The mortgage Growth is the Key - ICTU SIPTU Biennial debate pre-budget submission Conference 2011 Pages 6-7 Page 12 Page 15-19

Vol. 10 No.9 November 2011 ISSN 0791-458X Government Michael D - second SIPTU fiscal plan member to is wrong become President approach Michael D. Higgins has become the second member of SIPTU to become President of . Unions outline proposals for investment Michael D. was announced the and greater tax yield from the wealthy clear winner of the challenging election race when he won over By Frank Connolly a million votes after transfers were distributed during the The strategy contained in the ings, for example, of more than count on Saturday 29th October. Government’s fiscal statement €500 million by removing the In 1990, another member of is the “wrong approach” and will generous interest relief against not succeed in achieving the rental income granted to land - SIPTU, the Senator, lawyer, uni - jobs and growth needed for lords,” Jack O’Connor said. versity lecturer and human Ireland’s economic recovery, “Essentially there is a need for a rights activist Mary Robinson, SIPTU General President, Jack strategy that involves invest - won the presidency. O’Connor, has said. ment for jobs and growth, lever - Michael D’s election was The Minister for Finance, aging money into the economy welcomed by all of those who Michael Noonan, has said he without compromising the favour the principles of collec - intends to achieve savings of national finances.” tive solidarity over the crude €3.8 billion euro in next In meetings with the individualism that marked the month’s budget for 2012 includ - Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and so-called boom and contributed ing €2.6 billion in cuts to public Tanáiste, , on to the dramatic economic col - services and €1.2 billion in tax Wednesday (2nd November) the lapse of recent years. increases. SIPTU President and Congress A longtime trade union “This is the wrong approach. leaders argued their case, activist, human rights campaign - It will not provide the necessary including accessing private pen - er and politician, Michael D cre - impetus for growth. While the sion funds and the European EU/ECB/IMF troika is dictating Investment Bank, among other ated tens of thousands of jobs in the terms there is a need to sources for investment. the cultural sector when he leverage as much into the econ - At a meeting on Thursday (3rd served as Minister for Arts, omy as is taken out in the November) the trade union del - Culture and the Gaeltacht in the

s r 1990’s, helping to bring the i December budget,” Jack egation set out various propos - e p

S

k O’Connor said. als contained in the Congress economy out of the last recessione . r

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D

He said the balance between Pre-Budget submission to the His seven year term in Áras : e r

u t c cuts in public services and tax Minister for Finance, Michael an Uachtaráin also coincides i P : o increases, while an improve - Noonan and the Minister for A protestor in Parnell Square, participating in support of with important anniversaries fot r o ment on the previous govern - Public Expenditure and Reform, the Occupy movement which has spread from Cairo and Madrid h

the socialist, labour and nationaP l ment, does not sufficiently Brendan Howlin. These include to Wall Street where in recent months thousands of young independence movement in transfer the burden to those a proposal for a tax on wealth Americans have joined in peaceful efforts to take over the Ireland, including the founding most in a position to pay. above €2 million and a solidari - financial capital of the world. The Dublin protest on 22nd October was entertained by singer Billy Bragg at the Occupy of the in 1912, the “There is more scope for tax - ty levy on an escalating scale on Dublin Lock Out of 1913, the ing the rich while the reductions incomes in excess of €100,000. Dame Street site outside the Central Bank with renditions of 1916 Rising and the War of in public expenditure should be The SIPTU and Congress lead - protest songs including “There’s power in the union“ and the implemented in such a way that ers also made specific invest - “Internationale”. The message is clear; the voices of the 99% of Independence. The President- the wealthier sections of society ment proposals including pri - the world’s population must be heard above that of the 1% elect is also committed to devel - which dominates through the unequal distribution of global carry more of the burden. The vate investment into the oping a vision for a more sus - resources. Government could achieve sav - Government’s NewEra pro - Picture: Derek Speirs tainable economy and a more Continued on page 2 inclusive and equal society.

ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 News

In this month’s Liberty

The Fiscal Advisory Dublin Council Council’s €4 billion mistake Page 8 of Trade Unions

Crisis in the Eurozone Pre-Budget Demonstration Page 12-13 For Jobs and Growth Assemble; Garden of Remembrance, Egyptian Parnell Square, Dublin unions ramp up 12 p.m. strike action Page 20 Saturday 26th November March and Public Meeting at GPO Mind your health: Arthritis Page 22

SIPTU Unions set for showdown Community Page 26-27 with Tories over pensions

Tens of thousands of public sec - announced on 3rd November. lic that workers in the public sector tor workers in the North will join The industrial action is in get a ‘gold-plated’ pension, but the their colleagues across the UK in a response to British government reality is that across the public sec - Poems of Michael D day of protest on 30th November plans to increase the retirement age tor the average is £5,600 per year Page 28 unless the Tory/Lib Dem govern - to 68 while forcing workers to pay and for women across the public ment backs down on plans to raid 3.2% more towards their pensions sector is just under £4,000, with their pensions. while their payments will be 65% receiving less than £6,000.” Over 20 unions are balloting reduced by 15%. She added; “While the unions members for industrial action on in SIPTU members are being tried to negotiate a fair settlement what is expected to be the most encouraged to vote in favour of join - the Government has not listened. widespread industrial protest in a ing their colleagues in the industrial We now have no other option but to Rovers take generation. Members of , the action that will involve up to 2.5 ballot for industrial action on 30th UK’s largest public service union, million workers. November.” the honours voted in favour of industrial action SIPTU Organiser Brenda Ballot papers must be returned Page 30 by a resounding margin of nearly Callaghan said; “The government is to SIPTU by 16th November. four to one with the result trying to convince the general pub -

Continued from page 1

gramme and the sale of Solidarity The Pre-Budget submission calls contagion to review and amend this Bonds for specific investment proj - on the Government to review and arrangement with effective cost sav - ects. amend the arrangement whereby the ings to the exchequer. It must to this. Congress has detailed measures exchequer faces an exposure of up to Not to do would be reckless,” the Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. whereby private pension funds could €65 billion in repayments and inter - submission states. increase the proportion of their est arising from the debts of the If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: assets invested in the domestic econ - failed Anglo Irish Bank and other For details of Congress Pre-Budget [email protected] omy by 5% which could generate an institutions. submission see Page 12. Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, additional €4 billion in capital invest - “The Government has the option , Dublin 1 ment for vital infrastructural proj - within the Memorandum of SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, • ects. Understanding and without risk of General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Advertise in Liberty Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour email [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates Printed and distributed by , City West, Dublin. for advertisements which reach SIPTU members countrywide Liberty 3 News NOVEMBER 2011

Freedom waves to Gaza SIX QUESTIONS PATRICK NULTY TD

SIPTU college tutor Mags O’Brien Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy, for - was among 14 Irish people taken into mer Ireland rugby player Trevor Hogan, custody by the Israeli military forces Sinn Fein councillor Gerry when the MV Saoirse was boarded on MacLochlainn and former Fianna Fáil Friday (4th November) in international TD, Chris Andrews. waters off the coast of Gaza. SIPTU General President described The Irish vessel had been sailing the Israeli action as “as an illegal act of alongside the Canadian ship Tahrir to piracy without any in interna - Gaza on a mission to deliver humani - tional law.” SIPTU’s Mags O’Brien tarian aid and challenge Israel’s illegal In May 2010, Israeli commandos was aboard MV Saoirse blockade of the Palestinian territory. boarded the Turkish Mavi Marmara aid The crew and vessels were taken to the vessel to enforce the naval Israeli port of Ashdod where they were blockade of the detained. Palestinian enclave, Labour TD Patrick Nulty argued for a Among the others taken into cus - and killed nine left-led alliance tody alongside Mags were Dublin Turks on board. rather than going into coalition with Picture: Photocall Ireland

AT 29 years of age Patrick Nulty is already assured of a place in Irish political history as the first Government party candidate to win a by-election since 1982. 1. Why did you decide to embark on a career in politics?

I grew up in Corduff in West Dublin, an area of high unemployment through the ‘80s and early ‘90s, my formative years. My politics come from my experience. It was not a career choice, I got involved as an activist and one thing led to another. MV Saoirse 2. Politically who or what is your biggest inspiration? Unions set for showdown I have huge admiration for Noel Browne. It’s incredible that so Ballagh donates Riverdance many people still recall the work he did. In the present day, I have a lot of time for Michael D. Higgins. But if I’m honest, I think we have too much focus on individual personalities. I have great admi - with Tories over pensions ration for trade union activists, working day in and day out to rep - royalties to Irish Ship to Gaza resent their co-workers. I know the value of this from my experi - ence as a member of Mandate while working in Argos. RENOWNED artist Robert Ballagh “We welcome this support from has donated all royalties from the Israel for the flotilla movement." 3. You opposed Labour going into coalition with recent performance of Riverdance He continued: "Robert Ballagh's Fine Gael; how do you now feel about being a part in Israel to the Irish Ship to Gaza consistent and principled support campaign. for the BDS campaign against of that Government? As the set designer for Israeli apartheid should be Riverdance, Ballagh had opposed applauded. I was in favour of a left-led political alternative, as were many oth - the performance in Israel saying “BDS – boycott, divestment, ers, and I argued for this position. No party or person owns a seat that Israel should be boycotted sanctions – is one of the most in the Dáil. I have been sent here with a specific mandate from the until its apartheid policies against powerful and effective methods by people who have lent me their votes. I want to bring forward con - the Palestinians are ended. which global civil society can structive proposals to influence the government, and I will be work - Thanking Ballagh for his "princi - demonstrate its solidarity with the ing with partners inside and outside Leintser House, including the pled advocacy of Palestinian Palestinian people. union movement, to pursue this agenda. human rights", Dr Fintan Lane, “Israel is an apartheid state and Na tional Coordinator of Irish Ship Riverdance should never have 4. What is your top priority as a TD? to Gaza, said: "This generous dona - agreed to perform there." tion will be well deployed. In fact, The Irish vessel, the MV Saoirse, There are many pressing constituency issues. I will be continuing the money has been used specifi - attempted to sail to Gaza in June of the fight to protect Connolly Hospital in . There is cally to buy fuel for the MV Saoirse this year but its journey was cut much work to be done improving public transport and, in particu - to help us on our journey to Gaza. short when its propeller shaft was lar, getting Hansfield Station opened. I will be campaigning with “Ironically, those who paid into sabotaged at port in Turkey. Robert Ballagh has donated his people on the ground. Change more often comes through pressure Riverdance royalties to the Irish Ship to than simply through asking nicely. On a national level, it’s all about the show in Israel are helping us in It has now undergone repairs Gaza campaign. It has bought fuel for our efforts to breach the immoral and has set sail for Gaza. the organisation’s blockade runner MV jobs. Trade unionists are key to strategies on investment and the Israeli blockade. Saoirse economic fightback. I will also be working with the trade union movement on collective bargaining rights and the JLC campaign. 5. What is the biggest issue facing Irish politics?

Carton Bros. ‘must honour deal’ The biggest issue is how do we change things, how can people get CHICKEN processing company The agreement stated that each force the company to honour its involved to change the system? On a policy level, it’s jobs and Carton Brothers is facing demands worker was to receive statutory part of the deal. ending the scourge of emigration. from 23 former workers that the redundancy plus three-and-a-half Former Carton Brothers worker company honour a redundancy weeks’ pay for each year of service. Paddy Marron said: “I personally 6. What do you hope for Ireland in 2016? deal worth up to €700,000. The workers have yet to receive have been left owed over €80,000. The workers agreed the redun - their full redundancy packages I worked for the company for over That the EU/IMF deal is history, that the Labour and trade union dancy deal under the auspices of with the amounts outstanding 30 years and have been disgusted movement establishes the central role played by the Citizen Army the Labour Relations Commission ranging from €20,000 to more than by its failure to honour the agree - in the 1916 rising, that the Left and the Labour party are in the in 2008 as part of the company’s €80,000. ment made with us. We will not driving seat of Irish politics. closure of its hatchery in The workers have now instigated give up on this until justice is Carrickmacross, county Mongahan. High Court legal proceedings to done.” 4 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 News

WORKPLACE PROFILE Joint working group boosts productivity at Leo Pharma By Scott Millar FORUMS that bring workers Dennis, who has worked at Leo together with management to pool Pharma for 20 years, thinks the their knowledge can play a crucial JUMIG has played a key role in role in boosting productivity. ensuring that the implementation This certainly has been the expe - of the transformation plan did not rience at the Leo Pharma Ireland result in a spate of industrial rela - plant in Crumlin, Dublin. tion issues. Since 2009, SIPTU members at She said: “People can be afraid of the plant have played a key role in change but, with the JUMIG, clarity the Joint Union Management was given to how these changes Implementation Group (JUMIG). would affect them and they were The group was set up to oversee allowed input. It made a huge dif - a plan, drawn up by management ference.” along with Tony Murphy of the Human Resources manager Dave IDEAS Institute, to transform the Taylor said: “The experience has production process. been very good. We have got a SIPTU senior shop steward Kevin cross-section of people who in nor - Kelly claims the “fundamental ‘Making a difference’: Cathy Cleary, JUMIG member, and Paula Dennis ‘Working smarter’: Shop stewards Cian Gannon and Kevin Kelly change” to improve competitive - mal circumstances would never get ness and efficiency was helped by Pharma Ireland manufactures a union members. Among the com - that people might not see but are together but here we have an the JUMIG, allowing for the contin - range of medical creams, oint - pany representatives are Brendan important and make a difference to opportunity for that group of peo - uous running of production lines. ments and gels for the global mar - Fitzpatrick, the most senior Leo the production process. ple to sit and listen to each other’s This also saw batch manufactur - ket for its Danish multinational Pharma executive in Ireland. “It allows issues to be dealt with opinions, concerns and plans and ing production times cut by 25%. parent company. The IDEAS Institute also assisted a local level within the company.” look at ways of implementing Kevin Kelly, who has worked at About 350 people – 120 of whom by providing a FETAC-validated, Shop steward, Cian Gannon, them through our agreements.” Leo Pharma for 29 years, said: are SIPTU members – are employed six-day training course on team underlined the role JUMIG played The increased efficiencies may “This did not mean people had to at the plant. Engineering craftper - working in which most SIPTU in working out how responsibili - also see the plant expand. work harder, just smarter. It was sons are represented by UNITE. members at Leo Pharma have ties between shifts for fitters and Dave Taylor added: “What we’re using people on the floor, on the The JUMIG brings together man - taken part. operatives would be reassigned. He saying to the Danish headquarters coalface in the job, to work with agers, supervisors and workers on JUMIG member, Cathy Cleary, said this was crucial in enabling is if a new product comes along, management on procedures and a monthly basis. who has been with the firm for 11 production lines to run continu - give it to us to manufacture and teamwork.” The workers’ representatives years, said: “We have got an awful ously. we’ll do it effectively, at the right Operating since 1962, Leo include Kevin Kelly and other lot of small changes, little things Work Committee member, Paula quality and to the right cost.” Lisheen Mine SIPTU stays in contact with deal signed Mr Binman receiver on sale Workers and management SIPTU is maintaining contact with the hundreds of jobs at stake are signed a new agreement a KPMG receiver, Kieran Wallace, protected,” David Lane added. which includes wage who was appointed to the Mr “We would also expect that all increases until 2014 for Binman Group on 28th October. creditors will also play their part union members at the Organiser David Lane said: “We in protecting the jobs of hundreds Lisheen Mine, county will be maintaining contact with of workers across the south of the Tipperary, on 11th the receiver who is currently country employed by Mr Binman.” October. Sitting from left assessing the company in order to The company employs more to right: Head of Mining present it for sale. than 350 workers and provides and Technical section “The workforce’s strong recom - domestic and commercial waste Brian Keady, SIPTU mendation that the company be collection services across the south Industrial Organiser John sold as a single entity rather than of Ireland. Regan and HR Manager fragmented has been conveyed to There are 280 sub-contractors Terry McKenna. Back left the receiver. indirectly employed by the compa - to right: Shop Stewards “We will co-operate fully with ny. The Bank of Scotland is the Stephen McPherson, Jim the receiver to ensure that the biggest creditor of the company – Tone, John Stapleton. employment of our members and owed €53 million. Beef up regulation in credit union sector THE Government’s decision to increase sition of a regulatory approach cerned with aspects of the Central Bank the fund available to re-capitalise the designed for commercial banking in the and Credit Institutions Resolution Bill, credit union sector has been welcomed credit union sector is killing any oppor - which is passing through the Dáil at the by SIPTU. tunity to increase domestic demand. moment. The union, which represents thou - “It must be hoped that the decision Adrian Kane said; “Sections of the sands of workers in the sector, believes to increase the special protection fund Bill essentially nullify the remedies pro - that equally important as ensuring that will signal the beginning of an appro - vided to employees of financial institu - credit unions that need access to capital priate regulatory regime which will tions, including credit union workers, can do so is appropriate regulatory allow the credit union sector to under the Unfair Dismissals Acts. reform. increase its level of lending to its mem - “Whatever restructuring takes place SIPTU Insurance and Finance Sector bers.” in the sector needs to ensure that jobs Organiser Adrian Kane said; “The impo - He added that SIPTU was also con - are protected.” Liberty 5 News NOVEMBER 2011

Protest Aviva disaster over FCC waste underlines need proposals MORE than 100 workers have Photo: Celia with her son, Michael Kevin taken part in a protest against the for growth plan further privatisation by of waste collec - Tributes THE announcement on 19th of thousands of people on the Live exemptions from the Pensions tion services in Swords town cen - October that 950 workers are to Register struggling to survive, to Levy to fund the generation of tre, county Dublin. paid to lose their jobs at the insurance keep up their mortgage payments upwards of 80,000 jobs for sustain - The 20th October demo was company Aviva highlights again the and feed, clothe and educate their able development.” organised by SIPTU and IMPACT emergency urgent need for a Government children. Jack O’Connor added: “This is as part of a campaign to highlight strategy to promote growth, SIPTU “The resources are there to create the kind of response we need from the real costs of allowing private, General President Jack O’Connor jobs and generate growth. The Minister Richard Bruton instead of for profit, companies to take over workers has stated. remaining €4 billion to €5 billion more hand-wringing platitudes.” the provision of public services. He said: “This is a devastating in the National Pension Reserve The majority of Aviva workers The workers were led by a and victims blow to 950 workers and their fam - Fund should be combined with a are represented by the Unite trade waste collection truck as they ilies who now face an uncertain further €4 billion leveraged from union. marched from the Pavilions future. They will join the hundreds the private pension funds through Unite regional officer, Daryl Shopping Centre to Fingal of floods Williams, said: “While the compa - County Hall where SIPTU ny is continuing to deliver positive Organiser Paul Smyth presented a By Scott Millar results, it is unacceptable that the letter to Fingal county manager very workers delivering these David O’Connor. SIPTU extended its condolences to MSD talks on jobs threat results are being axed.” In the letter, SIPTU and the families and friends of health - SIPTU has met with management SIPTU Organiser Frank Jones, Under a 10-year deal, the insurer IMPACT, supported by the Dublin care worker Celia Ferrer De Jesus at MSD (formerly Schering- said. pays an annual €4 million fee to Council of Trade Unions, called and Garda Ciaran Jones who tragi - Plough) to discuss company pro - Workers are currently consider - have its name attached to the on Fingal County Council to cally lost their lives in the floods posals to make 40 workers ing a voluntary redundancy pack - Lansdowne Road stadium in rescind its decision to outsource that inundated eastern parts of the redundant at its plant in age offered by management and Dublin, the venue for Irish interna - waste collection services to country on the 24th October. Avondale, county Wicklow, by SIPTU expects to meet again with tional rugby and soccer matches. Panda, “a private company which Celia was found dead the morn - December 2012. company representatives during Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, refuses to recognise the rights of ing following the floods after “We met with the company on November. Enterprise and Innovation, Peadar workers to be represented by a emergency services pumped water 26th October to look at ways of MSD group (formerly known as Tóibín, called on Aviva to seek sav - trade union of their choice.” out of her home in Crumlin, south reducing the number of job Merck Sharpe Dohme) was ings in its operation costs which A number of local politicians Dublin. reductions and in an effort to acquired Schering-Plough in 2009. would avert job losses, including attended the protest, including The 58-year-old mother-of-one ensure that the positions that Schering-Plough has operated the removal of the complete bur - Clare Daly TD, Councillor Tom from the Philippines had been a will be lost are done so on a vol - in Wicklow since 1961 with 320 den of the stadium sponsorship Kelleher and Fingal Lord Mayor staff member at Our Lady's untary basis with a reasonable people currently employed at the from the company’s Irish opera - Gerry McGuire. Hospice and Care Services in and fair compensation package,” MSD plant. tion. SIPTU Organiser Paul Smyth Harold's Cross for 10 years. said: “In the worst recession of “We join with our members in our times, the decision to priva - Our Lady’s Hospice in offering our Priory Hall tise our waste collection services sincere and heartfelt condolences apartment will lead to huge cost increases to the family of Celia de Jesus,” complex vacated over fire and for every householder in Dublin. SIPTU Health Division organiser, safety concerns “The citizens of Dublin deserve Paul Bell said. Picture: Photocall better as do the local authority SIPTU has made a contribution workers who have provided this towards the repatriation of her service for over 100 years.” remains and funeral costs faced by He added: “Unfortunately, in her family in the Phillipines. the lead-up to this demonstra - Garda Jones lost his life when he tion, I have been informed that was swept away by flood waters workers experienced threats to while attempting to help motorists their employment from the man - in danger in county Wicklow. agement of a private company SIPTU also paid tribute to the which has moved into the provi - emergency and local authority sion of waste collection services. employees who worked tirelessly “This is an example of the sort to assist the public and protect of attacks on workers’ rights property during the emergency. which accompanies privatisation, SIPTU Organiser Paul Smyth, and it is something which SIPTU said: “Once again emergency work - takes extremely seriously and ers and local authority staff will be investigating further.” showed their commitment to the ethos of public service working in severe conditions to assist the wider community.” Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, whose Dublin North Central con - SIPTU slams light-touch regulation stituency was severely affected by SIPTU has reiterated its call for rig - “Over 200 residents left home - which refuse to pay the brought to the enforcement of the flooding, called on the orous enforcement of construction less by the unavoidable decision to Construction Registered existing regulations and, where Government to use the State’s industry regulations in the wake of evacuate the north Dublin apart - Employment Agreement hourly necessary, introduce new legalisa - Humanitarian Assistance Fund to the Priory Hall scandal which is set ment block due to wilful breaches pay rates, welfare cover for sick - tion to ensure construction indus - assist those whose homes and to cost Dublin City Council hun - of basic fire safety standards are ness, pension and life assurance businesses were damaged. try standards are brought in line dreds of thousands of euros in the latest victims of a light-touch for workers and sub-contractors.” with best international practice. He visited homes in alternative accommodation and fire regulation approach which has Christy McQuillan added: “This “I fear that the light-touch Donnycarney which were exten - cover costs. plagued the construction industry approach has adversely affected sively damaged by torrents of SIPTU Construction and Utilities in recent years. householders, taxpayers and work - approach of recent years may well water from the nearby river Wad Division Organiser Christy “This failed approach has not ers with only unscrupulous proper - mean that other Priory Hall type which burst its banks. Residents McQuillan said: “The Priory Hall only been evident in the failure to ty developers benefiting. scandals will be uncovered across complained that they were no affair is an example of a wide - enforce building regulations but “The Government and local the country in the coming longer covered by insurance as the spread contempt for compliance also in the non-compliance of authorities must immediately act months.” result of previous floods. within the construction industry. many companies in the industry to ensure there is a new rigour 6 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 News

Keane Report protects families in distress

Ciaran Lynch says people need assistance to pay debts over time By Scott Millar Photos: Photocall Ciaran Lynch he top-line issue ‘W e should back on their feet.” of the Keane “Mechanisms will also be estab - Report is that peo - lished for people in situations “ T ple who are mak - which in the long-term are unsus - ing an honest tainable. In this instance they can effort to meet their financial obliga - ensure people have their homes put into a process tions will remain in their homes,” of socialisation with ownership is the view of Labour TD and chair - placed in a housing trust or local man of the Joint authority. What this will do is allow Committee, Ciaran Lynch. a person to continue to live in their “The other key finding is that don’t lose own home into which they may the real problem people are facing have put a lot of work and money. is the affordability of one’s debts Furthermore, their children will rather than negative equity. This continue to go to the local school. means recognising that it is not the Their neighbours need never know size of the debt but the ability to that their house has been socialised pay that debt over a period of time their homes’ because this will be dealt with con - which is what people need assis - Ciaran Lynch TD fidentially. This process will tance with.” ensure people do not suffer the Ciaran Lynch has been tackling trauma of losing their home along the problem of widespread mort - with the real financial of hardship gage difficulties for several years, so prominent in the media. is assisting those who are facing concept that people would be out of moving to another property.” first as the Labour Party spokesman “The idea that there would be a foreclosure or repossession of their of work for a short time and that Beyond the remit of the Keane on Housing and now as a member blanket debt writedown for people homes. What the Keane report sets property prices were rising. With report, the Government is imple - of a Government which must do across the country was never some - out is mechanisms that will deal the new realities, such support has menting new regulations in an something about it. He welcomes thing that was going to get on to with people’s debt problems on a to be restructured. The Keane attempt to bring long-term stability the rejection of blanket debt for - the agenda. The costing of it is case by case basis.” Report is not prescriptive and nei - to the residential property market. giveness in the Keane Report on reckoned to be something like €14 “The report lays out a number of ther should it be. It merely lays out These include the creation of a mortgage arrears on the grounds of billion and you would be targeting different options for people in the architecture of how mortgage house price database which will equity and fairness. very scarce State resources to peo - mortgage difficulty. It recognises debt should be dealt with in an give accurate information on actual “Blanket debt forgiveness would ple that don’t actually need it. A that people in difficulty are in one evolving process.” property values and the Central be just as likely to benefit the man similar problem would arise if a of three forms of difficulty; there is “People in short-term difficulty Bank’s introduction of guidelines earning half a million a year as the blanket enhanced mortgage interest short-term difficulty, there is medi - may just require Mortgage Interest on prudent lending practices which person who has bought a normal relief scheme were put in place for um- to long-term difficulty and Supplement payments for a short will tie mortgage lending back to house for €400,000 but has since every home bought during the then there are those in unsustain - period of time, those in bigger dif - three or four times a person’s seen their income massively housing bubble years.” able positions. Each type of diffi - ficulties need an extended period income. reduced.” “Of those in arrears fewer than culty needs different approaches.” of forbearance and for them there Lynch believes these measures The Labour TD believes that the 15% are actually in negative equity, “Previous support to those in is the Deferred Interest Scheme, “will give confidence to the market fact that some well off people so the figures themselves are show - mortgage difficulty was based on which allows for people to have as it normalises and will prevent could benefit disproportionately ing that negative equity is not the the Mortgage Interest Supplement their interest deferred for up to the creation of a new lending bub - from debt forgiveness is perhaps central problem. The primary issue payment which was based on the five years to allow people to get ble in the future.” one reason why the idea has been Liberty 7 News NOVEMBER 2011

Keane Report protects families in distress ‘Follow a different path’ call by TASC By Scott Millar LAUNCHING TASC’s pre-Budget welfare, with no overall cuts. recommends €3 billion in targeted es have been made in previous submission on 1st November, the TASC suggests that a further €2 tax measures designed to support budgets. independent think-tank’s Director, billion can be saved each year from economic recovery. “The new Government now has Nat O’Connor, said that the wrong 2012 to 2023 by restructuring the Nat O’Connor said: “Austerity an opportunity to choose a differ - choices had been made in previous Anglo Irish promissory notes. measures to date have been count - ent path in its first budget – a path budgets and the new Government The group also proposes using er-productive, resulting in exces - that will lead towards sustainable now has an opportunity to choose €1.2 billion from the National sive economic contraction. We economic recovery while maintain - a different path. Pension Reserve Fund over each of should remember that the €6 bil - ing public services and protecting In Towards an Equality Budget , the next four years to invest in lion adjustment in the last Budget low incomes.” TASC is proposing that any savings education, skills and infrastructure only reduced our structural deficit The full Towards an Equality to public spending should be rein - projects to support jobs. by €2.2 billion, according to the Budget document can be down - vested in frontline services and In terms of tax, the think-tank IMF.” He added: “The wrong choic - loaded at www.tascnet.ie Nat O’Connor: ‘Wrong choices have been made’ Picture: TASC

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan after last month’s launch of the Keane Report Four way path out of mortgage misery By Ross Maguire

F BORROWERS were to the payments by a figure of banks must not take any hit. We while people on interest-only property prices increase, of which come together, their power between 1% and 3% for a period do not accept this. must crawl to the banks every six they alone will be the beneficiar - would be extraordinary. of 10 years. The banks are primarily respon - months looking for a further ies. For, as the property prices They need not march on the 3. If paying 35% of net income sible for this crisis and as a mat - grace period, there will be no increase, the pressure will come sItre ets or riot, because they have with the escalation built in is not ter of common sense and basic return to ordinary economic activ - on the borrower to pay more, and the greatest power of all – the sufficient to repay the current economics must take part of the ity and people will be further if unable to do so, the banks will power to turn off the supply of indebtedness, a part of the debt is hit. excluded. How can somebody move to repossess. oxygen to the banks. Borrowers shelved on a non-interest bearing The fact is that they will be who is forced to beg every six We have offered our solution in must realise that, ultimately, they basis. repaid the capital sum in full and months be expected to act nor - the hope that the banks will have the power. 4. In time, the shelved debt is the only hit is to current income mally? embrace it. We must wait and see. With any power comes respon - re-introduced and paid off in full. for a period of time. Interest-only loans, also known We want to make it clear that if sibility and that responsibility is Using the four principles set Catastrophic as restructured loans, are a con the solution is not accepted and if to exercise the power with cau - out above, we can show that up to job. It allows the banks to suck the likes of the Keane Report are tion and prudence. Our approach 80% of mortgage holders can If borrowers were to walk away resources from the borrowers and implemented, we will move to a to the mortgage crisis is not to repay their debts in full over the now, and they can, the hit to the give nothing back in return. more radical path. demand widescale debt forgive - lifetime of the mortgage. banks would be immediate and Every month of interest-only Keane is wholly on the side of ness and it is not to permit the In many cases it will involve a catastrophic. payments on a loan means that the banks – it expects the borrow - enslavement of borrowers. shelving of a certain amount of A huge advantage of this solu - the underlying debt has er to pay faithfully for nothing in There is an alternative solution debt and because this shelving is tion is that the borrower knows increased. It has increased return. which is based on certain princi - non-interest bearing, the banks that they will only ever be because the time to repay it has For more information on the ples: must forego that current income required to pay 35% of their cur - reduced. New Beginning Solution or for 1. A borrower will pay 35% of during the shelved period. rent income. The only reason the banks are advice on whether we can help their net income on their mort - This is a hit to the banks which That gives them certainty and permitting these interest-only you contact us at: gage debt. they must accept. that certainty is vitally important. periods is to extract as much cur - [email protected] 2. Starting from this position, The criticism of this plan comes Its importance lies in the fact rent income from the borrowers Ross Maguire is a founding the borrower will agree to escalate from those who say that the that, while there is uncertainty, as possible and hope that in time member of New Beginning 8 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Economy The mysterious case of the missing €4bn By Scott Millar

HE first report of the “The difference between the two banks in 2009.” Fiscal Advisory Council Michael Taft is simple: the ‘underlying deficit’ In the corrected report, this sen - (FAC) was notable for two believes the FAC’s excludes special payments to the tence now reads “the underlying T things – its call for even banks (in this case, our old friend deficit has declined from 11.8% of more cutbacks and the fact that it problems indicate a Anglo-Irish). The ‘headline’ deficit GDP in 2009 to a projected 10% had to be re-issued due to its use includes the special payment. this year.” The FAC had also erred of incorrect figures. worrying issue with "The problem is that the underly - elsewhere, its initial report claim - Published initially on 12th ing deficit didn't fall by 4.3%. It fell ing that under its “more ambitious October, the Fiscal Assessment some economic by only 1.8%." targets for the 2012-2015 period”, Report called on the Government Without the fanfare which greet - the debt to GDP ratio would to substantially alter its budgetary analysis. ed its initial publication, the FAC decline to 40% of GDP by 2030. targets and aim to reduce the Michael Taft reissued its report to take account It now accepts that even by its deficit to 1% of GDP by 2015 rather of Michael Taft’s corrections. own calculations its proposal than the 3% advised by the EU. On 25th October a FAC press would only see this ratio decline to This would entail an additional In a crucial section the report in 2010 and to a projected 10% this release stated that since “the Fiscal 52%. €4 billion adjustment over the stated: “austerity measures are year.” Assessment Report was pub - Unlike the report’s initial next three budgets and the FAC working to reduce the deficit… Commenting on the FAC’s claims lished… two factual errors have release, the “updated report”, with advises that this should mainly be Even though domestic demand has of success for austerity, Unite econ - come to light” and an “updated” its crucial corrections, badly cov - brought about through cuts. fallen significantly (at least in part omist Michael Taft said: “It’s an version was now available. ered in the national media which Within hours of the release, due to the austerity measures interesting argument. It is also The line stating, “the underlying had given widespread coverage to right-wing commentators were undertaken) and domestic demand untrue. deficit has declined from 14.3% of the FAC’s calls for “more austerity”. heralding the FAC’s proposals as has remained weak, the general “The report confuses the ‘under - GDP in 2009, to 12% in 2010 and to Michael Taft believes the FAC’s facing up to the “stark realities”, Government deficit is improving. lying deficit’ with the ‘headline a projected 10% this year”, the problems indicate a worrying issue with an Irish Times editorial going The underlying deficit has declined deficit’ in a way that significantly group accepted, “had not taken with some economic analysis. as far as claiming that the group’s from 14.3% of GDP in 2009, to 12% weakens its claim. into account the fact that there was role was to “speak truth to power”. a €4 billion capital injection to the The FAC’s austerity line-up By Scott Millar THE five economists who comprise the monetary policy department of the Fiscal Advisory Council (FAC) the Central Bank of Ireland. were brought together in July this The FAC works out of the ERSI year to provide an “independent” offices in Dublin and is supported test of the “soundness” of govern - by researchers drawn from the ment fiscal projections and assist ERSI and Central Bank. in the drawing up of the forthcom - The FAC’s cheerleading for aus - ing Fiscal Responsibility Bill. terity has seen it strongly criticised The setting up of such a group by many, including Minister for was a condition of the EU/ECB/IMF Communications and Natural deal and, modelled on the UK Resources Pat Rabbitte, who said Office for Budget Responsibility set its proposals would be “counter - up by the British Tory government, John McHale, FAC chair, with fellow economists Sebastian Barnes, Alan Barrett, Donal Donovan and Roisin O’Sullivan Pictures:FAC productive”. ICTU Chief Economist was included in the Fine Gael elec - Ireland, including one in April author of that organisation’s quar - what we mostly all agree has to be Paul Sweeney described the group’s tion manifesto. 2008 which stated: “Much of the terly economic reports. Barrett was done in any event.” call for deeper austerity as “reck - • The FAC is chaired by John exceptionally large increase in a believer in a soft landing at the In December 2010, he wrote: less” and a threat to “a possible McHale who was raised in County house prices can be justified by onset of the economic crash. “The reduction in the minimum recovery”. Waterford but spent 19 years in Ireland’s strong income growth, Commenting on the Irish economy wage has been controversial on Sinn Féin economic spokesman Canada and the US before return - population expansion and the ris - in July 2007, he said: “‘Worried’ is social grounds but in terms of said: “When he ing to Ireland to take up the post ing share of younger households.” too strong a word. We've become employment creation it has to be established the FAC in July, of Head of Economics at NUI Even as the economy was enter - used to extraordinarily high rates considered a move in the right Minister Noonan told us that it Galway. With a doctorate from ing into the worst downturn in the of growth and this is a return to a direction.”It was subsequently would provide an independent Harvard University in the US, state’s history, the 2008 OECD more sustainable growth.” reversed by the incoming assessment of the government’s McHale is an orthodox economist report insisted that Ireland had • Donal Donovan is a former FG/Labour coalition. budgetary plans. and in recent months a very public “strong economic fundamentals, employee of the Washington-based Apparently anticipating the “Unfortunately the minister advocate of austerity. Before his including a business-friendly regu - IMF. In between lecturing in views of his former IMF employers failed to appoint a single expert appointment as FAC chair, McHale latory environment, a flexible Trinity and University, he in the run up to the last election from outside the economic estab - had written articles in support of labour market, moderate tax rates is a frequent Irish Times opinion Donovan, said: “Sinn Féin’s plan lishment. None of these individu - government fiscal policy. and sound fiscal policy”. writer, using his experience with for a wealth tax would be given als has a record of alternative • Sebastian Barnes is a senior • Alan Barrett is a research pro - the IMF to explain the logic of its short shrift.” thinking or critical engagement.” economist in the Economics fessor at Trinity College Dublin and approach to Ireland. Before the • The final member of the FCA “At the time Sinn Féin warned Department at the OECD. An project director with the Irish arrival of his former employers in is Róisín O’Sullivan, an Associate that this lack of independence Oxford graduate, he is the former Longitudinal Study on Ageing. He Ireland, Donovan stated that: “The Professor in Smith College, would result in another publicly- head of the OECD’s Ireland desk, also studied in the US and is on IMF bogeyman represents a gentle, Massachusetts. Before becoming a funded think tank issuing reports and co-authored two of that organi - secondment from the ESRI where albeit rather visible, nudge to keep college professor, O’Sullivan spent to justify government policy,” he sation's Economic Surveys of in recent years he was the main our shoulder to the wheel and do several years as an economist in added. Liberty 9 News NOVEMBER 2011 Dempsey rocks for Somalia Big-hearted rocker Damien Dempsey took to the Liberty Hall stage, right, on 13th October in a benefit gig for Somalia. He was joined by a host of other musicians including folk legend Donal Lunny

Damien Dempsey and his band rocked the Liberty Hall Theatre last Photo: Caroline Murray month in a successful benefit concert for famine victims in Somalia. Donal Lunny and Paddy Glackin also enthralled the packed hall with traditional tunes while the evening opened with Clontarf singer, Eoin Glackin, and sets from Le Chéile. Introducing the event, which raised €5000 for Concern in Somalia, former President Mary Robinson spoke movingly of her visits to the famine stricken region earlier this year and in 1992. Concern Chairperson Frances O’Keeffe, who accompanied the for - mer president on her trip last summer, spoke about the charity’s relief effort in east Africa while Dublin poet, Paula Meehan and PD and the Undertakers also performed. SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn presents the benefit pro - ceeds to Derval O’Brien, left, and Bianca Rohleder of Concern. Bianca performed with Le Chéile at the concert. SIPTU’s Local Former President Mary Robinson, who spoke at the Authority Professional Officers Branch has also donated event, with Donal Lunny. Photo: Caroline Murray €1,000 to Concern famine relief efforts. 10 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Economy Occupy the White House!

President Obama has tried to hitch his wagon to popular movements calling for tax fairness – such as these protestors from National Nurses United – but some of his advisers have close Wall Street links Pictures: Photocall/ National Nurses United

By Vic Duggan

HEN Barack Obama Far from income inequality being Americans have fallen back to the Feeling the pain of middle can occupy the White House for was elected on a a concern, ‘getting ahead’ was part levels of 15 years ago. This is the America, he has tentatively sought four more years. For a start, his wave of euphoria and parcel of that American dream. first time since the Great to hitch his wagon to the spirit of own credibility is hardly beyond three years ago this So long as the rising tide lifted Depression that median incomes Occupy Wall Street (OWS). Re-elec - reproach. Many of Obama’s key mWonth, the US was in the grip of most boats, it didn’t matter if have not risen in such a long time. tion will be less about hope and staff have Wall Street links, as do its deepest recession since the those at the top got rich. A total of 46.5m Americans now many important donors. 1930s. Things changed when the tide live below the poverty line, the Despite lofty rhetoric, his finan - Times were tough, but when the stopped rising. The largesse of the most in 52 years. That means that For the first time cial reforms to date have been silver-tongued President-elect 1% is under more scrutiny now one in seven live on less than tame. He famously broke off cam - spoke of hope and change, of that more of the 99% are strug - €16,000 per year for a family of in memory the paigning in 2008 to lobby Congress America as a place where all things gling. four. For Blacks and Hispanics, it's American dream to bail out the banks. It is precisely were possible, he spoke to the Columbia Professor Joseph more like one in four. this cosy relationship that so dis - American dream. People wanted to Stiglitz has noted that the top 1% Where previously easy credit is being called gusts those occupying Wall Street. believe. take home a quarter of all income allowed people to convince them - The risk is not that they and After three years of economic and control fully 40% of the selves that they were better off into question their supporters will vote pain and political bickering, nation’s wealth. Billionaire Warren than before, the financial crisis has Republican, but that they won’t Americans are angry and frustrat - Buffet recently highlighted the shattered the illusion of shared vote at all or, worse, that they will ed. They have lost faith in their absurdity that he pays a lower rate prosperity. It is this deep social change and more about deflecting support an insurgent Ralph Nader- political class. of tax than his secretary because of anxiety and economic insecurity public anger towards his opponent. like candidate, in the process hand - For the first time in living mem - the favourable treatment of capital that is at the heart of the Occupy Not by coincidence he expects that ing the White House to the most ory the American dream itself is gains. Wall Street movement. opponent to be Mitt Romney, the rabidly right-wing Republican Party being called into question. People Household incomes are in retreat With job approval hovering self-styled “CEO that America in living memory. are no longer so sure that if they for much of the 99%. Whereas the below 40%, and unemployment needs” and the epitome of the 1%. Vic Duggan is a Masters in Public work hard and save hard, they will incomes of the 1% have risen by a above 9%, Barack Obama is search - President Obama faces a tricky Administration (MPA) candidate in be able to provide a secure future fifth in the last decade, those of ing desperately for a compelling re- balancing act, however, if he plans Economic Policy Management at for their children. working and middle class election campaign narrative. to harness OWS anger to ensure he Columbia University, New York

SIPTU MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & SUPPORT CENTRE Liberty 11 Comment NOVEMBER 2011 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President Growth is the Key

In our continuing effort to affect change Agreement, particularly referring to the It is now critically important in the failed austerity driven approach to responsibilities of Fine Gael ministers in economic recovery SIPTU officers partici - this regard. On the Community Sector we to convince government TDs pated in a Congress delegation which reiterated calls for a proper forum at to support our proposals. met the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on which issues can be addressed. The Don’t wait to be contacted. Wednesday, 2nd November. This was the meeting extended for about two hours first of the Social Dialogue engagements and there was a full engagement. Take the initiative and promised by Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, assemble a delegation to go when he addressed our Biennial Delegate On Thursday 3rd November, we partici - Conference in Ennis during the first week pated in a trade union delegation to and meet with Fine Gael and of October. We presented the Congress meet the Minister for Finance, Deputy Labour TDs from your pre-budget submission “Growth is the Michael Noonan TD and the Minister for constituency to lobby them. Key” (see page 12) and argued the case Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy for investment for jobs and growth. We Brendan Howlin TD to make our submis - outlined how the money could be lever - sion on the Budget. Again we prioritised aged into the economy without compro - the case for investment for jobs and mising the national finances. The urgency growth outlining how it could be funded. of expediting the legislation to reinstate The Ministers undertook to examine our the Employment Regulation Order system proposals and agreed that job creation to protect lower paid workers and the was the key priority. Agency Workers Directive was also high - lighted. We also emphasised the require - ment for compliance with the Croke Park

1) Name the Director of the independent think tank TASC? 2) In which town was the recent SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference held? 3) Concerns over patient safety have led to three four-hour work stoppages in the Emergency Liberty Quiz Department of which hospital in recent weeks and months? 4) What is the name of the Lord Mayor of Belfast? *Answer the six questions correctly 5) In which university does Professor Ronit Lentin lecture? and you can win a weekend away for 6) Which League of Ireland club is based in Dalymount Park? two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Last month’s winner was: Paudie Power, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick

Answers by e-mail only to [email protected] *Terms and conditions apply. 12 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Economy

savings to pay for healthcare, pen - ICTU PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION sions and sick pay. This would also save money through reduced subsi - dies for private healthcare. • The Universal Social Charge should be progressively restruc - tured to reduce the rate paid by low earners. • There should be a new levy on Growth is key wealth above €2 million, with ‘wealth’ defined as current value of ICTU’S pre-Budget submission, • €2 billion from the National states under one governing struc - all assets, yielding up to €500m. Growth is the Key, prioritises stim - Pension Reserve Fund over the next ture, would make it possible for • The minimum tax for high ulating economic growth as the three years invested in job creation. this entity to access private capital earners should be 35% with the only way to bring the country out • Private pension funds should for expansion and re-investment. threshold cut to €100,000. of economic recession and create be encouraged to increase their This means of raising funds would • A temporary levy of 2.5% to be jobs. investment in the Irish economy by benefit citizens and is a clear alter - placed on corporate profits. Speaking at the launch of the 5%, raising an extra €4 billion a native to any privatisation of state • Citizenship is a two-way obliga - document, ICTU General Secretary year. This could be achieved by assets that would only benefit pri - tion. The 183-day requirement for David Begg said: “The most impor - making those pension funds which vate corporations. tax residency must be halved to at tant deficit facing Ireland is the increase investments in the domes - A State Holding Company could least 90 days – as in the UK – and deficit in the demand for labour. tic economy by 5% of asset value lead investment in infrastructure, ‘tax fugitives’ must pay more. “The most effective way to tackle exempt from the Government’s which would boost our competi - • There should be a new 12.5% our financial deficit is with policies temporary pension levy. These tiveness and create employment. oil and gas royalty tax, on produc - that create jobs and develop inno - investments should be in approved Such investment would include: tion. vative new products and services. activities that boost job creation. • A state-of-the-art water and • Raise Capital Gains Tax from “Austerity is self-defeating and is • Encourage investment in waste network: this could create up 25% to 30% and apply the Universal suffocating the economy. Growth is Solidarity Bonds by pension to 12,000 permanent jobs. Social Charge to all capital gains. the key to recovery.” schemes. • Retro-fitting energy inefficient Pointing to the example of • A new state pension scheme buildings: developing a new €8 bil - Social protection Denmark where a new government would give a substantial flow of lion industry to upgrade Ireland’s There should be no further cuts has embarked on an ambitious pro - funds to the Exchequer. This could 700,000 energy inefficient homes. David Begg at launch of pre-Budget to social welfare and strategies are gramme of public investment to raise €1 billion over the next year. • Investment in public transport. submission Picture: Congress needed to help the working poor boost growth, Growth is the Key • Multinationals should be • Investment in education. between tax revenue and expendi - and safeguard income supports for outlines a number of proposals to encouraged to defer repatriation of • Funds must be allocated to ture. Our tax system contains a people with disabilities. reverse the downward spiral of the some of their profits and set up a health to ensure full use of all huge number of exemptions and Community projects that protect Irish economy. commercial fund to invest here. available beds. There should be a incentives that narrow the tax base and boost employment should be cost-benefit analysis of the continu - and limit tax take. They cost the safeguarded and supports which Invest in jobs Role of state companies ing jobs moratorium. taxpayer up to €11 billion a year. help people take up work – such as For every €1 million invested in State companies can spearhead a • Targeting tax evasion and pur - affordable childcare – must be infrastructure, up to 12 direct jobs drive to create jobs, acting as Reform of tax system suing uncollected taxes will yield maintained . are created. Congress has identified engines of the recovery. Creating an In a time of unprecedented crisis, extra revenue. The full Growth is the Key ICTU various sources of funding for umbrella State Holding Company, all sectors of society must con - •A funded social insurance pre-budget submission can be growth. These include: bringing together the major semi- tribute to addressing the gap scheme would allow people to pool downloaded at www.ictu.ie Greeks go to the brink By

ESS than a week after EU blance of Greek government auton - part of the deal, the Greek sover - of Greek debt, this may well prove the period 2011 to 2014. leaders congratulated omy or power. eign debt remaining after the dis - to be optimistic. In the context of all this, the themselves on their new French and German indignation count is applied, which is held by Looking to crises in Ireland, Italy aborted call for a referendum L deal to address the euro at the timing and the temerity of international and Greek banks and and Portugal at present, it is this appears to have been a fightback zone crisis, The threat of a Greek the now abandoned referendum other investors, will receive a precise question of a manageable on two fronts. referendum on the bailout provid - suggestion by the Greek prime Triple-A guarantee, likely to be pro - level of debt that is dominating Within Greece, a referendum ed a stark wake-up call that this cri - minister showed in very clear light vided by the EFSF. policymakers’ decisions. would have forced the citizens to sis is far from finished. the ongoing dysfunction and Already, it appears that those If a debt level of 120% is not sus - take ownership over the adjust - At first glance, the 50% write imbalance of power that currently French, German and other banks tainable for these countries, it ment process and provide a man - down on Greek sovereign debt prevails within the EU. that own the bulk of Greek sover - could hardly be manageable for date to George Papandreou to force with private sector bondholders is The protracted negotiations over eign debt have had time to write Greece. The Greek debt crisis is far an all-party Government if needs a welcome development along with recent months to find a solution to down the losses in their balance from over. be. the additional €100billion in loans However, it is not clear that to cover its exchequer finances and there exists in Greece a coherent recapitalisation of its banks, but ‘Referendum call was political alternative capable of these come at a very painful price. a bid to wrest back steering the country through the The quarterly visits by the Troika next 12 months. are to be replaced by permanent some power for Outside of Greece and within the supervision in Greek government a country almost EU, Papandreou’s call for a referen - departments and there will be an dum was an attempt to wrest back even greater conditionality beyond devoid of sovereignty’ some power for a country that is that which has been already sought almost completely devoid of sover - in return for the aid package. No to austerity: Marchers in Athens during last February’s general strike Pic: ETUC eignty. Lest anyone believe that the the euro zone crisis have been sheets, and that this new guaran - While the scale of public anger It also sends a powerful signal Troika arrive into Ireland or the shaped by President Sarkozy and tee will effectively safeguard them and protests on the Greek streets that while the likes of France and other bail-out countries once every Chancellor Merkel’s home country against any further write downs. may have disappeared off our TV Germany are allowed to play poli - three months, the European political battles, while the the rest In stark contrast for Greece, screens for the time being, the tics with the situation, it is no Commission has a permanent pres - of the EU members states have there are no such reassurances. Government remains under siege longer feasible for other countries ence located within the been expected to wait; this latest The 50% haircut is forecast to bring both at home and abroad. to be expected to just deal with the Department of Finance observing EU bail-out is very much a triumph the Greek debt level down from The Government has already economics, regardless of the politi - the Government’s activities. of individual national interest over 210% to 120% as a share of GDP by imposed cuts and tax increases cal and human impact. The proposals for Greece appear collective problem-solving for all 2020 and, judging by the concerns worth 16.1% of GDP over 2009 and Marie Sherlock is a SIPTU to take this to a whole new level troubled member states. expressed in a recently leaked 2010 and is planning a further economist and will further weaken any sem - Interestingly, it appears that as European Commission assessment 10.4% in adjustment measures over Liberty 13 Economy NOVEMBER 2011

ANALYSIS Summit deal: Solution or an ineffective fix? AT THE most recent European summit a German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Recent events have shown that the Germans are back in charge range of options were agreed in an effort to resolve the Euro crisis. The since abandoned decision by George Papandreou to call a ref - erendum on the latest bailout plan in Greece Hands up damaged the sustainability of the EU plan. LORAINE MULLIGAN examines the proposals that emerged from the October summit and what they mean for Ireland.

However, in the absence of a sustained who’s boss What new elements have been agreed? recovery, it can be anticipated that the By Martin Fitzpatrick • Private sector investors will take a issue of Ireland’s debt burden may be HE shenanigans of the past few for continuing to pay our bills and keep 50% haircut on their investment in Greek revisited at a future point. months over the euro zone debt smiling. bonds, on a voluntary basis. This is Ireland is struggling to re-establish crisis is going to be meat and Ireland has already derived some bene - described by EU leaders as an “exception - growth in the domestic economy and drink for history students. fits from the fact that Greece is such an al and unique solution”. faces a grave crisis of unemployment. TDocto ral theses by the score are likely to economic basket-case. The September cri - • Greece will receive €100 billion in The International Labour Organisation’s emerge from the inter-personal relation - sis (or was it the August crisis?) yielded funding up to 2014 from the EU-IMF. recently published World of Work Report ships that were only too obvious during some €10bn of benefits as far as the Irish • The European Financial Stability 2011 warns that the world economy is the crunch meetings of end-October. bailout package was concerned. Facility (EFSF) will be expanded to facili - only likely to create half the jobs And all these studies will send out the Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan, of tate the purchase of risk insurance when required to restore pre-crisis employment message that many of us have known for a course, claimed that their persuasive pow - member states issue new debt and rates over the next two years and that a while but have been reluctant to confront, ers and influence led to this national gain. through the deployment of Special return to previous levels may be delayed namely that the Germans are masters of Of course it was nothing of the sort. Purpose Vehicles which draw in until 2016. Europe once again. Ireland was merely piggy-backing on the resources from the private and public It is essential to prioritise public That this reality became clear as a bell desperate need to save Greece. sectors to provide loans and other finan - investment and policy measures to boost in the same week that Volkswagen became It was not surprising then that last week cial support to struggling countries where job creation. Austerity will not solve the the world’s largest motor manufacturer is our leaders were being asked why, since necessary. The latter is expected to yield economic and fiscal crisis. probably neither here or there. private creditor banks who lent money to €1 trillion in available funds. The sover - It would be counter-productive if the Of course, to be the master it is neces - Greece were taking a 50% haircut, should eign guarantees currently underpinning approach adopted at EU level is used to sary to have someone to boss over. Ireland not be accorded the same reliefs. the facility will not be enlarged. trap our national decision-makers into In the latest meeting it was the hapless The people who were asking this ques - • The co-ordination and monitoring of making choices that significantly deflate Greeks and the Italians (who have had the tion already knew the answer. It is not national economic and fiscal policies will the economy and exacerbate hardship. temerity to have appointed Silvio open season on German and French be strengthened at EU level. The deal is intended to ease fears of Berlusconi as prime minister) who were banks – and probably never will be. We • Member states must make the “bal - ‘contagion’ among peripheral countries, subjected to the public humiliation and must pay our bills and keep smiling. anced budget” rule within the Growth such as Ireland, and large member states, international ridicule. There is, however, one important aspect and Stability Pact legally binding at such as Italy and Spain, arising from the Barely back from the summit, French of the latest euro zone decision that may national level, through legislation or, difficulties in Greece. president Nicholas Sarkozy, who had gone become a major concern for Ireland in the preferably, constitutional change. While the markets initially reacted pos - out of his way to ignore Berlusconi the next year or so. The banks that are being • There will be at least two euro sum - itively, the announcement by the Greek previous day, said bluntly that it was an taken to the Greek barber will have to be mits per year. PM that he wanted a referendum be held error to have taken Greece into the euro recapitalised. • The President of the European on the latest agreement reignited insta - zone in the first place. The Irish experience of recapitalising is Council, Herman Van Rompuy, in consul - bility. The Greeks, he said, had cooked the a stark one. Banks, including the ones that tation with the Commission and the In this context, Ireland’s fortunes books and were not ready for the disci - have to take state equity, simply pull in Euro Group, will present a report on remain unclear as the euro crisis contin - pline of the euro zone. When asked if the their horns. measures to strengthen economic conver - ues to play out. system would put up with the errant If the banks across Europe that are gence in the euro area, including an However, it is evident that the price for southern Europeans, the French president stung for Greek debt opt to do this in assessment of limited Treaty change as the euro’s survival will involve deeper is quoted as saying:” Yes... we have no 2012, will there not be a European credit an option. An interim roadmap will be economic and fiscal integration – other choice.” That’s partnership, French- crunch? If there is, where will the export- published by December 2011 and a through policy, legislative and, possibly, style. led growth that Michael Noonan is looking finalised plan by March 2012. Treaty changes – intensifying relations with the EU institutions and pos - Meanwhile, German chancellor Angela for come from? What does the ing fundamental questions about Merkel was said to be apologising to Within the past week the French and Ireland’s attitude to the Berlusconi for nods and winks with Italians have both announced austerity deal mean for Ireland? Sarkozy that had been picked up on TV at programmes with budget cuts and scaled- The obvious question arises about European project. a previous summit a few days earlier. back growth expectations. whether a similar discount should Loraine Mulligan is a Policy If any of this type of behaviour is a But then, if it happens, the Government be applied to Irish bonds as has Analyst at the SIPTU Research demonstration of what used to be called can always blame Fianna Fáil, an excuse been applied to Greek bonds. Department parity of esteem, then my dictionary is out that even now is wearing a little thin. The Government argues that of date. such a move would inhibit Martin Fitzpatrick For once the Irish crisis was not part of Ireland’s timely re-entry is a journalist and NUJ activist the debate. Indeed, we managed to get a to the markets. Referendum bombshell: George Papandreou patronising pat from the German leader 14 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Oil & Gas Providence to start drilling off west coast as Congress calls for royalties on oil and gas profits

By Frank Connolly

xploration company exploration activity in our offshore. Providence Resources Plc Ireland must continue to communi - plans to start drilling for cate the message to international oil and gas in the Spanish exploration companies that Ireland E Point well in the Porcupine is open for business and that the Basin some 200 kilometres off the Irish offshore has real potential,” coast of Clare next year. The well Rabbitte said when the licence was first discovered in 1981 and is awards were announced in October. estimated to contain up to 200 mil - In 2006, the then Department of lion barrels of oil. The exploration Communications, Marine and licence was first acquired by Natural Resources estimated a Providence, which is controlled by potential of 10 billion barrels of oil media owner Tony O’Reilly and his equivalent in the Atlantic margin family, in 2004 and the company with a value of at least €750 billion maintains a 56% stake in the well. at recent current prices (of between The announcement by the com - €75 or $100 per barrel). pany that drilling for oil and gas off In its pre-Budget submission, Clare will commence next summer Congress has called on the follows the success of Providence Government to introduce a 12.5% Resources in winning licensing royalty tax on oil and gas produc - options to explore large tracts of tion and urged higher royalties and the 250,000 square kilometres in taxes on profits if large finds are Ireland’s Atlantic offshore area. The made as part of any new set of exploration licenses, which give companies first refusal to explore the vast area, were issued by the Department of Communications, ‘Congress has Energy and Natural Resources in mid-October. called on the Five companies which already hold exploration licenses success - Government to fully bid for the new licensing Oisin Fanning, with Lundin media debate over several weeks in options including Providence; Petroleum (50% each) control the the summer, it was argued by sever - introduce a Chrysaor; Serica Energy; Sosina Slyne off Galway which is al commentators and politicians Exploration; and San Leon Energy. also believed to be as potentially as that the new round of options for 12.5% royalty The seven new successful appli - large as the Corrib field further exploration licenses should be cants are Antrim Energy; Bluestack north. Newly successful Irish appli - delayed until the current licensing Energy; Europa Oil and Gas; First cant, Petrel Resources, was formed and fiscal terms of oil and gas tax on oil and Oil Expro; Petrel Resources; Repsol by John Teeling and has been active exploration and development are Exploration and Two Seas Oil & Gas in Iraq, while Two Seas Oil is reviewed by the relevant all-party gas production’ Ltd. another Irish company founded Oireachtas committee. This was a Providence is the largest holder just last year. Bluestack Energy is key recommendation of the SIPTU of licences in the Irish offshore ter - headed by Dublin-based geologist report. This was rejected by the ritories and is a partner with oil Donal O’Driscoll. First Oil Expro Communications, Energy and major Exxon in the development of ed cost to it of over €100 million. and Serica Energy are both UK- Natural Resources Minister, Pat terms agreed in the future. the Dunquin prospect off the Providence retains 16% of the based companies while Antrim Rabbitte, who said that the licenses The SIPTU report also recom - south-west of Kerry. prospect and London-based Sosina Energy, which has options in the were issued to secure an increase mended that an investigation into Under a farm-out deal agreed in Exploration holds a 4% interest. Porcupine Basin is from Canada. in exploration activity and drilling. the environmental and health in 2005, Exxon secured 80% of the Spanish oil giant, Repsol, which After it was awarded an option, UK- The licensing round announced by implications of the hydraulic frac - Dunquin prospect, which is esti - is active in Spain, Argentina and, based, Europa Oil and Gas, said former Fianna Fáil Minister for turing or ‘fracking’ method used for mated to contain a reserve of 9 tril - more recently, Cuba, has also part - that it was attracted to apply State, Conor Lenihan, last year the extraction of natural gas from lion cubic feet of gas, equivalent to nered Providence in the Irish off - because of the generous tax regime attracted a record number of 15 shale takes place before permis - 1.5 billion barrels of oil and similar shore area while Chrysaor is also on offer for prospectors. applications. sions are granted to companies that in size to the Corrib reserve off involved with the O’Reilly con - Following the publication of a “The positive outcome of the have onshore gas exploration north-west Mayo. In return, Exxon trolled company in the Spanish report by SIPTU entitled 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing licenses in the west and north- will start drilling a well later this Point well. San Leon, headed by “Optimising Ireland’s Oil and Gas Round will help bring a new west, particularly in the counties year or early in 2012 at an estimat - former Smart Telecom founder, Resources” in June and a public and momentum to the level of around Lough Allen. The Minister announced such a review in October. In early November, it was announced by the British authori - ties that earth tremors reaching 2.3 Op timising Irelan on the Richter scale, which d’s Oil an “Optimising Ireland’s Oil and Gas Resources” Gas R d esources occurred in Lancashire, England in is available on the SIPTU website at: www.siptu.ie April and May, were probably the result of the fracking process which To receive a printed copy, please request one by emailing: involves huge volumes of water mixed with chemicals in the extrac - [email protected] or telephone: (01) 858 8217 tion of gas reserves.

R eport of the SIPT U Oil & G as Revie w Group Liberty 15 SIPTU Biennial Conference NOVEMBER 2011

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE Ennis BDC SIPTU’s ‘we’ll big success fight’ vow in MORE THAN 500 delegates and companies and union members. defence of observers from across Ireland gath - The SIPTU-organised hotel was ered in the West County Hotel in chosen as the conference venue as Ennis for the SIPTU Biennial Delegate it is a participant in the Fair Hotels Conference in early October. campaign and in order to assist its pensions The conference began on the management and staff through evening of Monday, 3rd October challenging financial circum - with an address by General stances. President Jack O’Connor. The enthusiasm and support of Over the following three days the staff contributed to the success Patricia King: over 40 motions were discussed of the conference. ‘Direct engagement’ covering issues from the need to Members of the hotel staff also establish a system of universal took part in a conference discus - EMPLOYERS , the pensions indus - She pointed out that many of the Growth which seeks to encourage health care to the increased casual - sion on the Fair Hotels campaign. try and the Government will not 550,000 people who had invested the use of pension scheme funds isation of jobs. Among the many trade unionists be allowed to saddle workers with their retirement savings in defined for economic recovery. General President Jack O’Connor from Ireland and abroad who the costs of an economic crisis they benefit schemes faced ruination if Commenting on the Croke Park and Vice President Patricia King attended the conference were RMT did not create. “the Pensions Regulator or others Deal, Patricia King said: “There is were returned unopposed as General Secretary Bob Crow, TEEU This was the stark message in authority” insist on enforcing now evidence of resistance on the national officers. General Secretary Eamon Devoy, SIPTU Vice-President Patricia King, the proposed new Funding part of some senior management On Tuesday afternoon the con - UNITE Regional Secretary Jimmy delivered to conference delegates Standard. to the real change that is required ference broke into divisional con - Kelly, Congress President Eugene on 4th October. “We will do the only thing we on the basis that it might affect sultative meetings during which McGlone as well as Tom Woodruff She called for urgent “direct can do – in the event of any their minor empires built up over delegates from the union’s five from the SEIU in the US. engagement” with the Government scheme collapsing – which is to many years, even decades. divisions discussed issues of partic - Despite the serious challenges to ensure the effects of the 0.6% confront the employer concerned “They are quite happy to imple - ular importance in their areas. presently facing working people pension levy and new funding directly”, adding, “if they want ment change – once it affects The new Supporting Quality con - and the trade union movement, standards for pension schemes chaos, insisting on this Funding someone else, namely, those at the sumer campaign was launched dur - the conference atmosphere was would not impoverish workers in Standard is the right way to go bottom of the ladder. ing the manufacturing divisional constructive and upbeat. Delegates their “golden years”. Patricia King about it.” “This union has stated its posi - consultative meeting with a warm left boosted for the struggle, which warned: “We will fight on this Instead she called on the tion on this with clarity to them. welcome given from delegates for a was encapsulated in the confer - issue and we will promote indus - Government to adopt the proposals We have given all there is to give. strategy which, one stated, would ence slogan of “Organising for a trial action and strike action to pre - outlined in the SIPTU policy docu - Now it’s your turn.” provide a “win-win” situation for better, fairer way”. serve pension schemes.” ment Investing for Jobs and

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n Labour will honour its pledges e e r c THE Government is working on legislation ing to put back together “a functioning sys - Responding to the Labour Party leader’s S to create a functioning system of Joint tem” of Joint Labour Committees. address, SIPTU General President Jack Labour Committees (JLCs) and support right “The recent court ruling means that the O’Connor said that the trade union move - of workers’ to collective bargaining, system cannot continue as it was, and there ment was not seeking a return to the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore told the SIPTU are some who argue that it should be abol - Partnership model of previous years where BDC. ished entirely. there was a “surplus of access” but “a Addressing delegates on 5th October, the “The Government does not intend to go deficit of influence” on State policy. Labour Party leader said: “The Department down that route. We want to see a reformed Jack O’Connor said the Labour Party “will of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is cur - and modernised JLC system, and the be measured” by the extent to which it pro - rently engaged in a review of the collective Minister is working on the legislation as a tects the interests of workers and the vul - bargaining machinery, to reform and matter of priority.” nerable in the next two budgets. streamline it. Eamon Gilmore said the Government was He added that the trade union movement “I expect that the legislation to give effect also committed to “ensuring that we have a had confidence that the Labour Party would to those changes will also give effect to the thriving semi-state sector playing a key role ensure the Government met its commit - Programme for Government commitment in the Irish economy” and a process of ments relating to low paid workers and col - on collective bargaining.” “meaningful dialogue” with the trade union lective bargaining. He added that the Government was work - movement at national level. Eamon Gilmore: ‘Meaningful dialogue with unions’ New sources needed for growth ICTU General Secretary David Begg the domestic economy, citing total Growth policy proposal on how quite simply an impossible burden told the conference that private private investment of €14.5 billion pension funds could be incen - for a country of our size and popu - sector investment could not be between 2000 and 2008. tivised to invest in Ireland. lation.” relied upon to deliver growth in Pointing out that during the Austerity policies being pursued "The only sustainable outcome is the current crisis. same period, the state and semi- in Ireland and Europe were des - for debt to be handled collectively He said: "The only way to get state sectors had invested €33.5 tined to fail, he claimed. across Europe through a system of growth in the domestic sector is billion in infrastructure, he added: "They are... nothing less than Eurobonds… It would be fair too through investment. Private invest - “If that was the best that the Irish more extreme versions of the liber - because what was done to us by ment has all but collapsed, so entrepreneurial community could al market ideology that got us into the banks could not have hap - other sources have to be found." manage in the good times, what this mess in the first case.” pened without the deregulation of David Begg claimed that the pri - can be expected of them now?" He said the burden of Irish capital markets which was central vate sector had never been “a key David Begg fully endorsed debt – more than two-and-a-half to the creation of the EU single David Begg: ‘Impossible burden’ driver of productive investment” in SIPTU’s Investing for Jobs and times Gross National Product – "is market.” 16 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 SIPTU Biennial Conference Organise for a

working people and indeed our entire society. It would be far easi - SIPTU President JACK O’CONNOR er to remain silent but we do not have the luxury of standing idly addressed the role of the trade union by. movement in building a better society in The jury is, of course, out on the outcome. More than 200,000 these edited extracts from his conference of the lowest paid workers in the country have seen the disappear - speech on Monday 3rd October. ance of the legal protection of what little they had in terms of pay and conditions. We acknowl - edge Labour’s success in ensuring Almost 15% of our people are procedures on change while the preservation of the system in deprived of the opportunity to simultaneously preserving the the Programme of the new Government, after it was offered SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor addressing the SIPTU Biennial Conference work. More than half of them opportunity to progress claims for in Ennis, Co. Clare have already endured this misery improvements in pay and condi - up to the ECB/EU/IMF Troika by for more than 12 months. The tions in sectors we deem to be its predecessors. spectre of forced emigration has able to afford them. We also know that it was then once again returned to haunt the The Croke Park Agreement in effectively declared unconstitu - landscape. the Public Service is another tional by the High Court, render - However, the EU/ECB/IMF team is petent governments, inadequate Parallel with the dire circum - example. Some members believed ing things immeasurably more dif - now demanding a €5 billion sale. institutions, or even greedy stances which have unfolded in that we could have achieved a bet - ficult. The idea of the people of an bankers. The value system under - this jurisdiction, things have not ter outcome through ramping up However, it is absolutely critical island country on the periphery of pinning economic and social poli - turned out much better for work - the industrial campaign. However, that the promised legislation to Europe handing over control of cy formulation since the political ing people in it would have been presented as protect these vulnerable workers their crucially important ports and division of the island in 1922 is either. The defeat of the Labour one-sixth of the workforce, which is published and passed into law airports or their capacity to gener - deeply flawed. It reflects the inter - Administration in the UK and is paid from the public purse, act - as a matter of the utmost urgency. ate and distribute energy or the ests of the wealthy landed, busi - their replacement by a Tory/Lib ing at odds with the interests of We will continue to campaign vig - utilities that are essential to sus - ness, and professional elites in Dem Government, which is as everyone else in the country dur - orously along with other trade taining civilised existence so that the ascendency in the years which committed to austerity as the ing a period of unprecedented unions and progressive civil socie - they could be asset stripped is followed in both jurisdictions. It hawks who have inflicted misery national crisis, pitting worker ty organisations to this end. We absurd in the extreme. We will has equally failed working people here, augurs badly for everyone in against worker. The Government will be rigorous in scrutinising the oppose this vigorously! Our objec - and the majority of citizens on the Northern Ireland. That of the day came to the negotiation draft legislation when it emerges. tive is to ensure that all our strate - entire island, and it has landed Government has embarked on a firmly believing that it had put We will make sure that tens of gic state assets remain fully with - this Republic in the throes of its retrenchment strategy, envisaging through the last difficult budget thousands of low paid workers in the control of the Irish people, third catastrophic economic crisis a curtailment of £80 billion over on the road to recovery. know the full story as to which so that they can continue to play a in 60 years, with all its contingent the next four years, with swinge - Otherwise, it would never have politicians are attending to their critical role in the development of unemployment, emigration and ing cuts in public services. This conceded the guarantee of no fur - interests or otherwise. Cutting our economy, and we will employ misery. We must embark on a will mean a cut of £4 billion in ther pay cuts and no compulsory their pay will contribute nothing every legitimate means at our dis - new direction for Ireland in the the North, entailing the loss of redundancies. Our analysis was to economic recovery - indeed the posal to that end. context of the dramatically unfold - 25,000 public service jobs and a that the austerity plan would not reverse. Many politicians know Equally, the nettle of the threat ing events in the world. further 15,000 ancillary jobs in the work and we have been proven this well but they are running of home repossessions must be Even the most strident expo - private sector. All told, this correct thus far. The terms also scared of a well-endowed business grasped. People must be assured nents of the Free Market now amounts to one-eighth of the total facilitate members acting through lobby focused only on maximising that they will not lose their acknowledge that this is no ordi - number at work. their unions to influence the profit. This legislation will homes as long as they are gen - nary recession but the most seri - change process. It is critically become the litmus test for Labour uinely trying to do their best to ous systemic crisis of the capital - Building Fortification important to use this framework in Government one way or the service their mortgages. There is ist system itself since the 1930s. It Here in the South, we were to ensure optimum delivery of other. I am confident it will not far too much hand-wringing about did not develop overnight and it is ultimately forced to adopt a rear- Public Services to our fellow citi - allow the lower paid to be fed to guard strategy to protect workers zens in a way which is compatible the wolves, because rolling over as best we could. Mass unemploy - with the interests of workers. would constitute such a betrayal Collective bargaining rights ment always shifts the balance Otherwise, the advantage will as to render them unworthy of the from workers to employers. shift to those whose only objec - name of a Labour Party ever again. are not just an economic People will fight even in the direst tive is maximising profit through circumstances, as so courageously privatisation and unfair labour Defending State Assets imperative. They are critical demonstrated by the women in practices. There is also a great deal of dis - the O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel Our intervention in the general appointment at the drift towards earlier this year, but generally in election earlier this year was the privatisation of state assets, to a healthy democracy. recessions it is when people recog - another element of the strategy of notwithstanding all the lessons of nise that they have nothing left to building fortifications. We recom - the Eircom debacle. The vultures lose. That day may well arrive, but mended voting Labour and trans - are circling in the expectation of “moral hazard” for borrowers, but not simply the outcome of some it is not here yet. As in any war, ferring to other parties and indi - picking up bargains at fire-sale none about the moral hazards of bad decisions on sub-prime lend - when it is not possible to storm viduals on the left. We did so in prices. This challenge requires a reckless speculation. ing or the reckless bonus culture the ramparts of the other side, the the hope of maximising represen - sophisticated, thought-out When all the spin is disregard - which grew in the international ed, the Budget will reveal the true financial services industry – next best thing is to dig in, build tation reflecting the interests of response, not a knee-jerk reaction. character of the Government. It although these phenomena fortifications and re-organise for a working people and those who Fine Gael’s NewERA Policy will become obvious whether it is undoubtedly exacerbated the better day. depend on public services. envisaged whole-sale divestment. one which affords parity of problem. The protocol agreed with the We knew that a single party, Labour managed to trim it back to esteem to working people or No, this is the outworking of a employers in the private sector is monopoly Fine Gael Government a maximum of up to €2 billion in whether it is little more than process that has been underway an example of one such fortifica - or one dependent on a handful of non-strategic assets, and then only another committee of the rich. for several years, masked by an tion. It protected existing collec - hardline independents would be in circumstances where market The reality is that there is a exponentially growing credit bub - tive agreements, requiring propelled ever further to the right, conditions were right, in the deeper malaise here than incom - ble and fanned by the systematic employers to comply with fair with devastating consequences for Programme for Government. Liberty 17 SIPTU Biennial Conference NOVEMBER 2011 better future

healthy democracy, providing the cally in the Trade Union campaign ke y vehicle for working people to against the Tory/Lib Dem participate in the evolution of the Government cuts. They will also be workplace and society. playing their full part in the cam - We withheld support for the paign for a Bill of Rights through - first Lisbon Treaty referendum out the entire island which was because the Government of the day promised in the constitutional set - refused to commit to legislation for tlement. this entitlement although it was Meetings to establish District enshrined as a fundamental right Committees in Dublin, Limerick in the treaty itself. We supported and Kildare will take place over the the proposition the second time coming weeks. They will become around only because the leader of the face of the union outside the the Labour Party committed to workplace interacting with civil write it into the law of this coun - society, campaigning and organis - try when returned to Government ing on all the critical issues con - if the treaty was endorsed. He did - fronting working people in their

Things will never again be the same as they were. Our task is to play our part in ensuring they are far, far better

n’t forget and thus for the first communities. Over the next num - time in the history of our State, ber of months we will also be put - the Programme for Government ting in place unemployed workers clearly commits to legislating on groups to assist our members who this issue to ensure compliance have lost their jobs and to organise with recent judgements of the campaigns and agitate on the European Court of Human Rights. issues directly affecting them. Now the challenge is to convert it Delegates, things are not as they into effective law. seem. Several sections have won This will never be conceded eas - increases in pay. Excluding the ily by those at the top of society. Construction sector where employ - Their thrust is all in the opposite ment has collapsed and the tradi - direction – to a more brutal future. tional manufacturing sector, the This space will have to be won union is actually growing again. through determination and hard Vibrant organising Campaigns work in both the political and are underway in Red Meat, industrial arena. Contract Cleaning, Hotels, Waste Protesters at the November 2010 Day of Action in O’Connell Street, Dublin. Management, the Community and Voluntary Sector and in the outsourcing of ever-increasing pro - depression, interspaced with redistribute wealth and restore Transforming the Union Construction Sector. portions of productive capacity recurring false dawns, extending purchasing power. FDR under - We are working to change. Our from the so-called First World to over several years or even decades. stood this clearly and supported transformation programme should Despite all the despondency, I the developing countries in pur - Hopes that the system will rescue the Labour Relations Act (or take five years. We are determined have never lived through a period suit of ever-diminishing labour itself through growing demand in Wagner Act as it was known) dur - to do it in three. We are one year which afforded so much possibility costs. This saw the collapse of the developing countries ignore the ing the depression to provide a in! We have put the skeleton in of shifting the balance in favour of real purchasing power of the scale of the growth they must legal framework for trade union - place. Now we have to populate it working people and those who American middle class – camou - achieve to provide the purchasing ism to grow stronger, equipping with new layers of workers. We depend most on Public Services. flaged by the credit bubble. It is a power required. workers to engage in Collective moved from a horizontal structure The global system which has demand side crisis. However, the Capitalism is experiencing one Bargaining with employers. In sub - to one which is entirely vertical. relentlessly exacerbated inequality economic orthodoxy of the global of the most profound crises in its sequent years the legislation was We must now move rapidly to is in the throes of its most serious establishment, driven by the pre - history. The great irony is that it emasculated by the political Right establish the sub-sectors in every crisis since the 1930s. Power shar - occupation of those at the top of can survive only if it repudiates and today one can graph the area that are envisaged in the new ing is now at last established in the financial system with “getting its most essential characteristic – growth of inequality and the rule book. the six counties. The old political their money back” and replenish - exponentially growing inequality. decline of the real economy in the We must adopt the rule change see-saw in which two centre-right ing their balance sheets, insists on Yes – the survival of capitalism US on almost parallel lines with envisaging the establishment of parties, reflecting the interests of applying supply side remedies, is ultimately dependent on restor - the decline of trade unionism in District Committees across the the wealthy dominated politics thus aggravating the problem ing the purchasing power of work - that country. island to facilitate union democra - here, has been shattered and the rather than addressing it. ing people in the US and in So there it is. Trade unionism is cy and membership participation. Left has doubled its share of the Europe. This was clearly grasped key to the socialist transformation Our activists in Belfast and popular vote. Global Capitalism in Crisis by people like Franklin D of society. However, it is also across the North have already Things will never again be the Unless governments invest for Roosevelt (FDR), who also under - essential to the survival of capital - moved ahead and they are spear - same as they were. Our task is to growth, the best we can expect stood that the key to it is strong ism. Of course, collective bargain - heading a vibrant cross community play our part in ensuring they are from the global politics of austeri - trade union organisation to ensure ing rights are not just an economic organising campaign growing mem - far, far better. ty is prolonged recession or even effective collective bargaining to imperative. They are critical to bership and participating energeti - 18 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 SIPTU Biennial Conference There is an alternative – but you have to fight for it

most research institutions, disman - tling public services necessary for Extract from the speech given to SIPTU conference by South Africa based, the life of the poor, facilitating the corporate take-over of the main - Nicholas Pons-Vignon, editor of the Global Labour Column. stream media, have all weakened the structural position of progres - sive forces in society. But nothing has made change more difficult o what policy change should to skyrocket as a result of these bail of the aforementioned fields of movement. In the United States, than the gradual conversion of pro - SIPTU push for? I can see outs, the bailed-out financial sector struggle is as important as the the recent movement against the gressive political formations to a two that appear to be central came back from behind to declare political one – which is itself highly curtailment of public sector work - core of ideas broadly related to the Schallenges for Ireland. The that the State was not a trustwor - dependent on the previous three. ers’ collective bargaining rights in – political but successful – asser - first one is the regulation of thy investor anymore, driving inter - The most impressive achievement Wisconsin (and similar campaigns tion by Mrs. Thatcher 30 years ago: finance, which includes its taxation est rates up… you know the rest: in of neoliberalism has undoubtedly in other US states) may signal the and ensuring that it serves the order to lower these rates and ‘reas - been its dramatic weakening of the political awakening of American REAL economy. Do I need to sure’ investors, Irish citizens have political power of workers, unions unions and the end of “Reagan’s remind you of the history of your to pay the bill entirely in the form and the parties aligned with them. spell”, under which many working- own crisis? Your country’s strategy, of a variety of cuts, new taxes and In many cases, the politics of the and middle-class Americans sup - which you could call ‘low road’ or job losses. latter have been dramatically ported policies that harmed them. But nothing has competition state, centred on The second policy area which I altered, with many “labour” parties Linking workplace and other pro - made change more attracting investment by slashing believe would warrant interest in now having programmes that could gressive movements in order to difficult than the corporate and dividend tax rates. this country is your labour law. Not hardly be distinguished from their promote a new political project, Money came in, de-regulation was only is having a loud-mouthed right-wing counterparts. Unions however, will require overcoming gradual conversion of swiftly implemented, a bubble progressive political formed, which allowed companies to realise VERY handsome profits. formations to a core Irish banks, I realised, offered Nicholas Pons-Vignon of ideas broadly relat - returns to investors rates of 20 to speaking at the SIPTU ed to the – political 35% in the 2000s. This is unheard of – at the height of the neoliberal Biennial Conference in but successful – shareholder revolution, most com - Ennis, Co. Clare assertion by Mrs. panies in the world were struggling Thatcher 30 years ago: There Is No Alternative. Once the Irish bubble burst, as everywhere else, the State was called to There Is No Alternative. The success of this ideological the rescue and inject - straitjacket has achieved the ed massive amounts extraordinary result of casting a of liquidities into the spell on the working class – con - vincing it of its mediocrity and failing financial leading it to support politicians and sector – but without policies which were often unashamedly hostile to its inter - even imposing a hint ests. Hence, the task that lies ahead of constraint on its is daunting – and labour organisa - behaviour. tions have an immense responsibil - ity in confronting it. I say ‘labour’ on purpose, not to say only trade unions. For, in Ireland and else - union hater such as Michael have lost many workers, especially the “third way” impasse which so where, only by integrating the vast to meet the 15% target and, to get O’Leary a stain on your nation’s outside the public sector, and the many parties have embraced in numbers of informalised workers there, resorted to account manipu - pride, but it is also a testimony to growing “precariat” described by order to secure electoral success. will they reach the kind of legiti - lation and massive asset sale to the fact that your law allows far too Guy Standing is often either disillu - Centre-left parties – in which macy necessary to achieve change. boost profits artificially. Once the much leeway to employers to cut sioned with unions or afraid to join one should probably include the What the Global Labour Column Irish bubble burst, as everywhere out unions altogether. Reforming them because of explicit or implicit African National Congress – have in aims to do is to share experiences, else, the State was called to the res - this law is not just needed to pro - threats by employers. Restoring the many cases been essential propo - provoke thoughts and, ideally, cue and injected massive amounts tect workers better, it is also imper - power of workers and unions, start - nents of the transformations which actions, which will contribute to of liquidities into the failing finan - ative if you want to grow the ing in the workplace, is more than have rooted the neoliberal cancer this. Because, dear comrades, if cial sector – but without even POLITICAL strength of Irish unions ever a priority: a strong and in our society. Making students pay there is an alternative, we must imposing a hint of constraint on its therefore their ability to weigh in mobilised base is the necessary – or borrow, rather – for their edu - conceive it and fight for it. It will behaviour. As Ireland’s debt started the country’s choices. Indeed, none blood of any successful political cation, cutting core funding to not be served to us. Liberty 19 SIPTU Biennial Conference NOVEMBER 2011 There is an alternative – SNAPSHOTS FROM ENNIS but you have to fight for it

SEIU Vice-President Tom Woodruff addressing conference. (Above and left) Delegates at conference.

SIPTU activist Olivia Hallahan who works at West County hotel, addressed the conference.

Fightback has begun Woodruff tells conference

In a highly entertaining and 40 year assault on working people union job in America.” a whole shit pile of evil and we informative contribution SEIU in the US through deregulation and Discussing the deaths of work - have got to change that.” Executive Vice President Tom de-unionisation” has resulted in ing class US citizens fighting in for - Woodruff said that despite the Woodruff brought the SIPTU BDC wage reductions for the bottom eign wars launched and directed by problems he was “more hopeful up to date with the workers strug - 90% and income increases of 160% others, Woodruff said; “What pisses than I have ever been in my life”. gle in the United States. for the top 1%. me right off about corporations not One reason for this was the elec - He told delegates that he “lived This process had accelerated paying their fair share but making tion of SEIU President Mary Kay in the richest country in history” since the economic collapse of all the decisions is that working Henry, who addressed the confer - which has “the greatest income 2008 with chief executives of major class people have to suffer the ence in a short video presentation, inequality in the world” with the companies who had shed the most result of all they do.” to lead the largest union in the US. top 1% earning 25% of all income. jobs now receiving the biggest Woodruff’s summation of the The SEIU was also campaigning, The lives of this 1% were in stark bonuses. “We live in a society that last four decades of US electoral with notable success in moving the contrast to the 17.3% of US citizens rewards people for destroying politics was succinct and amusing. economic debate in the US from living in poverty, a figure that was jobs,” said Woodruff. “Unfortunately we’ve learnt the les - simply cuts to job creation. almost twice the OCED average. The economic collapse had also son that year after year we seem to Woodruff also gave his support to Woodruff said that such inequal - resulted in a new ferocity in the elect the lesser of two evils, and the Occupy Movement; “We want ity had not always been a feature assault on the collective bargaining when you win you get less evil and to support it in every way. It is of US life. Between 1945 and 1979 rights of public sector workers with when you lose you get more evil. young people who can’t find jobs” the incomes of all sectors of society Woodruff stating; “there is a target Well 40 years’ worth of the combi - adding that the trade union move -

grew at comparable levels, but “a on the back of every middle class nation of more evil and less evil is ment has “to reach out to allies.” SEIU members protest. Photo: SEIU

Irish workers get insight into Iceland’s approach to training

CONGRESS Centres Network took Suðurnesjum (MSS). with MSS devised a five-day pro - Icelandic system for supporting The group completed the FETAC a group to Iceland in June to study MSS, based in the south western gramme for the visitors from unemployed people through a level 5 Working With Groups and local opportunities for education town of Suðurnes, is self-owned Ireland. return to education. Work Experience component cer - and training for the unemployed. It comprised visits to communi - A spokesperson said: “The group and results from co-operation tificates which they can build on The project, funded by Leargas between local communities, ty-based unemployment centres learned that all unemployed peo - and add to other component cer - under the Vocational and Training unions, firms and a nearby college and a childcare facility, along with ple in the country are contacted Professional (VETPRO) category, as well as Iceland’s National workshops on a range of topics, and given opportunities to train in tificates, eventually obtaining the was hosted by training organisa - Workers/Educational Association. including the European whatever aspect of employment FETAC level 5 Community tion Miðstöð símenntunar á Congress Centres Network along Qualification Framework and the they would like to get into.” Development Award. 20 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 International Egyptian unions ramp up strike action

By David Lynch in Cairo HUNDREDS of people took to the These have been criticised by the several independent unions, movement. Tensions between the streets of Cairo to celebrate follow - “transitional” army-led government Haitham sees labour disputes dur - remnants of the old trade union ing the announcement of the death and local media. ing the final years of the Mubarak movement and the new independ - of former Libyan dictator Last month, The Egyptian regime as “the rehearsal for what ents are also evident. Muammar Gaddafi. Gazette bemoaned the “endless occurred on 25th January, 2011.” Trade unionists are also deeply Many were Libyan exiles waving series of labour strikes that have It has been estimated that more concerned with the long time it is the new national flag, but they come to haunt Egypt”. than 1,900 strikes took place in taking for the military-led govern - were joined by some Egyptians as However, many Egyptians under - Egypt between 2004 and 2008, ment to issue a new Trade Union they thronged outside the Libyan stand the reasons behind the strike involving 1.7 million workers. Act to replace the severely restric - embassy in the middle class dis - action. Inflation is high especially Last month, more than 30,000 tive 1976 law. Anti-Gaddafi protestor at demo in Dublin trict of Zamalek. in some foodstuffs. Wages were city centre in August Picture: Photocall Ireland employees of the Public Transport Against this uncertain backdrop, Local media showed little sympa - also kept low during the Mubarak Authority in Cairo were on a two- labour activists across Egypt are thy for the deposed Gaddafi. period. have been busy setting up inde - week strike over wages, end of working hard to establish a nation - In truth, Egyptians are more January’s revolution had a pendent unions. service payments and the condi - al trade union structure independ - focused on what is happening momentous affect on the Egyptian The independent labour move - tion of buses. ent of the state. If successful, it inside their own post-revolutionary trade union movement. ment played a crucial role in oust - “Strikes have not stopped since will be regarded as one of the most borders. Before Mubarak’s fall, there was ing Mubarak. [the revolution], to achieve social significant achievements of the With parliamentary elections just one trade union – the state- “Labour strikes in the third week justice and removing cronies of the revolution. due on November 28th and amid a controlled Egyptian Trade Union of the revolution helped bring an previous regime from institutions,” series of elections in trade unions, Federation (ETUF). end to Mubarak’s reign; he was wrote Haitham Mohamedein. David Lynch is the author of Cairo is a frenzy of activity. Since the regime’s collapse, there ousted on 11 February,” wrote Left-wing organisations and the ‘A Divided Paradise: An Irishman A large number of strikes in a has been a rapid growth in inde - Haitham Mohamedein in a recent Muslim Brotherhood are compet - in the Holy Land” (New Island). wide range of sectors have taken pendent trade union membership. edition of Al-Ahram . ing for elected trade union posi - See www.davidlynchwriter.com place since the revolution. Over recent months union activists A labour lawyer and advisor to tions in the independent union ITF: Halt unjust trials in Bahrain THE International Transport Federation has again called for an immediate halt to the high - ly politicised trials taking place in Bahrain. Speaking ahead of the trial of Shukri Hassan, president of Worldwide the Bahrain DHL workers’ union and eight of his col - leagues on charges of ‘violating action for national security’ – ITF general secretary David Cockroft said: “This month it’s DHL trade good jobs unionists, next month it’s Gulf Air trade unionists, last month it was doctors and medics. MORE than 400 actions were held across 80 “These trials, often taking countries to mark World Day for Decent Work place outside the civil system on 7th October. and on spurious charges, have The aim of this year’s protests was to high - to stop.” light the deepening trend towards casual, He continued: “Once again temporary and insecure jobs – defined as we appeal to the government “precarious work”. of Bahrain to step back from The latest figures reveal that there are more this victimisation – as we than 200 million people unemployed across know some of them would the world, with hundreds of millions more like to do – and call off these lacking decent, secure employment. trials.” ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow, who The ITF, along with the rest addressed a special conference in Amsterdam of the world’s biggest trade to mark the day, said: “People’s rights at work union organisations, has are under attack as never before, and govern - appealed directly to Bahrain’s ments lack the vision and commitment to fix royal family to act to reverse a global economy which is failing working the prosecutions and mass people. sackings of those who joined “Decent work – rights at work, job creation pro-democracy actions in the policies, social protection and social dialogue country. involving unions and employers – is crucial All 13 global union federa - to turning the global economy around and tions wrote to Bahrain’s Crown generating the tax revenues for governments Prince Salman bin Hamad Al to tackle the fiscal situation.” Khalifa to recommend urgent She also called on G20 leaders, due to meet action to repeal the unjust in France later this month, to stop following imprisonment and victimisa - “failed policies” that put the interests of tion that has seen journalists, banks and finance ahead of “people’s lives medics, teachers and trade Workers in the Galician town of Vigo, Spain marking last month’s World Day for Decent Work – one of several unionists jailed and sacked. and livelihoods”. actions in Spain along with hundreds around the world Picture: ITUC 16 #%) Liberty 21 SEPTEMBER 2011 NOVEMBNewsER 2011 FAo morergi ninclusive,g a ne wcreative val uIrelande By Michael D Higgins base. There are, I hope, many who may An Inclusive Citizenship vote for me based on my record of Challenging the idea that someone FIRST and foremost, I would say that integrity and consistent independence of should be valued by their property or there is still a way to travel in this cam- mind throughout my public life. money with radical inclusion and a posi- paign and certainly no room for compla- The Presidency is a serious political tive vision of what it is to be a citizen in cency. The current opinion polls, while office – one that combines the need for Ireland. A life-long advocate for womens bfavourablya disposed,s are emerely a snap-fcarefulo judgmentr as to Ithe compatibilityrisrights,h civil liberties, s and socialo justice,c I iety shot in time. of legislation with our Constitution with believe that no-one should suffer the BHowever,y Niall Chavingrowle y travelled nearly a genuine empathy for, and understand- effects of exclusion and everyone has a 20,000 km across Ireland in recent ing of, the difficulties faced by so many contribution to make. CONOMIC growth is sup - model of development. Those ele - materials. Higher prices and needed that maximises the level of months, I have certainly met with warm in our society at the current time. conversationsposed to and be t genuinehe soluti osupportn to mfroments that Asha dPresident, most to c oI nwouldtribut e offer both head A Creative Society rationing would reduce product food, energy and well-being servic - a widea lcross-sectionl our problem ofs. IrishThis society t–o beachievianndg e heartconom inic thesec uservicerity an d of the Irish Creativity opens up possibilitiesthroughpu tin an everyd human impact on es generated by local networks. they workers,accepted business wisdom wpeople,as the social andpeople. enviro nTherement aarel su fourstain key- strands to the area of life from art tot hsciencee envir toon mhowent we. Underpinning these proposals is dEebated and challenged at the lat - ability were debated. Basic income and job guarantee the need for a new value base for unemployed, community activists, vision I am offering and I believe we can talk to each other. As Minister for Arts estw Comen’slaiming groups, Our Fu tmigrants,ure natio ntheal LGBT Developaichieveng a st themeady s together.tate econ o As- President, I and Culture 1993-97, Is chelpedhemes turnwere aa lso proposed. society. evecommunity,nt. The eve nsportst focu sfans,ed on farmers, the orm peo-y was owouldne pro pdevoteosal. myself to strengthening £12 million film industryA intobasic a i nnowcome recognises that An economy for society can only thepmlee with An E ac odisability.nomy For Society Such ano urec ocitizenshipnomy is ch aatra homec - and our reputa- thriving €500 million eindustryveryone andhas tIh seee right to a share in be developed through decision and wI haveas or gbeenanise struckd in as sbyoc howiatio n many ofterised byt iona st aabroad.ble population and even greater social andth economice resource poten-s of society, to mean - making, economic strategy and pol - withoseth Pla nI Bmeet,etter. of all ages, are keen tob yplay consumption patterns at, or tial today, from audio-visualingful wproduction,ork and to have sufficient icy-making that reflect values of Ttheirim J apartckso inn, shapingauthor o fa Pmorerospe inclusive,rity below, theA c aRealpacit yRepublic of the environ - animation, music, softwareincom ande to gameslive life with dignity. equality, environmental sustain - Wicreativethout G rsociety.owth , p u t it succinctly ment to bOneear. based on equality, participation and development; to a crucialIn croleome in ta xrestor- credits and social ability and participation. in onFrome vid etheo c lcreationip used a oft t ha ecommunity event. gar-Progresrespect.s would bThee m eConstitutionalasured by Convention ing our spirits and sensewe loffar ourselves.e payments would be Civil society is challenged to Hdene s uforgg etheste dunemployed that we are oinn Ballinrobe,the ind itocatorsw ohichf we lthel-be Governmenting, health an hasd promised for replaced by a basic income pay - build a united and effective force hotherns openingof a dilem ofm aa .new guitar school inhappinessnext, rat hyearer t hwillan tbehe angoa importantl of opportu- Proud to be Irish in themen Worldt excep t for payments in rela - to promote these values. MEnnisore g toro wtechnologyth is impo sandsibl edesign due initia-maximisinnityg G DtoP .reflect Wealth and and renew, looking to our As President, I would buildtion t oon e xmycep texpe-ional situations. Claiming Our Future will, in to tivesthe c oinn sDublin’straints o finner the p city,lane tI whavee seenincome whistoryould be while more shapingequally douris - shared future. rience of representing IrelandA job g abroad,uarante eto would see gov - association with PlanBetter, livthee on generosity,. Yet our ec ohumournomic m andode hugel is poten-tributed aAsnd President, social and Ie wouldnviron -take a strong inter- deepen all strands of ourern minternationalent step in to ensure suffi - continue to work on these themes. suctialh t hbeingat th eexpressed only way byto dIrisheal w peopleith minental coesstts inw othisuld bConventione included iandn also hold a reputation, from culturecie nandt em businessployment is provided. This A cross-sectoral working group maevenss un theem pmostloym difficultent is to circumstances.keep the markeseriest pric eof o fPresidency goods, wh iSeminarsch on wider innovation to humanitariancould bande ac peace-hieved through govern - was set up to carry forward the growIi namg t hverye ec ogratefulnomy. to the Labour Partywould redissuesuce le v–e thels o ffirst con sofu mwhichp - wouldPath afocushead: Claimikeepingng Our Fu t uwork.re’s la uIn wouldch m alsoent wstrengthenorks projects that target ideas from the event. Contact event in Dublin last year Picture: COF Pwahichrticip hasant sgiven at th eme ev eitsnt nomination.took tion. on younger people and their vision for connections with pastn andeed scurrent the pri vgener-ate sector does not [email protected] if paHowever,rt in an id etheas mcampaignarketpla cwille. N ialsone inviteA astrontheg de futuremocra cofy wourou lcountry.d rate sector was aationsnother of el eourme ndiasporat. aandddr ewithss. Irish you are interested. infwideorma rangetion p aofn esupportls set ou fromt diff ebeyondr - ithatnclude well-financed and effective This would invobusinesslve new t anetworksriffs, world-wide.The local level was proposed as a ent elements that could form part local government. levies and limits to cut down pollu - key level from which to develop of an alternative to our current Radical regulation of the corpo - tion and the use of non-renewable alternatives. A new localism is

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Email your answers to [email protected] or post to Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway. 22 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Features Arthritis... living with joint pain EVERYONE knows someone who suffers from There is also evidence to show that taking glu - Patients on these drugs will require regular arthritis, be it themselves or a family member. As cosamine supplements can help those with early blood tests as the drugs can affect the liver and part of the normal ageing process we will all osteoarthritis by improving the fluid in the joint blood count. develop wear and tear of our joints and therefore and thus help ease pain and improve mobility. Any patient developing a hot, swollen and red MIND develop some degree of arthritis. However, it is likely that this benefit is mostly joint should see their GP immediately as blood There are many forms of arthritis and these seen in knees. tests can confirm if it is rheumatoid arthritis and affect patients in different ways and with differ - There is no blood test to check for osteoarthri - an urgent referral to a rheumatology clinic can be YOUR ent levels of pain and disability. tis and an X-ray may be required to confirm it. made. Arthritis involves joints and may cause pain, Patients with osteoarthritis are advised to take swelling, reduced movement and eventually regular exercise and use painkillers as necessary. Gout HEALTH deformity of the joints. Paracetamol gives good pain ease in the early Gout is the next most common form of arthri - The good news is that huge advances have stages but as arthritis progresses stronger medica - tis. Again, patients may present with a hot been made in many forms of arthritis and this tions may be required and patients should seek swollen red joint. Commonly this affects the ball By ILLONA DUFFY means that with the right treatment we can now help and advice from their GP. of the foot at the big toe, but any joint can be slow the arthritis process and allow sufferers to In severe arthritis, especially of the hip and affected. lead a normal life. knee, a joint replacement may be necessary. It most commonly begins in middle age and is the only one of the discussed forms of arthritis Osteoarthritis Inflammatory arthritis that affects men more than women. This is the commonest form of arthritis and There are many types of inflammatory arthritis Risk factors for developing gout include family will affect all of us as we get older. It usually of which rheumatoid arthritis is the most com - history, obesity – especially with recent rapid develops slowly and involves general wear and mon. It is very important that this type of arthri - weight gain, high alcohol intake and some med - tear of joints especially weight-bearing joints, tis is diagnosed and treated early. ications. In those who are prone to gout, dehy - such as knees and hips. However, all joints are Typically, patients will develop a hot, swollen dration, high temperatures, excess alcohol and affected. and extremely painful joint. This may settle and rich food can precipitate an attack. Patients will usually complain of increasing reappear in another joint. Unlike osteoarthritis it A blood test is usually done two weeks after an pain in their joints and may complain of stiffness tends to be smaller joints such as hands, wrists attack to confirm the diagnosis. and swelling at times. The joint is rarely red or and ankles that are affected in the initial stages. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory hot as inflammation is not the main problem. In this type of arthritis the inflammation leads painkillers to settle the pain and inflammation It is more common in older people, women, to more rapid damage to the joints and therefore and patients who suffer repeat attacks may be those who are overweight and those who have a more deformity. During an acute attack, patients put on preventative medication such as allopuri - history of joint injury. will have severe pain and be unable to move the nol or adenuric. As the joint gets older, the protective layers of joint. All forms of arthritis can cause pain and dis - cartilage and the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) Acute attacks can be settled with anti-inflam - tress to patients. The availability of good become reduced and cause more irritation of the matory painkillers but they do not stop the joint painkillers and the ongoing advances being made bones on movement. Also some extra spikes of damage. For this reason, patients need to be means that patients should be able to lead a bone can form, leading to more friction and thus treated with a group of drugs called DMARDS pain-free life. pain. (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). Therefore, patients should return to their doc - Some people with osteoarthritis develop lumps Rheumatoid arthritis is known as an autoim - tor if having problems and an excellent source of (nodules) on end joints of their finger which mune disease as the body creates toxins that information and support is available through women especially find unsightly. cause the damage and inflammation. DMARDS the Irish arthritis support group web site at Regular exercise and maintaining a normal reduce this reaction and must be taken constant - arthritisireland.ie . body weight can help slow the arthritis process. ly and NOT just during attacks of arthritis. Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation Why workplace stress is a health challenge we can’t afford to ignore By Sylvester Cronin WHAT is work-related stress? It can affected by it, and studies suggest nearly half a million work days lost law, there are clear obligations on consider representations made by generally be described as the that between 50% and 60% of all each year. The World Federation employers to identify and control the safety representative. imbalance between – on the one lost working days are related to it. for Mental Health has predicted work-related stress, or even elimi - These are examples of some hand – the demands of work “This represents a huge cost in that by 2020 the primary cause of nate it, when possible. ways in which employees can have placed on an individual, and – on terms of both human distress and lost working time will be stress. Under the Safety, Health and an input and influence in ensuring the other hand – the ability of the impaired economic performance.” Reducing work-related stress, Welfare at Work Act, 2005, employ - that employers address and deal that person to perform those tasks If the UK figures were to be rep - and psycho-social risks generally, is ers are legally obliged to carry out effectively with work-related stress. satisfactorily. resentative of the Irish workforce not only a moral, but also legal risk-assessments. My experience is that, possibly Work-related stress is something and workplaces, it would mean imperative and because of the high This process identifies hazards, because of the complex nature of that is prevalent in all workplaces that more than 27,000 workers a rate of absenteeism caused, with assesses the risk and develops con - the issues involved, employers are to varying degrees. year were suffering from work- resulting reduced productivity, trol measures, with the priority of very reluctant to acknowledge and Various statistical accounts put related stress. increased unit costs and loss of eliminating the risk where possi - address the problems of stress in lost work days due to work-related But if the Republic is closer to competitiveness, it becomes self- ble. the workplace. stress as very significant. the European average of approxi - evident there is also a strong busi - During this process, crucially, In Ireland and at European level I In the UK, it is estimated the mately 22%, then around 400,000 ness case. employees and/or employees’ rep - have witnessed employer represen - number of workers who suffered of Irish workers could be affected Under European directives, resentatives must be consulted. tatives being trenchantly resistant from stress caused, or made worse, by work-related stress, with up to which are transposed into Irish Additionally, an employer must to any suggestions that they should by their work was 1,500 per be addressing the very serious con - 100,000 workers. This equated to sequences that can and do arise 1.5% for the year 2009/10. Useful sites for info on work-related stress from work-related stress, notwith - According to the European European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – standing their legal obligations. Agency for Safety and Health in http://osha.europa.eu/en It for reasons like this that work - the Workplace: “Work-related ers and representatives need to stress is one of the biggest health Health and Safety Authority – www.hsa.ie keep this issue on the agenda and and safety challenges that we face Health and Safety Executive UK – ensure it is addressed. in Europe. “Nearly one in four workers is http://osha.europa.eu/en Liberty 23 Supporting Quality Campaign NOVEMBER 2011

ish goods quality Ir sands of re – f the thou ristmas a g some o er this Ch Amon to consid couraged ou are en y ucts airy prod Glanbia d ps King Cris Buy Union range Club O 7UP this Christmas Pepsi na Cido y n Whiske This Christmas SIPTU encourages Middleto s Orange you and your family to choose Robinson acks quality Irish goods manufactured ygold e and sn Kerr ea, Coffe in unionised workplaces. Making oberts T Robert R a decision to buy such products Whiskey Jameson will help protect quality jobs in y crisps ducts unky Dor ative pro Ireland and support the local H co-oper cht Gold Conna ey economy. sh Whisk owers Iri oducts P Meats pr Country Irish foods rs tinned Batchelo isps Tayto Cr Guinness hiskey Paddy W r Budweise g Carlsber rygold Dai queur cream li Baileys ts p produc rry Grou Ke s pet food C & D tes s chocola Cadbury’ ilk Strand M Lee er ring Wat Kerry Sp e Cutlery Newbridg ality itional qu one add t choosing ing baske Even ur shopp od for yo Irish go pact. a huge im can have

During 2012 SIPTU Manufacturing Division will be rolling out the Supporting Quality Campaign. Representing almost 50,000 workers in the manufacturing industry, the Supporting Quality Campaign will see SIPTU working with unionised firms to ensure SUPPORTING that together we can provide maximum exposure to their QUALITY brands amongst our entire membership. Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland Promoting Quality Irish Products 24 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Health

HSE reliance on agency staff entails unacceptable costs An over-reliance on agency workers of August, Paul Bell said: “The fashion and in reality it’s not value London to work in the British NHS, their permanent full time colleagues in the health service is costing the Health Service Executive moratori - for money, as the employer has to leaving behind her family of seven must be legislated for on 5th State millions of euro which could um on recruitment has resulted in a pay VAT and commission on top of in Clonakilty, Co. . Due to the December as specified by the be better spent on recruiting full situation where key professional wages.” HSE recruitment moratorium, European Commission. time professional health staff, grades such as Radiographers and The human cost of the HSE steady employment for newly quali - “The Government, as an employ - according to SIPTU Health Division Health Care Assistants have been moratorium on recruitment was fied Irish health professionals is no er, can no longer disregard good Organiser, Paul Bell. maintained on agency contracts in dramatically highlighted in the RTE longer available in their homeland. employment practices and proce - Responding to the release of fig - some cases in excess of three years. documentary, The Commute, shown Paul Bell said the introduction of dures by using agency workers to ures which show the HSE spent The employment of agency workers on the 31st October. Among those the EU Agency Workers Directive, casualise the health service. Patients €129.9 million on temporary agency in the health service was never featured was a newly qualified mid - which would provide agency staff need a full time, caring and profes - staff in the eight months to the end meant to be managed in such a wife who commutes weekly to with the same rights and pay as sional service,” Paul Bell added. Industrial action at Mid-Western Hospital suspended Following talks between union and and, at the end of the four week management representatives period, will facilitate the presenta - chaired by the Director of tion by the HSE of detailed propos - Conciliation at the Labour Relations als on all roster options and other Commission, Kevin Foley, SIPTU related matters. and the INMO agreed to suspend all SIPTU Sector Organiser, Louise industrial action at the Mid-Western O’Reilly, said: “The HSE has a lot of Regional Hospital, Limerick, for a work to do over the four weeks to four week period starting on 19th conduct the review of rosters and to October. ensure that the patient safety con - During this period a full review cerns raised by our members are of rosters and resources across all addressed.” hospitals in the Mid-West to sup - The agreement by the HSE to port the patient safety concerns of undertake a review of services in nurses at the Mid-Western Regional the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Hospital, Limerick will be undertak - follows three four-hour work stop - en. pages by nurses in the hospital's For the duration of this four Emergency Department and a week period additional resources protest by staff outside the Dáil on have been provided to the Mid- the 12th October. Western Regional Hospital’s Early October also saw the publi - Emergency Department and HSE cation of a report by the Special management has committed to Delivery Unit, a group specifically minimising the placement of addi - set up by the Minister for Health to tional trolleys on full in-patient sort out the crisis in our Emergency wards. Departments, which backed nurses’ The Labour Relations concerns over patient safety in the Commission will assist the parties Mid-Western Regional Hospital. SIPTU Organiser Louise O’Reilly addresses nurses demonstrating at the Dáil about safety concerns on the 12th October Student nurses to consider pay proposals Minister for Student nurses will be consulted in year would be paid 60% of the basic als SIPTU and INMO decided to the coming weeks on changes to rate of a staff nurse in 2011-2012 postpone a planned public protest their pay and conditions proposed and 50% in 2012-2013. The previ - in Dublin on Wednesday 9th Health must by Minister for Health James Reilly. ous government had proposed November against Government The Department of Health has phasing out pay for student nurses plans to cut student nurses pay proposed that student nurses doing entirely. during mandatory placement peri - focus on the real hospital placements in their fourth In light of the Minister’s propos - ods in hospitals. issues SIPTU has called on Minister for Health, James Reilly, to focus his efforts on the major challenges of underfunding, overcrowding and SIPTU nurses meet with Minister staff shortages facing the health service rather than attempt to pro - voke a dispute over nurses’ rosters. A delegation from the SIPTU SIPTU Nursing Organiser, Louise Responding to comments in late October by the Minister to the Nursing Sector met with Minister of O'Reilly, said; “Statistics can only effect that he wishes to see the implementation of changes to nurses State with responsibility for Mental paint half the picture and our mem - rostering arrangements, SIPTU Nursing Sector Organiser, Louise Health, Kathleen Lynch, on 26th bers were able to provide the O’Reilly, said; October. Minster with an account of what “As far as SIPTU is concerned neither the Minister nor any HSE rep - Speaking after the meeting, pressures psychiatric nurses are fac - resentatives have discussed this proposition with us nor has it been President of the Nursing Sector, ing and their fears that these will raised through the mechanisms and procedures of the Croke Park Padraig Heverin, said: “We were only worsen as we edge closer to Agreement. pleased that the Minister was able the 29th February.” “It is clear from the manner in which the Minister has sought to to give us so much time which The situation at the Central raise the issue of nurses’ rosters that he is simply attempting to dis - allowed for a good exploration of Mental Hospital was also discussed tract attention from the serious issues on which he and HSE the issues and challenges facing during the meeting. SIPTU Central Management should be focused on tackling.” psychiatric nurses.” Mental Hospital representative, The release during October of a HSE document on proposed rosters At the meeting the SIPTU delega - Eleanor Newe, fully briefed the for nursing grades was also criticised by SIPTU as an attempt to dis - tion drew attention to the 'demo - Minister on the challenges facing tract from the very serious issues of hospital overcrowding and under- graphic time bomb' which will see staff at the facility in Dundrum, staffing, which are a major threat to patient safety in many health large numbers of psychiatric nurses Dublin, and on-going industrial rela - facilities around the country. retiring before 29th February, 2012. tions issues. Minister of State Kathleen Lynch Liberty 25 News NOVEMBER 2011 Belfast City Hall honours

SIPTU General President Jack the name of competitiveness. Once “Casualisation, now in the form of O'Connor has called on workers to again we are learning that whatev - agency working, mirrors the cul - unite to fight attacks on pay and er differences exist between those ture of the gangmaster, rendering services. at the top of society in different the young subject to the volatilities He made the comments at the countries, they are unanimous of precarious working without presentation of a portrait of James when it comes to deciding on who rights. Connolly in Belfast City Hall on is going to bear the lion’s share of “The combination of public 31st October. the burden for the collapse of capi - service cuts and collapsing private Thanking Lord Mayor Niall O’ talism – working people, as always. pension incomes are once again Donnghaile and Belfast City “The austerity programme being reducing the elderly to a status Council for the initiative, he promoted across Europe is mir - approaching penury.” claimed it “acknowledged the role rored by the approach of the UK Jack O’Connor said it was now of the majority – the working peo - government, which will jeopardise time to apply “the other lessons of ple – in the history and civic life of 40,000 jobs in this jurisdiction over history” – that working people the city”. the next four years. “must stand together and support At the presentation, Jack “The outlook for working peo - each other”. O’Connor said while his union, Patricia McKeown and Anne Speed of UNISON, SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor ple, which only a few short years He added: “Never have we faced and Belfast Lord Mayor Niall O Donnghaile at the Belfast City Hall unveiling Picture: SIPTU SIPTU, was founded in Dublin as ago envisaged jobs and prosperity a more urgent need to renew our the ITGWU in 1909, it was con - 19th and early 20th centuries. 30 years before the implosion of for the young, and reasonable pen - commitment to the ideals of ceived in the great Belfast dock “The economic collapse which 2008. This has legitimised a new sions for the elderly increasingly Connolly and Larkin and to their strike of 1907 when workers of all precipitated the great London dock assault on pay, which parallels the begins to mirror that of an earlier, concept of building a fighting trade traditions united to assert their strike of 1889 and the wave of mili - reaction of capital to the collapse depressing era.” union movement capable of con - rights. tancy among workers across west - that occurred in the latter part of Pointing out that mass unem - fronting the architects of austerity He also noted the parallels ern Europe followed a global the 19th century. ployment was once again “stalking on the economic, social and politi - between today and and the late expansion of capital not unlike the “Once again it is being done in the landscape”, he added: cal fronts.” Shatter Ta d h g grilled at UN Barry on Irish ‘Forgotten’ Hero Freedom Fighter 1880-1921 labour Triskel laws MINISTER for Justice, Alan Shatter, has faced questioning at the Christchurch, Cork United Nations over the Government’s failure to introduce or enact legislation upholding Friday Nov 18th trade union rights, as specified by international treaties and its human rights obligations. Minister for Justice Alan Shatter faced the music on behalf of the Irish Government at The Republic’s human rights last month’s Universial Periodic Review in Geneva. at 7:00 p.m. record came under close scrutiny during its Universal Periodic Norwegian recommendation was Council for Civil Liberties, the Presented by; Review at the UN headquarters in listed – along with 49 others – to union hosted a live screening from Dr. Donal O’ Drisceoil, Geneva on 6th October. “be examined by Ireland which will Geneva of the Government's ques - Norwegian representatives provide responses in due time, but School of History, UCC & n tioning of its human rights record. asked: “Is Ireland prepared to enact no later than the 19th session of “We invited other unions and o legislation to underpin the rights the Human Rights Council in the Cork Council of i representatives of the most active s of workers to collective bargaining March 2012”. Trade Unions campaigning NGOs. is through their trade unions, in line SIPTU Equality and Campaigns m with Ireland’s international com - Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: “We “As the largest civil society organ - d mitments?” welcome the fact that the Irish isation in the State, it is important A Shatter did not respond directly Government was so publicly called that SIPTU plays a lead role in to the question during his to account for its failure to legislate holding the Government to account E for workers’ fundamental right to for its failure to respect the human E response. R In the draft report on Ireland’s collective bargaining and await rights of workers, women, chil - F appearance before the UPR, pub - with interest its formal response. dren, migrants, travellers, people lished on 10th October, the "In conjunction with the Irish with disabilities and prisoners.” 26 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 SIPTU Community

New Division Committee meets the grassroots

A SERIES of regional meetings for strategic organising department of workers in Community Community Employment workers. Given the scale of the cuts and SIPTU community sector members SIPTU. Feedback from members Development Projects closed by the In reply, it was pointed out that funding reductions experienced, have been held over the past two attending the meetings has been previous Government, the pension the Department of Finance was there was also concern expressed months in Cork, Limerick, Galway, generally positive but in some scheme for the Community pursuing a policy of frustrating and about the effectiveness of the Dublin and Sligo. areas serious dissatisfaction was Employment (CE) supervisors and blocking Labour Court implementa - response of the trade union move - The Community Sector Division expressed at the lack of connection wage cuts applied to the tions. ment to continuing austerity. committee – a new structure that to members locally through the Officials acknowledged that came out of the SIPTU reorganisa - removal of branch structures. trade unions needed to continue to tion – decided to start the process In reply, it was explained that organise resistance to Government of building links with the member - the union was in a much stronger austerity measures. ship locally. position because of the reorganisa - However, it was emphasised that It also wanted to promote the tion and the replacement of the this could only be effective if a idea of organising new members original branch structure as it now strong local and regional organisa - and to begin to mobilise the sector had a dedicated division with sig - tion was built to complement and to resist any further Government nificant numbers of organised support any national action. cuts. workers. In each meeting, members The objective was to set up a However, it was acknowledged agreed to convene a SIPTU Regional community sector regional forum that there was a need both to Forum. A commitment was also at each location, comprising initial - ensure local participation and a given to convene further meetings ly of SIPTU members but open to continued focus on organising new at each location in the New Year in community activists in the other workers into the union to build a the aftermath of Budget 2012. trade unions. more powerful community sector Each meeting was chaired by a voice. There was also criticism of local community leader and the failure to resolve the issue of addressed by Committee President implementing the growing number Helena MacNeill, NEC member of Labour Court recommendations SIPTU activist Chris O’Leary David Connolly, Eddie Mullins involving workers in the sector. speaking at the from the industrial department These recommendations dealt Cork Regional and Darragh O’Connor, from the with the payment of redundancy to Forum The road to recognition By David Connolly THE Defending Ireland’s 28 of the European Charter of ing community sector employer over 5,000 non-profit organisations effective and sustainable structures Communities Campaign, a joint Human Rights. organisations, trade unions and the in the sector. necessary for collective bargaining undertaking between trade unions The campaign believes that, in Department of Finance. These organisations primarily in the community sector are intro - and community sector organisa - the current financial crisis, it is The hope is that the Forum will deliver services and development duced without delay. tions, has proposed that collective essential that investment is main - provide an effective mechanism to activities to the poorest individuals This demand is in line with the bargaining should be established tained in the poorest communities agree proper wages and conditions and families in Ireland’s most dis - Programme for Government and for the community sector. to protect essential services and for community sector workers as advantaged communities. the winning of collective bargain - This new approach would community sector jobs. well as allowing for engagement on Workers in the sector have been ing rights for Irish workers is a cen - include employers, trade unions The proposal is that a new nego - public policy approaches to the sec - targeted for the imposition of arbi - tral objective of SIPTU. A new ini - representing community sector tiating structure, called the tor. trary reductions in wages and tiative, entitled The Road to workers and the Government as Community Sector Forum, would It is estimated that more than working conditions over the past Recognition , is to be launched paymaster, and is based on Article be set up at a national level, involv - 50,000 workers are employed in two years. It is imperative that shortly. Our poorest suffer cut too far IRELAND’S poorest communi - pared for the previous 10% in cuts, with up to 20% and low incomes means that ties have been disproportionate - Government, constituted a reductions on drug projects – these local services are now ly targeted by Troika austerity direct assault on a wide range of 24% in the urban RAPID pro - required more than ever. measures. community-based programmes gramme and 53% in the rural It is feared that the forthcom - Significant cuts have been and activities. CLAR programme. ing Government Comprehensive imposed on vital local commu - In 2009/2010, the community All of these cuts have had a Review of Expenditure will con - nity projects, resulting in the sector suffered headline cuts of direct impact on the most vul - tinue the process of taking the drastic reduction of services between 18% and 20% in some nerable communities. softest option for extreme aus - and, in some communities, the programmes. The continuous and deliber - terity measures by targeting the closure of long-established com - This led to redundancies, ate targeting by central poorest communities that are munity-based services during three-day weeks, pay cuts and Government of these communi - least well organised. 2010 and 2011. service reductions affecting ties over the past three years In this context, a joint cam - The services that have been thousands of workers at local has meant that local services paign between the trade unions closed include eldercare and level. have now been ‘pared to the and community sector activists childcare, community develop - A 10% pay cut was imposed bone’. is being organised and coordi - ment projects, adult education on more than 20,000 workers on Any further funding cuts will nated by Defending Ireland’s and skills training. There have the Community Employment have a devastating effect on Communities. also been severe cuts in funding scheme. these disadvantaged areas with Its aim is to mobilise local to projects tackling drug misuse Last year, the HSE – the the permanent closure and activists, Voluntary Boards of and local youth services in largest funder in the community removal of services. Management, community work - urban areas and community and voluntary sector – imposed In reality, the impact of mass ers and service users to resist transport and women’s projects across-the-board cuts of 5%. unemployment in these com - further cuts, protect community in rural areas. The Department of munities with the resulting services and secure local jobs. Author of Brod Snip Report: Economist Colm The McCarthy Report, pre - Community applied an average increase in concentrated poverty McCarthy Liberty 27 SIPTU Community NOVEMBER 2011

SAOL COMMUNITY PROJECT ‘It’s as A Dáil first in if they community shine sector debate THE Dáil has debated – for the first time – a special members’ motion in support of the community and a lamp voluntary sector. The debate on 11th and 12th October was an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that lets made by thousands of workers and organisations in the sector and to flag the need for increased invest - ment. It set out a comprehensive set of you see demands for action and to support Dáil demo: Maureen O’Sullivan the sector in addressing the social and economic crisis. The Sinn Féin motion – support - the way ed by the Technical group, compris - ing Independents, the United Left Alliance and by Fianna Fáil – is seen as an important breakthrough for the community and voluntary forward’ Julie Martin’s involvement with SAOL has been life-changing sector. By Paul Gavan TDs from Sinn Féin, the Technical group and Fianna Fáil HE SAOL community education was one filled with the course, Julie has a very clear spoke in support of the motion project offers a fresh fear. idea of her new goals in life. while Minister , of start to recovering vic - She said: “I had tried to return She said: “I want to build on Labour, presented a counter Called for vote: Aongus O Snodaigh tims of drug addiction to education about five years ago this course and complete my motion on behalf of the Pictures: Photocall Ireland Tand the ir families. but I didn’t have the confidence Leaving Cert. Then I intend to go Government, supported by demonstration was held outside Environment Minister Phil Hogan. Based in Amiens Street, Dublin, to do it. on to complete a degree in addic - the Dail and attended by most of it is a person-centred, communi - “When you come from a tion studies. I've been down a The Government amendment the Sinn Féin TDs, including party ty-based initiative for women in lifestyle of drug addiction you hard road but life now is so much called for an increased funding treatment for drug addiction. think that nothing good is going better." commitment from the private sec - leader and communi - It aims to create positive mean - to happen in your life. Then I Every day the SAOL project tor and philanthropic organisa - ty spokesman Brian Stanley. ingful change in the women’s found out about SAOL.” helps people like Julie, empower - tions. At the conclusion of the Independent TD Maureen lives through an integrated pro - Julie has high praise for the ing them to help themselves, debate, Aongus O Snodaigh of Sinn O’Sullivan of the Technical group gramme of education, rehabilita - tutors at the SAOL project. their families and their communi - Féin, called for a vote on the and Susan Collins of People before tion, advocacy, childcare provi - “They’re not just there to sup - ties. motion, which was defeated by the sion (with a focus on early child - Belinda Nugent, who works as Government TDs. Profit, on behalf of the United Left hood education), progression and an aftercare addiction worker Before the final session on Alliance also attended. aftercare supports. ‘When you come with SAOL, explained that the October 12th, a community sector The project’s ethos is informed vast bulk of resources for the by respect for the dignity of each from a lifestyle of project comes from a combina - woman. tion of FÁS and HSE funding with It is an example of the type of drug addiction, additional contributions from the work that continues under the North Inner City Drugs Task radar every day within a commu - you think nothing Force and Probation Services. nity sector that is now under the good will happen. She said: “Funding from all of Our poorest suffer cut too far real threat of cutbacks and clo - these sources is now under seri - SIPTU Basic sures. Then I found out ous threat of being cut back. It The project currently reaches begs the question, where are out to 80 women and their fami - about SAOL’ these women going to go if our English Scheme lies in Dublin’s North Inner City. services are cut?” Course participant Julie Martin SIPTU community sector organ - has overcome many obstacles and port you while you attend the iser, Darragh O’Connor, said: stresses the difference the project course. They take time to help “The crucial work carried out by Here, has made in her life. you with other aspects of your SAOL and dozens of other such Right She said: “This course has life and take a real interest in courses across the country must given me a new direction in life. helping you move your life for - not be sacrificed because of the Now It has taught me that it’s never ward. difficult financial challenges fac - te too late to start again. “It’s as if they shine a lamp ing our country. Wri “I left school at 13 years of age, that lets you see a way forward." “That’s why workers and I was a drug addict for eight She also stressed the impor - course participants are coming • reading • writing • spelling • form filling years, but, thank God, I have tance of having a local project in together through SIPTU to • note-taking • FETAC managed to rebuild my life. the North Inner City. demand a say in the future fund - • English for Foreign Members “I have been clean for 16 years “When you take part in the ing of community services.” and now have two young chil - course, you see people who come You can contact the SIPTU dren. I wanted to go further – to from the same place as you, who Community Campaign on 01 858 For more information call: Join return to education and build a have been in the same place as I 6365 . Tom O’Brien, Liberty Hall SIPTU better future for me and my fami - have been with regard to addic - Tel: (01) 858 6311 ly, but I didn’t know how to do tion and the difference that they ONLINE it." have made to their lives. So you or For former addicts, such as think, well if they can do it, so www. Jean Kennedy, SIPTU College Julie, the prospect of returning to can I.” Now three months into siptu Tel: (01) 858 6498 .ie 28 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Book Reviews

An Arid Season - Michael D. Higgins Uachtarán elect, Michael D. Of utopias Higgins, may not have much time for writing poetry in the Aras but Old utopias never die he can hope that sales of his latest nor do they fade away. ‘New and Selected Poems’ will soar Born of possibility on foot of his successful campaign out of ancestor traces, for the Presidency. memory gives birth The collection which traces to imagination. Micheal D’s life over five distinct sections, introduced by single From a whisper it grows, pieces of prose, contains some of and makes a music, his best poetic work. Among the in the quiet places of the heart, better known are ‘The Betrayal’, where a new song is made, Engels ‘Brothers’, ‘An Arid Season’ as well soaring above the lesser sounds as new creations including ‘Of of false inevitabilities, Possibility’, ‘The Truth of it makes an echo. Poetry’and ‘The Poisoning’. The impressive 180 page volume is Nor is it the vain cry in Éirinn introduced eloquently by the Abbot of a child of reason. of Glenstal, Mark Patrick It is a shout at the future, Hederman, and concludes, appro - that is there for the making, le Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh priately given the current circum - becomes a song stances of the author, with the shared by the many Tá Friedrich Engels ar phearsana móra an poem, 'Of utopias’. in joyous anticipation. tsóisialachais, gan ach Karl Marx féin a bhain - feadh tosach de. Is mór an tionchar atá ag a chuid smaointe, agus ní beag an bhaint a bhí ag Éirinn le múnlú na smaointe sin. Agus é ag fiosrú saol na n-oibrithe i Manchain, d’éirigh sé mór le Mary Burns, iaroibrí monarchan de bhunadh na hÉireann, a bheadh mar chéile aige ar feadh i bhfad. Thug sí isteach sna ceantra - cha ba bhoichte den chathair é mar a raibh cónaí ar an bpobal Éireannach, agus tá a shliocht ar a Palestine’s Jewish Lobby leabhar clasaiceach Staid an Aicme Oibre i Sasana. By Kevin Squires In Éirinn féin, bhí gluaiseacht ollmhór in aghaidh na haondachta ar siúl, a chuaigh i bhfei - he long-standing concern for make a serious impact within the Jewish dhm go mór ar Engels: “Tabhair dom dhá chéad Palestine in Ireland was evident diaspora itself. míle Éireannach agus caithfidh mé ríocht na in the capacity crowd which The book outlines the problems often Breataine go léir ar leataobh.” T attended the launch of Professor associated with the world views of some Thug sé cuairt ar Éirinn in 1856, ag gabháil ó David Landy’s Jewish Identity of these groups. Often Palestinians can be Bhaile Átha Cliath go Gaillimh go Ciarraí. Bhain bochtanas na tíre siar as: “Níor chreid mé riamh and Palestinian Rights: Diaspora essentially eliminated from their dis - go bhféadfadh gorta a bheith chomh fírinneach Opposition to Israel (Zed, 2011) in course, treating what is a national libera - intadhaill seo.” Dublin's New Theatre on the 1st tion issue instead as a "Jewish issue". Ba bheag feabhas ba leir dó nuair a d’fhill sé in November. As Trinity Professor Ronit Lentin, her - 1869: “Is é an rud is measa leis na hÉireannaigh The book is a groundbreaking examina - self an Israeli, said at the launch; “The go n-éiríonn siad corruptible a thúisce a éiríonn tion of the relatively recent phenomenon book does not shirk from the difficult siad as a bheith ina dtuathánaigh agus a thiteann of organised international Jewish criticism question as to whether movement mem - siad chun buirgéiseachais.” of Israel. Landy, an Irish-Jewish lecturer in bers’ activism is about constructing a ‘bet - Bhí na Fíníní ina neart faoin am seo agus — cé Trinity College, opposes the right-wing ter’ Jewish identity or about genuine soli - go bhfuair sé locht ar chuid de na modhanna a bhí view that those involved in this field are darity.” acu — bhí Engels gníomhach ag lorg tacaíocht do either "self-hating Jews" or suffering from Wrapping up the event Professors shaoirse na hÉireann. "identity crises". His view is that such Landy and Lentin said that although this Thosaigh sé ag scríobh stair na hÉireann, agus groups exist because those involved are is the first such study of this emerging d’fhoghlaim sé roinnt Gaeilge le bheith in ann na bunfhoinsí a léamh. Theip glan ar chóilíneachas universalist in outlook and feel that, as movement it could not be considered Shasana ainneoin a dhíchill, a scríobh sé: “tar éis Jews, they can play a role in ending Israeli “definitive” as these groups have devel - gach iarracht díothaithe sheas na hÉireannaigh oppression of the Palestinian people. oped significantly over the past decade, níos láidre ná riamh.” While not uncritical of these groups, and that “the thing about social move - Ní móide go bhfuil baile fearainn áit eicint in Landy points out that they have played an ments is they are always moving”. Éirinn a fhéadfas gaol a mhaíochtáil ar Friedrich extremely important role in making both A recording of the launch - which was Engels, ach is cinnte go bhfuil beagán de Jewish and non-Jewish criticism of Israel state’s supporters. However, notwith - a collaboration between Zed Books, the fhréamhacha a chuid smaointe le fáil anseo. more "acceptable" in mainstream dis - standing this positive role in wider socie - Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Is é Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh údar an leabhair nua course - no longer do Israel's critics har - ty, outside of providing a relatively safe Trinity College Department of Sociology Friedrich Engels: saothar a shaoil , foilsithe ag Coiscéim bour the same fear of being painted as avenue for Israel-critical Jews to "come and Poster Fish Promotions - can be heard "self-haters" or "anti-Semitic" by that out", these groups have so far failed to online at; www.ipsc.ie/?p=1269 Leading trade unionists in Fiji held by junta The Fijian military junta is using and President Daniel Urai. Labour Organisation and interna - voluntary system.” Ireland’s failure to legally protect The arrests are linked to trade tional condemnation of the new In response to the crackdown on the rights of workers to collective union opposition to the Fijian mili - anti-union laws the Fijian regime trade union rights the Australian bargaining to partly excuse a crack - tary regime’s implementation of the attempted to explain its actions in a Council of Trade Unions has called down on the pacific island’s trade Essential National Industries and “fact sheet” presented at the UN. on people not to travel to Fiji and union movement. Designated Corporations The Fijian fact sheet directly not to buy garments made in that In recent weeks the Military Regulations 2011. This law massive - draws comparison between the mil - country. SIPTU President, Jack junta, which came to power in a ly curtails the right to collective bar - itary regime’s actions and the situa - O’Connor, has also extended the 2006 coup, has arrested the coun - gaining of workers in industries tion in Ireland stating; “Ireland has union’s support and solidarity to try’s most prominent trade union - deemed “essential” by the military no system of statutory trade union Felix Anthony and Daniel Urai. Fiji Trade Union Congress Secretary- ists – Fiji Trade Union Congress regime. recognition. Recognition of unions General Felix Anthony Secretary-General Felix Anthony Stung by the International for bargaining purposes is a purely Liberty 29 Know Your Rights NOVEMBER 2011

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS The Payment of Wages Act 1991 Pay and wages

By Michael Halpenny What is Pay? Where can you go Under the law (the Payment of if you do not get your Wages Act 1991), the following are entitlements? regarded as pay or wages: If you do not get what you’re • Normal basic pay, entitled to, you can refer a com - • Overtime, plaint to the Rights Commissioner • Shift allowance, within six months of the date of • Bonus commission or fee, the deduction giving rise to the • Holiday, sick or maternity pay complaint. • Any other payment for work If either party – i.e. you or the • Any sum paid in lieu of employer – is not happy with the Notice Rights Commissioner’s decision, it However, the following are not regarded as pay/wages: can be appealed to the • Expenses incurred during Employment Appeals Tribunal employment (EAT) within six weeks of that • Pension, death decision being communicated to gratuity/allowance, you. • Payments in connection with retirement, resignation or loss of What redress can you get? office The Rights Commissioner can • Redundancy payment decide your complaint is well • Payment in kind or benefit in founded (or not). kind If the Rights Commissioner • Payment otherwise than in decides your complaint is well the capacity as an employee founded, they can order the employer to pay compensation Who is covered according to a formula laid down by the Act? in the Act. As previously, those covered by However, it is important to note statement showing the gross • Cash (with specific rules insurance, etc. employment rights legislation are that such compensation is only in those workers on a contract of amount of pay/wages and an regarding those paid by cash However, the Act restricts the relation to the loss actually suf - employment (“contract of serv - itemised list of deductions. In the before the Act came into force) employer in making deductions fered, as calculated by the formula ice”), including temporary agency case of payment by credit transfer, (c) The Act allows an employer to outside that, where any such workers. Also covered are appren - this should be as soon after the make deductions from pay allowed deduction is not required by (as opposed to an order for the tices and those in the service of transfer as possible. by law or by the prior agreement of statute (law), is not provided for full reinstatement of the correct the State. (b) The Act also specifies a the employee such as: in the contract of employment or wage). range of legally acceptable modes • PAYE & PRSI has not received the prior agree - If your employer fails to carry What does the (methods) of payment: • Pension or any other deduc - ment of the employee concerned. out the award of a Rights Act provide for? • Credit transfer tion provided for by the contract Therefore, the Act specifies Commissioner or the EAT within (a) The Act provides for the •Cheque/bank draft of employment. such restrictions in some detail six weeks, then you can apply to right to a Written Statement of • Payable order warrant by • Any deduction agreed in with regard to issues such as disci - the Circuit Court to enforce such Wages. This means that you are Government, public authority advance by the employee such as pline, goods and services, till an order. entitled to an itemised payslip or • Postal order/money order etc. union contribution, private health shortages and so on. The Macushla Dance Club EU unions told of Dance for men and women over 50 FREE drop-in dance & exercise classes

When: Thursdays 12 – 1pm (join us from 11.30am for tea & coffee) Where: Dancehouse, Foley St, Dublin 1 (close to bus, dart and luas) Irish ULR success What: Dance & exercise class for +50s • Open to all levels of physical ability & dance experience • Class can be taken seated or standing • A DELEGATION of SIPTU Union SIPTU members, was represented dient in its success. Newcomers welcome How much: FREE! With thanks to our sponsors Learner Representatives and shop by ULR Noreen O’Flaherty and Tom In a presentation on recent stewards, led by Ron Kelly and Pat Griffin, the company’s Managing developments, Pat Coughlan spoke • A mix of gentle exercises to music and dance routines in a Coughlan of the Ideas Institute, Director. about a coaching and mentoring variety of styles made a great impression at a con - The DAA was represented by course he had developed and deliv - • Promoting flexibility, co-ordination and stamina, a workout for ference of European Learning Mary McCabe while Myles Worth ered to SIPTU college tutors, organ - the mind and body! Mentors in Bad Orb, Germany, last spoke on developments at Aer isers and ULRs. • The Macushla Dance Club is a dance club for men & women aged 50+ month. Lingus. The Learning Mentors concept is The event, part of the EU Dereck Casserly (formerly relatively new in Europe. It has Activities include: Dance & exercise classes • Social dance Learning Mentor project, brought Schering Plough) spoke of his own taken inspiration from develop - events • Theatre visits & studio performances from together representatives from involvement with the ULR pro - ments in Ireland where the con - professional dance companies • Dance performances Germany, Belgium, , Portugal gramme. In a keynote address, cept is well advanced and where and Switzerland, all keen to hear of Ideas General Manager, Ron Kelly, there has been considerable suc - For information: Contact 01 8558800 or 087 4121775 the experiences of Irish ULRs. outlined for delegates some of the cess in providing workers with Email: [email protected] Andersons in Limerick, where background to the ULR concept. skills they need to enhance Join the Macushla Dance Club on Facebook Check out the Ideas Institute has been heavily He identified investment in edu - employment prospects and secure MacushlaDanceClub channel on YouTube involved in providing training to cation and training as a key ingre - jobs. 30 Liberty NOVEMBER 2011 Sport

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

Rovers take honours in a thrilling season of soccer By Brendan O’Brien

S THE year draws towards home fans. Sligo Rovers and Derry fourth, will meanwhile await the seen if they can overcome this lat - Hart Lane, and while they were a close, it’s been another City, who finished in second and outcome of the FAI Cup Final to see est challenge. beaten by 3-1 by PAOK Salonika on terrific season in the third place respectively, can feel if they can sneak the final Uefa In the First Division, Cork City Thursday (3rd November) they will Airtricity League. satisfied with having pushed Europa League spot in the event of and Shelbourne have secured auto - be hoping to translate those per - AIn the Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers all the way, as a Sligo Rovers’ victory. matic promotion to the Premier formances into some points in Shamrock Rovers have eventually well as securing European football Shelbourne, who will also con - Division, though Shels will be won - their remaining games. emerged victorious following a nail- next season. test the final, will have something dering quite how they let the title Next season promises to be biting encounter with UCD in Derry will also be pleased with to say about that in the League of slip, as they were pipped at the another cracker with the likes of Belfield, which saw Dean Kelly their victory over Cork City in the Ireland’s blue ribbon event in the death by Cork City, who scored a Sligo, Derry, Cork and Pats seeking score a 94th minute winner for the final of the EA Sports Cup, adding Aviva Stadium. late, late winner on the final night to take Shamrock Rovers’ place at Hoops in their penultimate game of to the long list of silverware won For the likes of UCD, Drogheda of the season in Tolka Park. the top of Irish football, while the the season, to secure a record 17th by the Candystripes. Utd and Dundalk, they will seek to In Europe, League of Ireland likes of Limerick City and league title. Galway Utd, had a season to strengthen their squads for next clubs again achieved some terrific Waterford Utd will be serious con - Rovers’ final league game against forget and face First Division side season to challenge for honours. results, with Shamrock Rovers cap - tenders for promotion from the Galway Utd in Tallaght Stadium Monaghan Utd in the second of a The future of Bohemians hangs ping it with qualification for the First Division. Roll on season 2012! was played in front of a jubilant two leg play-off to see who will in the balance, along with their group stages of the Europa League. home support, capped off with a play in the new 12-team Premier ground Dalymount Park, due to They have given some terrific per - 4-0 victory, followed by the league Division next year. massive debts incurred over the formances so far, including taking trophy presentation in front of the St Patrick’s Athletic, who finished last few years and it remains to be the lead against Spurs in White Liberty 31 NOVEMBER 2011

What a y! Diary of a Libert Southsid e TD

Monday: Yesterday the Wednesday: Gallagher’s Saturday: To the castle to I think the question is going to be you want son-in law and I divided our goose is cooked. What was he see Michael D being elected. to die or you want to be killed. resources between Sam Smyth thinking of pretending that he Himself and the missus both on Today FM and Dunphy on was not an FFer? That dinner quoted some guy called Kant, Newstalk. Both are for the chop with Biffo was the last straw. prompting a wag to suggest Greek communist MP Liana Kanelli gives her view on what the and it was only right to take a First he says he invited busi - that his presidential slogan will ‘question the Greek people were to be faced with in their aborted stand in favour of media diver - nessmen to attend the dinner be “Yes We Kant”. Mitchell had austerity referendum (Channel 4 News, 2nd November). sity. at £5,000 a pop but never a hissy fit and never turned up dipped in to his own pocket. for the customary vote of ’ The fact that Sir Anto will Sean gives Cavan men a bad thanks to the election staff and clearly enjoy the discomfort of name. to congratulate the winner. Did we ever think to see the day when the Denis O'Brien is an added Dana looked naked without the bonus. Denis has far too much Did I ever think I would be constitution and Norris finally words “public service” would be met with control of the Irish media and I cheering on Martin McGuinness? stopped answering the wrong distaste and suspicion”? In the past couple am fully supportive of any move He did “Down Here” some serv - question. Gallagher is rumoured to clip his wings. ice with his political assassina - to be starting up a new busi - of years, public service employees have tion of Gallagher. The woman in ness – selling pictures of him - ‘brought their various professions and trades O'Reilly, well that's an entirely the Frontline audience helped self and Michael D. different matter and I have but in a way poor Seanie has into disrepute, to say the least, by their always supported the great one only himself to blame. The new President is a poet and determined greed and equally determined in his battles against Dinny. I a thinker. What sort of Council never needed Anto or Gav to of State will he appoint? I hope indifference to the plight of the wider tell me what to write, all I had Thursday: To the polls. he avoids the bearded brethren economy and the people working in it. to do was look in to my own I’ve already committed myself and the feminists but I’m fairly heart to know what they would to Michael D and I’m going to sure I will not be getting the Emer O’Kelly mistaking her own attitude towards doctors, nurses, want. And by golly I delivered. vote No to the Oireachtas com - call. He is promising to be a ambulance workers, teachers, binmen, and other people paid by mittees becoming some sort of president of transformation. the state for that of the general public (Sunday Independent, 9th The polls show Gallagher is quasi court. I know far too October). bound for the Aras. Dana is top much about TDs and senators to ’ of the flops; the Quango Queen trust them with unfettered Sunday: Michael D has not has lost her sheen; Mitchell is powers. It would be all right if yet been inaugurated and the Mr. Angry from Rathmines and they all had my sharp intellect world is already a better place. Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the Norris is getting surprisingly or agility of mind but not chirpy again. McGuinness is everyone is blessed with my Word is coming through that big banks. If you don't have a job and you stuck answering the same ques - genius. On my way out I met a the Govt has found €3.5bn we are not rich, blame yourself! tions and Michael D is managing woman who told me she was did not know we had. The to keep his little head down amazed I was voting for Greek socialists are in political while all around him are losing Higgins. “I thought you would crisis. Dunphy kicked the ‘Godfather’s Pizza Moghul and US Republican Presidential hopeful theirs. be a Gallagher man – he’s a bit O’Brien dog on the way out of Herman Cain presents his considered economic view (Wall Street like yourself, more style than Newstalk and Dinny is not best Journal, 5th October). Even the weather is miserable substance and full of guff about pleased. A top banker has been and the rain is bucketing down. private enterprise.” Bloody arrested. Oh,and the rain ’ cheek. I was not surprised to has stopped. Let the see she was wearing a transformation begin! There should be an investigation into it. They Tuesday: I'm so glad that I McGuinness sticker. [the media] should have been following the resisted the temptation to run economy from August 2007, but they weren’t, for the Park. My adoring fans felt I should allow my name Friday: What an anti-cli - they were following me. I think a lot of these into the ring but I just knew it max. I had stocked up on pop - guys really should have looked at themselves. was going to be a filthy rotten corn and was looking forward to ‘The government were following the economy campaign. Can you imagine all nail biting presidential count. those journalists examining my Michael D topped the poll, not but the media weren’t. It was a very poor job records, questioning my earn - only slaying the Dragon but by the media really. They were shown to be ings and pouring over my every leaving a trail of destruction in incompetent and that was the trouble – every - little indiscretion? his wake. The Quango Queen is a great fan of O’Briens thing was on me. As for the Frontline I would not and it was great to see put myself before a rag bag of the self-satisfied smirk Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern blames the media for the economic nosey parkers wanting to know disappear. Enda will be collapse, in an interview on ’s radio station how many calls I made to the demented about DCU FM (broadcast 18th October) Sindo at the tax payers’ Mitchell and Gilmore expense and if the Oireachtas will be insufferable staff ever assisted me in my about winning ’ non parliamentary work. As I the Park and You’re just punk media is all you are. You always say transparency is for the by-election. lie. You lie to people. Stop lying to people. other people. Stop lying.

‘US documentary film maker Michael Moore exchanges words with a CBS rep’orter at Occupy Denver (3rd November).