply, Irish government cant infrastructural investment re- is increasing at a sufficient rate to So if the Government is serious spending will no longer be sub- quirements in this country. It will meet the needs of the growing about future-proofing the Irish mean that increases in Govern- ject to the same stringent spending caps post 2018. How- economy. But as it currently labour market and helping work- ment day-to-day spending and in this October, provides forILLUSTRATION: only Jurgen Appelo (CC BY 2.0) stands, the contingency fund will ers deal with the fallout from capital expenditure will be at 4% €530m in new budgetary meas- ever, the Government plans to set € deprive the economy of necessary Brexit, the rise of the gig economy in net nominal terms next year. ures and some €180m will have to aside some 500m of these available funds on an annual basis to capital and current expenditure. and other challenges, then there is To put that in context, Budget come out of that to fund the pub- Compare the economic value of a need to put the SIF on a more lic service pay deal. put into a so-called “Rainy Day 2018 which will be announced hoarding money at zero interest sustainable basis. 16 Liberty JULY 2017 News Citizen Army calendar helps Football ground make wishes come true named after Cork SIPTU activist

A MATCH between a Repub- lic of Ireland International Legends selection and a team made up of local

Pictured at the ICA Plaque at Liberty Hall, Dublin, are (L to R) Peter Guinan (POA), Colm McAuley (POA), John Clinton (POA Charleville AFC legends on General Secretary), Mary Quille (Make-A-Wish Foundation), Mike Allen (Focus Ireland Director of Advocacy), Orlagh Fawl (SIPTU 19th August will mark the Sector Organiser), Jimmy Hilden (POA), Elizabeth Smyth (Focus Ireland), John Carroll (POA). Picture: Paddy Cole official opening of Tim By Scott Millar Fitzgerald Park in Charleville, Co Cork. wool and minded! We just got on a HE proceeds from the The club ground in Moatville is plane and left our worries behind. sale of the Irish Citi- being renamed to honour the Beth had the time of her life, in zen Army charity cal- club’s former chairman and fact we all did.” SIPTU NEC member, Tim Fitzger- endar 2017 were The money given to Focus Ire- T ald, who passed away in 2015. presented to the Make-A-Wish land will be used in the organisa- Charleville AFC Chairman, Kevin Foundation and Focus Ireland tion's ongoing advocacy campaigns to challenge the causes, and peo- Buckley, told Liberty: “During at an event in Liberty Hall on three decades of service to his 19th June. ple’s perceptions, of homelessness. local club Tim filled many posi- Each charity received €3,550 tions, from committee member from the sale of the calendars Focus Ireland Director of Advo- Tim Fitzgerald in cacy Mike Allen said: “We want to to treasurer to long standing Charleville AFC colours which featured images of the ICA chairman. It is very fitting that in and, main picture, the Re-enactment Group at commem- thank SIPTU and everyone in- club ground now named volved in publishing this calendar respect of the great service Tim in his honour orative events during 2016 and his- provided for his club and football toric images of members of the for including Focus Ireland as one of the beneficiaries. The men and in general, that the ground will famous trade union militia. be officially opened with such a women who went out with the Cit- tional Executive Council.” The ICA Re-enactment Group in- prestigious match.” He added: cludes members of the Prison Of- Beth trains as a mermaid in izen’s Army to fight for Irish free- Tim, who was employed at the Florida, courtesy of the “The Republic of Ireland Interna- ficers Association (POA) and dom had a clear idea of the sort of Kerry Ingredients plant in Make-A-Wish Foundation tional Legends selection features SIPTU. POA General Secretary, Republic they hoped to create. As Charleville, Co Cork, was elected former international players John Clinton, and SIPTU Head of working people they would have to the SIPTU NEC in 2010. A high- such as Ronnie Whelan, Ray Organisation Development, Brian would assist with making the wish been familiar with the dreadful profile community activist he Houghton and Tony Cascarino.” McGann, formally presented the of Beth, who is eight and living slum condition and overcrowded was a former chairman of the The match will be followed by cheques to the two charities. with cystic fibrosis, come true. Ear- housing which dominated Dublin Charleville Labour Party branch Mary Quille of the Make-A-Wish lier this year Beth went to Weeki at the time.” a reception in the Charleville and a football coach and admin- Foundation Ireland said the char- Wachee Springs State Park in “They would be horrified to Park Hotel. istrator at local and national lev- ity was delighted to be one of Florida where she donned her very think that 100 years on the most Speaking of Tim’s union work, els. those chosen. “We are incredibly own fish tail to become a mer- recent figures show a record total SIPTU Manufacturing Division Tickets for the match cost of 7,699 people homeless in Ire- Organiser, Gerry McCormack, grateful to all involved in produc- maid-in-training. €10 adult, €5 child, €20 family land. Nationally there are now said: “Tim was a great advocate ing the calendar and to those who Beth’s mum Rachel said: “It was (2 adults and 2 children). magical. Holidays are wonderful 4,922 adults and 2,777 children for workers. He used his many supported it. We receive no gov- Tickets for the reception and but this was a completely different homeless, meaning more than 1 in talents to secure good jobs and ernment funding so we rely com- dinner cost €40. Tickets avail- pletely on the generosity of the experience. Beth didn’t have to 3 people experiencing homeless- terms for his colleagues. He able from O'Connell’s Bar, the public, and partnerships like this, think about being sick and we did- ness in Ireland is a child. Dozens maintained this commitment to fund our wishes.” n’t have to worry about anything – of men and women still spend and dedication when he served Charleville Park Hotel or from The organisation said the funds it was like being wrapped in cotton tonight on our city streets.” members at every level from Kevin Buckley (087 6789447) or shop steward right up to the Na- Alan Fitzgibbon (087 4188667). Liberty 17 Health JULY 2017 Football ground Job Evaluation gets the green light A JOB evaluation scheme for “I think it is fair to say SIPTU has Giving a new voice to Health Care Assistants (HCA) and now proved beyond doubt it is the related grades has been launched ‘Go-to union’ for Health Care Assis- in agreed locations across the tants and other related grades.” named after Cork country. The scheme, which was SIPTU Care Sector Organiser, Marie negotiated by SIPTU representa- Butler, said: “The HCA committee has come a long way but remains fo- tives, allows the roles and respon- cused on delivering all five objectives sibilities of these essential outlined in its agenda for the sector. the ‘forgotten sector’ workers to be evaluated. “Our mission has twin objectives, the SIPTU activist SIPTU Care Sector chairperson, development of the role and negoti- Anne Marie Tibby, said: “The roll-out ated improvements in pay and con- of the job evaluation scheme is a ditions. Both objectives are well milestone for our union and marks a advanced, with the Department of significant achievement for the Health and HSE National Review of SIPTU Care Sector. It shows that HCAs and related grades providing a through workers getting organised real opportunity to shape and influ- we can realise our agenda. Many ence the future development of the members and organisers have put in role. It is envisaged the job evalua- a lot of hard work over the last few tion process will capture the new years, and now we are seeing the skills and responsibilities that HCAs fruits of our labour. have gained over recent years.” Vice-Chair of the ID Sector Committee Liz Cloherty

ID sector members Tracey Finian McGrath told the sympo- Byrne, Sylvia McGuire sium he accepted more had to be Light at the end of the and Helen Tobin. done to improve intellectual disabil- Pictures: Paddy Cole ity services and this could best be achieved by the adoption of a collab- By Paddy Cole ple in attendance, SIPTU Sector Or- orative approach within the sector. tunnel for HSE interns IPTU members em- ganiser, Tony Kenny, said: “Our cam- He added: “We must harness re- paign is about giving a voice to ployed in the Intellec- sources, swap ideas and bring out workers and service users who have the best in each other through a tual Disability Sector been forgotten for too long by suc- process of rigorous debate. It is a Shave pledged to step up cessive governments. Our members challenge to which we must all rise.” their campaign to win recogni- are focusing on five key issues where SIPTU Intellectual Disability Sector tion and respect for the valuable change is needed in the sector. Committee Vice-Chair, Liz Cloherty, role they play in society follow- Firstly, there is a need to secure ade- said: “Our committee has worked ing a successful symposium in quate and sustainable funding for very hard over the past few months the Mansion House in Dublin. the sector.” to identify the best way to give work- The symposium, on 13th June, “There is also a need for workers’ ers and service users the respect and was entitled ‘A Vision for the Future roles to be subject to a complete job recognition they deserve. of Intellectual Disability Services evaluation, the development of a joint “While we welcome the Minister’s worker and management approach to Gareth Daly and Avril (The Forgotten Sector)’, and included words, we feel the Government Smith, SIPTU members at contributions from workers in the policy formation as well as agreement must step up to the plate and give a Cavan General Hospital sector, SIPTU Organisers and Minis- on a protocol for the decongregation commitment that it will fully value of residential settings and on educa- our work and the contribution peo- ter of State with special responsibil- keep the plight of interns on the tional opportunities for all Intellectual ple with intellectual disabilities SIPTU members working as in- ity for Disabilities, Finian McGrath. agenda. It is great that we are now Disability workers.” make in their communities.” terns across the public health Addressing the more than 50 peo- service are set to receive perma- finally starting to see the light at the nent jobs and incremental end of the tunnel.” credit for the service they pro- Avril, a former agency worker, vided through the period of the said: “When I worked as an agency An opportunity to secure Huge support public service recruitment worker, I could not plan my life. I moratorium. was always on call and there was It is predicted that the arrange- also a fear that if I said no to taking for CPD Centre ment, which was negotiated by a shift that I would not get another the future of health care SIPTU Health representatives, will one. Throughout the crisis interns put our shoulders to the wheel to TWO surveys conducted through- provide up to 1,000 SIPTU members THE Government must implement “Such a report is long overdue. The with a substantial pay increase in keep many services going. For that the findings of the Oireachtas Com- ball is now in the Government’s out June by the SIPTU Health Divi- to be recognised and to have secu- sion explored the support for the addition to the pay restoration due mittee on the Future of Health Care court and it must now get on with if the Public Service Stability Agree- rity in my job is a good feeling.” report, published in June, which development of a Continuous Pro- the job of funding and planning for fessional Development (CPD) Cen- ment is accepted. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, outlines a sustainable plan to radi- the recruitment of the additional Paul Bell, said: “Our union has cam- cally reform the delivery of public tre in partnership with the Royal Liberty spoke to two SIPTU mem- staff required to deliver these radical College of Surgeons in Ireland. bers, Avril Smith and Gareth Daly, paigned to ensure that the people health care, according to SIPTU reform proposals. Implementation of who came into the health service Health representatives. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Kevin who were both interns but are now these reforms will put accessibility, during a time of crisis are recog- Speaking to Liberty, SIPTU Health Figgis, said: “The response from our permanent members of staff in equity and the timely provision of nised for the immense contribution Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: members was very encouraging. Of Cavan General Hospital. health care at the heart of services they have made. “SIPTU Health representatives com- those members surveyed, 87% sup- Gareth was previously a plumber which will prioritise patient need “Part of the proposals to extend mend the time and hard work put ported the idea of developing a for 13 years. He described his expe- over ability to pay.” the Lansdowne Road Agreement into this important report by mem- SIPTU College of Training and Con- rience as a HSE intern as very chal- Bell added: “The report also pro- provides hope to all those working bers of the Oireachtas. These public tinuous Professional Development lenging but rewarding. vides a roadmap that should give con- under the HSE intern scheme that representatives made a genuine at- to support the needs of members. “From day one I loved the buzz of fidence concerning the long-term they will be made permanent in a tempt to leave political differences at “We look forward to working the job, caring for people that are in future of public health care in Ireland timely fashion. It also provides for the door of the committee, and carve with the RCSI to develop CPD pro- need and feeling a sense of fulfil- to health professionals living abroad, incremental credit to be applied for out a consensus regarding a long- grammes that benefit our mem- ment going home every evening. to come and work here and to those their previous service. This is some- term vision for health care and health bers and the public they serve, However, getting to the point of per- currently working in and using the thing our union has fought hard for policy in Ireland. and hope to launch our next phase manency has not been plain sailing, health service.” this autumn.” SIPTU members had to fight hard to and is proud to deliver.” 18 Liberty JULY 2017 Sectoral Employment Agreement Five steps to reversing the Race to the Bottom

If workers unite as part of a union, there is now a law in Ireland which gives them the power to begin to reverse the race to the bottom and secure good pay and conditions throughout their sector.

The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2015, is a not yet fully tested but potentially mighty weapon in 1 the armoury of organised workers. Put in place to assist workers in securing improvements to pay, conditions and pensions it should act as a powerful incentive for people to join together in a union.

Simply put, the Act allows a union, once it has organised a ‘substantial’ proportion of workers in an economic sector (which can mean anything from the domestic waste industry to hairdressing) to legally 2 force employers to accept improvements in pay and conditions.

YOU CAN HELP ACHIEVE THIS IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS: Join a union and encourage other workers in roles 1 similar to yourself throughout your sector to also join. Once a “substantially representative”* number of 2 workers in your sector have joined the union, it can make an application to the Labour Court to examine the conditions relating to pay, sick pay and pensions of workers doing a similar job in your sector. 3 *There is no clear definition of what is “substantially representative” but the courts in the past have equated the term to a quantity that is considerable or big.

The Labour Court can then consider improvements for 3 workers in your sector, taking into account issues such as the potential impact on employment, any national agreements and the comparative pay and conditions of similar workers in other sectors. Liberty 19 Sectoral Employment Agreement JULY 2017 Five steps to reversing the Race to the Bottom

4) The Labour Court can then issue a recommendation 4 which can provide for minimum rates of pay, requirements as to pension schemes, sick pay etc. It then presents this to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation 5) Acting on this recommendation the Minister for 5 Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation can make a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) fixing rates of pay, sick pay and pension entitlements of a class, type or group of workers in a sector.

The time limits written into the law mean that point 2) to point 5) in the SIPTU General President, Jack process outlined above must be O’Connor, said: “How best to use completed within a matter of weeks. the sections in the Industrial Once a SEO is in place the individual Relations (Amendment) Act, 2015 contracts of workers across the sector dealing with the establishment of to which it applies must be changed to SEOs is something which should be reflect at least the bottom line require- considered by all trade unionists ments within it. who are concerned with the If a worker feels that there has been development of our movement. a contravention of an SEO, he/she can “What is provided is a clear path make a complaint to an Adjudication way by which a worker organisation Officer and on appeal to the Labour can lead directly to legally Court. A worker is protected by the law 5 enforceable improvements in pay from being penalised for taking such a and conditions of employment. It claim. is a pathway to greater workplace An employer can only apply to be justice that all workers should be exempted from an SEO if a majority of informed about. I believe once workers to which it applies have not knowledge of what can be achieved consented to the application or they under this law is fully understood it can prove the company is in severe will provide many workers with a financial difficulty. convincing reason to join a union It is possible where employers are and encourage their colleagues to concerned with ensuring a level playing do likewise. field and sidelining cowboy operators 4 “Once through union organisation that they as a group can apply for an SEO one group of workers succeeds in in a Sector. This can also be done jointly securing improvements through by employers and trade unions. the creation of a SEO I believe it The SEO system is designed in part to will set in motion a positive wave replace the old Registered Employment towards union organisation in other Agreements (REAs) that were struck out sectors. We may then begin to see by the Supreme Court in 2013. The this important legislation leading system was legislated for by the last to the replacement of a ‘race to Government after an intensive the bottom’ in pay and conditions campaign by trade unions to ensure with a wave of organising for statutory protection of long fought for progress.” terms and conditions of employment. 20 Liberty JULY 2017 News Stage set for return of MayFest next year OLLOWING the suc- Works by North Wall artist cess of the inaugural Tara Kearns, left, were MayFest, which in- exhibited in Liberty Hall cluded plays, music during MayFest. Her F portrait of ICA member events and photographic ex- and maternity nurse Kathleen Lynn was hibitions in Liberty Hall in presented to the SIPTU early May, plans are already Dublin District Council being put in place for next year’s festival. MayFest 2017 included a children’s book discussion attended by local schools, the first performance in Ireland of the play the Sons of Molly Maguire, which deals with Irish coalminers’ fight for justice in the US of the 1860s, and an exhibition of historic photographs from the Dublin docklands. line-up of events with a clear focus Other events were Invisible on working class lives that consti- Lives, a debut play written by Mags O’Brien for an all-woman cast, tuted MayFest makes it a very in- which captures the poignant emo- teresting addition to the cultural tions stirred up at a cleaners’ re- calendar in Dublin and one we tirement party and From the look forward to repeating next Backbone Out, a play focusing on year.” the life and death of trade unionist, Richard O’Carroll. The festival was produced by the Members of the cast and production team of the ‘Sons of Molly MayFest 2017 co-director, Brian SIPTU Dublin District Council and Maguire’, beside an ITGWU Molly Maguire banner by Jer O’Leary Treacy told Liberty: “The eclectic supported by several unions. Language scholarship for Alex SIPTUUTPIS EDUCATIONEDUCAATIONTION & DEVELDEVELOPMENTOPMENT SUPPORSUPPORTT SCHEME

Í .&.#&34*/'635)&343&#.&.Í 3&)536'/* &%6$"5*0/ $6%& ""55 0* /0 Í 4&$0/%-&7&-"8"3%4-%/0$&4Í -&7&- ""888"" 4%3 '03.&.#&34"/%'03#.&.30' 30'%/"43&# .&.#&34Æ$)*-%3&/Æ43&#.&. /&3%-*)$Æ Í ("&-5"$)5"8"3%4'03&"(Í --555"" )$ 5) ""888"" 30'4%3 .&.#&34Æ$)*-%3&/3&#.&. 4Æ43&#.&. &3%-*)$Æ &3%-*)$ / Maciej, Alex and Ewelina Janiszewski Picture: Paddy Cole "MEMBER APPLYINGONHISHEROWNPA REBMEM" WOREHSIHNOGNIYLPP NW BEHALFORONBEHALFOFHISHERCHILD BNOROFLAHEB DLIHCREHSIHFOFLAHEB D CHILDREN MUSTHAVEATLEASTSUM NERDLIHC TSAELTAEVAHTS YOUNG Alex Janiszewski has her shifts working at the Lower been awarded the 2017 Mi- Abbey Street hotel. ONEYEARÆSMEMBERSHIPOFMSÆRAEYENO FOPIHSREBME grant Members Language “The atmosphere is great among THE6NIONANDBEINBENEFITNANOIN6EHT TIFENEBNIEBD Scholarship – an initiative our team,”she said. “We’ve known WHENBOTHTHEAPPLICATIONHTHTOBNEHW NOITACILPPAEH which seeks to help the chil- each other for years as there is lit- ANDTHEPAYMENTSAREMYAPEHTDNA ERASTNEM dren of migrant workers tle turnover of staff which is good study a language relevant to for us and the customers who like MADEEDAM EDAM TPIECER their own culture. to come back and see the same RROFE The scholarship was granted fol- faces.” DGNISLO AAT T T SNOI lowing an application by Alex’s Alex likes swimming and com- CLOSINGLOC DATE FOR PPADERECEIPTCILPAAT mother Ewelina, who works in puter games and would like to LPMOCFEETT 7102 Wynn’s Hotel in Dublin. eventually work in IT. OFFO COMPLETED APPLICATIONS,REBMETPESHT0 Ewelina and her husband, Ma- The Migrant Members Language )8102/7 ciej, have lived in Ireland for more Scholarship will be used to help 30TH3 SEPTEMBER, 7102SDRA2017 than 10 years and both are mem- Alex attend classes at the Polish (FOR( ROF( AWARDSAAW W 2017/2018) bers of SIPTU. Primary School, Colaiste Mhuire, Ewelina told Liberty she enjoys Navan Road, Dublin 7. Liberty 21 Early Years Educators JULY 2017 Dáil supports wage hike and pay scales for Early Years educators

MOTION in support of better wages for Early Years educators Aand greater investment in the sector was unanimously passed by members of the Dáil on 5th July, following a debate watched by SIPTU activists in the public gallery. Despite being qualified professionals, the average rate of pay for an Early Years educator is €10.27 per hour, with many on the minimum wage. Thousands of qualified professionals are also on precarious 38-week contracts. The motion called on the Gov- ernment to recognise the value of the Early Years sector, increase state funding to average OECD levels and support the introduction of pay scales. During the debate on the motion, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, SIPTU activists meet with TDs stated that the current pay and before the Early Years debate conditions were “unacceptable”. She also said she supported the in- “We hear a lot of talk from govern- troduction of a Sectoral Employ- Early Years education for children. ity for parents. Over the past 12 ment about quality childcare and ment Order for workers in the We help to build the scaffolding months we have been campaigning The average rate of pay for quality Early Years. intensely to put pay and quality on sector, a key demand of SIPTU’s for a child’s future development, an Early Years educator is “However, if you want quality, Big Start campaign. but low pay is driving people out to the agenda, and the passing of you need consistency. This means SIPTU activist, Deborah of a job they love. the Dáil motion is a result of that €10.27 per hour, with many encouraging staff to enter the sec- hard work.” Reynolds, told Liberty: “Interna- “These issues haven’t been on on the minimum wage. tor and to stay in the sector. If tional research has shown time the agenda of political parties until Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Chil- they’re not on decent wages that’s and again the benefits of quality now. It was solely about affordabil- dren, Kathleen Funchion, said: not going to happen.” Postcards from the Dole... let’s hope Minister Donohoe gets the message EARLY Years educators deliv- age of 0.8% and the UNICEF inter- ered hundreds of ‘Postcards national benchmark of 1%. from the Dole’ to the Minis- Conditions for Early Years educa- ter for Finance and Public Ex- tors are indirectly set by the Gov- penditure and Reform, ernment through funding programmes, leading to low pay Paschal Donohoe, on Friday for workers and high costs for par- 14th July as part of the Big ents. Start campaign for better pay SIPTU activist, June Hamill, said: and conditions. “We are dedicated, qualified pro- As the Dáil moved into recess, fessionals, but we are not being thousands of qualified Early Years treated as such. As we are on low educators are forced on to the dole pay and are only provided with due to precarious 38-week con- a message to the Minister outlin- precarious 38-weeks-a-year contracts which are tied to the Early ing their concerns and setting out tracts, most Early Years educators Childhood Care and Education proposals for improvements in the are struggling to make ends meet.” Scheme (ECCE) operated by the sector. She added: “Normal activities for Heartfelt: One of the postcard Government. Ireland’s state spending on Early other workers – such as getting a appeals to Minister Donohoe The campaign action saw educa- Years education is just 0.5% of GDP. mortgage – are an impossible tors from across the country write This is well behind the OECD aver- dream for us.” 22 Liberty JULY 2017 Supporting Quality Newbridge Silverware setting shining example By Scott Millar RELAND’S leading cut- lery, jewellery and orna- ment manufacturer, INewbridge Silverware, has become the first business to receive a plaque to indi- cate its long-term commitment to the Supporting Quality campaign. The plaque was presented by SIPTU Organiser, Evelina Saduikyte, to Stacey O’Connor and Kelly Flynn, new SIPTU shop stewards at the Newbridge Silverware manufacturing plant in Newbridge, Co Kildare, on Friday, 7th June. Stacey O’Connor and Kelly Flynn were elected to their shop steward positions in June 2017. Stacey has worked in the company for the last 12 years and is currently a member of the packaging section. She said: “I have been a member of SIPTU since I joined the company but have not previously been involved actively in the union. Helping organise and represent my work colleagues will be something new for me.” Kelly Flynn has worked in the dispatch section since she joined the company two years ago. As with many other workers at Newbridge Silverware both Stacey Every day is Christmas: The Christmas Shop in the Newbridge Silverware retail outlet in Newbridge, County Kildare. From left: and Kelly are from the local area. Cliff English, Stacey O’Connor, Kelly Flynn and Evelina Saduikyte Kelly’s grandmother also works in the company. Production Manager, Cliff Eng- products. He said that Newbridge company launch a major new prod- bers. It is a product for which there SUPPORTING lish, said that Newbridge Silver- Silverware continues to instigate uct line of rose gold jewellery and is a demand all year round and that ware was totally committed to the progressive change in its product last year develop a range of Christ- led to us opening, in June 2016, a QUALITY aims of the Supporting Quality lines in order to expand into new mas decorations. permanent Christmas Shop in the Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland campaign which are to protect jobs markets and develop existing ones. Cliff said: “The Christmas deco- retail premises attached to the Promoting Quality Irish Products in Ireland and support quality Irish In recent years this has seen the rations sold in significant num- Newbridge manufacturing plant.” Liberty 23 Polska JULY 2017

POLSKA EDYCJA #4 Polska Noc Kultury w sIPtU w

ramachBy Barnaba Dorda Polska Éire Festival Już po raz trzeci odbyła się Polska Noc Kultury w Liberty Hall theatre, impreza | organizowana przez związki zawodowe sIPtU we

PICTURE: RAFAL KOSTRZEWA RAFAL PICTURE:

współpracy z polonijną KOSTRZEWA RAFAL PICTURE: organizacją Forum Polonia oraz Ambasadą RP w Dublinie. Polskie jedzenie, polska muzyka na żywo i dyskusje o pozytywnym wpływie migracji na Irlandię. Od trzech lat SIPTU współuczestniczy w Polska Eire Festival, festiwalu który ma na pozytywnym wpływie migracji na którzy tworzą Polacy zamieszkali celu celebrowanie związków wzrost gospodarczy Irlandii, a na stałe w Irlandii, i którzy chcą pomiędzy Irlandią i Polską. Agnieszka Sobanska z Work- góralskim folklorem Festiwal został zainicjowany w place Relations Commission o zainteresować Irlandczyków. I 2015 roku przez Aodhan’a problemach z jakimi spotykają chyba im się to udało, bo grali do O’Riordaina, ówczesnego się migranci w miejscach pracy i późnych godzin. Niemniejszą, ministra d/s integracji oraz

PICTURE: RAFAL KOSTRZEWA RAFAL PICTURE: o interwencjach jakie podejmuje jesli nie największą atrakcją pełniącego obowiązki Inspekcja Pracy by bronić ich wieczoru okazali się być Ambasadora RP, pana Piotra praw. Arek Muszynski z SIPTU Wikingowie i Słowianie z „Slavic Rakowskiego i w tym roku Migrant and International and Vikings Historical Group”, przypadła jego trzecia edycja. Workers Support Network grupa która zajmuje się Jak co roku na terenie Irlandii podkreślał rolę związków odtwarzaniem życia odbyło się mnóstwo imprez, w zawodowych jako gwaranta codziennego we wczesnym których zaangażowane były dobrych warunków pracy. średniowieczu. Zaprezentowali irlandzkie miasta, polonijne oraz Po zakończeniu seminarium oni stroje i przedmioty irlandzkie orgazniacje. Jedną z uczestnicy mogli skosztować codziennego użytku z tamtych największych imprez polskiego jedzenia, w tym wieków, a także zainsenizowali organizowanych w Dublinie w W seminarium, obok zatrudnieni w Eurofund i słynnych polskich pierogów a potyczkę w kolczugach, z ramach festiwalu była nasza akademików reprezentujących Workplace Relations także posłuchać fantastycznej mieczami i tarczami w dłoniach. Polska Noc Kultury i Seminarium Uniwersytet Dublinski (UCD) Commission. Anna Ludwinek polskiej góralskiej muzyki w Liderem grupy jest Wiesław dotyczące wpływu migrantów na oraz Nevin Economic Research zajmująca się badaniem migracji wykonaniu Kapeli Na Wesela. Stach, aktywny członek rynek pracy w Irlandii Institute, wzieli również Polacy w Eurofund mówiła o Kapela Na Wesela to zespół, związków zawodowych SIPTU. Centrum Praw Pracowniczych (WRC) odzyskało blisko €4m w 2016 Jesteś traktowany asystanci. Wszyscy posiadają adwokaci Centrum MISC w 2010 roku uruchomiono na wizytę. Pracownicy tego biura niesprawiedliwie w pracy? wieloletnie doświadczenie w przeprowadzili 5.631 spotkań z blisko 30 000 spraw. W 2016 udzielają bezpłatnych, poufnych Potrzebujesz informacji, sprawach związanych z prawem pracownikami. Centrum roku nasze Centrum odzyskało informacji na tematy związane z porady lub reprezentacji w pracy we wszelkich sektorach, zajmowało się 4.213 w sumie 4 miliony euro dla prawami pracowniczymi. związku z postępowaniem poczynając od sektora sprawami, które swoich członków z Centrum jest też otwarte na dyscyplinarnym, twoimi budowlanego, na służbie zdrowia skończyły się 650 tytułu naruszenia ich osoby, które dopiero prawami pracy, zastraszaniem, czy firmach ochroniarskich rozprawami w praw. zastanawiają się czy do związku lub jakimkolwiek indywidualnym kończąc. Pracownicy WRC sądzie. Ale to nie przystąpić. Podobne biura sporem z pracodawcą? rozumieją problemy z którymi Centrum jest wszystko, bo w powstały już w Navan, Tralee i Polecamy skontatkować się z pracownicy spotykają się na co największym połowie 2016 Cork. naszym Centrum Praw dzień i potrafią pomóc. użytkownikiem SIPTU oficjalnie Dlatego też jeśli szukasz Pracowniczych sIPtU! Pracownicy WRC zapewniają Workplace uruchomiło w pomocy, potrzebujesz porady, Centrum Praw Pracowniczych pełną obsługę, udzielając porady Relations Dublinie albo reprezentacji i jesteś (WRC) zaczęło działać w maju przez telefon, a w razie Commission, specjalistyczne członkiem związku – koniecznie 2015 roku i kontynuuje konieczności, reprezentując instytucji sądowniczej biuro pierwszego skontaktuj się z Centrum Porad działalność Centrum Informacji i pracowników w postępowaniach zajmującej się kontaktu w ramach Pracowniczych pod numerem Wsparcia Czlonków SIPTU dyscyplinarnych albo sprawach rozstrzyganiem sporów Centrum Praw 1890 747 881, albo wybierz sie (MISC). W Centrum pracuje kierowanych do Workplace pomiędzy pracodawcami i Pracowniczych. Biuro jest do jednego z biur pierwszego wykwalifikowany zespół Relations Commission. pracownikami. Od momentu otwarte pomiędzy 9:30 rano a kontaktu. Więcej znajdziesz pracowników: to adwokaci i W samym tylko 2014 roku rozpoczęcia działalności jako 17:00 i nie trzeba się umawiać tutaj: www.workersrightscentre.ie Zapisz się do związku! Chcesz wiedzieć więcej, zadzwoń: 1890747881 24 Liberty JULY 2017 Dockers

Cargo handling is Dockers work - Its safer that way for all

HE function of Ireland has written to shipping “lashing and secur- agents, charters and stevedoring ing” a ship’s cargo companies to outline its cam- was one tradition- paign and drive home the mes- T sage that lashing and securing is ally carried out by dockers in ports across the globe. cargo handling and that cargo The International Trans- handling is dockers’ work. There port Workers’ Federation has been considerable opposi- (ITF) is currently engaged tion to the campaign, particu- in a major campaign to en- larly from shipping agents. “We explained our preference sure this activity is once that we could reach a mutually again carried out by dock- agreed resolution on this matter ers rather than seafarers so rather than adopting an adver- that safety standards can be sarial position and thus avoid improved. any disruption to operations,” SIPTU Organiser, Jerry Bren- Brennan said. nan, explained to Liberty: “Over In March of this year a further the last 30 years shipping com- letter was sent to all stakehold- panies and port managers have been engaged in a process of ers advising that as of 10th April modernisation and automation. that SIPTU would be visiting as The most significant develop- many ships as possible in Dublin Jerry Brennan, centre: ‘lashing and Cork ports. The purpose of ment from a dock workers’ and and securing is dockers’ work’ seafarers’ perspective has been this was to lodge an official the introduction of containerisa- claim with ships’ masters for tion and the intermodal trans- dockers to carry out lashing and portation of goods. He added: “However, con- and securing is cargo handling – farers as they approach the port securing work and, where appli- “This had a dramatic effect in tainerisation and automation dockers’ work – but it is now or as they are berthing. cable, to highlight the non-sea- lowering the numbers of people did not do away with all dock mainly being carried out by sea- “Crews are small and are de- farers’ work section of the ITF required to work a ship and work. Cargo handling which was termined by minimum safe agreement/collective bargaining dockers work is still a require- manning levels. These crews are thousands of jobs became redun- agreement. ment. Lashing and securing of Lashing and securing is working to bring the ship to port dant. Turnaround times for ships By early July, SIPTU had visited were also greatly reduced. ships cargo continues despite and working to take it back out cargo handling – dockers’ 15 vessels which regularly visit “Ships that previously would the changes to the method of to sea. If they also must work work – but it is now mainly have taken days to discharge and packing and moving goods.” while in port lashing and secur- the ports of Dublin and Cork. reload can now be done in Lashing and securing involves being carried out by sea- ing cargo, when do they rest? Lashing and securing is now hours. In the minds of shipping the fitting of twist locks to con- farers as they approach Anecdotally, we are told that being carried out by dockers on six of these vessels with more companies and port managers tainers on the quay wall. These the port or as they are very often they do not receive ‘dockers’ were no longer needed locks connect each container to proper payment for lashing and expected to accept the new and became surplus to require- the one below it on the ship. berthing. securing work.” arrangements in the coming ments.” Brennan continued: “Lashing In recent months, SIPTU in weeks.

A day to remember ‘Seafarers Matter’... Dublin Port was the centre of grant Rights Centre Ireland, Port ‘Day of the Seafarer’ events on Perspectives, as well as the Ukrain- 25th June, which highlighted ian and the Filipino Consulates. the importance of sea-related At one stop the participants were industries to international addressed by Sheelagh Broderick trade, the world economy and whose project PortWalks.ie is a civil society. Dublin Port Perspectives commis- Port Stella Maris, Mission to Sea- sion. Sheelagh talked about meet- farers, Portwalks.ie, Dublin Port ing seafarers at the Seafarer Centre Company and the International earlier this year when she was mak- Transport Workers Federation (ITF) ing podcasts about the precarity of along with SIPTU worked together their lives and the global context in to celebrate the day in Dublin Port. which they work. These podcasts Among the events was a bus tour of are available on the Portwalks.ie Dublin Port including members of website, iTunes, Podcast Addict and local community groups, the Mi- Soundcloud. Liberty 25 Dockers JULY 2017

Protecting seafarers worldwide THE International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is recognised globally as being at the forefront in assisting and protecting seafarers. Docker members who carry out ‘lashing and securing’ on the North Quays It is an international trade union federation of around 700 transport unions representing more than 4.5 million workers from some 150 countries. The ITF is allied with the International At the heart of our cities and unions Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). SIPTU is the ITF-affiliate ORTS were historically Traditional very little opportunity for shore union in Ireland. the economic and so- docker’s leave when in port. This highlights The ITF Inspector in Ireland is hook the need for facilities such as the Michael Whelan. His role is to co- cial heart of most operate with the different mar- cities in Ireland with new Seafarers Centre in Dublin P Port and similar facilities else- itime entities in Ireland to help vast numbers of dockers in- where across the country. improve seafarers’ rights. volved in loading and unload- Ports also have a special rele- Michael told Liberty: “As the ITF Inspector I conduct routine ing ships’ cargo. vance to the trade union move- inspections on board ships to en- Hundreds of families made their ment. Belfast, Dublin, Cork and sure that seafarers’ rights are living from the docks and genera- Sligo ports were the places where being complied with. I also re- tions followed each other into this Big Jim Larkin first organised way of life, a trend which contin- spond to requests from seafarers workers into the ITGWU at the be- for assistance. This includes help- ues until this day. ginning of the 20th century and as However, the late 1970s and ing with wage claims, repatria- such they can claim to be the birth- tion and conditions on board the early 1980s saw significant change disconnection between seafarers place of the modern trade union ships.” and modernisation in the coun- and dock workers. Cranes operated movement in Ireland. try’s ports. The introduction of by drivers 75 feet above the ground containerisation resulted in a huge load and discharge ships in hours, reduction in the numbers of dock compared to days in the not-too- workers and seafarers. distant past. Docks organiser: Jim Larkin Automation of cargo handling Ship turnaround times are has, to a large extent, resulted in a greatly reduced and seafarers get Picture: Labour Party Preserving heritage of the docklands THE Dublin Dock Workers the establishment of a Dublin tural heritage facilities in conjunc- Preservation Society (DDWPS) Docklands Heritage Centre. tion with national cultural insti- was set up nine years ago to “We have formed the opinion tutes and key stakeholders to preserve the industrial history that if this was to happen a num- celebrate the unique maritime and ber of departments and state agen- of Dublin Docks and in doing industrial heritage of the Dock- so preserve the rich history of cies need to work together. the dockland communities. “These would include Dublin lands area”. Members of the DDWPS collect City Council, Dublin Port Com- However, there are currently no both artefacts, photos and stories pany, the Department of Transport, concrete plans for the setting up of relating to the Dublin Docks. Tourism and Sport and the Depart- a Docklands Heritage Centre. It organises events that celebrate ment of Arts, Heritage, Regional, If you would like to learn more the rich social history of the area Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.” about the DDWPS or support its including photographic exhibi- The North Lotts and Grand Canal campaign for a Docklands Heritage tions and talks by former Dock SDZ Planning Scheme, pub- Centre visit the ‘Dublin Dockers’ dockers. lished in 2013, does commit Cargo handling the DDWPS member Declan Byrne Dublin City Council “to explore Facebook Page or email Alan Mar- old-fashioned way said: “Our ultimate aim is to see the potential of exhibition or cul- tin at [email protected] 26 Liberty JULY 2017 SIPTU College

NEW COURSES @ SIPTU COLLEGE

SIPTU College offers a broad range of training opportunities for its members, activists and staff – both at our premises in Kilmainham and in locations all Did you know? around the country. Training for shop stewards and activists is offered at Intro- ductory, Basic and Advanced Levels. Your Sector Organiser can arrange release with your employer to attend these courses, which usually run over 1, 2 or 3 days. It is also possible to attend this training at night to accommodate those who cannot (or prefer not to) get release from work. Many of our courses are accredited to QQI Level 5, for example the Advanced Activists Pro- gramme and the Training for Safety Representatives. Other training is available to those who are not (yet!) shop stewards. Any member can avail of our return-to-learn programme Jump Start; our political education programme Educate to Organise; our Basic English; our Trade Union Studies Certifi- cate programme, and any of the numeracy/literacy/IT skills courses starting in late August in partnership with the ETB.

DESIGN YOUR OWN! We will design and develop training programmes to suit particular industries, workplaces or topics. We already do this very successfully in our health & safety programmes and in specialised training for migrant workers and for female leaders.

We have a broad range of programmes suitable for shop stewards and activists. You can start with our One-Day Introductory programme, organised at very short notice for newly elected representatives or for activists Shop Steward & in newly organised workplaces. This course gives a brief introduction to the union; to the role of the shop steward; organising and representing. This is a good introduction and forerunner to our Basic Shop Stewards course which activist training expands on these issues while our Advanced Activists course (both usually run over 3 days) attracts a QQI Level 5 award. Our training for Safety Representatives (4 day) also attracts a Level 5 award and we also provide training for Pension Trustees. In addition we plan to also offer these courses as part-time evening classes. Contact your SIPTU Organiser for more information.

Jump Start is a SIPTU designed and delivered return-to-learn programme aimed at members who want to return to education but have not studied for a long time, if ever. This programme helps participants to be motivated; to engage effectively in a classroom setting and develop advanced reading and writing skills. It will recommence in September at SIPTU College and can Jump Start also be offered in your workplace. Contact SIPTU College and/or your SIPTU Organiser for more information.

This programme grew out of a need to politicise ourselves, to answer some of the questions we frequently ask but seldom debate Educate to within the union – questions about our society and economy; about democracy and globalisation; class and inequality; left and right wing politics and power. There are three 8-week modules: Workers in Society; Workers in the Economy; Workers in their Organise Union – each class is a lively mix of presentation, film, debate and quizzes with no written assignments or exams. Re-starts Monday 9th October. Contact SIPTU College and/or your SIPTU Organiser for more information.

ICTU/SIPTU Aimed at experienced activists, this modular programme has been de- Trade Union veloped in partnership with the National College of Ireland and participants who complete each of six modules are eligible for a QQI Level 6 Studies Certificate award – a Certificate in Trade Union Studies. This 2-year programme is currently offered in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway, and involves attendance at class one night a week. Contact SIPTU College for more information.

Tish Gibbons, Head of SIPTU College presents visiting tutor Ian Manborde with a copy of EMAIL: [email protected] ‘The Workers’ Republic’. Ian, with a background in the Workers’ Educational Associa- TEL: 01 8586470 / 8586498 tion (WEA) and training for the TUC, ITF and at Ruskin College, was recently a guest lecturer at 563 South Circular Road SIPTU College. He attended the SIPTU College 2017 Awards Evening where Kilmainham, Dublin 8 participants on Jump Start and Educate to Organise Bus Routes: 123, 68 Luas Stop: Rialto programmes received their certificates of completion. Liberty 27 News JULY 2017 Markievicz and Partridge BOC Gases duo honoured to be honoured in Sligo

IPTU is to honour two be on linking campaigns and chal- of the labour move- lenges of the period with those of ment’s pioneers at the today, such as low pay, precarious end of July with events employment and the role of S women in the labour movement. It in Roscommon and Sligo. One will also focus on William Par- is well known and the other al- tridge, whose legacy is far less well most forgotten, but they known than that of Markievicz. worked closely together to ad- He was a leading member of the vance the cause of workers’ Amalgamated Society of Engineers Robert Keogh and Tommy O’Neill proudly display certificates acknowl- rights and national independ- (ASE) and then an organiser for the edging their long membership of SIPTU – 35 and 40 years respectively. ence in the years leading up to ITGWU. He initially represented the Robert and Tommy retired from BOC Gases in Dublin in June. Front 1916 and fought side-by-side in ASE on the Dublin Trades Council row (from left to right): Tony Kenny, Robert Keogh, Tommy O'Neill, Denis Duff and Ray Walsh; Back row (from left to right): Nevill the College of Surgeons, Countess Markievicz and continued to serve as the Stephens Green during Easter union’s Dublin District president McGeown (shop steward), Paul Harris, Pat McCabe, Kieran Rigney week. One was Countess of Sligo. To mark both events SIPTU after joining the ITGWU. He was the (Head Shop Steward), and Noel Carroll. Markievicz and the other was has organised a commemorative labour movement’s leading orator in programme that includes a wreath Dublin, after Jim Larkin. Crucially he William Partridge. travelled to the TUC conference in A year later Markievicz would laying at William Partridge’s grave Manchester after Bloody Sunday give the oration at Partridge’s fu- 1913 and secured its support for neral on July 28th, 1917, when she Dublin workers in the Lockout. described him as “the purest- The focus of the He also served as a Dublin city souled and noblest patriot Ireland conference will be councillor, sponsored by the Na- ever had”. Ironically, the Countess tional Council (a precursor of Sinn had been sentenced to death for on linking Féin) and – after falling out with her role in the Easter Rising while campaigns of the Arthur Griffith over the latter’s at- Partridge had received 10 years' tacks on trade unions in general and penal servitude, but he had con- period with those Larkin in particular – he served as a tracted nephritis in prison and had of today, such as Labour representative. In 1912, he been released in early 1917 – “to was dismissed from the GSWR for spare the British government the low pay, precarious campaigning against discriminatory cost of an inquest”, as he put it work and the role practices against Catholic employees himself. The Countess, on the and became an organiser for the other hand, had her death sentence of women ITGWU. commuted and the transformation He was a founder member of the in the political landscape saw her Gaelic League in Kilmainham and released in June 1917. in Ballaghaderreen on Friday 28th campaigned successfully for Corpo- Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Ahmad Abdelrazek (right) with artist Just days before William Par- July, followed by a musical evening ration housing in the area. As well Robert Ballagh and his print ‘Huria’ (Freedom) which was among the tridge died at the family home in in Gurteen, and a Summer School as playing a leading role in the prizes in a draw after a powerful performance by Katie O’Kelly of her Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, in the Sligo Park Hotel on Saturday, Lockout, he was a founder member one woman show, The Olive Tree in Liberty Hall Theatre on Thursday the Countess became the first 29th July. All events are free. of the Irish Citizen Army. 29th June. Proceeds will help bring childrens football teams from Gaza woman to be awarded the Freedom The focus of the conference will to Ireland. Markievicz-PartridgeMarkievicz-Partridge CentenaryCentenary Seminar BALLAGHADERREEN-REDAHGALLAB -NEERR GURTEEN-SLIGO,-NEETRUG ,OGILS FRIDAY 28TH JHT82YADIRF JULY &YLUJ & SATURDAY 29THT92YADRUTAS JULYYLUJH The SIPTU Irish Rail Retired Group travelled to Westport, County Mayo, for their 7th annual weekend away. The weekend, which brings together former Irish Rail workers who were active in SIPTU, included a trip to Achill Island and a decision to travel to Bantry, West Cork, for 2017102 71 next year’s get together. Pictured (L to R) Front Row: Mary and Mick Cullen, Tony Hogarty, John and Josie Noone, Paddy O’Donoghue, For more information on the Seminar contact Padraig Yeates: Willie Slattery, John Walsh and Paddy Maher. Back Row: Paul Cullen, [email protected] Ann Egan, Bernie Cullen, Ann Egan, Mary (Lonergan) Walsh, Theresa Slattery and Lilly Maher. 28 Liberty JULY 2017 International Madrid rally Global firms pulling out over assault on right to strike of Israel thanks to BDS

Fundamental right: June 21st right Omar Barghouti: called to strike rally in central Madrid on unions to sign up to a campaign aimed at Hewlett Packard. Picture: Lannan Foundation

SPANISH trade union confed- March 29th 2012 general strike. erations CCOO and UGT Ranz and Nogales appeared in By Frank Connolly brought thousands of work- court under Article 315.3 of the ers and their families on to criminal code, a legislative vestige MAR Barghouti, a co- Methodist Church pension fund concerns about the state’s future. the streets of Madrid on 21st of the Franco era that has been re- founder of the Boy- declared the five largest Israeli Ehud Barak, a former prime minis- June in protest at the contin- vived by the Rajoy government. cott Divestment and banks off limits for investment”. ter, warned that Israel has been ‘in- uing assault by the right- Both were arrested after a police Sanctions (BDS) The largest Dutch pension fund, fected by the seeds of fascism’, wing government of Mariano assault on a peaceful picket in the O PGGM, divested from the same while the current deputy chief of movement for Palestinian banks in 2014. staff, Major General Yair Golan, Rajoy on the right to strike. Spanish capital on the evening of rights, has said that the cam- the 2012 general strike. Support for a military embargo compared revolting trends in Israeli The protests were staged 16 paign has forced several global months after trade unionists, International trade union organ- against Israel is also spreading. In society to Germany in the 1930s.” corporations to pull out of eco- dubbed ‘the Airbus Eight’, were isations have been vocal in sup- Ireland, BDS partners are cam- The BDS campaigner announced acquitted of criminal charges for port of Ranz and Nogales and have nomic activity in Israel and the paigning against the shameful pur- a new campaign aimed at US multinational, Hewlett Packard having taken part in the 2010 gen- called for the repeal of the laws illegal settlements in Palestine. chase by the Irish Defence Forces (HP), which he accused of involve- eral strike against austerity and criminalising the right to strike Addressing delegates at the ICTU ment in violations of Palestinian came before the 7th July court which they have pointed out is a conference in Belfast in early July BDS partners are human rights. A letter was sent by appearance of UGT shop stewards fundamental human right. A deci- he said: “Large multinationals that BDS campaigners to the CEO of HP sion in the case is expected before are complicit in Israel’s violations campaigning against Rubén Ranz and José Manuel No- in Palo Alto California citing exam- gales on charges linked to the the end of July. of Palestinian human rights have been successfully targeted by the the shameful ples of the company’s breaches of BDS movement. In September purchase by the human rights and its own corpo- 2015, Veolia, the French corporate rate guidelines. giant, became the first international Irish Defence Forces These abuses include operating company to end all its involvement of Israeli drones a contract to maintain the Basel Basic English Scheme system used to restrict Palestinian in illegal Israeli operations, follow- F OR SIPTU MEMBERS ing an extensive seven-year BDS ‘field-tested’ on freedom of movement at military checkpoints in the occupied West campaign that cost it tenders Palestinian ILLING around the world worth billions of Bank and its supply of IT systems M F Í N OR O dollars,” Barghouti said. Compa- civilians in Gaza, to assist “the deadly blockade of F TE Í - nies such as Orange and the Irish- the Gaza Strip”. He said that HP as- G T Barghouti said A THE RIGHT TO READ, sists with the enforcement of Is- IN K owned Cement Roadstone L I WRITE & SPELL L N Holdings (CRH), decided last year raeli apartheid through the supply E G of Israeli drones “field-tested” on of biometric ID and passport sys- P Right RE : to pull out of Israel, he added. S Í L OR MO N CAL Palestinian civilians in Gaza, tems and has contracts with Israeli Q F Í IO G4S, the world’s largest private RMAT Q NFO Barghouti said. prisons which, he said, subject G Here, I en security company, ended most of

I ’Bri

N I He continued: “But BDS cannot Palestinian political prisoners and

Í Tom O ll its involvement in illegal Israeli

T Ha E

I 11 claim full responsibility for Israel’s children to torture and abuse.

Write N Liberty 63 business after losing contracts in R 858

G e l: (01) growing academic, cultural and, in- “They are trying to hide their

W T several countries including Jordan, L

S Norway, South Africa and with the creasingly, economic isolation. Is- complicity with various corporate

S Jean Kennedye

Now F

R Colleg European Parliament. rael’s regime itself deserves a deeds and we are calling their O

E 98

R SIPTU 58 64

F ) 8 considerable share of responsibility. bluff with this letter so we hope E

O Speaking at the Congress Bien-

M R E N I G el: (01 T nial Delegate Conference in Belfast “Israel’s 2015 election brought to unions would consider signing up in early July, Barghouti said that in power its most racist government to this,” Barghouti told conference 2016, “the $20 billion United ever, leading Israeli political and delegates. military figures to publicly express Liberty 29 International JULY 2017

Right-wing groups stoking unrest in Call for global trade Venezuela By Frank Connolly policy of former president, Victor Chavez, to allocate 75% of its in- union support to save HE newly accredited come to social programmes includ- Venezuelan ambassa- ing free food for school children dor to Ireland has but there is a wider food shortage warned that there are which, she said, is due to the refusal of distributors partly to re- Treal prospects of a civil war in lease supplies. The failure of the her country unless continu- country to develop a self-sufficient Colombian peace deal ing attacks on civilians and agricultural industry over past security forces by armed decades is another reason for the right-wing groups are halted. current food crisis. LEADING Colom- Speaking to political representa- In an echo of infamous ‘truckers bian trade unionist tives and activists in Dublin on Sat- strike’ Chile before the military told the ICTU bien- urday, 8th July, Rocio Maneiro, said coup which overthrew the elected socialist and president, Salvador nial conference in that the release by the Supreme ABelfast in early July that he Court of leading opposition figure, Allende in 1973, she said that there Leopoldo Lopez, from jail and into has received eight death house arrest on the same day may threats since he was released have eased tensions but perhaps from jail five months ago. only briefly. Huber Ballesteros said the re- “Nobody knows what is going to cent peace agreement signed happen next, including a civil between the Colombian gov- war,” Rocio Maneiro said. “The ernment and the FARC (Revo- main reason for the destabilisation lutionary Armed Forces of Huber Ballesteros with is the US which considers Latin Mariela Kohon, director of Colombia) and ratified by Justice for Colombia America to be its own back yard.” parliament, created the op- She said that since 1829 there have been 50 armed interventions portunity to build a country in the region by the US and there “based on social justice and is no question they are supporting sovereignty” and a commit- ‘I have received efforts to undermine the elected ment never to use weapons Venezuelan president, Nicolás as a means of doing politics. eight death Maduro. Lopez was jailed for 14 “We are committed to imple- threats since I years for inciting protests against Rocio Maneiro in Dublin with Cuban menting the peace agreement. ambassador to Ireland Hermes Herrera There cannot be a future with vi- the Government in 2014 but has Hernandez on 8th July. was released been placed under house arrest on olence,” he said of the trade union humanitarian grounds and for movement and the left in Colom- from Picota jail health reasons, the court said. was a policy of withholding badly bia. However, he warned that the According to Ambassador needed food and other supplies liberal government led by Presi- five months Maneiro, there are other reasons while anti-government armed dent Juan Manuel Santos is pan- for the current unrest in Venezuela groups were managing to get so- dering to the far-right elements ago,’ said Shot dead: Alberto González including an economic and food phisticated weaponry into their which oppose the agreement and Ballesteros crisis. Since 2012, income from its hands. Unlike, Chile, she said the are trying to destroy it before it is passed into legislation. huge oil reserves has fallen from armed forces of Venezuela support The government has failed to Ballesteros is also the National $100 billion per annum to €6 bil- the socialist government of implement key elements of the over the past year. Organiser of the 'Patriotic March', lion due to a combination of Maduro. agreement within the agreed “I have received eight death the opposition movement falling prices and what she de- Maduro has announced elec- timescale and is seeking to rene- threats since I was released from launched in 2012 which groups scribed as the manipulation of the tions to a constituent assembly over 2,000 trade unions, peasant, later this month which, he hopes, gotiate certain aspects of the deal Picota jail five months ago,” said market by powerful financial negotiated during several years of Ballesteros, who was jailed in Au- political and other organisations forces interested in destabilising will provide space for a negotiated and which is leading the cam- political settlement to the current talks in Havana, Cuba. gust 2013. Under the Amnesty her country. “Over 1,400 political prisoners Law the charges against him are to paign for peace with social justice. “Where people have economic crisis. Among those at the Dublin With elections due next year meeting was Maureen O’Sullivan are involved in a hunger strike be dropped while the conviction problems they will protest and over the refusal of the govern- of human rights defender Liliany the trade unions and civic society they have the right to do so,” TD and Cuban Ambassador groups, along with the former Hermes Herrera Hernandez. ment to release them under an Obando who was jailed for eight Maneiro said. amnesty law agreed during the years has also been excised. FARC guerrillas and their support- The government continues the talks while trade unions and the A member of the CUT Executive ers, are seeking to organise sup- broader social movement is organ- (Colombia’s largest trade union port for a candidate who will ising a national strike against the confederation) Ballesteros is also defend and implement the peace failure of the government to im- the vice-president of Fensuagro, agreement and build a broad- plement the peace agreement,” he the Colombian Agricultural Work- based progressive movement. said. ers' Union. “In order to succeed in getting “We are confronting the govern- It is the second-largest union in the peace agreement implement on its neoliberal policies in- the country and one of the most mented and to build a progressive cluding its ban on public service persecuted, with hundreds of its movement we will need all the in- strikes and the continued assassi- members assassinated in recent ternational support we can get, in- nations and disappearances of years. A regional leader of Sin- cluding from the global trade trade union and rights activists.” trainagro, another agricultural union movement. He said right-wing paramilitary workers' union, Albert Gonzales, “In that regard, the work of the death squads supported by the was shot dead as he watched his Irish trade unions is hugely appre- Unrest: protests have erupted across Venezuela PICTURE: Neon Tommy (CC BY-SA 2.0) military have killed over 150 trade son playing football in Guacari, on ciated by the workers of Colom- union and human rights activists 1st July last. bia,” Ballesteros said. 30 Liberty JULY 2017 Review

How an absent guest Environmental justice saw it all coming... Postcapitalism: A Guide to the Future By Paul Mason Published by Penguin Books on agenda at Spirit of A GOOD friend of mine was once invited to dinner in the leafy suburbs of Dublin around 2008. The table-talk inevitably turned to the economic crash and the fact that nobody saw it coming. My Mother Jones Festival man said he knew one person who did. Like the Apostles at the Last Sup- RITER and envi- This will form part of a wider dis- per his fellow guests began to throw ronmental activist cussion of the lessons of the Span- out various names. He pointed to a Fr Sean McDon- ish Civil War at which historian vacant chair, and said that the man agh and US film Harry Owens will speak. who foresaw it all was the great Karl W Inspirational American film- Marx. This revelation was followed 2050; stabilise and socialise the maker Mari-Lyn Evans will be maker Mari-Lynn Evans will show among the speakers at the by a minute’s silence. global financial system; prioritise her new documentary Blood on the Another man in the prediction sixth Spirit of Mother Jones information technology to deliver Mountain, which gives an insight game is author Paul Mason. Best material prosperity and solve social Festival, which takes place in into working-class America. known as the economics editor of ills such as ill health and welfare de- Shandon, Cork, from 1st-5th This year's festival introduces (British) Channel 4 News, he is also pendency; gear technology to min- August. some environmental themes, and the author of several books on con- imising necessary work. McDonagh, a leading campaigner will include a special screening of temporary challenges and struggles. The means through which he ar- for environmental justice who con- the remarkable new film Plastic His book falls into three parts. gues these goals may be achieved tributed to Laudato Si, the pope’s Ocean, which brings home the The first is ushered in with the ob- include tacking public debt; break- encyclical on the environment, will chilling effects of using our oceans servation that capitalism will not be ing up and socialising monopolies; abolished by “forced march” tech- discuss our response to climate Fr Sean McDonagh will discuss as dumps for plastic. socialising the financial system, ini- change. our response to climate change Independent Cork Co Councillor niques but by creating something tially through re-regulation; and the Hundreds of visitors are expected Marcia D’Alton will give an account more dynamic. introduction of a “basic income”. from all over Ireland, the UK and of the 17-year battle by residents of It is the mission of his book to try While many economists have of- the US for what has become one of Ed Byrne of the Association of Cork Harbour to prevent the build- and spell out the parameters of that fered commentary and analysis on Ireland's largest public history fes- Secondary Teachers of Ireland will ing of a toxic incinerator in Cork dynamism and the way it might be both the causes and calamitous ef- tivals, featuring more than 30 speak about “Challenging Injustice, Harbour. given effect. fects of the recent crisis, few have events. Inequality and the Unethical”. Historian Anne Twomey will He points out that neoliberalism had the intestinal fortitude to at- is broken and the reasons why: The festival celebrates the life of “Our speakers usually bring a speak on the role of the “Revolu- tempt to map out, however printing of currency (“fiat money”); trade union activist, Cork-born new, fresh and stimulating insight tionary Women of Cork’s Northside sketchily, a possible future for hu- “financialisation” leading to in- Mary Harris, better known as 1916-1923”. Regular speaker Luke manity in a post-capitalist world. from their research to the events,” creased personal borrowing and Dineen will discuss the impact of Some of those who have criti- Mother Jones. All events are dedi- said Jim Nolan of the Cork Mother debt; global imbalances and the the 1917 Bolshevik revolution on cised the author, even personally cated “to inspirational people every- Jones Committee. “We invite all to info-tech revolution. Only the info- Cork at the time. and politically, have pointed to the where who fight for social justice”. the Shandon Historic Quarter to tech revolution provides “the one Music will be provided by Karen absence of specifics in his analysis, The 2017 Spirit of Mother Jones enjoy the friendly and unique at- positive factor to set against all the not to say the “utopian” character Underwood, Jimmy Crowley, and Lecture will feature SIPTU Organ- mosphere of this community.” negatives”. of his projections. Other, more iser Ethel Buckley giving her views On Friday 4th August the sum- the Sweet Olive String Band from As for the old man himself, Karl thoughtful, critics accept that, even on how to revitalise trade unions mer school will celebrate the life Arkansas, Richard T Cooke, John Marx, the author regards his theory so, his work should be read for its and what we can learn from the and times of Cork-born Michael Nyhan, Mick Treacy, the Cork of history (of class, power and tech- imaginative and stimulating insights. Clerys workers' dispute, while O’Riordan who as a young man left Singers Club and the Mother Jones nology) as “superb”. However, he The effect of the great plagues in SIPTU Head of Communications Cork for Spain to fight in the Inter- Céilí Band. regards his theory of “crisis” as Europe of the late Middle Ages was and investigative journalist Frank national Brigades. His son Manus All events take place at the Mal- flawed because Marx misunder- to produce an all-pervading fear Connolly will address the topic, O’Riordan, a former SIPTU Research dron Hotel or the Firkin Theatre stood capitalism’s capacity to adapt summarised in the then familiar “Political and corporate corruption Officer, will speak on the topic and all lectures/talks and films are to change. Thus, he argues that phrase “Timor mortis conturbat – have we learned the lessons of “Michael O’Riordan Remembered – free and open to the public. A full those, particularly on the Left, who me” (“Fear of death disturbs me”). the past?” a neighbour's child”. programme of events can be found look to classic Marxism for simplis- A similar fear of further social, at www.motherjonescork.com tic answers will be disappointed. economic and political chaos Above all they need to under- should pervade contemporary eco- stand that neoliberalism, based on nomic and political life. However, smashing the power of organised the central thesis of Mason’s book labour has not been a great boom or is that what is required is not more a hidden period of stagnation, but of the same from a broken neolib- rather a failed experiment that has, eral system. Regardless of whatever despite all, failed to avoid crisis. flaws it may contain, and there may The second part of the book is a be disquiet among some with what detailed analysis of how the con- he has to say about trade unions, cept of “post-capitalism” has been this is a work which is more than dealt with by other thinkers and, mere description, adding to the bat- most importantly, its link into in- tle of both ideas and solutions, par- formation and info-technology. ticularly for working people. It is the third and final part which As the absent dinner guest that contains the meat of his thinking – night in Dublin’s leafy suburbs re- the ominous sounding “Project minds us: “Philosophers interpret Zero” in which he spells out the key the world: the question is how to goals to a future after capitalism: re- change it”. duce carbon emissions to 2% by Mick Halpenny Liberty 31 Tradition JULY 2017 The US women’s strike that inspired Connolly

By Donnacha O’Foughlou N 1904 and 1905 James A starcher could Connolly and his wife Lil- lie and their five children starch in excess lived at 96 Ingalls Avenue of 50 dozen inI the industrial city of Troy, New York. The so-called Collar collars a day. City stood on the east bank of However, if a the Hudson River, 150 miles north of New York City. The collar fell from a family lived in the “Bloody drying bar or 13th” ward just around the cor- ner from Lillie’s cousin Margret became soiled Humes. Connolly was a collec- tor and salesman for two life for any reason, insurance companies. no matter who The Troy textile industry was based on two inventions – that of was at fault, the the detachable linen cuff (1845) and the sewing machine (1852). starcher, and in The Irish immigrants were so some cases the skilled in using machinery that cities without such an able work- four nearest force could not compete with Troy in the collar-making industry. One Women textile workers at the Cluett & starchers, paid worker could stitch upwards of 80 Peabody shirt factory in Troy, New York, in the early 1900s. Below: a a fine dozen collars a day, while another memorial to James Connolly in Troy could sew as many as 35 cuffs. At the factories, females laboured long hours and were forbidden to talk. weekly income of $8-$10. A compe- making collars,' Daddy explained, They were all so busy that none of couraged the female strikers. In Often their wages were reduced tent starcher could starch in excess 'and if there were not so many them looked at her. July, 1905, Father John Walsh, and workers were released from of 50 dozen collars a day, depend- working at the collars, there While Connolly supported the pastor of St Peter’s Catholic church, their positions as new technologies ing on the style of the collar. How- would not be enough people pay- strike, the Democratic political ma- spoke from the altar at Sunday were developed. ever, if a collar fell from a drying ing for insurance to pay daddy to chine in Troy, led by Mayor Joseph mass and condemned the As in many cities, the industrial- bar or became soiled for any reason have an insurance office. Do you F. Hogan, of Irish descent and a starchers, stating that their strike isation of Troy had dire effects on in the starching room, no matter understand, Nono? The people member of the Ironworkers Union was harmful to the business inter- the health and welfare of its popu- who was at fault, the starcher, and are dependent on the workers for and Knights of Labor, assured the ests of the city and workers, and lation, which had worsened in re- in some cases the four nearest their money, and I am dependent textile owners that the Troy police that the women should return to cent years. Troy had the highest their factories in exchange for rate of tuberculosis of any Ameri- minor concessions. can city. Working conditions in Col- Connolly’s experience in Troy Connolly’s experience in Troy in lar City were extremely poor, with 1905 with the five-week strike by inadequate toilet facilities exacer- in 1905 with the five-week the Collar Starchers’ Union again bating the health issues. In the showed him that the church, the starching industry, rooms were hot, strike by the Collar Starchers’ manufacturers and the politicians stuffy, mouldy and moist. Shirt fac- would band together against tories were also cutting wages and Union again showed him that women and children. This was an demanding longer hours from their the church, the manufacturers insight he would bring back to Ire- employees. land and impart to female textile A major industrial employer of and the politicians would shift workers in Belfast. Desmond women and older girls were the Greaves in his Life and Times of shirt factories of Cluett & Peabody, band together against women James Connolly noted that when located on River Street, a short dis- Connolly tried to organise the tance from Connolly’s Ingalls Ave and children women at the linen mills of Ulster, home. There were at least 23 other “It was Troy all over again.” shirt collar and cuff factories in starchers, paid a fine. on the workers for mine. So we would protect their property and Donnacha O’Foughlou is the curator of Troy at this time. Some 90% of the Connolly openly supported the all live on the collars. the rights of replacement workers. the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gate- collar workers were Irish immi- women’s strike efforts, collecting Connolly strongly supported the way, which is preparing an exhibit and grants or their US-born descen- film, The Exiles' Journey, with the as- contributions for the strikers. In Nora also describes sneaking in- rights of women strikers, which in- sistance of SIPTU and the Irish Labour dants. Portrait of a Rebel Father, Con- side a collar factory: cluded the restoration of the eight- Historical Society. The project examines In 1905 the Troy Collar Starcher’s nolly’s daughter Nora recounts her Hundreds of girls and women hour day, and the end to the fines the lives of Jim Connolly, James Larkin Union went on strike. Troy’s collar father’s dependence on the female were bent over the machines, system. One woman was dismissed and Nora Connolly in the US. For infor- industry employed more than collar workers: their wheels flying, and collars for sneezing. mation contact [email protected] 1,100 starchers, with an average 'If the people don’t earn money running out under their hands. The Catholic clergy openly dis- 32 Liberty JULY 2017 Review

A remarkable history of labour A rallying call for the US A Historical Directory of Trade Unions in Ireland By Francis Devine & John B. the Senate over the minimum Smethurst Review by wage, pointing out that American Published by ILHS -WCML Michael taxpayers annually pony up $153 Halpenny billion to subsidise low-wage em- THIS 590-page tome provides a ployment in sectors such as retail remarkable insight into the so- and fast food. cial and economic history of This Fight is Our Fight Echoing Bill Maher, she extols the role played by unions and or- working people in Ireland. By Elizabeth Warren It also charts a progression from Metropolitan Books ganised labour in building a decent life for American workers and workers initially organising with their families. their immediate colleagues to grad- ually merging into larger, stronger, ILL MAHER’S talk With equal force she reminds sectoral organisations. show on US television readers of the part played by The Directory also traces the de- is far from a mere ex- Ronald Reagan in breaking the air velopment of unions from locally- ercise in coarse mud- traffic controllers' union. “After based organisations into national slingingB against Donald that . . . nothing was ever the same King of ICTU write in their foreword, ones and the question it presents us Trump, although he does for American workers, whether is what form union organisation will “the challenge is to build the throw a lot of it at the presi- union or non-union.” take in an increasingly globalised strength and presence of organised dent. He is equally adept at so- Just as she she gets it about the world. labour in every area of economic ac- wider role of unions in society, tivity ... by emulating our brothers phisticated analysis, pointing As membership falls, this work re- ‘All across the she also understands the serious- and sisters who have gone before us out to one panel of enthusias- minds us of how varied and complex country, people are ness of the current political situa- our trade union history is. and focus on enlisting the great mass tic anti-Trump experts that, tion. As Brian Campfield and Patricia of people who have only their own unless impeached, the presi- worried and angry “All across the country, people dent has the uncomfortable because this hard- are . . . worried and angry . . . be- (for them) possibility of secur- cause this hard-won, ruggedly ing a second term, given that won, ruggedly built, built, infinitely precious democ- The ‘bible’ of Irish elections there is Republican control of infinitely precious racy of ours has been hijacked.” Nealon’s Guide to the 32nd both houses of Congress. democracy of ours There are few corners on Eliza- Dail and 25th Seanad Further, Trump has the opportu- beth Warren or on this book, Edited by Tim Ryan nity to replace two octogenarian has been hijacked’ which articulates clarity of purpose at a time when no doubt Published by Grand Canal members of the Supreme Court Consulting with his own nominees, not to which is as much a rallying call as many want to translate the energy mention his access to money and a gauntlet thrown down to the op- of opposition to the Trump ad- the right-wing media of which position. ministration into organisation for NEALON’S Guide has for many there is much. “And”, Maher has In it she describes her fight in an alternative in 2020. years been the “Bible” of Irish told viewers, “he hasn’t even general elections. First brought played his ‘war card’.” out by the late Ted Nealon fol- Maher also has interesting lowing the 1973 general elec- guests. One recent invitee was the tion, since 1997 it has been Senior Democratic Senator for compiled by journalist Tim Massachusetts who was often Ryan. talked about as a presidential can- A must for political nerds, didate during the 2016 Democratic the guide offers a comprehen- primaries, Elizabeth Warren. sive profile of each Dáil and Not only is she a determined Seanad, with colour-coded ta- filling of the last seat. Trump and Republican opponent, bles giving a comprehensive There are profiles on every but on a show which makes fre- and easy-to-follow breakdown TD and Senator, a full list of all quent positive references to the of the election results. cabinet and ministerial ap- necessity of trade unions, she is The complete count from pointments and statistical and also, like Bernie Sanders, an every constituency is given, political analysis. avowedly left-wing one. She was from first preferences through This edition includes a sec- on the show to promote her new Elizabeth Warren Picture: elizabethwarren.com the distribution of surpluses tion on the results of the 2014 book, This Fight Is Our Fight, and the votes of eliminated elections to the European Par- candidates, right down to the liament.

The Irish Citizen Army – the world’s first working class army

In this short but informative study of the The book examines what its author sees as The book contains an exhaustive listing of Irish Citizen Army, Daithi Mac an Mhaistir the largely under-appreciated military and many ICA members’ addresses, work, ICA seeks to clearly establish the place of the political significance of the Citizen Army. He section and class background. An important ITGWU’s armed wing as forerunner of future makes a strong case for the organisation to study which is easily accessible for readers. Marxist inspired forces rather than just a be seen as both for and of the working class more working class version of other Irish na- and as such a unique historical phenome- The book costs €8 and is available from tionalist groups. non in Irish revolutionary history. connollybooks.org Liberty 33 Obituary JULY 2017

TRIBUTE Teresa O’Callaghan A woman of the Left with all of its best qualities

T HAS been extremely appeared but was a vital skill back in service in January this year. I will al- difficult to comprehend the day for effective administration. ways remember her speech to her I remember, just before he died, friends and comrades in Liberty the loss of Teresa. The Teresa taking copious shorthand family and her colleagues hall on 25th January. I notes as he dictated correspondence, She finished it by speaking of an and wide circle of friends are instructions and memos on behalf of incident that had a profound effect local people as she sat beside him in still in mourning following on her as a young clerical worker. her tragic and unexpected our house in Finglas. Teresa married Ken O’Callaghan The union branch she was in at death in Beaumont Hospital in September 1980 shortly after our the time was conducting a ballot of on 24th May. dad died. Ken also came from a its members in the laundry serv- Teresa began her working life in strong Dublin trade union family ices. Teresa could not understand the Gateaux factory in Finglas and and also worked for the ITGWU and why these women could not fill in also worked in Premier Dairies be- SIPTU. When their son, Tony ar- their ballot papers and why every fore securing a secretarial job with rived Teresa was in her element – vote was taking so long. The Branch the Irish Transport and General he was the apple of her eye and she Secretary told her that these doted on him from the day he was Workers Union in 1973 (The women had been institutionalised born. ITGWU merged with the Workers over many years and nobody had Union of Ireland to form SIPTU in Teresa from an early age knew more about the political and eco- ever consulted them before on any- 1990). thing and they were both delighted Teresa worked as an admin assis- nomic issues than most and she was always committed to her trade and terrified to be taking decisions tant in the various branches of the union values and political for themselves. union and progressed to becoming birthright. She was a woman of the That had a massive effect on a Personal Assistant (PA) to the Left with all of its best qualities – Teresa as she saw at first hand what Head of Admin and Finance in the Teresa O’Callaghan served the union and its members for 44 years of caring, equality and human dig- union work was all about and she Admin Services Division. nity; she also was non-sectarian po- never forgot it. Teresa was a very proud woman. litically. She supported the staff of the As a PA and administrator Teresa Every time these women came She was proud of what she had Teresa loved to travel especially worked on countless conferences achieved and of who she was and union and the retired staff in a to the sun. She enjoyed holidays into Liberty Hall from then on, she what she stood for. very caring and respectful way for the union; she built up a with her close friends and family made sure they were treated with She was very proud of the con- also. She was brought up in a wealth of experience and knowl- and a good party was an important respect and dignity. tribution she made to the ITGWU staunch trade union and political edge on behalf of the union in this part of her life and of which she en- She carried that respect for work- and subsequently SIPTU and the family. There is no place to hide work. Our late father, Tony – him- joyed many. ing people for the next 40 years in wider trade union movement in when you come from a family like self a member of the NEC of the We all know that these past her work for the union and that is Ireland. ours. You were either with us or ITGWU – and a Labour councillor weeks have been devastating for why she has earned the respect and the family and especially her The work she did in a relaxed against us - it was that simple. for Finglas for a short time before love of everyone that knew her. Even when the cause seemed lost beloved son, Tony, and partner and Teresa was our sister and Tony’s and dedicated manner was of vital his own untimely death at 50 years comrade, Phil. or we might not be on the side of mother and Philip’s partner first importance to the union and its of age, was in many ways the block Just days before Teresa died on members. Teresa always put the the angels, you never abandoned from which Teresa was fashioned. 24th May, they were out in the gar- and foremost. Good bye sister, we members above all, even before the post. Teresa would help our late father den planting and weeding, getting will miss you. We will never forget the officers and leaders of the And Teresa never abandoned her in his work as a councillor. She was everything ready for the summer. you. union. She never forgot where she post. She gave it all to her family, proficient at taking shorthand in Teresa, as many will know, only John Dunne came from. to her union and class. her job, a skill that has largely dis- retired from SIPTU after 44 years’

TRIBUTE Gerry Sullivan TRIBUTE John McManus Long-serving ITGWU Branch Sec- retary, John McManus, passed on earlier this year. John joined the ITGWU in 1961, becoming A gent who graced the stage Branch Secretary of the Dublin No. 15 Branch in 1972, a position in which he would remain THE Irish theatre world has ond generation stage actor when until his retirement in 1989. lost another original member he established himself with the As an activist he organised the of the founding union, which Abbey Theatre. Later he starred in firm in which he worked into the became Irish Actors Equity The Country Boy, Does Your union. He was endowed with a John McManus Association. Gerry Sullivan a Mother?, The Pearse Pageant at the fine work ethic. much revered actor, has died National Stadium, Goodbye to the Forever the boy scout, John at the age of 92 in Wexford. Hill and Michaelmas Eve. Gerry loved travelling. Blessed with good quately express thanks to one who health and a long retirement he Though known by many for his featured in many Dublin theatre had devoted himself so whole- visited many countries with his heartedly to the Union and its portrayal of the garda in The Rior- festivals, in London’s West End dear wife May. One of the trips he members. John died suddenly and dans TV series and then Glenroe, and was an accomplished stage de- signer and director. most looked forward to was the unexpectedly at home in February. he made 20 other film appear- annual spring break in the com- Moreover, he was a gentleman in He is deeply missed by his lov- ances, including Educating Rita, pany of friends, such as Liam Pep- ing wife May, children, grandchil- every sense of the word; a joy to Kidnapped and The Irish RM. pard, the late Paddy Behan and dren, sisters, brother and He was also the fourth and final work with and a generous friend to Paddy Wade to name a few. He was extended family and friends. His Dr. Harry Murphy in RTE Radio’s all actors. He will be greatly missed very interested in people and family wish to acknowledge the longest running radio drama se- by the profession that he graced so loved a good debate. many expressions of sympathy ries, Harbour Hotel. well. On John’s retirement, ITGWU and gestures of kindness shown to However, he was as a fine, sec- Laurence Foster General Secretary, Chris Kirwan, them following their sad loss. said it was impossible to ade- 34 Liberty JULY 2017 Sport The lost champion of my generation By Kevin Brannigan Born in July 1988, Conor Mc- McGregor is clever. No doubt. to “dance for me boy” to describing Gregor is four months my The nod to his time on the dole Latino fighters as "cholos", "cock- junior. We both come from a collecting his €188 weekly al- roaches" or threatening "to turn generation who were spoon lowance by naming his recently their favelas into sweatshops". fed the neo-liberal agenda purchased yacht the 188 was a not It's hard to believe that someone that cash is king by the so subtle two fingers to the estab- such as Conor McGregor, who pos- school system and main- lishment. sesses such genuine sporting tal- stream culture from a young His time on the dole hangs over ent and a masterful ability to age. all his actions. He's never going manipulate the world for his own We watched on unknowingly as back there and he's angry with the ends, is incapable of grasping the Eddie Hobbs became famous, as establishment that he even was nuances of the words and phrases attic conversions and garden decks there. For lads today in a similar he employs. consumed every housing estate situation it's easy to see the ap- Propped up as a demi-lad McGre- and as our generation’s Taoiseach, peal. gor has been given a free pass for Bertie Ahern told an Irish Congress Which is why it's so disappoint- years. You're either a genuine of Trade Unions conference that he ing that McGregor can't take the sportsperson with genuine sport- didn't know how the cribbers and Conor McGregor Picture courtesy lead of the man he's so often incor- ing ethics or you're a 'monkey', to moaners didn't commit suicide. www.conormcgregor.com) rectly compared to, Muhammad borrow a term from Conor, who Having been told by society that Ali, and develop some principles employs performative negativity the quickest route to respectability many or our generation either fol- Prospects were minimal. and give a lead on what it's like for and hatred to sell the brand. But and cash was a Business Degree we lowed Bertie's sage advice or ran Conor McGregor owes Ireland young men in this country who are you can't be both. flocked in our hundreds of thou- for the exit. nothing. But he does owe our gen- trapped in the system. sands to universities, almost to- The establishment didn't care eration something. He owes us a Instead, Conor has decided to Conor McGregor will fight Floyd tally cleansed of any radical for us and when we protested over lot more than to be the vanguard use derogatory and ethnic slurs Mayweather Jr in the T-Mobile student strain. Campuses were for student fees they answered with for the wealth obsessed, brash, gar- and references to trash talk almost Arena in Paradise, Nevada on profit and the multi-nationals batons. For Conor it was even ish and downright boring creed of every single opponent he's fought 26th August, 2017. needed us quick. worse finding himself left on the individualism that brought us to since his star began to ascend. Then the world collapsed and scrap heap of the dole queue. our knees in 2008. From asking Floyd Mayweather Jr 100 years on... poetic voice of Ireland silenced at Ypres

Lord Dunsany. ‘And now I’m drinking wine in Dunsany was a unionist but, far France, By Padraig from encouraging Ledgwidge to The helpless child of circumstance Yeates join the colours, he urged him to Tomorrow will be loud with war, stay at home and achieve his po- How will I be accounted for?’ tential. Instead, Ledwidge re- The answer he gave in the same FRANCIS Ledwidge was sponded that he “would not have poem shows that the seduction of ‘Killed in Action’ on 31st July it said that England had fought to war and its comradeship remained 1917, the opening day of the save civilisation while we sat at as powerful for him as it would Third Battle of Ypres. He was home passing resolutions”. prove for many who had remained among the first of 135,000 It was a mentality forged in part in Ireland and joined the Volun- Irish, British and dominion by the dominant political consen- teers to fight for independence. troops who would be killed sus of the day, that of John Red- ‘It is too late now to retrieve over the following three mond’s Irish Party whose A fallen dream, too late to grieve months. endorsement of Britain’s war ef- A name unmade, but not too late He was reputedly taking a break fort led to the constitutional na- To thank the gods for what is from digging a communications tionalist movement being great; trench, drinking a cup of tea and responsible indirectly for the A keen edged sword, a soldier’s heart smoking a cigarette when a Ger- deaths of more Irishmen than have Is greater than a poet’s art. man shell ended the life of one of died in every other military con- And greater than a poet’s fame Ireland’s most gifted poets. It was flict of the 20th century. A little grave that had no name’ probably as good a death as anyone That a man of Ledwidge’s sensi- could hope for on the Western tivity and intelligence, who had In his Lament for Thomas as a fellow poet and his death Front in 1917. avidly read James Connolly’s cri- MacDonagh, who had been deeply moved Ledwidge, who tried Like all those who perished in tique of capitalism and been Francis Ledwidge in uniform and, executed by a firing squad over a unsuccessfully to join the rebels in Flanders fields there was much elected secretary of the Slane main picture, monument that marks year earlier, Ledwidge dwelt less Easter Week while on leave from the spot where he was killed more to Francis Ledwidge than a branch of the Meath Labour Union ambiguously on the price paid by the front. Pictures: Dave Edgar (CC BY-SA 2.0); Public Domain name, rank and serial number. He in 1913, could succumb to the call those ‘Killed In Action’ for their to arms should not surprise us. He was subsequently court mar- commitment to the paths of glory. had been a farm labourer, union tialled and demoted for absen- organiser, Irish Volunteer, and dis- After all fellow poets such as But there was nothing he could Thomas MacDonagh and Patrick teeism and being ‘drunk in appointed lover. uniform’. Deeply disillusioned, he do to reverse the fateful decision ‘He shall not hear the bittern cry In 1914 a potentially bright fu- Pearse were responding to the In the wild sky, where he is lain, same impulse when they opted for told his brother Joseph that "If he had made in October 1914 to ture had beckoned. His poetry was someone were to tell me now that Nor voices of the sweeter birds a more militant brand of national- fight for King and Country. Nor very much in rhyme with the spirit the Germans were coming over our Above the wailing of the rain’ of the Irish literary revival, without ism that cleaved to the separatist would he have to wait for the Ger- back wall, I wouldn't lift a finger to mans to come to Ireland. As he It was also a lament for his its artificial mannerisms, some- tradition. stop them. They could come!" thing recognised by his patron MacDonagh was a friend as well reflected in his Soliloquy: native Meath. Liberty 35 Liberty Crossword JULY 2017 PRIZE DRAW To win €200 in Arnotts vouchers Liberty courtesy of JLT Insurance Crossword (see back cover) ACROSS DOWN 1 2 3 456

7 8 7 Peloponnesian War victor (6) 1 A staple food of the Irish (4) 8 Last season (6) 2 Battles based on defensive lines (6,7) 9 Scandinavian war god (4) 3 Takes on a bull in one sided combat (7) 9 10 10 Cut off point based on years (3,5) 4 Sound from a nest (5) 11 Large storm (7) 5 Quality of a particular person (13) 11 12 13 13 As opposed to uniform (5) 6 Followed the Dark Ages (8)

14 15 Of the city (5) 12 A place name in UK, US and Canada (8) 16 Aggravation (7) 14 Mountjoy, Spike Island... (7) 15 16 18 Controversial in July (8) 17 Fairy tale character (5) 17 19 "The ___Ranger" (4) 20 Women in habits (4) 18 19 20 21 Unsaturated alcohol (6) 22 Record in writing (6)

21 22

*Correctly fill in the crossword to reveal the name and address and you will to be entered into a The winner of the crossword competition hidden word, contained by reading the letters prize draw to win a €200 Arnotts voucher in the shaded squares from top to bottom. The winner of the crossword quiz will be in the May edition was Caitríona Ní Dhúnáin, published in the next edition of Liberty. Baile Átha Cliath 4. Email the hidden word to [email protected] or post to Communications Dept., Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 along with your *Terms and conditions apply. Answer: Mayday

ABBEY THEATRE JIMMY’S HALL

Adapted from Paul Laverty's film script Directed by Graham McLaren

This summer the Abbey Theatre presents a new stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed Ken Loach film, Jimmy's Hall.

Jimmy's Hall tells the true story of Leitrim farmer Jimmy Gralton, the only Irishman deported from his own country. 28 July – 19 August • Tickets from €13 SIPTU members can avail of €20 tickets Monday – Thursday if they quote SIPTU at the Abbey box office (01 87 87 222 or visit www.abbeytheatre.ie) SIPTUUTIPS MU MEMBERSHIPEBME IPHSRE SSERVICESECIVERS SE

Offering Great Value for Money for SIPTU Members

• HoHome InsurancencarunsIem enc • CaCar InsurancecnasurnIr e 189018 0918 30 07 4554 • Income PemncoI Protectionetor Pnoitce Plansnsal www.siptu.jltonline.ieotlj.utip.swww ie.inenlo

Subject tcejbuS to underwritingut dno anitirwre and ang acceptance ccnatpeccd criteria.aairetire . TTermsTee amr and cns conditions anoitidnod apply.. Jylpps JLTLLTT IInsurance Bcnarusn Brokers Irekore Ireland Lnalers Limitedmid tradingteti asanidard s Jg JLTLLTT IIreland,, Jdnaler JLTLLTT FinancialF aicnani SServices,,secivrel GIS IIG Ireland,, CCdnalerS Charitytirah, IInsurance, Tecnarusny Teacherwise,, CCesiwrehcae, Childcare Iracdlih, Insurance,, Jecnarusne JLTLLTT OOnline,, JJeniln JLTLLTT TradeT Cdar Credit Iidere Insurance,, Jecnarusnt JLTLLTT SportS t isiropT rregulated betaluges by thetd CentralChy l BankBBartnee ofonal Ik Ireland..dnalerf JLTJLLTT FFinancial Plaicnani Planning Lninnal Limitedd tetimig tradingt anidard ass Jg JLTLLTT CCorporatetaropro BBenefitss atifenee aandd JLTJns LLTT PPrivate Wtavir Wealth itlaee is rh regulatedaluges eta d byb thet CentralChy Bartnee Bankk onal of IIreland.dnalerf .d

Carar InsuranceInsurC anceanc 1890 22 22 22

Acceptance ccnatpeccA criteria,etire taire terms amre, and cns conditions anoitidnod apply. Oylpps One Dn. Directt ((cerie (Ireland) LdnalerIt Limited, tdetmii) trading anidar, as Pg Post Insurance,Isos iecnarusnt iss rr, regulated betaluges by td the Chy Central Bartnee Bank onal of Ireland.Ik OneOdnalerf e DirectDDn. (Ireland)(cerie LimitedLdnalerIt isietmii) a whollywd ownedollohs subsidiarysenwy ud oforaidisbu AnAy Post.Pf .tson

• TaxTTaa RRefundssdnuefx 1800 9081 988 990 94 58 5444 • TaxTTaa RReturn Futex Filingilirn gnili www.taxback.com/siptuoc.kcabxat.www utpsi/mo • Internationall TaxTnaoitrnaetnI TTaa SServicessecivrex FREE tERF textt ‘xeE ‘PAYE’PPAAAYY ’ ttotE 5’ 531311313o

• Travel IlevraT Insurancerausn ecnra +3533+ 1 553 5255 7723 79010195 www.quickcover.iekciu.qwww ei.revock

*CertainiatreC* aacceptancepeccn criteriaccnatp andairetire pna policy termstcilod mrey andans n conditionsc apply.anoitidnod ylpps R.A. B gnissra. otg & C Lon tdt. anidra. Qg oCkcius i.revo i re betaluges td Chy ratnee ra B nal o Ik .dnalerf

• Fair HiaF Hotels, tsletor thee ih, informedi dermofne www.fairhotels.ieohriaf.www e.isleto choice forfecihoc Eor Ethicaliht ConsumersClac srmeuson