Vote on Treaty Depends on Jobs Plan Brake”

Lagan Brick So where is my Larkin Hedge dispute bail out? School Page 4-5 Page 10 Page 31

Vol. 11 No.3 April 2012 ISSN 0791-458X Vote on Building workers’ Treaty charter depends launched By Scott Millar new campaign is asking building workers to on jobs Acommit to rescuing their industry, and the wider economy, by pledging to support a ten point Building Workers’ Charter. plan The charter not only calls on workers to unite to defeat the attempts by building employers to By Frank Connolly slash their wages but also demand that the Government takes action to kick-start the economy. he National Executive Council In January the Construction (NEC) of SIPTU has decided it will Industry Federation (CIF) revealed Trecommend in favour of the its latest wage cutting demands. Fiscal Treaty referendum proposal These include reducing all build- if the Government commits to an off ing workers wage rates by 20%, slashing allowances and pushing balance sheet stimulus plan to create the wage rate of new entrants to “tens of thousands of jobs” – but only if the industry down to the mini- it does so. mum wage of €8.65 per hour. In a detailed policy document analysing the Photo: Peadar Whelan Congress Industrial Officer issues the NEC has characterised the strategy Continued on page 2 underpinning the Treaty as a one-sided austerity approach, principally at the expense of working people, which will not work. Lagan Brick workers The detailed NEC statement issued on Launch of Better Thursday (19th April) said that a more rational route would entail a less severe “debt brake” bring campaign to Belfast Health Care, Better accompanied by other measures to share the page 4-5 burden and engender growth. Jobs Campaign It calls for an off balance sheet domestic stimulus plan in addition to the projected capi- see page 21 tal spend. It would be based on a number of components, including investment by private pension funds incentivised through exemptions from the pensions levy. According to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, this could provide the growth stimu- Fiscal Compact lus in the domestic economy that is absent at EU level, generating tens of thousands of jobs. Treaty special He said; “Ireland is between a rock and a hard place. The Treaty imposes, what we believe, to be an unnecessarily severe “debt page 13-18 Continued on page 2

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In this month’s Liberty

Abbeyleix Hospital protest Page 6

Workplace Committee: Automatic Plastics Page 7

Congress President Eugene McGlone addressing the NI Committee of ICTU on Wednesday 18th April as NI Executive Junior Minister, Martina Anderson looks on. In her speech she pledged to oppose as much as possible “the British Coalition’s so-called Welfare Reform” and to introduce a Bill of Rights. Dominic Hannigan intervew Page 9 Vita Cortex mediation talks convene Labour Court chairman, Kevin Labour Court officials, Jack Nash redundancy entitlements of two Duffy, led mediation discussions and John Doherty, convened the weeks per year of service from the with SIPTU representatives and talks in Dublin on Thursday (19th Department of Social Protection in the owners of Vita Cortex in the April) which will centre on the February. latest effort to resolve the long demand by the Vita Cortex workers The workers have been occupy- Liberty view running dispute at the former for their agreed redundancy paying the Vita Cortex plant on the Page 19 foam manufacturing in Cork. ments from the company. Kinsale Road in Cork since 16th Liberty Duffy, who is assisted by former They received their statutory December last.

View which runs from 28th April to 12th Precariat’ (Bloomsbury). May. The Festival has been organ- On 1st May, DCTU will hold a ised jointly by Congress, the march and rally, while 2nd May Is there a prayer for Larkin Hedge School and Dublin will see a special screening of the Council of Trade Unions (DCTU). powerful Swedish labour film peace in a troubled Workers Memorial Day will be Adalen 31 at the Irish Film Centre. Middle East? marked with an event in Dublin’s On 5th May, the Belfast calendar of Page 25 National Gallery, on 28th April, events starts with a protest rally, while the growth of precarious and while the annual Jim Connell insecure work will be the focus of a Summer School takes place in Music, politics, poetry, protest, public talk in Liberty Hall, on 30th Crossakiel, Meath, on 4th, 5th and film and the world of work feature April, by Dr Guy Standing, author 6th May. Social Media dos in the 2012 May Day Festival, of a new study on the issue ‘The See page 31. and don’ts Page 26 Continued from page 1 - Vote on Treaty depends on jobs plan brake”. However, if we do not rat- sided austerity approach will not we will go along with the Treaty ify it we will not have access to work. We can provide our own despite our reservations because it the ESM fund. The immediate investment stimulus with the would give us all a fighting chance problem is the imposition of a co- potential to generate several thou- of emerging from this nightmare. Sport - St Pat’s ordinated contraction over twenty sand jobs through innovative use Otherwise we cannot endorse it.” wonder goal countries without any offsetting of our pension funds. If the See pages 13-18. stimulus for growth. This one- Government commits to doing it, Page 34 Continued from page 1 - Building workers’ charter launched Fergus Whelan, who is leading the Registered Employment Agreements first stage of a major campaign Building Workers’ Charter cam- which guard against exploitation.” aimed at ensuring the building paign, said; “When workers com- The campaign was launched on industry plays its role in economic mit to the Charter they’re not only Wednesday (18th April) following a recovery. The industry can only making clear what they oppose but meeting of the Construction play that role by creating sustain- also what they want. Industry Committee of Congress. able and direct jobs.” “We’re saying we are against the When workers commit to the He added; “Fundamental to the Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. slashing of wages, robbing of pen- Charter they will be kept informed future of the industry are robust If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: sion rights and a decline in safety of what actions are being planned compliance requirements and [email protected] standards. What we are for is Irish to ensure its aims are achieved. enforcement.” Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, workers pension funds being used SIPTU Construction and To view the Charter visit; Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 for job creation in Ireland, the Utilities Division Organiser, www.ictu.ie/constructioncharter or SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • prospect of worthwhile apprentice- Christy McQuillan, said; “The collect a leaflet from your local General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn ships and the maintenance of launch of this Charter marks the trade union organiser. 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 email communica- Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. members countrywide Liberty 3 News APRIL 2012

As part of the 2012 May Day celebrations SIPTU is hosting the Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society photographic exhibition in Liberty Hall Theatre from 9th May to 16th May. The exhibition of 40 photographs features images of life and work on the Dublin Docks from 1940 to 1990. For more information see www.siptu.ie

Strike begins at Irish Cement Second strike at after bosses ignore Labour Eddie Stobart SIPTU members held a “The workers are adamant that Court recommendation successful official 24-hour their campaign will continue until work stoppage at distribu- these very serious grievances are tion company Eddie Stobart dealt with satisfactorily.” IRISH Cement workers began ing the decision by the Irish Cement the Labour Court recommendation. in Ballymun, Dublin, in late During both stoppages, drivers strike action on the 3rd April Group of Unions to go on strike – “Workers are particularly March. took part in an official picket of in a bid to secure money for the first time since 1970. annoyed at the hypocrisy of Irish The stoppage, which started on the Ballymun depot – used by the distributor for delivering goods to owed to them by the highly Irish Cement Group of Unions Cement’s parent company, CRH, Wednesday, 21st March at Secretary, Karan O’Loughlin, said: which at the same time as it is 8.00a.m. was the second industri- Tesco stores across Ireland. profitable firm. “Earlier this year the Labour Court refusing to pay its employees the al action by drivers at the compa- SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia Workers claim they were left with made a recommendation that the monies they are owed, is sanction- ny this year. A similar action was King, has called on Eddie Stobart no other option but to take indus- company must pay monies which ing massive pay rises for senior held in February. to engage in talks to resolve the issues that gave rise to the industrial action at the company’s pro- are outstanding to its employees executives.” The actions were aimed at high- lighting Eddie Stobart’s refusal to trial action. duction plants in Castlemungret, and which amount to between More than 100 workers are county Limerick, and Platin, county deal with drivers’ concerns over She said: “The behaviour of the €5,500 to €9,500 per worker. employed at the two production roster and fatigue issues. employers in failing to discuss Meath. “The Labour Court recommended plants affected by the action. The dispute arose after the com- SIPTU Organiser, Karan the legitimate grievances of these that Irish Cement Ltd immediately Irish Cement Ltd is part of the drivers has left them with no pany failed to honour a Labour O’Loughlin, told Liberty: “The pay the monies it owes the workers CRH Group, one of the world’s company has refused to engage alternative but to undertake a Court recommendation to pay what but the company is insisting that a largest building materials compa- with the workers on their legiti- campaign of industrial action. it owes its employees. pay cut of between 15% and 18% is nies. The Irish Cement Group of mate grievances over excessive “It is of paramount importance Pickets were placed on the implemented first. Acceptance of Unions includes SIPTU, TEEU and working hours and health and that the company enters discus- entrances to the both plants follow- such a pay cut does not form part of Unite. safety issues. sions to resolve the serious issues at the heart of this dispute.” ESB workers vote for cost-saving plan CIT strike deferred ESB workers have voted in saved after agreement was reached through 700 voluntary redundan- INDUSTRIAL action set to take ny which manages the institute’s favour of a cost-saving deal over cuts to some allowances and cies with the rest by “natural attri- place at Cork Institute of canteens and shops. agreed between the semi- other pay-related areas. tion.” SIPTU Energy Sector Technology last month has been SIPTU Organiser, Bill Mulcahy, state company and unions. Organiser, Greg Ennis, welcomed deferred. told Liberty: "We’re glad things The ballot result was announced the acceptance of the proposals. It follows the reinstatement of are back on track. The staff six SIPTU members to the insti- never wanted to ballot for indus- on the 10th April with 63% voting He said: “The ESB Group of tute’s catering staff. trial action in the first place but Unions set out to protect basic pay in favour. A scheduled one-day strike on were left with no option. The cost-saving proposals – and pensionable pay, ensure there Wednesday, 21st March, was “This deal just shows that which see basic pay rates protect- were no compulsory redundancies called off after talks between with proper communication and ed – will include a voluntary The rest of a projected €140 mil- and to retain as many agreements SIPTU, CIT management, and a bit of give and take the loss of redundancy package to help cut lion in overall savings by 2015 will as possible and they have clearly representatives of Student jobs and income can be avoid- the ESB’s 6,300-strong workforce be brought about by reducing the done so in an unprecedented set of Services Ltd — a private compa- ed." by 1,000. Some €56 million will be workforce. This will achieved difficult negotiations.” 4 Liberty APRIL 2012 Lagan Brick Workers

Strike action at Musgraves in Cork Lagan Brick

SIPTU members in the SIPTU Organiser, Karan Musgrave Group com- O’Loughlin said; “The workers decided to take this action due to workers take menced strike at the company’s warehouse in Cork the management of the company on Wednesday, 18th April, attempting to introduce changes to their terms and conditions of in a dispute concerning employment which were not changes to their conditions agreed.” grievances to of employment. The Musgrave Group is the The industrial action involves country’s largest retailer supply- approximately 135 salaried staff ing a number of supermarket members withdrawing their chains including SuperValu and labour at the Cork Chill ware- Centra. company HQ house. By Scott Millar HE owners of Lagan Brick got a big sur- their obligation to honour long-established redundancy prise on Wednesday, 4th April, when a terms for these workers.” Before the protest, workers Bord na Móna unions met with Belfast Lord Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile and bus load of workers turned up at their several other Sinn Féin elected representatives. T Belfast HQ to demand management Councillor Ó Donnghaile said the Lagan Brick workers recommend pay offer opens talks to end the long-running dispute at had his full support, adding that Sinn Féin would “do all The Bord na Móna Group of due to them under the first phase the firm’s manufacturing plant in Kingscourt, it can to assist the Lagan Brick workers in their struggle.” Unions has recommended to its of the Towards 2016 transitional county Cavan. SIPTU activist Jim McVeigh, who is leader of the Sinn Féin group on Belfast City Council, was among those 2,000 members acceptance of a agreement. When managers refused to accept a letter calling for who took part in the occupation of the Lagan Group pay offer from management at Under the terms of the pay negotiations to begin, dozens of workers and their sup- offices. The workers also met with Belfast Trades' the semi-state company. offer the workers will receive a porters entered the entrance area of the company offices Council Secretary, Kevin Doherty. On Thursday, 12th April, settlement of €1,000 each along- and refused to leave. Workers at the Kingscourt plant were informed it was Group Secretary and SIPTU side an immediate pay increase The peaceful occupation ended after about 20 min- closing only hours before it ceased operation on 15th Organiser, Oliver McDonagh, of 1.7% and a further 1.7% per- utes when company representatives agreed to accept the December. Since then, 25 SIPTU members at the plant said; “We are putting forward a formance based increase payable letter from a four-person delegation that included SIPTU have been in dispute over the company’s failure to pay recommendation for acceptance in two years time. Organiser, John Regan. established redundancy terms. on the basis that this is the best Unions will be meeting indi- John Regan said: “The workers have been in dispute deal we could achieve under the vidually with their members in with the company for more than 100 days. They believe As Liberty went to print on Thursday (19th April) present circumstances.” Bord na Móna over the coming a just settlement is possible but have met with a com- efforts commenced to establish a mediation Workers at Bord na Móna were weeks to discuss the pay offer plete refusal by the owners to enter a meaningful nego- process to resolve the dispute at Lagan Brick. SIPTU demanding the semi-state com- before a ballot on its acceptance. tiations process. Construction Division Organiser, Christy McQuillan pany honours a 3.5% pay increase “The workers had no option but to bring their protest said; “This initiative presents the best possibility from county Cavan to the headquarters of the Lagan thus far to find a resolution to this dispute. Clearly Group in Belfast. The owners of this company are this strike has gone on too long but our members among the richest people in Ireland and must accept are determined to secure a fair recognition of their Ex H.W. Wilson workers long service with this company.” redouble efforts to Last few months have been tough secure payouts We were all devastated Laurence Shekelton because no one was expecting FORMER employees of US [WilsonPickets], on Twitter [@ it at that time because there “I WORKED at Lagan Brick for 23 years in vari- was worked lined up. publisher H. W. Wilson have WilsonWorker1] and on a cam- ous jobs. For the first 20 years I was there, it paign blog [wilsonpicketdot- The last few months have called on new owners Ebsco was a good employer. It was only in the last been tough maintaining the com.wordpress.com]. to honour a Labour Court two years that things changed. protest at the gate every day The ex-Wilson staff also plan to We gave a pay cut of 8% and we gave up all our pay recommendation on redun- but we have to do something. I protest at an “information day” rises from 2007. Everything taken together, it works out have a wife and three kids and dancy payments. Ebsco is holding at Clontarf at about an overall pay cut of 16%. a mortgage on the house so it The 19 workers, who lost their Castle on Tuesday, 15th May. Other men retired or took voluntary redundancy. is very hard. With the loss of jobs when the long-established Supporting the workers’ stand, They were not replaced but the same amount of work money and that of the hauliers Laurence Shekelton firm closed its Dublin offices, are NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus was still done. We appreciated that times were tough and others, it is having a big using a range of means – from Dooley said: “What has hap- but thought that last year things were improving and impact on Kingscourt. The factory was there for over 50 public protests to social media – pened here is a disgrace. Ebsco then in December they told us they were closing the years and it’s not a big town so the impact is massive.” to highlight their fight for justice. should honour the ruling of the plant. US corporation Ebsco offered Labour Court. H.W. Wilson took the workers the legal minimum part in the hearing and failed to of two weeks pay per year of convince the Labour Court that I will protest for as long service but the Labour Court rec- workers should only receive the ommended that employees legal minimum redundancy. should receive double that “It follows that the determina- as it takes amount. tion of the Labour Court should be respected. The new owners I was one of a delegation who met Ebsco will recoup 60% of any Emmet Mullen with Jude Lagan [a company director] payment from the Irish state and have a moral obligation to the workers, only a handful of whom in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, in is continuing to publish and mar- “I STARTED work at Lagan March and basically his message was were union members, since H.W. ket products under the H. W. Brick in June 1988. I work in he would just do as he wishes. It was Wilson had refused workers the Wilson brand. The former H.W. production making specials. It pointless talking to him. Wilson employees have sought right to collective representation. was really cut – cut all the time Everyone that works in the factory help from other workers and “This case clearly illustrates in the lead up to this dispute. is from the surrounding area so it’s a trade unions and have under- the need for urgent legal reform They were using tactics which were big hit to the workers and the com- lined the general principle that in the area of employment rights aimed at pushing the working man munity. Labour Court recommendations and the absolute imperative for down and down – that is it in a nut- I was at the protest outside the should be respected. legal recognition of the right to shell. plant on Christmas Day, New Year’s Their campaign can be collective representation.” Shop steward Emmet Mullen: ‘This is a On 15th December we were left Day and will be there as long as it followed on Facebook big hit to the workers and the community’ with no alternative but to take action. takes.” Liberty 5 Lagan Brick Workers APRIL 2012

Workers from the Lagan Bricks plant in Kingscourt, county Cavan, travelled to the Lagan Group’s HQ in central Belfast on Wednesday, 4th April to hand in a protest letter over management’s failure to engage in talks to resolve the dispute

Elizabeth Fleming: ‘I never thought the dispute would go on for so long’ Our life is changed Elizabeth Fleming “MY HUSBAND, Gerry White, was a worker at Lagan Brick for 23 years. This dispute has turned our life upside down. Our whole life has changed. There is no routine – you never know when he is going to be home or out protesting. I work part-time and have three children and you never know when he is going to be away and plus we miss the Lagan wage coming in. Because the news that the plant was closing came on the 15th December, it was a serious shock and overshadowed the Christmas period but we lived in hope because we never thought it would be so bad SIPTU Organiser John Regan, left, handed in a letter of and go on so long. protest with Ann Smith (wife I just think the owners of Lagan of Pascal Smith) Stephen Brick should sit down and talk to Burns and shop steward Phil Clarke the workers so everyone can go home.” Used downturn to reduce, reduce, reduce...

gone back to the Labour Court but they didn’t do I don’t know what they are going to do if they Phil Clarke that. When it didn’t take that step we thought we have every employee in the country working for were OK. €8.65, I don’t know who they are going to get to “I WORKED at Lagan Brick from June Then on 15th December the shop stewards buy their products. 1988. I was a kiln operator and worked were called in and received notice that the facto- The last 100 days has been terrible for our fam- weekends, bank holidays, worked ry was closing from that day. ilies. I have two girls, one moved to London to We were already on a temporary lay-off, which get work and the other is in university in Wales. Christmas Day – it didn’t matter I went was normal at that time of the year, but had been They understand we are not only protesting to work. told it would only be for a short period. We were for ourselves but for every other employee in the In February 2011, new management came in told if the plant ever opened again, we would be country. It is us today but it could be them and the first thing they looked for was a 10% re-employed but through an agency at €8.65 an tomorrow.” wage cut. We had already taken an 8% wage cut hour. As with a lot of employers, the manage- Shop steward Phil Clarke: ‘We are protesting not just for ourselves but for and agreed to work practice changes. We rejected ment used the downturn as an excuse to reduce, every other worker’ the February wage cut. The company could have reduce, reduce. 6 Liberty APRIL 2012 News Hospital pay cut success SIPTU has welcomed the restoration of pay to previous levels for workers at a Dublin hospital as a “clear vindication” of the union’s position. Catering assistants at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital had been offered new contracts as general assistants resulting in a 29% pay cut. But SIPTU members – who had previously voted to accept a wages link with the public sector – claimed this was a clear breach of an agreement reached with management. SIPTU officials met with hospital The spirit of ‘Big’ Jim Larkin paid a visit to the children at St. Patrick’s National School, Ringsend, Dublin on the 27th March. chiefs at the Labour Relations Bringing to life the 1913 Lockout was actor Jer O’Leary playing the role of ‘Big’ Jim and young historian, Donal Fallon, who made Commission following a threat to a short presentation on the major events of the period. The event was organised by Home School and Community Liaison ballot for industrial action. teacher, Helen Sherry. It followed the children’s reading of Across the Divide by Brian Gallagher (published by O’Brien Press), After talks, it was agreed that the a book that is set during the 1913 Lock Out. full pay rate would be restored and monies owed to members paid. Jer first played the role of Jim Larkin in the 1975 production of John Arden and Margaretta D’Arcy’s ‘Non-Stop Connolly Show’ in SIPTU Sector Organiser Louise Liberty Hall. Paying his respects to Arden, who died aged 81 in Galway on Wednesday, 28th March, Jer said he was “a theatrical O’Reilly said: “The settlement of genius and steadfast campaigner for human rights and progress.” this claim and the outstanding money due is a clear vindication of the union’s position and is good news for our members.” Savings plan agreed SIPTU backs Abbeyleix hospital protest at Balfour Beatty CLG SIPTU is backing a protest march organised by the Abbeyleix THE terms and conditions of this figure was reduced to a max- Hospital and District Action Group employment of more than 250 imum of 65. on Sunday, 29th April. employees at Balfour Beatty CLG “A voluntary redundancy pack- The march by nursing unit resi- Limited have been protected age of 4.5 weeks pay per year of dents, their families and support- under a new agreement between service, inclusive of statutory ers will begin at 2.00p.m. at the unions and management. entitlements plus allowances Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix, county SIPTU and TEEU representa- based on service, has been Laois, and end at the hospital. tives signed the cost-saving deal agreed.” SIPTU Organiser, John Hubbard, with the management of the The proposals were endorsed said: “SIPTU members will be join- construction company on by a large majority of SIPTU and ing with all parts of the communi- Monday, 16th April. TEEU members at Balfour Beatty ty to protest the HSE’s failure to SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, CLG Limited in a 28th March bal- engage in meaningful dialogue over Flashback: Protest march to save Abbeyleix Hospital in November last year said: “The jobs of 320 trade lot. its decision to close these facili- union members were transferred Balfour Beatty CLG was estab- ties.” the creation of profit.” Brigid’s Hospital, a 28-bed commu- to Balfour Beatty CLG Limited lished in 2011 as a joint venture He added: “A clear message will In November 2011, the HSE nity nursing unit in Shaen, with its earlier this year when the com- between Balfour Beatty and CLG be sent to the HSE on Sunday, 29th announced it intended to close the 28 long-term residents and three pany was awarded a 10-year con- Developments to carry out net- April, that communities will no Abbeyleix Hospital nursing unit, respite clients being relocated to tract to provide network services work services and works for longer accept its continued attack which will result in the moving of other facilities. to Bord Gáis Networks. Bord Gáis Networks. The compa- on vital local health services. 28 long-stay residents as well as More than 5,000 people attended “The company originally ny has a number of depots “Community care must be the the redeployment of more than 70 a protest march organised by the sought 76 redundancies. around the country and a head- basis of health provision not a nurses and care staff. Abbeyleix Hospital and District However, following negotiations quarters in Finglas, Dublin. service to be outsourced to private That month the HSE also Action Group on the 20th companies whose main objective is announced its intention to close St November last. RehabGroup workers vote Up-skilling deal at on compensation proposals university hospital SIPTU members in St Patrick’s opportunities for up-skilling be SIPTU members in the ed, workers affected by the rec- to get adequate compensation. University Hospital will be offered made available to all grades. RehabGroup are currently voting ommendations will each receive the chance to re-train as health “We believe that this will be a “These proposals represent a care assistants following agreement success for both the staff and the on proposals that emerged from €1,000 payment, €200 in vouch- significant settlement for our reached at the Labour Relations hospital. Education is an impor- talks between union and man- ers and an additional day’s annu- members, many of whom are agement representatives. al leave for 2012. Commission. tant part of health care delivery low-paid workers, and it is a trib- Eight members of staff will be and it is past time that the oppor- These deal with implementing SIPTU Sector Organiser, Louise ute to the perseverance and dedi- selected by interview and training tunity to avail of further education two Labour Court recommenda- O'Reilly, told Liberty: “The cation of the committee mem- will start in late June. was extended to all staff.” tions over compensation for pay RehabGroup workplace commit- bers that we have been able to SIPTU’s Convenor, Marie Barry, Those selected by interview over cuts imposed by the company tee is satisfied that the position achieve this result.” said: “This is a major victory which the next few week will be trained without agreement. of the union has been vindicated has taken some time to achieve for to FETAC Level 5. Under the proposals, if accept- and that our members are going our members. It is important that Liberty 7 Workplace Committee APRIL 2012 Wicklow shop stewards getting best deal

By Scott Millar Before working at Automatic Plastics, Betty was employed at the Braun factory in Carlow. ESTLING deep in the Contrasting both workplaces, she hills of south Wicklow, said: “The managers there were the Automatic Plastics from Dublin and even Germany. N plant in the small village The three supervisors here are of Tinahely celebrates its 40th year local so it is very different talking in operation this Summer. to them. Over those four decades workers “We can always get advice from in the plant – which produces a our trade union official but we variety of plastic items from con- have never needed too much help. tainers for the pharmaceutical We deal directly with the manage- industry to ice coolers – have bene- ment on disciplinary issues and fited from union representation. other union matters,” Bernie It’s a tradition the company’s cur- added. rent shop stewards are proud to Last year saw the shop stewards maintain. face their most serious challenge Betty Dalton, who has been a with management claiming that shop steward for more than five greater competition for orders had years, said: “Everyone in the plant resulted in a need for cut backs. is a SIPTU member including those Bernie said: “We had quite a few only working here for a short time meetings with management last in seasonal jobs.” year because of the wider [econom- The factory employs approxi- ic] situation. mately 70 workers in three shifts – “All employers were looking for day, evening and night. Although cutbacks. To be fair to our employ- men make up most of the worker, they didn’t look for pay cuts force, currently the three shop immediately. stewards, representing each shift, “The management presented are women. their figures for profits and costs Bernie Keogh, which we had verified by the who has been union. The management then came with Automatic up with a list of cost-saving meas- Plastics for nine ures and we came up with a list. years, claims a key “After a lot of coming and going factor in the trade we found something that was union committee’s Shop stewards from left: Bernie Keogh, Betty Dalton, Aileen Carty agreeable to all shifts and a one- success are the not run off my feet or anything.” because we hardly see one anoth- year deal was concluded.” skills learned from “The role is mainly just listen- er!” That agreement will be reviewed previous shop ing to your work colleagues and Betty, whose two sons also work this summer. Bernie, Betty and stewards. making sure their concerns are in the plant, added; “Automatic Aileen are confident they will once She told Liberty: dealt with.” Plastics is key to employment in again secure the best deal possible “Joe Donlon was the The workforce is drawn from the this area and everyone wants to for their colleagues. shop steward for great source of advice.” local area and many families have work in a way which ensures it Betty said: “It may involve a lot many years. He is a Aileen Carthy has worked in the several members employed at continues to provide these jobs.” of meetings but I believe everyone wonderful man and someone who I plant for 14 years and has served Automatic Plastics. Industrial relations issues at the is interested in ensuring the plant learnt an awful lot from before he as the day shift shop steward for “I work nights and my husband family-run business have always keeps getting orders. retired. He doesn’t work at the the last year. works days,” said Bernie, who been successfully dealt with by “I believe it’s been a better year plant any longer but I stay in touch She describes her first year in jokes; “We have survived 30 years direct negotiations between shop this year and the measures agreed with him and he has always been a the role as “alright”, adding, “I’m of being married – maybe that’s stewards and management. previously have been a success.”

Hundreds log-in for FREE with IDEAS Institute course HUNDREDS of people have taken You can’t beat education and train- Arc Cancer Support Group. documents. advantage of the FREE one-day ing.” It introduces participants to Finally they are taught how to computer training course being In Cork, local SIPTU staff mem- computers and teaches them how use the computer to make tele- offered by IDEAS Institute. ber Sharon Cregan joined with the to buy a computer, explaining all phone calls and for managing pho- From Sligo to Cork and across to unemployed members’ group and the jargon used by sales people. tos. All in all, a busy day – but one Dublin participants have learned Cork Council of Trade Unions in When this section is complete, that participants enjoy. how to use computers through an encouraging people to take up the those taking the course – which is Places are still available on innovative course designed by the keyboard challenge – and many of funded by the Department of courses throughout the country. Picture: European Parliament SIPTU-owned training company. them had never sat in front of a Communications Benefit3 For more information phone In Sligo, large numbers of SIPTU computer before. Programme – find out how to use IDEAS on 01 4531440. members and others attended All went away confident they the internet for searching, bank- courses held at the local SIPTU could now use the technology. ing, accessing government services office. But the course is not limited to and e-commerce. John McCarrick, of SIPTU, com- trade unions – the IDEAS Institute Participants then learn how to mented: "We in this area take delivered the course in partnership set up an email address, send and advantage of any course offered. with Ballymun Jobs Centre and the receive emails and how to attach 8 Liberty APRIL 2012 News

HE Croke Park Agreement has resulted in major changes to work practices for local authority workers and a significant loss of earnings for many – facts thatT have been widely ignored by the media. SIPTU Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “The reforms introduced in public sector workplaces as part of the agreement have disproportionate- ly affected SIPTU members. It is now time that Croke Park other, usually higher paid, staff played their full part in the reform of public services.” Following the Annual General Meeting of SIPTU local authority workers in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Liberty asked members how changes brought about by the Agreement over the last two years have affected their lives. two years on Higher paid should thing. I think the privatisation push is coming right from the Mick Coughlan, top. It doesn’t matter that direct Offaly County Council general operative share the pain... council labour can actually do worker and a SIPTU shop steward the work cheaper. A decision “I’ve worked for Offaly County Council has been made to put work out for six years. I was rede- to private contractors.” ployed last June which resulted in a big loss of earn- Austin Walsh ings. When I started with the Offaly County Council council I was a van driver and road maintenance worker received an extra €12 daily “I’ve worked 27 years with rate for driving. I was told that the council. For the last 14 I had to transfer to Clara and years I have driven a one would no longer be driving. This Austin Walsh man operated patching meant a €60 loss of earnings unit as part of the county’s and an extra €60 a week in Seamus Griffin road maintenance programme. petrol to go to work. “The ban on overtime means I no longer “I lost the steady income that I Joe Mills get paid for the time it takes to fill the vehi- had built my life around in previ- worked on houses after cle with tar and chips so I can arrive at the ous years. At meetings to discuss contractors where we have had to go Mick Coughlan place of work ready to go at 8.00a.m. my transfer I told the management back in and finish the work. I don’t know “Now I only start in the yard and have to that I could not afford the loss in how that is saving money.” be back to the yard within the normal work- earnings and the extra petrol money. ing hours. What has happened now is that I said I would have to sell my home Joe Mills Seamus Griffin they have hired in patching units which to maintain my job. After several meetings, I Tullamore Town Council worker Tullamore Town Council worker need three men to operate them to cover eventually received less than €2,000 in com- “I’ve worked for the council for 38 years. I “On my basic wage, I’m down €80 a week the areas I can no longer work. pensation. do a bit of everything such as carpentry and since the cuts came in. We are losing staff “The ban on overtime has seen me lose in “I’m now down from earning on average kerb repair. I get a rate for using tools. My all the time through retirements and they’re money terms up to €500 a week. €500 a week to €380 after tax. It’s a cut of take home pay was around €680 and it is not being replaced. Thankfully, I have my last girl in college over 20% to my wages. I could understand now down to €497. I’ve had cuts to “In recent years the numbers working in already. There is less and less surface dress- some cuts if they could show it from the top allowances and over time. With the wage our council are down from 32 to 20. All the ing of roads and they are clearly deteriorat- down but it’s the ordinary guys that are tak- cuts I no longer go out anymore to socialise. work is now going to private contractors. ing. You can see the roads going back to the ing all the hits.” “The work that we where doing is now “They’re looking to privatise everything, way they were in the 1980s.” getting put out to private contractors. I’ve street cleaning and grass cutting, every- Setting record straight on state assets

THERE has been a lot of disinfor- He said that no assets will be mation concerning the role of the sold unless it is at the best price EU/ECB/IMF in pushing the sale of available. state assets, not least in comments “We have made it crystal clear made by Fianna Fáil leader, that if there is not a fair deal for Micheál Martin, on RTE’s Morning the tax payer, we are selling noth- Ireland some weeks ago. ing,” Howlin added. Martin had described as “bare According to Communications faced lies” a suggestion by the Minister, Pat Rabbitte, the Fianna Labour Party that the Fianna Fáil- Fáil leader was attempting to re- Green Party government had write history when claiming that agreed to the disposal of €5 billion there was no requirement on the in state assets in its Memorandum incoming government to privatise of Understanding with the Troika €5 billion of state assets and that it in November 2010 and that all pro- was for the purpose of writing ceeds from their sale would go on down state debt. debt reduction. “The figure being mooted when Some five months before the Brendan Howlin: Nothing sold without securing best price Micheál Martin: Accused by Labour Party of ‘rewriting history’ we checked was an expectation previous government was forced vatisations with the European the McCarthy figure of €5 billion after which a figure of €3 billion of that we would dispose of up to €5 into the November 2010 surrender Commission. was the target for disposal. disposals was agreed with one billion of state assets,” Pat Rabbitte of sovereignty and the MOU, it had No specific reference was made It was also told that 100% of the third of the proceeds going towards told RTE’s Morning Ireland in mid- established a review group headed to a sum of money or that all the proceeds would go on debt reduc- job creation rather than debt reduc- February last. by economist Colm McCarthy, proceeds of asset sales would be tion. tion. At the Labour Party conference which recommended the disposal used to write down state debt. The Government returned with The Minister for Public in Galway on Saturday, 14th April, of some €5 billion of state assets. When the FG-Labour administra- an offer of €2 billion for disposal, Expenditure and Reform, Brendan delegates voted against the sale of The MOU referred to the tion took power in March 2011, it and based on a series of strict con- Howlin, told Liberty last month state assets. Government making an assessment was faced with implementing the ditions, which the Commission that no state assets that are of the McCarthy report and, on MOU requirement on the sale of rejected as not “robust enough”. deemed to be of strategic impor- foot of its findings, discussing pri- state assets and was informed that Further discussions took place tance will be sold. Liberty 9 News APRIL 2012

“We can cut, cut, cut or we can grow” Scott Millar talks to Labour TD Dominic Hannigan

Dominic Hannigan: OR Dominic Hannigan the into. an economic stimulus. ‘We are not giving upcoming EU Fiscal Treaty “I don’t think there is anything to “In the next couple of years Ireland away sovereignty but pooling sovereignty’ referendum is a clear be afraid of having our partners in will probably have a debt-to-GDP choice between copperfas- the EU project look at our budgets, ratio of about 120% – there are two Ftening the survival of the euro or opt- comment on them and suggest that ways to get the debt-to-GDP ratio ing for more economic instability. some things should be looked at down to 60%, we can cut, cut, cut or The Meath East TD, who is chair- again.” we can grow.” man of the recently-established Hannigan stresses that acceptance “What happened in the 1990s was Oireachtas Committee on the EU of the Fiscal Treaty and its aim of our debt-to-GDP ratio went down Treaty, told Liberty:“This treaty is reducing EU state deficits to 3% of from 95% in 1991 to 35% in nine good housekeeping for the country GDP does not rule out Labour sup- years. and for Europe. port for state-backed economic devel- “During that period we didn’t pay “What it will do is give more confi- opment. back one cent of debt but it was done dence to the EU and businesses look- “In relation to the deficit targets by growing the economy. If we can ing at investing in Europe because it what people forget is there is nothing get growth in the economy, then our will reintroduce confidence, security to stop us spending more money. It is debt-to-GDP ratio can go down.” and stability into the system.” just that we would need to tax more Hannigan is pleased with his Hannigan dismisses those who to do that. We can be a high spend party’s position in government. argue that giving more power over and high tax country. Frankly, it is the He describes his move from being a our economic policy to the EU runs view of many in the Labour Party that Senator to becoming a government counter to the Labour Party’s claim to we do need to tax more.” TD as “like moving from third year to have placed restoring Ireland’s He believes that the issue of fifth year at school. You know where national sovereignty as its number increasing the State’s income tax take everything is – it’s not like you’ve one priority. will be a major point of debate changed school but you’re treated a He explains: “We are not giving between the Labour and Fine Gael little more seriously.” away sovereignty, we are pooling sov- parities during 2012. He adds: “I’m really enjoying it, ereignty. When we joined the Hannigan said: “The statement by notwithstanding the fact that I have a European Union and the euro it gave the Taoiseach last year that we would tough job to do and that I’m very us a range of benefits but also respon- have no income tax rises, I see that as aware of the pain people in the coun- sibilities. To ensure that all the EU a one year commitment.” try are going through. It is a difficult states behave properly we have a Hannigan also believes that the time but it is a very rewarding job.” facility that all state budgets will be other key target of the Fiscal Treaty, scrutinised. That is not just part of to bring EU states’ debt-to-GDP ratios the Fiscal Treaty but is already in the to under 60%, does not hamper previous agreements we have entered adopting policies aimed at providing SIPTU backs SIPTU official elected Labour Party motion on chair of Labour Party migrants THE Migrants Rights Centre Former SIPTU official, Colm SIPTU in Galway as an organiser in Ireland and SIPTU have welcomed Keaveney, has been elected chair- the health sector. the support of the Labour Party man of the Labour Party. Speaking to Liberty, he said that conference for a motion calling for Keaveney first contested a gener- his priority was to improve the the regularisation of undocument- al election in 1997 and was elected party’s communications and ed migrants in Ireland. to Galway County Council in 2004. engagement with working people. MRCI spokesperson, Edel In 2011, he became the first-ever “The responsibility of the Labour McGinley, said: “This is a very sig- Labour TD in the Galway East con- Party is to protect the interests of nificant step in realising the stituency since the foundation of working people. We need to have a human rights and dignity of undocumented men, women and chil- better engagement with people so the State. dren living in Ireland.” Since his election, Keaveney has that we can bring them along with Adrian Kane, Sector Organiser for the Jayson Montenegro, an undocu- Insurance, Finance, Print Media and been involved in the important us on the road to recovery and the mented migrant living in Ireland Related Sector, was re-appointed to campaigns to reverse the cut to the restoration of economic sovereign- for over eight years and spokesper- Labour’s Executive, topping the poll. minimum wage and to protect the ty,” Keaveney said. Adrian has served a number of son for the Justice for the terms. Registered Employment Agreement He said that it was a privilege to Undocumented Campaign told and Joint Labour Committee wage be elected chairperson in the cen- Liberty: “I want to recognise the setting mechanisms. He has also tenary year of the Labour Party’s significance of this motion for the worked with SIPTU and other foundation by Jim Larkin and lives of the estimated 30,000 unions in fighting to retain the James Connolly. undocumented people including Community Employment schemes “I think it is appropriate that the families and children living in and on reforming and securing solidarity of the trade union move- Ireland. Our undocumented status funding for mental health services. ment and Labour is acknowledged means that we are much more vul- Colm Keaveney first became in the year that we celebrate the nerable to mistreatment.” involved in radical student politics founding of the party by two great SIPTU Services Division in the early to mid-1990s when he trade union leaders,” he added. Organiser, John King, added: “This motion is an important victory for joined the Union of Students of His election at the party confer- the Justice for the Undocumented ence followed intense lobbying of Loraine Mulligan, a policy analyst Ireland (USI) and embarked on a Campaign. It is important that the in SIPTU’s Policy Research Unit, re- campaign for free tuition fees. He delegates by Keaveney and the two joined the Labour Party Executive conditions of all migrants in Board at the recent Labour Party later served as president of USI. other candidates, outgoing chair- Ireland are regularised to prevent Conference in Galway. Loraine has man, Brian O’Shea, and Galway From there, he joined the Labour Colm Keaveney: Election as Chairperson the undermining of their rights been successfully elected to the West TD, Derek Nolan. position since 2009. Party and began working with a ‘privilege’ in party’s centenary year and entitlements as workers.” 10 Liberty APRIL 2012 Economy

By Vic Duggan choosing not to pay in the expectation that their debts will be written T’S the economy stupid” was down is quite disturbing. the maxim that propelled Bill For those who won’t pay, there Clinton to office in 1992. should be zero tolerance, and they Clinton is a big believer in should not be able to benefit from ‘IIreland’s recovery story, but when So where is the proposed Personal Insolvency he visited last year his chief caveat legislation. Taxpayers have already was on personal debt. paid enough to bail out undeserv- With what must have sounded ing investors. like music to the ears of the many For those who can’t pay, there is Irish people drowning in debt, he no option but to write down their said that writing down personal debts. The quicker, the better. debt more aggressively would It was for precisely this reason speed recovery. Many activists and that the banks were stuffed with my bailout? enough taxpayers’ money last year economists are in agreement on this, and the IMF recently weighed to withstand losses even in a in with its support. worst-case scenario. Perhaps the biggest brake on So far, this worst-case scenario is, domestic demand, growth and according to some measures, com- employment is not austerity, but ing to pass. If the decline in house debt. prices continues to accelerate, and People are earning less, and they do not level out next year, the spending a smaller proportion of banks may require further taxpayer these reduced earnings than previ- bailouts to meet new, stricter capi- ously. tal requirements. Recent analysis by our Central Any generalised mortgage write- Bank shows that Irish households down could run up the taxpayers’ are, perhaps unsurprisingly, among tab even further. the most indebted in Europe and Given the shock to our economy, have been busy paying down debts debt write-downs are inevitable. for the past three years. Where they must happen, they Would we better off as a nation should happen quickly. Mass repos- if we wrote down debts to spur sessions and fire-sales are in the growth? Is it fair for prudent tax- interests of nobody. payers who did not over-borrow to New bankruptcy laws and an pay for the debts of those who extra-judicial debt settlement did? mechanism are long overdue. If you could wave a magic wand Increasing flexibility on the side of and write down debt without cost, the banks, such as allowing people there is no doubt that a reduced in negative equity to move house debt burden would free up dispos- in certain circumstances, is to be able income and boost growth. welcomed. Iceland, which has been to the Mortgage interest relief and forefront of unorthodox policy other supports should be re-direct- responses to the financial crisis, ed to those who are in most diffi- has written down mortgage debt in culty. We need policies that are excess of 110% of the property progressive, not populist. value. Although leading parliamentari- ans were among its chief beneficiaries, and the total cost came to a whopping 13% of GDP, Iceland is now growing. For the IMF, Iceland is ‘exhibit A’. Ireland’s main problem is that we don’t have a magic wand, and we can’t print our own currency. Given that our banking system is largely state owned, it follows that any write-down of debts involves the effective transfer of wealth from taxpayers to debtors. Pictures: Photocall Ireland A blanket debt reduction is not relief are those who hold the most decimated, and many are no longer been restructured. The situation is an option because of resource con- debt. Usually, it is those with the in a position to service their debts. getting worse, not better. straints, and may not even be highest incomes and most assets Of the three quarters of a million Arrears are even greater for desirable. that run up the most debt. mortgages outstanding, nearly one investment properties, and recent It stands to reason that the Since 2007, incomes in Ireland in seven are either in arrears of reports that as many as one in four Former US President Bill Clinton warned biggest beneficiaries from debt are down, asset values have been more than three months or have of these cases could be investors of Ireland’s personal debt problems Think Union Even choosing one additional quality Irish good Buy Union for your shopping basket can have a huge impact. SIPTU encourages you and your family to choose During 2012 SIPTU Manufacturing Division will be rolling out the SUPPORTING quality Irish goods manufactured in unionised Supporting Quality Campaign. Representing almost 50,000 QUALITY workers in the manufacturing industry, the Supporting Quality Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland workplaces. Making a decision to buy such Campaign will see SIPTU working with unionised firms to ensure Promoting Quality Irish Products products will help protect quality jobs in that together we can provide maximum exposure to their Ireland and support the local economy. brands among our entire membership. Liberty 11 Economy APRIL 2012 Knuckle under to Germany? Not a

Tight-fisted German approach on economy won’t garner many referendum votes in Ireland Picture: Photocall Ireland winning platform By Martin Fitzpatrick

ON’T know about you, mist Paul Krugman has returned to smidgeon of hope had lifted the bubble that it could not cope with policies of Austerity Abu have to but I’m bracing myself the theme recently. Irish mood, stern-faced Germans and the mess deepened. change and it has to happen really, for some pretty ropey He, like the rest of us, believed arrived to tell us our problems What’s the recommended solu- really fast. D weeks leading up to the that last autumn the European were our own fault and that the tion coming from Mrs Merkel and In Ireland we are about to be Fiscal Treaty referendum. Central Bank had opened up realis- pain and suffering was the price of the chaps in Frankfurt? You’ve asked to vote on a referendum that So many people are having their tic credit lines; banks were being our failure – get used to it. guessed it, bundles more austerity. will secure the euro. doubts about the clarity of think- supported and governments were Anyone who thinks that this is a Krugman makes the point that Do we have a promise that the ing in Europe that fears that the being taken off the hook. The time way of rallying support going into the most famous occasion when disastrous policies that have been country is locked deeper into a had come to initiate the process of the referendum is quite mad. such an economic circumstance pursued by Berlin and Frankfurt regime which is unshakeably guid- stimulating growth. Krugman was focusing in on the cropped up in the past was during are going to change? ed by the principle that economic What happened? Nothing. In this problem in Spain which is the lat- the Great Depression in America. I haven’t heard any. All I see is depression can only be improved country there was fiddling around est concern on the bond markets. Then the answer was an exit finger-wagging and reminders of by pain – and then a bit more pain with promissory notes and promis- Economically Spain sinks deeper from the Gold Standard. He sug- our improvident past (which, inci- – will find popular support pretty es – no, not promises, winks and into recession. Youth unemploy- gests the equivalent solution for dentally, was never reflected in my damned difficult. nods – suggesting that the grievous ment is running at a staggering the current European mess is to pay packet). It isn’t just the unwashed who burden would be somehow lifted 50%. Spain wasn’t an improvident dump the euro and return to If this Fiscal Treaty is going to are having their doubts. So too are from our backs. or spendthrift country. It just had national currencies. get past the Irish people, someone the experts. The renowned econo- On cue and just as soon as the the misfortune to have a housing If this isn’t to happen then the is going to have to get real. 12 Liberty APRIL 2012 Economy

Domestic economy needs stimulus

RECENT downward revisions of 2012 lished last October, outlined in detail what growth projections by both the Central such an alternative could look like. Bank and the Fiscal Advisory Council By Pearse Austerity will not reduce the deficit nor (FAC) cast doubt on the Government’s will it enable a return to growth. We need own projections for the coming year. Doherty TD progressive tax reform, investment in jobs All of the evidence demonstrates that and services, and a new approach to the austerity is hurting the domestic economy euro zone crisis. and blocking growth. The referendum on the Austerity Treaty Despite this, the Government and on May 31st offers the voters of this state indeed the allegedly independent FAC a clear choice. continue to advocate austerity. Indeed the Do you support increased levels of aus- Council thinks more austerity is required. terity; on-going bailouts of toxic private While 2011 produced anaemic GDP banking debt; increased charges on low growth, the fact that GNP continues to and middle income households; and cuts contract is deeply worrying. Worse still to vital front line services? If so, then sup- was the two quarter GDP drop. port the Government’s Austerity Treaty. With a negative outlook for the However, if you believe that there is a European economy overall, the better way; If you want governments to Government’s export-led growth strategy invest in jobs and services; if you want an is clearly now in question. end to the use of taxpayers’ money to The domestic economy urgently bailout bondholders; if you believe that requires stimulus. Sinn Fein, along with those who have the most must pay the many in the trade union and academic most; then you should vote no. world, have long been arguing for a major Doing so will send a signal, both to our Government-led investment in jobs. own government and to the European There are funds available to the Council, that there is opposition to auster- Government from the National Pension ity in Ireland and that people want a bet- Reserve Fund, from the European ter, fairer way. counterparts are seeking to impose a euro ordinary working people and will further Investment Bank and from the private zone-wide contraction, via the Austerity impede a return to growth at home and pensions industry. Pearse Doherty is Sinn Fein TD for Donegal South Treaty. across the EU. West and is the party’s Finance Spokesperson The problem is not a lack of investment Such a course of action will have a dev- It is time for a change of policy. capital but a lack of political will. astating impact on the living standards of Sinn Féin’s alternative budget, pub- Worse still, the Government and its EU All-island resource for unions IPTU is one of 23 unions affiliated alternative view and set of policy options to to Congress which is funding the By Tom Healy that offered by other research groups; and Nevin Economic Research Institute. • Quarterly Economic Facts which will be The new Institute is an all-island updated every quarter to provide a wide Sresearch body established to provide an range and selection of indicators of labour alternative story and response to the one costs, employment, unemployment, public we are only too familiar with in recent finances and debt. times. With a focus on the all-island economy as Named after Dónal Nevin, trade unionist, well as ‘east-west’ economic ties between scholar and socialist, the Institute aims to Ireland and Britain, we aim to develop an undertake high-quality research of rele- analysis and debate around what sort of vance to trade unions and broad society. society is possible in 2022 and what type of We were formally launched on 27th economic models are needed to achieve a March. Our first Quarterly Economic flourishing and egalitarian society in the Observer contained an overview of the future. economy North and South as well as a pro- Some of the different and evolving posal for an investment stimulus in both ‘Nordic’ models with high labour market parts of Ireland. participation, good social safety nets and Building on work already done in rela- emphasis on lifelong learning and flexibili- tion to a proposal for the diversion of pen- ty provide an interesting focus for research. sion funds into much needed infrastructur- We appreciate the support of affiliate al projects, the Observer challenged the unions and welcome opportunities to con- claim that there is little or nothing that can tribute to thinking, analysis, capacity-build- be done to reverse the disastrous and con- We need to build on the strengths and ing and policy development on economic tinuing high level of unemployment and matters. under-employment. capacities across entire union movement These are very challenging times – per- Staffed by four economists spread haps the worst of times and the best of between Dublin and Belfast, the Institute ... we live in each other’s shadow times – and more than ever we need to has an ambitious and challenging pro- build on the strengths and capacities that gramme of work covering a wide range of economists in the trade union movement NERI’s website – www.NERInstitute.net – reside across the entire trade union move- issues including investment, jobs, fiscal as well as beyond. As part of the European contains information and links to recent ment – Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann an policies, macro-economic forecasting and Trade Union Related Institutes (TURI) net- publications including: pobal – we live in each other’s shadow. the euro crisis. work we plan to contribute to, and draw on • Quarterly Economic Observer which Tom Healy is director of the We look forward to working with other European trade union research capacity. will appear every quarter and provide an Nevin Economic Research Institute Fiscal CompactLiberty Treaty13 APRIL 2012

6 page special Fiscal Compact

The Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution Treaty The Bill provides for the insertion of the following subsection after subsection 9 of Article 29.4 of the Constitution, in order to ratify the Stability Treaty and enable the Oireachtas to adopt any legislation necessary in order to implement its provisions: • New fiscal rule: a balanced budget.

• Definition of the new rule: it is even more onerous than the term “balanced budget” suggests. The structural part of the government’s budget deficit may not exceed 0.5% of GDP over the medium term. So even after the gap is closed between tax revenues and current “The State may ratify the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and expenditure in Ireland in 2014, Ireland will still have a structural gap owing to the size of our debt servicing Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union done at Brussels 15 payments. on the 2nd day of March 2012. No provision of this Constitution • To date: Under the Six Pack of measures introduced in invalidates laws enacted, acts done or measures adopted by the State

THE DETAILS December 2011, a member state must first reduce its general government deficit to below 3% as a share of that are necessitated by the obligations of the State under that Treaty GDP. In the three years after this, if the debt exceeds 60% as share of GDP, the member state must move or prevents laws enacted, acts done or measures adopted by bodies towards reducing its debt by one twentieth each year competent under that Treaty from having the force of law in the (or the average of 1/20 over 3 years). State” • Impact of the new fiscal rule: The fiscal compact raises the bar on existing debt and deficit rules. The impact will be an attempt to bring about a more rapid reduction of the Government’s overall debt level.

• Compliance and Sanction: Any attempt by member states to deviate from the medium term adjustment programme as agreed in advance between the European Commission and the member state will trigger an automatic correction to the budget plan. A government’s capacity to determine its own changes to taxes and spending plans will be severely limited. Exceptional circumstances are provided for, but the actual definition is not entirely clear.

• Conditions attached: The EU’s new permanent bail out facility, the European Stability Mechanism, will be established in July 2012. Access to assistance from this fund will be conditional on approving the new Fiscal Compact Treaty. This is stated in the preamble to the Treaty.

• Ratification: In contrast to other treaties that depended on the unanimous support of all member states, the new treaty only requires the ratification by 12 member states for it to come into force. Unlike other occasions, Ireland does not have a veto over the introduction of this treaty. In all, the leaders of 25 member states have signed up the draft treaty, with the UK and the Czech Republic opting out.

• Signing into law: The failure to set down, in full, the provisions of the Treaty in the Member state’s constitution or in legislation could mean a member state will be brought before the EU Court of Justice and a penalty will apply. 14 Liberty APRIL 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty

The Government has scheduled Thursday, 31st May, as the date for a referendum on the “Fiscal Compact Treaty”. This paper offers an analysis of the proposed Treaty and the issues that arise from a trade union perspective. The purpose is to examine the likely effects, implications and alternative options facing workers in Ireland.

BACKGROUND which is underwriting the bills and tially. Aggregate demand has declined in how will the recovery come about? One- which underwent a severe virtually every Eurozone country. sided austerity won’t work. The only “adjustment” a decade ago. route to sustainability is through job cre- he Referendum on the pro- ation and the stimulation of aggregate posed Treaty on Stability, Co- It entails an internal devaluation; a one- demand, through investment. The effect ordination and Governance in sided austerity approach. The German A SYNCHRONISED of the contraction could be alleviated by the Economic and Monetary perception of their own experience in the parallel measures such as debt sharing Union known as the “Fiscal two decades post re-unification may well FISCAL CONTRACTION (Eurobonds) and/or massive structural T Compact Treaty” arises in the colour the view on what needs to be funds to stimulate growth in the stressed context of the most serious crisis in the done. However, the macroeconomic con- countries. However, there is no sign of Capitalist System since the Great ditions were very different then from The policy underpinning the Treaty will not either. Depression of the 1930s. The crisis those which apply in Europe today. While solve the problems of Ireland or of came about as a result of the dismantle- the country never actually dipped into Europe. In 2012, the European The mandate of the European Central ment of the global financial regulation recession, the post reunification bill dur- Commission expects that 20 out of the 27 Bank (ECB) should be expanded to inter- infrastructure in the interests of people at ing the 1990’s imposed huge costs on EU member states will be in breach of the vene directly in the bond markets and to the top of the financial services industry. the German public finances. The 3% deficit target (see figure 1). Thus they pursue growth promoting policies. Recklessly unsustainable lending left Government response was to effect an will be under the “excessive deficit proce- However, the only initiative of significance banks across the developed world com- “adjustment” through cutting unemploy- dure” requiring them to reduce public thus far has been the provision of €1.06 pletely over-exposed when the music ment benefits and diminishing workers’ expenditure and increase taxation sharply. trillion by the ECB, through its longer-term stopped. The consequences have been rights. Their response floated on the back A synchronised, fiscal contraction across refinancing operation (LTRO). This has particularly acute in Europe. Major banks of the dot-com recovery globally, export- the European Union can only have the been made available to the European across the Continent are carrying trillions ing to buoyant neighbouring economies. effect of depressing domestic and internal banks at a rate of 1% interest over 3 of euro of public and private debt on their balance sheets. The irrational exuberance of the past has given way to fear and inertia among the moneylenders of the world. Figure 1 $ 5General Government 5 " Deficit - 2012 forecast Greece, Portugal and Ireland have found it impossible to borrow at sustainable rates, 4 resulting in the need for EU/ECB/IMF programme funding. Other countries such /!3 -! as Spain and Italy are precariously on the #! precipice. The crisis threatens domino &" defaults, the collapse of the banks, the break-up of the euro and the implosion of 2!

the global financial system. /+! 1!" 0 + " Germany, because of the size and / strength of its economy, is now at centre &! '(! ") stage. Together with France (jointly . accounting for 48% of Eurozone GDP) it , * +, !- is determining the direction of the policy &! '(! ") response. They are applying remedies % that reflect their interests, concerns and % ! the lived experience of their ruling elites. $ The “Fiscal Compact Treaty” mirrors a # ! !" similar measure to one which was enacted in Germany in 2009 providing for a new “budget rule.” OBJECTIVES OF 6 THE STRATEGY Source: EU DG Economic and Finance affairs, Ameco database The strategy underpinning the Treaty is designed to: (within Europe) export demand along with years. It was provided to avert a second • bring about an “adjustment” in Today things are very different. US living standards. credit crunch. Banks could avail of the costs in the indebted countries in domestic economic activity appears to be liquidity provided at a rate of 1% to buy order to boost competitiveness, improving, but its recovery throughout The prescription is to redistribute income Government bonds at 5 to 6% returns. (principally through cutting 2012 and 2013 will remain constrained from Labour to Capital in order to bolster This would simultaneously calm the bond welfare and public services, by a fragile housing market, with negative international competitiveness, shore up markets enabling countries to borrow, driving down the price of labour equity weighing heavily on households profitability, encourage investment and while alleviating the pressure on the bank and curtailing people’s rights at alongside significant uncertainty for the ultimately create employment. balance sheets (through increasing the work) public finances after the Presidential value of existing bond holdings) and also • reassure the moneylenders of the election later this year. The Eurozone is However, if economic activity is stagnat- provide a guaranteed margin of return. world that they will get their about to slip back into recession. Latest ing across almost all Eurozone member This did happen, at least initially. It was money back; projections envisage lower global growth states and US growth is insufficient to hoped the initiative would buy some • placate public opinion in Germany rates. Unemployment is rising exponen- shore up export demand from the EU, respite from the funding crisis for two to Liberty 15 Fiscal Compact Treaty APRIL 2012

three years. Clearly the strategy is to keep • The exclusion of Countries that do the system afloat while the “adjustment” is not ratify the Treaty from access to effected (principally at the expense of work- the European Stability Mechanism Figure 2 ing people). However, the wheels may be (ESM). coming off it already. Take Spain for example. The Spanish people recently elected a government of impeccably right-wing cre- (Economists do not actually agree on the dentials with an overwhelming majority. way to calculate structural deficits. Indeed, Government Debt to GDP Ratio It went on to announce the most severe some contend that ongoing compliance austerity budget since the demise of the with the 0.5% limit in a low growth econo- Franco dictatorship. All seemed to be going my would result in debt levels well below according to plan. However, the money the 60% target.) lenders don’t appear to be buying it. They

want to know where the growth is going to come from to repay them. They know one sided austerity won’t work. ONE SIDED AUSTERITY IS THE WORST CENTRE RIGHT PARTIES POSSIBLE RESPONSE NOW DOMINANT In the longer term (if it lasts), the IN EUROPE “Compact” will impede countries from supporting their economies during downturns.

The current approach is driven by the However, the most immediate effect of the Centre-Right Parties now dominant in strategy underpinning it is a dramatic Europe. It reflects the interests of those at reduction in public spending and increases the top of the banking and financial sys- in taxation across the continent in face of Source: Dept of Finance Budget documents and Medium Term fiscal statement 2011 tems, who ironically caused the crisis in the severe recession. A more rational approach first place. would entail a less severe “debt brake” balanced by other measures to share the This is a long way from the outlook of the burden and stimulate growth. However, great French socialists, Francois Mitterrand this is not on offer! One-sided austerity is Figure 3 and Jacques Delors, who championed the the worst possible response. concept of Social Europe in the run up to the Maastricht Treaty of 1992. Indeed, ECB So this is not the correct course for Europe. President, Mario Draghi has stated in an It is both unfair and infeasible. General Government Debt 2012 (forecast) interview with the Wall Street Journal1 that “Europe’s vaunted social model – which places a premium on job security and gen- erous safety nets – is already gone.” WHAT THEN FOR The proponents of the Treaty contend that it IRELAND? is an essential prerequisite for German support for further measures to assist. This may be so, but there is little evidence of Here there is a further complication. We are any. Indeed, the current German Finance afflicted by a debt level which is expected to Minister Herr Schauble has argued that dis- peak at 119%/GDP in 2013, second only to tressed countries would not carry out the Greece. See Figures 2 and 3. “adjustment” if such were to be provided.

In any event the proposition, as it stands, This is the result of the socialisation of the entails a one-sided austerity agenda only. recklessly incurred private debts of our banks by the last Government. Ironically, It is also asserted that the Treaty is merely even if the Treaty had been in place during the reaffirmation of measures already in the boom years, it would not have prevent- existence such as the Stability and Growth ed the mess created by the banks. Pact which is enshrined in the 1992 Maastricht Protocol. This obliged countries Moreover, our banks (now predominantly to observe fiscal limits of a max 3% deficit publicly owned) continue to rely on billions of Source: EU DG Economic and Finance Affairs, Ameco database and a 60% debt/GDP ratio. Euro from the ECB to stay in business. Since the end of 2010 our Government has been This is true to a considerable degree. unable to borrow the money required at sus- However, it differs in a number of important tainable levels to run the country and service respects: debt. We are currently funded by the EU/ECB/IMF Troika through a programme • the requirement to incorporate it which can extend to the end of 2013. into primary national legislation (i.e. Constitutional level or equivalent); The current European funding mecha- • the focus on a structural deficit of nisms; the European Financial Stability 0.5% of GDP (as distinct from an Facility and the European Financial overall general government deficit Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSF and EFSM) of 3%); are due to expire in 2013. They will be • the requirement for countries with replaced by a new vehicle called the ESM. debt levels in excess of 60% of GDP The sting in the tail is that countries that to reduce them to that level by have not ratified the “Fiscal Compact annual increments of 1/20th, Treaty” by 1st January 2013 will not have (although this is also enshrined in access to it. the recently adopted ‘Six Pack’); In January 2014, about €8bn of national

1Wall Street Journal, 24th February, 2012 16 Liberty APRIL 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty

debt falls due. We will have to borrow to German establishment and that of other loan facilities. In particular, the “flexible roll it over. Will the moneylenders provide treble ‘A’ rated countries. They are credit line” has been identified as a possi- MEDIUM TO LONG it, knowing that we will not have access to opposed to any system of financial assis- ble alternative. This in effect is an over- the ESM if we are not able to pay them tance for the stressed countries whatso- draft facility. No conditions are attached TERM IMPLICATIONS back? If they don’t we may have to ever. We should be careful what we wish when using it and there is no cap on the default which could become a one-way for. credit allowed. However, there are very Even if we ratify it the Treaty will not affect ticket to the Stone Age. stringent pre-conditions relating to eligi- us directly until 2015 because we are in Similarly, we cannot be so sure that those bility for funding. It is necessary to have an EU/ECB/IMF Programme anyhow. at the top of the European institutions a capital account position dominated by However, before 2015, compliance with would not allow us to default. They were private flows, sound public finances, the Treaty by other EU member states ready to let Greece go over the edge in including a sustainable public debt posi- may well affect us indirectly because a ALTERNATIVES February, ultimately forcing them to tion and no bank solvency problems that co-ordinated contraction in Europe could accept barbaric austerity. Indeed, they pose systemic threats to banking system damage exports and tourism. People opposing the Treaty argue other- floated the prospect of an “escrow stability. On each of these criteria, Ireland wise. They make a number of points account” from which external liabilities fails to meet the requirements. After 2015, it is not very clear at this point including the following: would be discharged while Greece itself Consequently, it is clear that Ireland would in time what the exact impact of the vari- would be fed to the wolves. not qualify unless very significant action ous fiscal rules will be on the Irish public • that the changes to the Treaty on the was taken to write down our debt. finances and which ones will directly Functioning of the EU, which makes The fly in the ointment of these strategies apply. Should Ireland meet the 3% gener- way for the establishment of a is that those at the top of the European al government deficit target by 2015 permanent bailout mechanism has system have more to lose by capitulating (which will not happen in the absence of not yet been ratified and by to them than by standing firm. Conceding significant growth), Ireland will exit the threatening to veto it we could get to us would undermine the credibility of DEFAULT? excessive deficit procedure. However, we better terms of access to the ESM; the whole “Fiscal Compact” edifice in the will still have a debt to GDP ratio in excess • that even if we find ourselves unable eyes of the money lenders of the world. Then there is the option of default itself. of 60%. As a result, the country would to borrow in 2014, the European Moreover all the stressed countries would In 2014 we are projected to have a pri- become subject to the debt reduction rule Council will not allow us to default be queuing up for similar arrangements. mary surplus. Revenue will exceed the set down in the EU Six Pack and Ireland anyhow because of the danger of Admittedly, it could work but it is unlikely cost of running the country before debt will have a three year transition period domino repercussions across the and therefore it is like playing Russian servicing is taken into account. until 2018 to commence reducing the Eurozone; roulette with potentially awesome conse- Theoretically, we could default on our national debt by an annual average of • that we could borrow from the IMF if quences. external and official creditor debt and still 1/20th per year. all else fails. get by, but a major flight of capital out of the country could follow. Before then it is expected that our own fis- None of these contentions should be dis- Arguments have been made by those We are one of the most open economies cal rules which will be published this June in the Fiscal Responsibility Bill (a requirement of the Troika agreement) will apply Debt servicing as share of GDP 1998-2015 (forecast) post 2015. The exact nature of these Figure 4 rules and how they will interact with the structural deficit rule and the debt reduction rule are not entirely clear. Either way, Ireland is facing into a long period of tough budgets. In the longer term, if it survives in its present form the Treaty will have big implications, especially as our National Debt currently stands among the highest in the Eurozone, at 115% of GDP. It also provides for a high level of scrutiny of our compliance with the Compact by the EU Commission and by other member states.

The difficulty in observing a structural deficit limit of 0.5% in a country carrying our level of National Debt cannot be over- stated. As long as the rate of debt servicing payments (See Figure 4) exceeds that of economic growth the General Government Debt will keep increasing and the structural deficit will pop up each following year. Indeed it may well be a near impossible task. That being said, it is not a choice between Source: Dept of Finance Budget documents and Medium Term fiscal statement 2011 an idyllically prosperous utopia outside the Treaty and brutal austerity inside. The fact of the matter is that we are going to missed. They are at least as valid as the opposed to the Treaty that there are viable in the world. We cannot anticipate the have to run primary surpluses for several assertion that a recovery can be engi- alternative options which could be made implications. Thousands of jobs in our years in order to bring down the ratio of neered through forcing 20 countries in an available from the IMF, when the current financial services industry could evapo- debt to GDP in any event. Otherwise we economic union to cut spending and flow of funding from the Troika ends in rate. Foreign direct investment could dry will not be able to borrow at sustainable increase taxation simultaneously during a 2013. The IMF has five distinct pro- up. How long would the global manufac- rates. recession. grammes for the granting of loans or turing companies continue to locate here? overdraft facilities to debtor countries. Again it could work but the fact is we It is not as though we can leverage a bet- However, we cannot see the sense of Ireland currently depends on an “extend- don’t know what would happen and there- ter deal by voting ‘No’ either. This is not vetoing the changes to the Treaty on the ed fund facility”. This vehicle is specifi- fore it’s not a place to go unless there is an EU Treaty. We cannot veto it. It is a Functioning of the EU which establishes a cally intended for countries which require no alternative. multilateral Treaty that requires the fund upon which we ourselves may need longer periods to pay back the debt. The approval of only 12 countries to proceed, to rely. Moreover, it would play into the argument goes that post 2013, Ireland so it will go ahead without us. hands of hard line elements in the should be able to make use of other IMF Liberty 17 Fiscal Compact Treaty APRIL 2012

The proponents of the Treaty argue that it is critical that we adopt it and continue on ' +'-" 1Unemployment rate across EU 27 February, 2012 the same path as the majority of EU gov- Figure 5 # ernments. They contend that remaining “integrated” in Europe is key to our econ- / omy. This is because so many enterpris- * es are located here due to our being per- ) ceived as a core Eurozone country. They #) & warn of uncertain outcomes in respect of ! future foreign direct investment, retention + of global companies, market perception, 0 etc. They are correct in this respect. + ,- . / +',- . We are often advised of the importance " of being with all the others on that train which is departing on 1st January 2013 * (the date on which the Treaty becomes #) ' ( effective or before then if 12 or more % & participating countries ratify it). However, #$ one wonders if this should still apply even " if the train is heading over a cliff? ! EXCLUSION FROM ACCESS TO ESM 2 FUNDING Source: eurostat The really difficult issue is the exclusion less, (if the current outlook still prevails in stagnant. Unless domestic demand is the domestic economy through an infra- from access to ESM funding if we do not Europe). They will insist on further tight- stimulated we will see neither jobs nor structure fund along with the NPRF ratify the Treaty. The Government believes ening the austerity screw. This will entail growth of any significance and we won’t money in return for exemption from the that reassuring the money lenders that a further savage attack on wages and the be able to borrow anyhow. levy. Additional money could be lever- they will be bailed out if we cannot repay divestment of remaining state assets that aged from the European Investment Bank them is key to getting back to the mar- are critical to growth as well as ongoing Gross fixed capital formation has con- (EIB). kets. Otherwise, it will be like trying to retrenchment on public provision. tracted by 67% from €48.5bn down to get a mortgage without insurance. This €16bn (at current market prices) A fund of upwards of €10bn could be makes sense as far as it goes. between 2007 and 2011, with an even developed over three years, investing larger collapse in building and construc- €3bn per year. (The Nevin Economic However, it will take more than that to GROWTH IS KEY tion activity. The private sector has Research Institute (NERI) believes it convince the money lenders of the world retreated from the scene. There will be could be extended to €15bn over five to fund us. They will focus on our debt Therefore, the key to the future is a cred- no significant growth without investment. years.) servicing requirement over the medium ible strategy for growth. That means term, (See Figure 4) our zombie banks addressing the issue of consumption and The Government cannot directly fund a The concept has not been rejected by the and our unemployment rate running at domestic demand (which has collapsed stimulus because the Troika Agreement Government. (Indeed, we believe a num- 14% plus. (See Figure 5). here to an unparalleled degree). restricts public spending. However there ber of ministers agree with it.) However are other ways of doing it. The trade time is passing and nothing tangible has If we are unable to borrow at sustainable Exports are critically important and they union movement has developed a pro- happened. We are unclear as to whether rates we will be faced with another are performing well but they will not posal with the potential to create tens of this is due to official inertia or non-coop- “bailout” even if we ratify the Treaty. This address the jobs deficit. The real prob- thousands of jobs. This involves a com- eration from the Pensions Industry (as may be better than running the gauntlet of lem is that our domestic economy is bination of use of the National Pensions distinct from the Pensions Funds) or oth- default but it will be horrendous nonethe- Reserve Fund (NPRF), money incen- erwise. It may also be that some ele- tivised from the private pension schemes ments of officialdom still believe that pay EUROPE’S SHRUNKEN ECONOMIES: % CHANGE Figure through exemptions from the Pensions costs across the economy should be FROM FIRST QUARTER 2008 TO FOURTH Levy, and resources leveraged from the allowed to fall further before any initiative 6 QUARTER 2011 European Investment Bank (EIB). is taken. However, even those who believe in such stuff, will acknowledge There is still about €5bn remaining in the that “Ireland is now competitive” e.g. GDP Domestic demand NPRF. Already the investment mandate of Goldman Sachs (See“ Achieving Fiscal the NPRF has been changed under the and External Balance”, March 15th and Germany 0.5 2.1 previous Government to accommodate 22nd). Domestic demand here fell by an Austria 0.01 2.2 5% investment of the fund’s resources unprecedented 24.2% between the first into infrastructural activities in Ireland. quarter of 2008 and the fourth quarter of France -0.3 -0.2 The Government could direct the NPRF to 2011 – well in excess of any other EU Netherlands -2 -2.3 step up this domestic investment and, country (See Figure 6). Euro area -2.1 -2.6 where appropriate, co-funding from the Finland -2.3 3.8 private sector would need to be sought in Employment from peak to trough here Portugal* -3.7 -7.5 order to ensure that such investment has fallen by more than any other indus- Spain -3.9 -11.6 remains “off balance sheet”, to meet trialised country since the Great UK -4 -6.5 Eurostat criteria. The private pension Depression. Moreover, Irish cost com- Italy -5.2 -4.8 funds currently carry more than €70bn of petitiveness in terms of unit labour costs Estonia -7.4 -15.8 assets on their balance sheets. They across all sectors of the economy and Ireland* -9.6 -24.2 have been levied at the rate of 0.6% per measured relative to our main trading annum over a four year period – totalling partners improved by 19% between Q.2 *Most recent data to third quarter 2011 2.4%. A system could be devised to 2008 and Q.1 2011 (Source, Central incentivise each fund to invest 5%-7% of Bank, 2012). (See Figure 7). its assets in job-generating enterprises in Source: eurostat 18 Liberty APRIL 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty " ' () %Change in real unit labour costs across (**+,(*-(EU 27 and other industrialised countries 2009-2012

% & #$" Figure 7 !" Source: EU DG ECONOMIC and Finance affairs, Ameco database A DOMESTIC STIMULUS

The initiative could provide the domestic stim- It would enhance the productivity of our econ- It would offer the prospect of a future free of altogether. In this regard, the wording of the ref- ulus that is absent at European level. It would omy as well as facilitating skills retention and the brutal strictures of another “bailout” or erendum proposal would merely enable the alleviate the misery of unemployment and development. Moreover, it would help stimu- alternatively running the gauntlet on default. Oireachtas to ratify the Treaty (See page 13). offer some hope. According to the late demand and place us on a growth trajec- Construction Industry Council each €1bn tory. Along with the reassurance of access to We could possibly ratify the Treaty and work It does not seek to enshrine it in the invested in infrastructure would generate ESM funding it would help improve our credit along with other countries to try to change it Constitution, lock, stock and barrel. This is 10,000 jobs. Over time, it would be self- rating. It would provide us with a fighting from within. One thing is sure – change it will, important in that we would not be left stuck financing, (vis a vis the cost offset of the pen- chance of being able to borrow at sustainable because one-sided austerity will not work. By with a rigid inflexible formula in perpetuity and sion fund levy) reducing the budget for social rates to fund the needs of our people again. the time it affects us directly, the Treaty and the it at least offers the hope of changing direction transfers and increasing tax revenue. strategy underpinning it, will have caused so under improved political conditions in the much turmoil in Europe that it will have been off- future. CONCLUSION set by other measures, amended or abandoned

Accordingly, if the Government commits to proceed with a stimulus initiative along the lines outlined above, in addition to the projected capital spend, on a sufficient scale to create tens of thousands of jobs, we will recommend in favour of the proposition being put in the Referendum on 31st May next – but only if they do so. Otherwise we are unable to endorse it, as apart from the inherent unfairness of the strategy underpinning it, one-sided austerity will not succeed in any event.

package of legislative meas- ject to a debt reduction rule if the rate (REFER); share of world exports; are not examined under this process ures, known as the ‘Six ratio exceeds 60% of GDP. This house price developments; private sec- because they are already subject to Pack’, adjusting the Stability implies an annual reduction of 1/20th tor credit flows; private sector debt; extensive obligations. and Growth Pact and intro- (on average over three years), after a general government debt; unemploy- ducing additional monitor- transitional period of three years ment rates and nominal unit labour Member States must adopt legislation ing requirements, came into which commences when the 3% deficit costs. Eurostat defines the latter as at national level to facilitate multi- A force across European threshold is achieved. A fine of 0.5% of comparing employee remuneration annual fiscal planning and the imple- Union in December 2011. Euro Area GDP may become payable by Euro and productivity (GDP per person mentation of deficit and debt rules, as members in breach of the 3% deficit Zone countries that, for a lengthy peri- employed, including self-employed), signalled in the forthcoming Fiscal rule may ultimately face sanction of od, neglect to tackle debt. as expressed in the percentage change Responsibility Bill. ‘Six Pack’ up to 0.2% of GDP for not taking steps over three years. It is a matter of con- to ameliorate the public finances posi- Moreover, a new ‘Excessive Imbalances cern that this measure could be used The Fiscal Compact Treaty incorpo- tion, unless a majority on the Council Procedure’ (EIP) is provided for to crudely as an instrument to exert rates the debt reduction rule that is oppose (“reverse qualified majority anticipate the emergence of unsustain- downward pressure on wages. currently contained within the ‘Six voting”). The new ‘expenditure rule’ able macro-economic imbalances. Member States are required to submit Pack’. The European Commission has means a country’s rate of public Surveillance is undertaken based on a an action plan and progress reports to proposed a further two regulations for expenditure must not exceed its medi- scoreboard of indicators which may the Commission to address macro-eco- Member States in the Euro Zone, um-term growth rate, unless financed trigger an alert, prompting the nomic/competitive imbalances if iden- allowing for greater oversight of budg- through taxation/revenue-raising. The European Commission to carry out an tified. Under reverse majority voting, etary plans and strengthening surveil- Commission can prompt changes in in-depth study of the problem. Ten Euro Area countries can eventually lance mechanisms for countries in national budgets to ensure adherence indicators are to be evaluated: current incur for a fine of 0.1% of GDP for fail- financial distress. to deficit reduction targets. account balance; net international ing to take corrective action. Furthermore, Member States are sub- investment; real effective exchange Programme countries, such as Ireland, Liberty 19 Liberty View APRIL 2012 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President Fiscal Compact Treaty- the issues at a glance

The proper title of the Treaty is the The outcome is that 22 out of the 25 get money is through EU/ECB/IMF Treaty on Stability, Coordination and member states participating in the troika for the moment. We must com- Governance in the Economic and Treaty must get their finances back ply with a very strict austerity pro- Monetary Union. It involves 25 of within these limits by a combination gramme to continue to receive it any- the 27 EU countries. of cutting spending and increasing how. taxes. The problem is that as they all In Ireland, a referendum is required do it simultaneously, it reduces Some of those opposed to the Treaty to ratify it. In the other countries it demand making the problem worse. argue that when it comes to the merely requires a vote in their nation- This could be offset by a major invest- crunch, the people at the top of the al parliaments. It has come about ment plan for jobs and growth. EU system will not let us go to the because several countries including However, there is no sign of it at wall even if we don’t have access to Ireland have been experiencing diffi- present at EU level. the ESM. We are not so sure. They culty, borrowing the money they need were prepared to send Greece back to to pay for services, debts etc. This is Consequently there will be continu- the stone-age last February. because the people at the top of the ing downward pressure on wages, banks and the financial system were workers’ rights and social benefits The National Executive Council (NEC) allowed to run riot during the boom and public services. of SIPTU considered the whole matter years, running up unsustainable on Thursday 19th April. It was decid- debts. The money lenders of the Therefore on the face of it, it would ed that in the absence of a stimulus world are now fearful that they may seem logical to vote no. However, plan for growth at EU level the Treaty not get their money back because of countries that do not ratify the treaty provisions would mean misery for the risk of defaults. Therefore they will not have access to a special fund working people. However, we had are reluctant to lend to highly indebt- that has been set up in the EU called already put forward our own plan last ed countries. the European Stability Mechanism September. This envisaged using Irish (ESM). This means that they might pension funds to create thousands of Already Eurozone countries are sub- not be able to pay off their debts or jobs in this country. ject to a 3% deficit target rule and the provide the services that their popula- 60% debt target rule as contained tions need. This could result in a very Accordingly, the NEC decided that if within the Stability and Growth Pact. scary scenario indeed. the Government implemented such a Ireland’s current adjustment pro- plan or an alternative, we would be gramme aims to bring our general The treaty will not affect us directly prepared to recommend in favour of government deficit down to the 3% until 2015 at the earliest. Indeed it the referendum proposal. Otherwise, target. This current treaty raises the might not affect us until 2018 or later. we cannot endorse it. bar further. This is because the only place we can

1) Who was recently elected chairperson of the Labour Party? 2) What year was John Arden’s play the ‘Non-Stop Connolly Show’ staged in Liberty Hall? Liberty Quiz 3) Tom Healy is the director of a new all-island research body, what is its name? 4) In which county is the Irish Workhouse Centre? *Answer the six questions correctly 5) Who directed the docudrama The Enigma of Frank Ryan? and you can win a weekend away for 6) Meath man Jim Connell wrote which famous song? two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Last month’s winner was: Fiachra Trench, Musicians Union of Ireland

*Terms and conditions apply. 20 Liberty APRIL 2012 Community ‘Government might just listen’

A HIGHLY-REGARDED community up a course like ours. There are employment scheme in Lower going to be no opportunities for Ballyfermot in Dublin is seeking Centre seeks interim CE funding them.” interim funding from the The Markievicz Centre has come Department of Social Protection to a long way from its humble origins continue its work. as a neighbourhood watch group in The Markievicz Centre currently 1990. Local community activists provides FETAC level 5 and 6 train- developed this into a tenants’ asso- ing in childcare and interim fund- ciation and from there into a local ing will enable 29 participants to community association. continue with their course while Today it is well established at the the department carries out a heart of the local community pro- national review of all Community viding a wide range of education, Employment schemes. advice and support services to local Centre manager Theresa people alongside a community McGouran said: “Training has been crèche. brought to a standstill because of While Theresa is worried about the cut to the materials and train- the future, describing the current ing grant. situation as “just living from day to “There is still huge uncertainty day wondering if we’re going to be because of the review but if we can cut further”, it is clear that the secure interim funding we can con- staff and participants will do all in Markiewicz Centre Manager Theresa McGouran and current participants on the CE course. tinue to provide training over the their power to ensure it has a next three months.” While taking pride in this fact, taking up a placement on the CE fully-trained carer. future. At the time to going to press, Theresa is also keen to stress the scheme. But Theresa McGouran warns Theresa added: “There’s power Theresa was still awaiting a deci- importance of the personal devel- Michelle Carrig described how that these are opportunities that in numbers so it’s up to all of us sion on the application. opment of those taking the course. she originally left school at 15 and may not be available to lone par- working in Community The Centre has an unrivalled She said: “An emphasis on self- spent 11 years at home before tak- ents in the future. Employment to raise our voices reputation for excellence within development is a crucial part of the ing up this course. She said: “The new rules on sin- and work together to fight for our the childcare sector and has work we do here. Getting a job is She told Liberty: “My whole life gle payments for lone parents and future. already helped more than 250 peo- important but there’s much more has changed as a result of the the disabled are going to be a big “If people understand the full ple into employment over the last to the work we do here.” opportunities I have had here.” barrier to future participation from value of the work we do, and the 10 years. This point is echoed by the par- Michelle is currently completing these groups. difference it makes to communi- It has a success rate of close to ticipants themselves who talk pas- a FETAC course in Caring for Carers “When you think of the costs of ties, then the Government might 100% when it comes to course par- sionately about the changes in which is likely to offer her good childcare, lone parents are going to just listen.” ticipants finding work. their outlook and confidence since prospects for employment as a be effectively barred from taking Activists push for ‘social clause’ for NI voluntary sector A SIPTU delegation is to meet ering services in this sector. average about 43% of their run- leagues in the public sector. with the Stormont Assembly’s “A ‘minimum standards’ or ning costs from the state, they Catherine Pollock, who will Social Development Committee ‘threshold of decency’ social generate £4 for the local economy represent SIPTU at next month’s on 26th May as part of the clause could resolve many of the for every £1 of state funding. meeting, said: “If we accept that Communities Uniting campaign difficult issues faced by commu- Workers in the sector have lit- these workers are providing serv- to have a “threshold of decency” nity sector organisations and the tle or no job security and rates of ices for the state, then we as citi- Picture: DUP Photos clause applied to state funding workers within them.” pay and conditions of employ- zens have an obligation to ensure for the community and voluntary The Social Development ment vary widely. the people providing these servic- sector. Committee which advises Social Due to funding gaps, they are es are treated in a reasonable The union has also welcomed a Development Minister Nelson often required to go for frequent manner. commitment in the Programme McCausland plays a key role in and extended periods without “We do this for public sector for Government to insert a social developing legislation. pay. This is further compounded workers yet the same provision clause into public procurement The variety of services provided for those organisations that for community sector workers is contracts. by community and voluntary receive multi-stream funding. not yet available.” Speaking ahead of the meeting, groups is extensive – from sport- Around 3,000 workers in the Organiser, Martin O’Rourke, community activist Sean ing groups to meals on wheels, sector have lost their jobs in the from SIPTU, added: “We believe McMonagle said: “The Executive health services, peace building, last two years, with the remain- that minimum standards on pay should be applauded for this pos- information centres, and child- ing 27,000 attempting to fill the and conditions should be agreed itive step, but we believe a ‘com- care services to environmental void at a time of increasing between all the stakeholders in a Meeting: Minister, Nelson McCausland munity and voluntary sector activities and residents’ associa- demand for their services. tripartite forum – the funders, these conditions of employment social clause’ should also be tions. Community workers provide the employer organisations and on a periodic basis, and in addi- included. This should stipulate The sector also plays a vital vital state-funded services to the trade unions representing work- tion seek a resolution to issues minimum employment standards economic role. While community most disadvantaged yet are treat- ers in the sector. arising within the sector.“ to be applied to any worker deliv- and voluntary groups receive on ed less favourably than their col- “Such a forum could review

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&NBJMNJTD!TJQUVJFtXXXTJQUVJF Liberty 21 Health Workers Campaign APRIL 2012 Myth-busting campaign on health set to launch IPTU’s Health Division kicked off its ‘Better Health Front line views Care, Better Jobs’ national Mary Caffrey, home help, discussion with a rally in Kingscourt, county Cavan SCavan town in early April. According to Health Division “I CAME here tonight because I Organiser Paul Bell, a significant feel that home helps are being number of SIPTU members signed done a great injustice. Our pledges at the rally on Wednesday, work is being outsourced to 4th April to become more involved contract carers and our hours in protecting jobs and services in are being cut. the sector. At the moment I’m getting 10 hours a week He told Liberty: “Our members where I was getting 39 hours. When a patient are acutely aware of the outsourc- dies we are not being given new work. Any ing threat. They expect the union new work that’s coming into the community is to forge a strategy with their input being given to contract carers so our work is and that is what we intend to do, really going downhill. having identified the key chal- The patients themselves are being cut in the lenges for the health service in a things provided to them. We’re told that a pad year that will see the HSE frag- now has to do a patient a full day. Even if it’s mented into seven new direc- damp we have to put it back on them. torates by mid-summer.” Unless it’s soaking wet and soiled we’re told The union will engage with not to change it. I cannot do that. members at 16 locations through- I cannot put on a damp pad on a patient at out the country with the campaign lunchtime when she might have to sit in it launching offically at the end of until ten o’clock at night until I go back. I June. can’t do it. It will help alert the public to I’m hoping that this campaign will help us to the demonisation of health sector hold on to our jobs, that we will get the securi- workers and the destruction of ty that we need within our jobs, and that we decent pay and working conditions will be able to continue with care for elderly in as well as the sell-off of services to the community.” for-profit organisations. Paul Bell said: “Our members are Seamus Quinn, craft and fed up feeling that they almost maintenance worker, Cavan have to apologise for working in Health care workers gather in Cavan town on Wednesday, 4th April for the first ‘Better Health Care, Better Jobs’ rally General Hospital the public service and in the serv- “WAGES are being cut, people cuts are having on staff numbers, “We are determined to dispel ice of the public and for the com- are afraid of their pensions and ‘We’ll rely compounded by €1.6bn in spend- the services have diminished munities in which they live.” this myth and that is why our dis- ing cuts over four years as well as He added that the campaign on real facts enormously especially for older would also underline how the the hundreds of millions doled out cussion and campaign will rely on people due to the lack of enough about our to for-profit organisations. staff to actually care for them. Croke Park Agreement is the best the real facts about our members’ way of delivering “tangible members’ Paul Bell said: “Our members are As people are retiring they’re not being reforms” as well as ensuring “a challenging the constant propagan- wages, conditions and pensions. replaced. It puts more pressure on people. conditions, da issued against them in the We need a campaign that will get us back on platform of decency” for service The campaign will also emphasise users and health services workers pay and media, which claims that high track to get better care, better jobs and protec- alike. So far, the national discus- pensions’ wages and lucrative pension pots health workers’ pride and commit- tions for workers. Whether it takes the bus to sion has highlighted the impact are the order of the day for front- Dublin, to march on Leinster House and lobby our line health workers. ment in servicing communities.” TDs, we will fight the campaign that’s needed.”

LETTERKENNY: Mount Errigal Hotel, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, 23rd April, 8:00pm LIMERICK: South Court Hotel, Raheen Roundabout, Limerick, 25th April, 8:00pm TRALEE: The Brandon Hotel, Tralee, 26th April, 8:00pm WATERFORD: Granville Hotel, Meaghers Quay, Waterford, 3rd May, 6:30pm WEXFORD: Talbot Hotel, The Quay, Trinity Street, Wexford, 8th May, 5:30pm KILKENNY: Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny, 9th May, 7:30pm MULLINGAR: Bloomfield Hotel, Belvedere, Mullingar, 10th May, 8:00pm Health TULLAMORE: Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, 16th May, 8:00pm ATHY: Clanard Court Hotel, Dublin Road, Athy, 17th May, 8:00pm Campaign DUBLIN: Tallaght Hospital, 23rd May (9:00am – 3:00pm) CLONMEL: Park Hotel, Clonmel, 23rd May, 7:00pm rallies DUBLIN: The Auditorium (Theatre), Liberty Hall, 24th May, 2:30pm DROGHEDA: Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth, 31st May, 8:00pm 22 Liberty APRIL 2012 News Disability fears raised at Dáil meeting with TDs

Meeting: Deputies Spring and Keaveney A SIPTU delegation met with Minister for Social Protection Joan groups since the budget in a bid to entering government had been Labour Party TDs Arthur Burton had not been given the clarify matters. through cutting spending to tax Spring and Colm Keaveney chance to outline clearly the propos- Spring and Keaveney also offered increases on a ratio of 75 to 25. als to replace the current system. to arrange a meeting with the Because of Labour Party influence, and raised concerns over the This had resulted, they claimed, in Minister if the Focus Group needed this ratio now stood at 51 to 49 when party’s role in proposals to cut a “frenzied attack” on her in the further detail on the proposed capital spending was excluded from disability allowance outlined media and by opposition TDs. changes. the calculations. They also spoke of the difficulties in the last budget. They underlined to the delegation The SIPTU delegation expressed that there had been no intention to faced by the Labour Party because it Sector Organiser Andy McCarthy satisfaction with the meeting. leave families worse-off but only to formed a minority within the coali- and SIPTU activists Bill Blair and SIPTU Disability Champions can revise the way in which payments tion government. Paudie Power joined members of the be contacted at disabilitychampi- union’s Disability Focus Group for were made. The deputies pointed out that [email protected] or by calling Frank or the 14th March meeting at the Dáil. The deputies claimed that the Fine Gael’s initial objective in deal- The deputies said they felt party had met with many lobby ing with the economic crisis on Rhonda at 01 8586440.

SIPTU Waking up to MEMBERSHIP SERVICES pension reform

By Rachel Ryan

THE Government should post- their PRSI record – perhaps due to pone its plans to introduce a periods spent outside the workforce, new State pension age from for example, caring for children or 2014 on, an ICTU-organised elderly relatives – these changes will mean the amount they receive from pensions conference heard the State pension will be significant- earlier this month. ly less than they expected. Delegates at the Wake Up to State This issue was highlighted at the Pension Reform event on Thursday, conference with contributors calling 5th April also heard calls for a stake- for it be to immediately addressed by holders forum to be set up to address the Government. the looming pension crisis. Currently, the State pension There are currently two funda- (Transition) is payable at 65 years mental reforms for the State pension of age with the State pension being planned. (Contributory) becoming payable at 66. The first is a change to the Under the reforms, from 1st amount – or rate – of State pension January, 2014, there will no longer be that is payable depending on a per- any State pension payable from 65 son’s PRSI contributions. years of age. This comes into effect in The State pension age from September 2012 for new applicants. January 2014 will be 66 years of age, SUR E IN AN The second is a change to the age from January 2021 will be 67 and M C O E at which the State pension becomes H from January 2028 will be 68. payable from 1st January, 2014. The R These changes are likely to have E

P rate of State pension a person implications for a range of issues A

D E

E receives depends on their PRSI from equality to industrial relations. H H H H E

C C E record. T As workers “wake up” to state pen- N G U A R A To receive the maximum rate of sion reform, they may start to assess €230.30 a week, it is necessary for their own workplace retirement age, pensioners to have made a yearly how their occupational pension – if average of 48 PRSI contributions over they have one – may be affected. Call us now on 1890 300 745 to avail of this Special Offer their working life. Those with a year- If they do not have one, how they ly average of between 20 and 47 PRSI can have an income from the time contributions receive €5 less than they leave employment to the time this. the State pension becomes payable. However, under these reforms, TTee amr cns anoitidnod ylpps Equally as employers “wake up” those with a yearly average of 30 to they may wish to assess the needs of JLLTT I Bcnarusn Irekore Lnalers id m teti anidard s Jg LLTT I r e l dna 39 contributions will receive €23 less nal Bartnee Chy td betaluges ri betaluges td Chy Bartnee nal k Io dnalerf . their business and whether that will, than the maximum and those with a or will not, involve allowing workers yearly average of 20 to 29 contribu- to remain on in employment until tions will receive €34 less. they are able to draw down their Clearly for those with any gaps in State pension.

SIPTU MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Liberty 23 Fair Hotels APRIL 2012 Fair Hotels crucial in Dublin securing UNI Global event

By Scott Millar

HE SIPTU Fair Hotels the Fair Hotels Campaign. It campaign has played shows yet again that ethical con- a crucial role in sumers, particularly trade unionists, will use their purchasing T Dublin to beat off power to reward hotels that recog- competition from other inter- nise the right of workers to collec- national capitals to host a tive bargaining. major conference. “The labour movement in In June, Dublin’s Gresham Ireland has thrown its collective Hotel will host the Global weight behind the Fair Hotels Meeting of the UNI Global Property Services Division. UNI Global is an international “The labour federation of trade unions movement in which represents up to 20 mil- Ireland has thrown lion service sector workers. its collective weight Waking up to behind the Fair “We chose Dublin Hotels Campaign.” as the destination this year so that we pension reform Campaign. Congress and individ- could learn first ual affiliate unions are collaborat- hand about SIPTU’s ing closely with us to make sure that where there are unionised organising of hotel options that these are chosen property services over non-union hotels. workers in Ireland.” “The next stage of the campaign is to support our members working Dublin’s Gresham Hotel – a Fair Hotel – will be the venue for the next Global Meeting of the UNI Global Property Services Division in the Fair Hotels by convincing The conference will see more the labour movement internation- industries.” Manager, Jamie Phillips, said: than 80 delegates from as far afield ally to choose unionised hotels in Conference tourism is a high- “Hosting conferences is an essen- as the US, Australia and Brazil visit- Ireland as the venue for their meet- tial part of hotel business. Dublin ing the capital for three nights. ings and conferences.” Director of the Property Services in recent years has seen a develop- Conference tourism Fáilte Ireland research from 2009 Sector at UNI Global, Alice Dale, ment of this sector particularly shows that the international con- said: "We are delighted that our is a high-yield since the Convention Centre ference visitor is a big spender. The Global Meeting is taking place in a opened. sub-market of the typical conference delegate spends Fair Hotel. We want to support the “The Fair Hotels Campaign is cer- 876 during their stay on accom- campaign because it makes sense overall tourism tainly a factor that can help attract € modation, food, drink, transport that the labour movement uses its Alice Dale industry. business and it is an angle we will and shopping. purchasing power to win better be looking to develop in the Ethel Buckley added: “Along with labour standards for workers. “We want to meet and hear from yield sub-market of the overall future.” securing the jobs of our members “We chose Dublin as the destina- your leaders in the Fair Deal for tourism industry. SIPTU National Equality and in the Fair Hotels, international tion this year so that we could Cleaners Campaign and in the It is bucking the trend and is a Campaigns Organiser, Ethel conferences delegates bring a learn first hand about SIPTU’s security sector and understand market segment that is actually Buckley, said: “The decision by UNI much needed injection of cash to organising of property services their fight for Registered growing at present. Global to use a Fair Hotel for its the economy.” workers in Ireland. Employment Agreements for their Gresham Hotel Conference Sales Global Meeting is a great boost to

Make the right choice Thinking for you and your family - make the Union choice of holidaying of a Fair Hotel in Ireland? 24 Liberty APRIL 2012 Health Ways to combat heartburn are not hard to stomach.... EARTBURN is a symptom most people The lining of the stomach can become irritated Patients will often complain of a pain in their will have had at some stage in their causing inflammation (gastritis) or a break in the upper stomach which is often worse after eating. lives. It is typically described as a stomach lining can occur (ulcer). They may also complain of a constant empty burning pain behind the breast bone ache in their stomach and an over-full feeling MIND Hin the chest occurring when food and acid escape after eating along with increased belching and from the stomach and reflux up the tube leading nausea. from the mouth to the stomach (the oesopha- Gastritis and ulcers are more common in YOUR gus). smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers and in those It can occur intermittently following alcohol or taking certain painkillers (aspirin and neurofen rich and spicy food. However, some people can are examples). suffer from this daily. Commonly, a bacteria called Helicobacter HEALTH Causes include pregnancy and increased Pylori is found on endoscopy and this can be weight, both of which cause increased pressure treated with antibiotics and medications to By ILLONA DUFFY on the stomach especially on lying down. reduce acid production. Another cause is hiatus hernia when part of the stomach slides up into the chest through the You can protect yourself from heartburn, diaphragm. Heartburn can be treated by using gastritis, stomach ulcers and cancer by doing medications which reduce the amount of acid in the following: the stomach, coat the lining of the oesophagus or • Quit smoking, promote emptying of the stomach. • Watch your alcohol intake, Many people will buy non prescription medications to self treat the symptoms and these • Eat regularly and avoid long fasts, include Rennies, Gaviscon and others. • Limit your use of medications such as If you are using these medications regularly or neurofen and aspirin, and develop unexplained weight loss or difficulty • Avoid being overweight. swallowing you will need an endoscopy, where a camera is passed down the back of your throat Finally, if you have persistent heartburn, into your stomach. unexplained weight loss, black bowel motions The stomach is a sac where food initially gath- or difficulty swallowing, seek medical advice. ers after being ingested. Acid is produced in the stomach to start breaking down the food. Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation Effective OSH needed for ageing workforce

By Sylvester Cronin

THERE is a trend across the safety and health is taken care of to Liberty]. European Union to increase the offset the risk of work disability Workers’ ability to work to older retirement age of workers and and premature retirement from age is highly dependant on their extend their working lives. work. health, both mental and physical. Within the EU’s 27 member It is generally true In turn the states, the proportion of older that as we get older health of workers is set to increase signifi- we lose physical workers gen- cantly over the next few decades. capabilities – it is erally is a The working population aged generally accepted function of how well between 55 and 64 is expected to that our muscular Within the EU’s 27 their safety expand by around 10 million – or strength decreases member states, the and health more than 16% – by 2030. by about 1% to 2% a proportion of older was taken Proportion of older workers set to increase. Figures published by the Health year after 30. care of while and Safety Authority (HSA) last year However, the workers is set to at work. would be the construction sector From what we have seen over the show that the workers in the 55-64 report goes on to increase significantly There are where large numbers of workers recent past, the Commission, our age group had the lowest rate of claim “the majority some very retire from that industry before they Government and employers are work-related injuries and the sec- of older workers” over the next few good exam- reach normal retirement age. attempting to row back on advances ond lowest rate of work-related ill- can enjoy “good decades. ples of good If there is going to be an economic made in OSH legislation. ness for 2009. health and adequate employers imperative for extending the retire- This includes a reduction in doing the ment age for workers, then there will A recent report, Promoting Active physical capacity”. resources for the HSA and a cut in right thing. need to be a vast improvement in Ageing in the Workplace, published An excellent the number of inspectors leading to by the European Agency for example for us in However, occupational safety and health (OSH) there are for workers of all ages. a drop in the number of safety and Occupational Safety and Health SIPTU is that of our other employ- Governments and employers will health workplace inspections. (EU-OSHA) states that “long-term retired colleague Kevin McMahon ers who do not look after their have to accept the reality of what All of which will most probably health problems and chronic dis- who conquered Mount Aconcagua workers’ safety and health with needs to be done if workers’ working- lead to a deterioration in safety and eases increase with age”. in the Andes – one of the highest some employees having to retire lives are to be extended and, in the health standards and an increase in This has implications for older mountains in the world – in early due to work-related injuries, European context, this equally work-related accidents and illnesses workers in terms of ensuring their February [see March edition of diseases and illnesses. An example applies to the European Commission. in the workplace. Liberty 25 International APRIL 2012

Free Syrian Army members take time out from fighting to pray in a Damascus side street Picture: FreedomHouse; Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Is there a prayer for peace in a troubled Middle East?

IVIL war, controversial While politics heats up, labour Violence continues across the five permanent Security Council elections and looming disputes continue across Egypt. country, threatening to further members plus Germany, have conflict continue to mark At the beginning of April, the destabilise Lebanon, and leading to begun on a “positive note” in the political landscape of growing confidence within the clashes along the Turkish border. Istanbul, according to reports. Cthe Middle East as the seasonal newly-independent trade union A UN observer team arrived in Palestinian leader Mahmud temperature rises in the region. movement was shown during a Damascus on 16th April as violence Abbas has recently sent a letter to In Cairo, campaigning in the first very high profile 10 day public bus continued around the country. Prime Minister Netanyahu on the post revolution presidential elec- drivers’ strike in Cairo. The UN puts the death toll at “stalled peace talks”. The confiden- tions has become intense. The strike was victorious, more than 9,000 deaths since the tial letter apparently lays out the By David Lynch In Syria, a UN-sponsored cease- in Cairo despite attempts by the military civil war began last year between conditions for returning to direct fire was put under early pressure leadership to break it. forces looking to oust al-Assad and negotiations that ended in late when government forces attacked A driver’s bonus for end-of-serv- troops loyal to his regime. September 2010. the city of Homs with artillery by the Brotherhood, who already ice was increased to two months West of Syria in Israel the Next month marks 64 years of shells and mortars while anti-gov- have a working majority in parlia- for each year in service, whereas debates over whether that country statelessness for the Palestinian ernment militants continued ment and in the important consti- workers who have been working will attack Iran continues openly in people. Most observers hold out attacks, according to media reports. tutional assembly. for 36 years will now receive 72 media and political circles. little hope that any resumed talks In Egypt, the controversial deci- Many worry that the democratic months worth of bonuses, accord- The Benjamin Netanyahu-led under present circumstances sion by the Muslim Brotherhood to Arab Spring is becoming a narrow ing to Al-Ahram newspaper. government alleges that Iran is would bring the creation of an stand a candidate, despite earlier Islamist moment in Egypt. While Egyptians get to choose developing a nuclear bomb and independent state any closer. assurances that it would not, has In contrast to the Islamists, the their new president at the end of this poses “an existential threat” to caused a crisis. revolutionaries and the broad polit- May, the current Syrian president the Israeli state. ical left have not rallied behind a David Lynch’s most recent book is A Some liberal and secular critics Bashar al-Assad, while politically However, negotiations on the Divided Paradise: An Irishman in the claim it’s all part of a power grab single candidate in the up-coming weakened, retains power. nuclear issue between Iran and the Holy Land (New Island). He blogs from election. Cairo at www.arabspringinmystep.com 26 Liberty APRIL 2012 Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Social Media do’s and dont’s By Tom O’Driscoll

GETTING caught reading a newspaper at work when one should be otherwise engaged would probably lead to no more than a rap on the knuckles, unless of course you were driving a bus at the time. Misusing social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook, on the other hand, could lead to disciplinary action, and even dismissal. In a recent study carried out by Peninsula, 67% of employees admitted to checking their social networking sites during work and 73% of Irish employees have admitted to bad mouthing their employers on social media. So how can it become a disciplinary issue?

What type of posting could get me into trouble? If the content contains a disclo- sure of confidential information, defamation and/or bullying and harassment of colleagues or others then you are on a sticky wick- et. In UD643/2007, an Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) case, a shop employee posted derogatory comments about her manager on Twitter ye not! Beware the perils of using social networking sites both in and outside of working hours Picture: Photocall Ireland the company’s Bebo site, without of management amounted to a reported with regard to derogato- ment to interests other than your in. The union shop steward naming the shop or the manager. breach of trust of such signifi- ry comments directed at fellow job. The most innocent of post- should have a copy of this. Be The employee was sacked and cance as to render her employ- employees. ings can get you into trouble. For careful with your general postings the Tribunal subsequently found ment untenable. example, the posting of photo- if you see yourself seeking promo- that the sanction was dispropor- The Tribunal found that there What is the advice on graphs of colleagues at Christmas tionate. The award was limited to was clear reputational damage to using social network such as parties or other social occasions tion or changing jobs at some €4,000 on the basis that the the manager concerned in this Twitter and Facebook sites in without their permission may stage. employee had contributed signifi- case. Issues like reputational dam- relation to my employment? have an unexpected outcome. Most companies now check cantly to her own dismissal by age and how wide the scope of Some employments require The chances are that some peo- social media pages to get a sense posting the comments on the site. the posting was, e.g. to a limited employees to use these sites for ple will not want the world seeing of the real you – of course, it’s the or wider audience, will be exam- marketing and communication how they behaved and will possi- one you haven’t dared to put on What if I post comments ined by a Tribunal when deter- purposes and this is alright as bly make a complaint of inappro- outside of working time? mining the severity of the sanc- long as the employee exercises priate posting. Your innocent your CV. Remember a verbal warn- The same effect, I’m afraid. In tion. caution and sound judgment in posting to the world at large sud- ing lasts for about 12 months on UD933/2010 (another EAT case) The above examples relate to doing so. denly becomes a work-related dis- your record, Facebook lasts forev- the posting of electronic messages derogatory comments directed Avoid referring to your employ- ciplinary issue. Seek out the er! on an employee’s Facebook which towards members of management ment if you fall outside the above company internet policy and try Tom O’Driscoll is Head of the SIPTU were directed towards a member but similar outcomes have been category and confine your com- to avoid the pitfalls that lay with- Legal Affairs Unit.

Paddy Connolly Retires Stay Informed! Paddy Connolly has been delivering wholesale items to the union for Are you receiving Liberty Online? (SIPTU’s e-zine sent out via email to members) If not send your email twenty odd years. A close friend to address, together with your name and membership number to [email protected] a lot of people in the trade union movement, especially those in Are you receiving Liberty SIPTU, Paddy started doing busi- newspaper to your workplace? ness with the FWUI in Parnell If not, send your name, workplace address, and phone details to [email protected] Square and then after the merger in and we will add you to our distribution list. Please specify how many copies 1990 he took on Liberty Hall. Paddy of Liberty you would be able to distribute. has now retired and we'd like to wish the best of health and happi- Do you use the SIPTU website? ness for the future for him, his wife The SIPTU website is updated daily with all the latest news, stories and features Mary, daughter Fionnula and son Thomas. Paddy will be replaced by visit www.siptu.ie his colleague, Michael Murphy. Liberty 27 Community APRIL 2012 Chilling insight into workplace life

By Paul Gavan 2010. He told Liberty: “Our objec- Liberty: “It’s a fine project. tive in Sliabh Aughty Rural Social I’ve been involved with HE Sliabh Aughty Rural Scheme is to provide leadership, cleaning, whitewashing Social Scheme has played transparency, accountability and and lime-washing of the a key role in developing a create awareness of and promote buildings. T new and unique tourism this creative facility. “We work as a team and attraction in East Galway. “As part of our work we iden- there have been big changes The Irish Workhouse Centre is a tify and recognise individual tal- to the site over the last major conservation and redevelop- ents using their skills, knowl- year. The project has great ment project which aims to restore edge and expertise to enhance potential for tourism, partic- and develop a significant historical the Irish Workhouse Centre.” ularly with Portumna Castle site into a vibrant centre telling the Sean Larkin added: “We have being so near. It means story of the Irish workhouse. a highly skilled and dedicated tourists can now see the con- The project is centered on the team. Painting, cleaning, wash- trast in how the rich and 8.2 acre site of the old Portumna ing, general labouring and poor lived at that time.” Workhouse. general maintenance have all A visit to the Irish The seven-building complex been carried out – and the Workhouse Centre in dates back to 1852 and was derelict level of work has been out- Portumna is an astounding until just under a decade ago when standing.” and chilling insight into what a local community development Working with local volun- life was like for so many peo- company, South East Galway teers and other agencies, the ple in the 19th century. Integrated Rural Development, RSS workers, who are It is also a testament to the recognised its potential and began employed through the Galway Project workers Martin hard work and dedication of to make plans to restore it. Rural Development Company Ltd, Moroney, Sean Larkin, Liam Smith, Ursula RSS workers who continue to A substantial part of the clearing, have been crucial to the success of Marmion, James Blake and Kevin Gaffey play an vital role in the eco- conservation and refurbishment the project which opened to the nomic development of so many work has been undertaken by a public for the first time last sum- great contribution Rural Social learn new skills and make a lasting towns and villages throughout team of up to 20 Rural Social mer. Schemes make to local rural com- contribution to local communities. Ireland. Scheme (RSS) participants. The progress of the restoration munities. Sean Larkin is also keen “There is also the very important Indeed, the work at the Irish Their efforts helped transform has also been photographed and to stress the many other benefits social aspect of the work itself, Workhouse Centre continues with the area from a dilapidated, run- seeing these images allows visitors of the scheme. which has a tremendous signifi- plans to begin restoration of the down and dangerous site littered to appreciate the huge work thus He said: “We like to look on the cance for many of our partici- old hospital that is part of the orig- with waste into a truly inspiring far. Sliabh Aughty RSS as a catalyst in pants.” inal complex. and tourist attraction. Ursula Marmion, Co-ordinator of promoting, conserving and devel- One such participant is James The Irish Workhouse Centre is Sean Larkin, RSS Supervisor on the Irish Workhouse Centre, said: oping the rich heritage that we Blake who has been working on open seven days a week from the project and a member of “We would not have been able to have in South East Galway. the Irish Workhouse Centre project 9.00a.m. to 6.00p.m. from April to SIPTU, speaks with some passion get the site ready to be open to the “Apart from taking people off the for the past 14 months. September. Further details can be about the quality of work carried public without the team’s input.” live register, our scheme enables He is extremely proud of the found at www.irishworkhousecen- out by the team since September The project is a great example of people to do work of real value, to work carried by the team and told tre.ie or telephone 090 9759200. 28 Liberty APRIL 2012 Reviews Victims of the sea... and of class big money and profits for ship- were allowed to access the The Domestic Workers Action Group (DWAG) ping lines such as the Titanic’s remaining lifeboats from their White Star Line. enforced confinement below presents The author, Senan Moloney, decks. notes this was steady year It is, therefore, with some round business, in which the justification that the author many poorer Third Class pas- notes with considerable irony, sengers cross-subsidised the “So the famous cry might well travel of the much fewer rich have been ‘First-Class women First Class voyagers. and First-Class children first!’” It brought huge turnover and Accordingly, the survivors massive cash flow, allowing statistics tell it all. Of the First- shipping lines to build bigger, Class passengers, 63% (nearly faster, and, for the few, more two thirds) survived. Of the luxurious ships, such as the Second-Class, 43% in this cate- Titanic and her sister ship the gory lived to tell the tale. Olympic. However, of the majority of the session The Irish If cross-subsidisation by passengers, those in Third- Aboard Titanic migrant workers made the Class steerage, only 23%, less By Senan Molloy Titanic possible, brutal than a quarter, were saved. accounting must have dictated Mercier Press, 2012 As for the 766 non-sailing that she would sail with only (below decks) crew. a few – 20 lifeboats, far less than need- A SHORT walk from Liberty only 22% – survived, most – ed to save all on board. Hall was the Rutland Street including eight Harland and Even with that, there was a home of a young boy who Wolff workers – sharing the further ingredient that sealed some – wrongly – believe was fate of young Joseph Dawson the inspiration behind the from Rutland Street. character played by Leonardo It could be said with justifica- DiCaprio in the 1998 film tion that the price of your tick- Titanic. If cross-subsidisation et decided life or death. According to the 1901 This book tells the stories of Census, he was then 12 years. by migrant workers the Irish who survived and the Live on Stage Eleven years later he was a coal made the Titanic many more that did not. trimmer in the Titanic’s engine There is heartbreak in the The Barley Mob • Ciara Sidine room when he was lost along possible, brutal account of the loss of Margaret with most of the crew and pas- accounting must have Rice of Athlone and her five Easy Buoy featuring D.W.A.G • Deji • Hailuu sengers. boys aged between two and 10. His body – identified by his dictated that she There is also pathos in the The TToomyoomy Moore Band • Gar Cox and more union card – was buried in would sail with only death of two star-crossed Halifax. Nova Scotia; his grave teenage lovers, Denis Lennon bearing the inscription, “J 20 lifeboats, far less and Mary Mullin. Dawson“. All the accounts afford a There were approximately than needed to save The Sugar Club fuller understanding of the his- 120 passengers and roughly 30 all on board. tory of not only the Titanic crew from Ireland on board affair but of the social and eco- Titanic on its maiden (and nomic life of the time. final) voyage. It is only right that there They were among the nearly should be a remembrance of 30,000 – mostly young and sin- the fate of the majority of the the Titanic story and its cele- gle – migrant workers from Irish migrant workers and bration as a feat of engineering Ireland who sailed west to the crew. by Irish workers on this island. US and Canada that year. The first lifeboat was In the main, though not It is to be hoped that such launched at 12.45a.m. on the exclusively, they were labour- celebration will assist in pro- fateful night, less than half full ers, farm workers, and domes- viding much needed stimula- and with First-Class passengers tic workers from 24 of the pre- tion to job creation North and and crew only. partition Ireland’s 32 counties, South. For the next 35 minutes, the vast majority travelling in However, let us also spare a another six lifeboats followed a Third Class steerage – part of a thought for those who were similar exclusive First Class continuous stream of nearly victims of economics and class, pattern. However, it was nearly five million such migrants as much as icebergs, and who an hour after the first launch from Ireland between 1855 and should not be condemned to before most of those on 1912. remain as shadows in the his- board – i.e. the Third-Class Economic migration as well tory of this tragic affair. steerage passengers and crew – as the carriage of mail meant Michael Halpenny

readingr e ading writing For more information call: SIPTU S I UTP spelling formform ffillingilling Basic B a s i EnglishEc n lg i s h note-takingno e-tt aking FETACFETFETAAC T+ English forfor ForeignForeign MembersMembers or Scheme S c h eme NowNow Jean Kenned e Write +T Liberty 29 Reviews APRIL 2012

Organising white collar workers

A Unique Association: A History of the Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Association 1961-2011 By Francis Devine

AMONG the many challenges facing modern trade unions, especially in the western world, has been the struggle to establish a presence among workers traditionally seen as ‘middle-class’ ‘professional’ or even ‘privileged’. As the nature of work, and the working class, has changed, these challenges have increased. This attractive- ly-produced book tells the history of the Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Association, an organisation whose origin lay in the decision by individual laboratory technologists to join the Workers Union of The US government’s gargantuan desire for oil lay behind the development of a strategy that robbed Third World countries of natural resources impoverishing their populations Ireland (WUI) during the late 1950s. The far-seeing General Secretary of the WUI, James Larkin jnr, had initiated a policy of attempting to attract Ruthless power plays white-collar and professional workers to affiliate to the union, while retaining their independent status. Larkin believed that in the long-term this could prove to that destroy nations be a bridge between these sectors and the labour movement. Laboratory technologists Confessions of An From here, it seems Perkins was “They funnel money from the Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Cyril Keogh and Harry Farrell, Economic Hit Man being groomed – with marriage into World Bank, the US Agency for Indonesia, to name a few. among others, were influ- By John Perkins a family with CIA links – to become International Development The new model is known as the enced by the success the WUI Published by what is known in the industry of (USAID), and other foreign “aid” corporatocracy and he comments had achieved on behalf of hos- Ebury Press breaking countries, an “Economic organisations into the coffers of on the ingrained systems they build pital clerical staff. Available in Hit Man” [EHM]. huge corporations and the pockets to control a country though eco- By 1960, about 50 laboratory Waterstones €10 Perkins explains that he knew of a few wealthy families who con- nomic and structural methods as: staff were attached to the what was expected of him. He knew trol the planet’s natural resources.” WUI’s No. 15 branch as a sec- “…corporations, banks and gov- THIS is the true it was wrong, yet he was enam- Oil was an over-riding concern in ernments (collectively the corporation. Progress was not easy oured by the position, wealth and his work to ensure that the US had and this book outlines how story of one man’s role in the eco- tocracy) use their financial muscle eventually an independent nomic and military destruction of lifestyle the role he had taken on control and access to the resource to ensure that our schools, busi- offered him. without association, linked to the WUI countries for the American and nesses and media support both the Hired by a regard for was set up and how member- Corporate Empire. fallacious concept and its corollary,” major American the local ship began to spread outside “They play a game as old as (Perkins, 2006, p. xiii.) Dublin. empire, but one that has taken on engineering com- population. Perkins writes on his role in The Medical Laboratory new and terrifying dimensions dur- pany, MAIN, he He sup- “They play a game building a global structure to allow Scientists Association was ing this time of globalisation,” the was educated in plies us founded in 1961, with 70 author writes. providing false as old as empire, with a his- for the pillage and destruction of members and Cyril Keogh as Perkins says he was warned sever- economic projec- toric expla- nations: general secretary. Keogh was to tions to countries but one that has nation for “…to encourage world leaders to remain in that position until al times not to write the book by various American agencies as it was of interest to his the work, become part of a vast network that 1992, by which time the asso- taken on new and promotes US commercial inter- ciation had almost 1,000 mem- not the type of information the employer and the and claims bers. Under his leadership, public needed to know. US. terrifying dimensions it was CIA ests…We can draw on them when- (and with the mentorship of The reader is soon left in no His role was to agent, ever we desire – to satisfy our polit- Larkin jnr) the association doubt as to why it has not been ensure extremely during this time of Kermit ical, economic, or military needs. In established themselves slowly, bandied about on the usual ‘slap on lucrative con- Roosevelt turn they bolster their political building the organisation in an the back’ book circuit as it is a very tracts for his globalisation”. (grandson of position by bringing industrial arena unused to trade union- honest and up-front explanation of direct employer, Theordore) parks…” (Perkins, 2006, p. xi.) ism. one man’s involvement in bringing but to also guar- who came In 1969, with a membership If you have an interest in what is down governments through eco- antee that the up with the going on in the world around you of 300, the association took country would strategy strike action successfully in nomic subterfuge and military then this book will be of great inter- two Dublin hospitals. coups in countries all around the not be in a posi- while deal- est. The association now num- world. tion to re-pay its debts with the ing with Iran as an open war tactic With little effort you will be in a result that the US government was no longer viable. bers more than 2,000 members Perkins was born into a poor fam- position to see clear comparisons would gain control of its assets, It was too costly and too public so across the state, working in a ily but was fortunate to be educated with our own island and why we are range of institutions, and in ports, military installations and, of new methods were needed includ- in one of America’s elite private where we are – facing the forced 2004 was formally registered schools, Tilton, in New Hampshire course, oil. ing “fraudulent financial reports, sale of our assets and natural as a trade union, affiliated to where the children of wealthy fami- Perkins explains: “Economic Hit rigged elections, pay-offs, extortion, SIPTU and ICTU. lies from Buenos Aires, Caracas, and Men are highly-paid professionals sex and murder.” resources and paying off specula- Brian Hanley Boston were educated to appreciate who cheat countries around the The list of countries includes tors debts. the values of the American Dream. globe out of trillions of dollars. Panama, Iran, Iraq, Ecuador, Trevor Quinn 30 Liberty APRIL 2012 Tradition

A prisoner of Fascism in Spain. Man of mystery

Film Review: The Enigma of Frank Ryan Director: Des Bell Starring: Dara Devaney, Mia Gallagher, Barry Barnes, Frankie McCafferty

FRANK Ryan is a character who has long fascinated the Irish left. Immortalised for his role in the Aboard the Liffey ferry Republican Congress, and later the Spanish Civil War, he remains somewhat controversial owing to the nature of his final days, which were spent in Nazi Germany. Dock workers photo While questions around Sean Russell and other physical-force exhibition launched republicans who saw Nazi Germany as a potential ally of con- venience have long been asked and By Joe Mooney debated, historians have had a In Berlin: Dara Devany, right, plays Frank Ryan, the enigmatic left-wing republican harder time explaining just what life. The narrative of the film cism and the left. Eoin O’Duffy’s A MUCH anticipated photograph- images, also included in the exhi- Ryan was doing in Nazi Germany unfolds through Ryan’s discussions Blueshirts barely feature, and the ic exhibition looking at the lives bition are more than 1,000 other at the height of the Second World with a radio producer, who wishes failings of the Irish state in its first of Dublin dock workers was photographs that were projected War. to record the story of this Irishman decade likewise. launched last month. on to a screen. The Enigma of Frank Ryan in Berlin. Ryan begins with the The line between historical fact More than 200 people attend- Alan Martin, a member of the describes itself as a ‘docudrama’, days of Civil War in Ireland, and and fiction is often blurred by the ed the event at the Dublin Port society, said: “My abiding memo- with Dara Devaney playing the role carries us through to his handing very nature of the film, and while centre for what was the culmina- ry of the launch was the delight of Ryan well. The film avails of over to Nazi authorities by Franco’s an entertaining drama, undoubted- tion of a year of hard work and in the faces of the retired dock some archival historic footage of forces. ly there remains a need for a docu- dedication by a group of former workers as they met old friends both Irish and European interest, Where the film is lacking is pri- mentary on the subject more dock workers. and recalled memories. but for the most part relies on marily in explaining how a young grounded in historical fact. The docks have changed “Another lasting impression actors to tell the story of Ryan’s Irish republican turns to anti-fas- Donal Fallon almost beyond recognition in was the reaction of a group of recent years and it was vital that ladies as they watched pictures the rich history of the people of departed relatives pop up on who worked there – their tradi- the big screen – magic.” tions, stories and images – did The exhibition and launch not disappear too. were made possible by the sup- To ensure this did not happen, port of the Dublin Port Company. a group of former workers found- The exhibition will form part of ed the Dublin Dock Workers the Five Lamps Art Festival and Preservation Society. Starting off will also be located in the East by collecting old photographs, Wall and Ringsend communities. the ambition of the group grew A selection of photographs will and this wonderful exhibition be displayed in the Liberty Hall was the result. It features Theatre during the May Day images from the 1940s through Festival. For further details con- to the 1990s, carefully chosen tact the Dublin Dock Workers after much deliberation. Preservation Society – Declan Society member Declan Byrne Byrne 086-8138618; Alan Martin told Liberty: “This time period 087-2095974 or email alan- was chosen because the photo- [email protected]. Also check graphs are likely to have added out the group’s Facebook page significance for Dockland fami- Dublindockers lies.” In addition to the framed

Recording his life: Frank Ryan in Nazi Germany. Liberty 31 Larkin Hedge School APRIL 2012 Legacy of the slums

THE degradation and misery denly collapsed. The buildings Dublin, 87,305 lived in tenements Larkin’s Dublin. Accompanied by endured by thousands of families were four storeys high, with shops in the city centre, with 80% of singers and musicians drawn from which provided the social context on the ground floor. The 16 rooms these families occupying only one the Clé Club, Padraig will follow in for the 1913 Lockout will be out- upstairs were occupied by about 10 room each. the footsteps of Big Jim, stopping lined in the opening lecture of families – a total of more than 50 Following the lecture, renowned at points of historical significance. next month’s Larkin Hedge School. people. singer Niamh Parsons joins Roisín Diarmuid Breathnach is co-ordi- Dr Enda Leaney, of Dublin City Rescue parties worked through Gaffney – herself a noted exponent nating a programme of songs to Public Libraries, will give an illus- the night digging out victims of the of traditional song – to lead the Clé complement the commentary. trated talk on Larkin’s Dublin: collapse. Seven were killed and Cub at the Stag’s Head in an Assembly is at 3.00p.m. outside Fanning the Flames of Revolution many more badly injured. evening of song intriguingly titled the Custom House and the tour at a free lecture on the 10th May The Committee of Inquiry, which In Praise of Obstreperous Lassies. ends at the Teachers’ Club, Parnell in the National Library, Kildare reported the following year, found On Friday, 11th May, Padraig Square. Dr Enda Leaney looks at the social and Street, Dublin. that of the 400,000 people living in Yeates will lead a guided tour of housing backgound in pre-WWI Dublin The lecture – hosted by the Larkin Hedge School and IMPACT trade union – begins at 6.30pm, and will provide an insight into tenement life as well as featuring a collection of startling images of History of the Larkin clan deprivation. Dr Leaney’s lecture will also STELLA Larkin McConnon will visit Stella will talk to history students Poetry Ireland is sponsoring a work- focus on the Church Street fire in the Larkin Community College on 11th about her famous grandfather, left, shop by Macdara Woods and Néilidh Dublin and the subsequent inquiry May with poet Macdara Woods, piper and all the famed members of the Mulligan. The Poet and the Piper ses- which revealed the true extent of Néilidh Mulligan and members of the Larkin trade union dynasty. She will sion will bring music and poetry to the the poverty in what was Ireland’s Larkin Hedge School committee for a take part in a question and answer ses- lively inner city school which is slum city. unique morning commemorating the sion with the first year students, who extremely proud of its association with Late on 2nd September 1913, Larkin family legacy. have already studied Larkin. Larkin. two houses in Church Street sud- ‘Big Jim’ Larkin A brush with Behan BRENDAN Behan’s legacy will be gual talk on the rich life of Neilí Ní perform at a Singing Lunch starting celebrated in Liberty Hall on Dhomhnaill, one of the most sig- at 1.45p.m. in Liberty Hall. Friday, 11th March as part of the nificant women in the Irish music The Power of Song lunchtime Larkin Hedge School. and song tradition. session promises to be another fes- Acclaimed actress Nuala Hayes Neilí Ni Dhomhnaill was born in tival highlight. will join Declan Collinge, Nóra Ranafast, county Donegal. On Saturday afternoon, talented Geraghty, Máire Nic Fhinn, Angela As a child she had poor eyesight, young musician Jesse Smith will Plunkett, Jack Plunkett and Noel and spent much time with the recall the contribution of another Pocock in a tribute devised by Des adults and this is how she acquired legendary figure, Sligo fiddler Geraghty and fittingly jointly spon- her vast wealth of traditional song Michael Coleman. sored by Behan’s two unions, the and story. SIPTU activist and RTÉ producer Irish National Painters & She was a singer and storyteller, Peter Browne, himself a noted Decorators Trade Group, SIPTU and and for her, the story which pre- musician, will introduce Jesse. The the NUJ. ceded the song was important. musicians will also perform in a The bilingual theatrical and Neilí composed songs and for closing music session in Liberty musical tribute begins at 7.45p.m. two consecutive years she won Hall at 8.00p.m. on Saturday, 12th and will be followed by an open first prize in the Radio na May. music session. Gaeltachta competition for new Full details available on In Liberty Hall on Saturday, 12th words to old airs. www.cleclub.wetpaint.com. May, former RTÉ Director General, At lunchtime on Saturday Cork Night of celebration: Brendan Behan Cathal Goan, will present a bilin- troubadour, Jimmy Crowley, will Behan Tribute: Actress Nuala Hayes 32 Liberty APRIL 2012 Tradition

At last, US union legend Mother Jones is to be honoured in her native Cork... Deepest red

IT’S THE anthem of workers “Kevin started to sing The Red across the globe but it is to Flag and told me that the song’s north Meath, for three days in writer came from north Meath.” early May, that people come to It was 1998 before Tommy honour the man who wrote The eventually realised his dream Picture: Picture: Library of Congress Red Flag. when he organised the first Jim Mother This year, SIPTU Vice Connell Trade Union Weekend President Patricia King and with the help of historian Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore will be Francis Devine and local artist among those addressing the Jimmy Brien. 14th Annual Jim Connell Trade The Weekend includes debates Union Weekend which runs for and talks in the Kells People's three days from the 4th to 6th of Resource Centre with a march to Courage May. Jim Connell’s birthplace in The event is the brainchild of Crossakiel on Sunday. Kells Labour Party councillor The Weekend brings together Tommy Grimes. He explained: “I Irish and British trade unionists. first had the idea for the event RMT General Secretary Bob in 1973 when I was having a Crow and the Durham miners pint with an old comrade of are among those who attend the mine, the late Kevin Smith, after event every year. For more a Labour Party meeting. information visit www.siptu.ie

MARY Harris – known as Mother She is buried at the United concerts, lectures, exhibitions and Jones – was once the United States’ Miners Cemetery at Mount Olive in talks which will be held in and most famous labour/union activist Illinois in a plot alongside where around the Shandon area on 31st and was labelled “the most danger- those miners murdered in the July and 2nd August. ous woman in America”. Virden massacre of 1898 are laid to They will feature a number of Initially she was active in the rest. Some 50,000 people attended writers, film producers and people Knights of Labour before becoming the unveiling memorial to her at associated with Mother Jones in a national organiser for the United the cemetery in 1936. the US. Mine Workers Union founded in What is not well known is that Mother Jones inspired a number Man behind the song 1890. Mary Harris was actually from of songs including Union Maid by JIM Connell was born in the train from Charing Cross to Mother Jones organised hun- Cork – yet she has not been Woody Guthrie. Kilskyre, county Meath, in 1852. New Cross after attending a lec- dreds of thousands of workers – remembered or recognised in her It is thought American folk stan- As a teenager, he became ture on socialism. mainly coal miners – into unions native city or among trade union- dard She'll be Coming Round the involved in land agitation and It was inspired by the London from 1890 to 1920. ists. That is all about to change. Mountain When She Comes may joined the Irish Republican dock strike happening at that She travelled the hills of The Cork Mother Jones have originally referred to her trav- Brotherhood. time, as well as the activities of Colorado and the mountains of Committee has just commissioned els through the Appalachian hills to At 18 he moved to Dublin, the Land League in Ireland, the Appalachia and went where most Cork sculptor Mick Wilkins to cre- organise workers there. where he worked as a casual Paris Commune and anarchists men feared to go during the coal ate a limestone plaque to honour Andy Irvine’s The Spirit of docker, but was blacklisted for in Chicago. The song quickly wars carrying the union message of Mother Jones in Shandon near her Mother Jones on his recent album his attempts to unionise the became an anthem of the inter- “Organise, organise, and organise!” birthplace. Abocurragh is the latest of many docks. national labour movement. In 1903, she led the famous The plaque is to be erected near songs to celebrate her life. Failing to find any other work, In How I wrote The Red Flag march of the mill children from the Butter Market and will be So the spirit of Mother Jones will he left for London in 1875, written in 1920, Jim Connell Philadelphia to the home of US unveiled on 1st August, 2012 – the arise in Cork in 2012. where he spent most of the rest claimed he penned the lyrics to President Theodore Roosevelt. 175th Anniversary of her baptism A special bank account has been of his life. express “not only my own best She led an extraordinary life, fac- in the nearby North Cathedral. set up specifically for purpose of In London he worked in a vari- thoughts and feelings, but the ing bullets and threats, and was Mary Harris emigrated to Canada finally honouring this union icon ety of jobs, including as a jour- best thoughts and feelings of jailed many times for her activities. after the Famine, where she in her birth place. nalist with the newspaper The every genuine socialist I knew". Mother Jones was prepared to became a teacher, and married The account is at the Ulster Bank, Labour Leader. Jim Connell Jim Connell died in 1929 in face huge dangers in defending George Jones, an active trade union- Blackpool, Cork City, account num- wrote The Red Flag in 1889 on London. “her boys”, as she called her miner ist. Sadly, after surviving the ber 10793602, sort code 985481. comrades. American Civil War, George and All donations from trade union- She was present when the their four young children died in a ists would be very welcome and all Industrial Workers of the World – yellow fever epidemic in Memphis are welcome to come to Cork and Jim Connell Trade Union Festival 2012 IWW, known as the Wobblies – was in 1867. join in what promises to be an founded in Chicago in 1905 and Mary Jones became active in interesting festival for union peo- 4th-6th May, Crossakiel, Co. Meath became a speaker and organiser for union activities after a wave of ple over the three days. the Socialist Party. strikes spread across America in For further details of the com- Bring your Union Banner and Union Badges to Mother Jones was known by all 1877. memoration, please contact the Crossakiel on 6th May the major union and political lead- The unveiling of the plaque will Cork Mother Jones Committee on ers of her day, including Eugene be just a part of a wider series of 086 3196063. This year a large number of young trade unionists from Debs, John Mitchell, Big Bill England and Miners from Durham will be travelling to Haywood, and met with four US Mary Harris/Mother Jones Commemorative Committee the event. On Friday and Saturday we will be having presidents. lectures and discussions on issues relating to the trade By the time of her death in 1930, Cork Mother Jones 31st July to union movement and on Sunday, 6th we will have our she had become a legend in her traditional march, commemoration and entertainment. adopted land. Commemoration 2nd August Liberty 33 Obituaries APRIL 2012

OBITUARY Michael Skerritt 1921-2012 Former Deputy General Secretary, NATE OBITUARY Negotiator who boxed clever John Evans MICHAEL Skerritt, former Deputy byways of Ireland. Over the years to form SIPTU took place in 1990. General Secretary, National Michael built up a solid reputation Michael was a ‘hands-on’ trade Association of Transport as a formidable union negotiator unionist and in the unique envi- Employees (NATE) passed peaceful- on behalf of CIE road freight staff. ronment and round-the-clock oper- ly away on 25th March, 2012, aged In 1979, Michael was appointed a ation of transport, he would go to 90, Lord rest him. full-time official as NATE’s Deputy meet members with problems any- Born in Derby Square, Dublin 8, General Secretary – the late where day or night. Most mornings he began work with his father in Michael Cox was General Secretary. began for him around 7.00a.m. and the upholstery trade while still in In his new role he represented he might finish up 12 hours later. national school. all grades of CIE workers and NI For all his attention to the needs In those early years he was active Rail staff. He was extremely popu- of the members, he was a great John, a veteran trade unionist, had many tales to tell of past campaigns as a boxer and was very proud of lar with the members and his skill family man too and the loss of his his participation and achievements in consultations and negotiations beloved wife, Helen, a few years in the sport. Later he would use earned him a great reputation and ago was traumatic for him. his clever boxing skills in a less A ‘hands-on’ trade unionist, Michael much respect. This was widely We extend our condolences to Stalwart of physical way ably defending the worked tirelessly for members’ rights acknowledged in his work for the his bereaved family, relatives and rights of others with the maxim – Kingsbridge (now Heuston) Goods ICTU CIE Group of Unions and in friends and especially to his daugh- Stand up and Fight! Depot and over the years operated the Labour Court Services. ters, Maria and Sharon, and sons, our union Michael spent a number of years out of a number of depots. Michael always respected the Denis, Michael, Thomas and his A WELL-KNOWN face around as an Army regular in the 2nd It was here he became involved dignity of his opponents and in his brother Tommy. Liberty Hall passed away in recent Motor Squadron based at Cathal and active in union matters and unique way he was successful in Michael Skerritt was laid to rest weeks.John Evans, a long-standing Brugha Barracks in Dublin. joined the NUR, from which NATE difficult negotiations where others in Bohernabreena Cemetery follow- member of the Construction He boasted he could drive any- was formed as an independent all- might fail. He played an important ing Requiem Mass in Our Lady of Branch of the ITGWU and laterally thing “with wheels” and had the Ireland trade union in 1953. part in the discussions leading to Good Council Church in Drimnagh, with SIPTU, passed away after a appropriate driving licence to Michael spent about 14 years on the merger in 1987 of NATE into Dublin. We mourn the passing of a short illness. Even though John prove it! After leaving the Army, the newspaper delivery trucks trav- the FWUI. great trade union warrior, May he was 78 years old, he took an active Michael took up a job in Coras elling all over the country deliver- The merger of the Federated rest in peace. and keen interest in the activities Iompair Éireann (CIE) and joined ing the morning national newspa- Workers’ Union of Ireland (FWUI) Bernard Byrne, friend & colleague. and the staff of the union right up the newly-formed Road Freight pers and had a legendary intimate and the Irish Transport and (Hon. Secretary, National Retired to the time of his death. He was active in recent years in Division as a truck driver at knowledge of the highways and General Workers’ Union (ITGWU) Staff Council, SIPTU) helping campaigns organised by the union and could be seen early OBITUARY Tommy Higgins in the morning handing out leaflets at the Dart Station or in the streets around Liberty Hall. John was active in the construc- Organiser and three times mayor of Sligo tion industry in Britain and had many a tale to tell of campaigns ITGWU Organiser, Tommy Higgins, date for three general elections – uniquely in Ireland at that time – over the years. three times Mayor of Sligo and a in June 1969, February 1973 and included a number of elected coun- From the 1960s he was mainly Freeman of the Borough, died on June 1977. His performance in cillors from all parties on its com- engaged with the South of Ireland Friday 13th April. February 1973 was a prime exam- mittee: Tommy Higgins, Labour; Asphalt company and attended A large crowd attended his funer- ple of how 'managed' transfers John Mulrooney, Fianna Fáil; every AGM during his time with al mass at the Cathedral of from Labour to Fine Gael helped to Tommy Doyle, Fine Gael and that firm until his retirement and Immaculate Conception on oust Fianna Fail from power after Declan Bree, Independent Socialist. insisted on being included in Monday 16th April and his inter- 16 years and installed the FG- In his full-time career Tommy branch activities and social events. ment later in Sligo Cemetery. Labour Coalition Government. Higgins was originally a member of He was well known for his use of The funeral cortège was led by As a councillor, the late Mr the printing staff with The Sligo his bicycle across the city and there was no job far enough away to Mayor Rosaleen O'Grady and mem- Higgins will be remembered as the Champion newspaper, before he cycle. bers of Sligo Borough Council. driving force behind the modern St was appointed full-time Branch He will be sadly missed by the Labour TD Joe Costello and Labour Patrick's Day parade in Sligo. Secretary of the Irish Transport staff – in particular, Karl Davis, Senator Susan O’Keeffe were also Many cross-border bands became General Workers Union (later who befriended him in the present a feature of the parade even at the SIPTU), based then at Union Place. Construction Branch. Tommy was a leading trade Tommy was instrumental in reinvigorating height of the Troubles in the mid- Responsibilities included negoti- Sligo’s St Patrick’s Day parade John was a regular contributor to union organiser in north Connacht 1970s and for decades afterwards, ating for staff in most of the major lunchtime card games. He was con- cal public life in 1994. for a number of decades, which joined by bands from schools industries in Sligo, Leitrim and sidered a gentleman and this was closely mirrored a political career Tommy was first elected for the across county Sligo. North Roscommon. seen by the large number of staff that spanned 27 years. West Ward to Sligo Corporation The Garda Band, the Army No.1 Tommy Higgins was pre-deceased members who attended his funer- Tommy was elected Mayor of (now Sligo Borough Council) in and even the Boston Police Band all by his wife Teresa some years ago al. As Karl Davis commented: “He’ll Sligo for 12 month terms three June 1967. He was also elected to found their way into the Sligo's St and two sons, Anthony and Martin. be missed as a trade union brother times – in June 1970, in June 1974 Sligo County Council for the Patrick’s Day marching ranks. His surviving family members and a dear friend.” and in June 1984. He was conferred Labour Party and retained his seat In the early 1980s, he was an are his children: Marie, Gerry, To his wife, Betty, and family, we with the Freedom of the Borough at each election until he retired. active member of the Sligo H-Block Adrienne, Thomas, Brian and Ann. extend our deepest sympathy. in 1996, having retired from politi- He was chosen as Labour candi- Committee, which – almost OBITUARY Rory Staunton Tributes paid to boy’s courage and intelligence THE Church Of the Immaculate Ciaran Staunton, who is convinced his school mates in his parents and sister, the wider Conception in Rathfeigh, Tara, President of the Irish Lobby for Sunnyside to dispense with the Staunton and O’Dowd families county Meath was overflowing on Immigration Reform in the US, word “retard” as it was offensive, and, indeed, all who knew him. Monday, 9th April, for a moving spoke of his “laughing boy” son’s particularly to children with special Among those present were An commemoration of the life of remarkable young life before his needs. “Spread the word to stop Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, Fergus 12-year-old Rory Staunton. untimely death following a basket- the word” was the theme of Rory’s O’Dowd TD (uncle of the Rory, the son of Ciaran and ball game. successful campaign. deceased), Sinn Fein President, Orlaith (nee O’Dowd) and brother Only a year previously, Rory had His uncle, Niall O’Dowd, publish- Gerry Adams and Northern Ireland of Kathleen, died unexpectedly in completed his first flying lesson er of the New York-based Irish First Minister, Martin McGuinness, Sunnyside, Queens, in New York a while the 5’9” boy excelled in both Voice newspaper and website irish- former Mayor of Drogheda and week previously. More than 1,000 sports and studies and enjoyed a central.com, also paid tribute to SIPTU Health Division organiser, people had turned up for a service particular interest in politics, social the intelligence and courage of his Paul Bell, as well as many family in Woodside, Queens, before his justice and human rights. nephew whose sudden and prema- and friends. The burial took place :”Laughing boy Rory” body was returned to Ireland. His father described how he had ture death, he said, had devastated in St. Peter's Cemetery, Drogheda. 34 Liberty APRIL 2012 Sport

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

St. Pat’s own brilliance: Chris Forrester after scoring against Shamrock Rovers

Picture: Inpho Chris’ cheeky post goal shrug did have class... Cantona class

By Kevin Brannigan HOULDERS shrugged, world and with his goal and cele- ing at the name on his jersey. No, give youth its chance and while no announcement, debate around the torso arched, tongue bration put his name alongside the this celebration had class, Cantona one based at home will be repre- country has been focusing in on out and face scrunched aforementioned. class. senting the Republic of Ireland in the pros and cons of whether or By the time Forrester was Forrester and Christy Fagan, the up as if to say, ‘So Poland this summer, plenty who not to bring James McClean on the S angling an outside of the right chip other ex-Bohs youngster whose started out on the sometimes what?’ Sometimes it’s cheeky back heel set up his fellow plane or not. over the head of Shamrock Rovers bumpy playing fields of Tolka Park the celebration, or lack of, under-21 Swedish international inner-city Dub for his Warhol But while non League of Ireland and The Showgrounds will be which makes a goal. goal-keeper his team, St Pats, were moment, are players who could watchers may look on McClean as there. Think Marco Tardelli’s reaction already two nil up on the reigning an overnight success, the scramble to scoring in the 1982 World Cup Compared to Euro ’88 when just League champions, Forrester hav- for his signature, prior to his move Final, running wildly and without ing smashed home the first of three squad members – Kevin purpose around the Bernabéu what would become five. It was dream-land Moran, Paul McGrath and Liam to Sunderland, was proof that screaming his own name. It was dream-land stuff for the O’Brien – had League of Ireland English clubs still look on the Think of the then 38-year-old Inchicore faithful and one imag- stuff for the Inchicore experience, Ronnie Whelan’s brief league here as a well to be tapped. Roger Mila dancing with corner ines for Forrester too. faithful and one stint with Bohs discounted, this With the small fees involved tak- flags all through Italia ‘90. Think The YouTube clip went viral and summer’s squad could include up Eric Cantona’s arrogant, chest out, imagines for Forrester ing away a lot of the risk. began popping up on websites of to eight former domestic players. Come the World Cup in Brazil, blank ‘’I know I’m good’’ non-cele- various languages. All were suit- too. While both Trapattoni and you may be wondering where you bration after his chip against ably impressed with the chip but Tardelli have attended League and Sunderland and then think Chris it’s the nonchalant arrogance of remember that minimalist non- Cup games since taking over the Forrester. the celebration which makes this celebration from as some kid On the banks of the Camac on goal special. define this season. national side, these have mainly called Forrester chips Joe Hart in Good Friday last, Chris Forrester, a No self-indulgent running to the While Shamrock Rovers mop up been PR exercises rather than gen- the Maracana. Odds are though by 19 year old from Smithfield, home supporters, no jumping on the established talent within the uine scouting trips. then he’ll be another ‘overnight’ Dublin, announced himself to the the back of his manager, no point- league, it has forced other clubs to In the build up to the final squad success across the water. Liberty 35 APRIL 2012 Hacks coaching cops IF we ever have a Leveson-style utive who understood the worlds inquiry in Ireland, we might of media, politics and the police. learn a bit about the close con- Hard to imagine Paul Williams or nections between the media Tom Brady coaching a top cop for a establishment and those who job in the Park? wield power in Irish society. There was much satisfaction at Of course we don’t need a Judge the decision of Leveson to allow Mahon or Moriarty to tell us that some journalists to retain their Dinny O’Brien and Anto O’Reilly anonymity when giving evidence. have long had their own ways of Leveson dismissed an action shaping public policy but at a dif- brought by Associated Newspapers, ferent level questions might be publisher of the Daily Mail and the asked about the links, for instance, Mail on Sunday, which said that its between the Garda and senior jour- reputation could be unfairly tar- nalists and editors. Probe master: Lord Leveson nished by anonymous evidence One leading journalist when Commissioners when they were which could not be fully tested or called to the Bar (as distinct from applying for the top job. challenged. the bar) held a party in Ryans of Wallis revealed he had spoken to In opposing the Mail’s action, Parkgate Street for his Garda con- both John Stevens – later Lord the NUJ took fiendish delight in tacts. I suppose that is a far cry Stevens – and Sir Paul Stephenson, pointing out that Associated from the case of the former News when they were in the running for Newspapers had effectively led the of the World deputy editor Neil the top job, advising on the best charge in defence of the right of Wallis who told Leveson recently way to approach the application paratroopers to give anonymous that he had coached two and interview process from his evidence at the Saville inquiry into Metropolitan Police experience as a senior tabloid exec- Bloody Sunday. It’s a cheap Shatter can afford a life

WHATEVER one’s view of the of the property: “(1) 52 Bushy joke, Michael, Household Charge, Alan’s Park House, Dublin 6; (2) 173 Shatter’s intervention was Bushy Park House, Dublin 6; (3) enough to get up the nose of 39 & 45 Royston, Dublin 12; (4) 4 even the most compliant citizen. Upper Ely Place; (5) 5 Sprangers but we like it Shatter displayed all the Yard, Dublin 2; (6) 41 Bridgewater worst characteristics of old-style Quay, Dublin 8; (7) 53 Smithfield SPARE a thought for “I’m afraid if you can’t fit in Fine Gael as he urged those who Village, Dublin 7; (8) 7825 Verona oppose the £100 charge to “get a Walk Boulevard, Naples, Florida, Ryanair Chief Executive the frame, you’ll have to pay an extra surcharge of €4 for your life”. USA; (9) 8040 Wilfredo Court, Michael O’Leary... Alan just can’t help himself can Verona Walk, Naples, Florida, Arriving in a hotel in seat, sir.” O’Leary swore to himself, but he? But then again he does lead a USA; (10) 1149 San Marco Road, Dublin, he went to the bar paid up. “I see that you have rather charmed life. Marco Island, Florida 34145; (11) and asked for a pint of brought your laptop with you,” A peek at the Oireachtas regis- 9 Skylark Court, Swan St, Property portfolio: Shatter has ter of interests shows that the London, England; (12) 203 South interests in Dublin, London and draught Guinness. The bar- added the barman. “And since Florida man nodded and said, that wasn’t pre-booked either, Minister for Justice, Defence and Dock, Royal Victoria Docks, “That will be one euro that will be another €3.” Equality has his well-manicured London, England; (13) 9111 fingers in a number of pies. Capistrano St. South #8302, Lely, quarter interest vesting individu- please, Mr. O’Leary.” O’Leary was so annoyed that he walked back to the bar, Alan had been a partner in the Naples, Florida., USA; (14) 34 ally in three others.” Somewhat taken aback, firm of Gallagher Shatter Block A, Smithfield Market, Intriguingly Alan holds shares O’Leary replied, “That’s very slammed his drink on the counter, and yelled, “This is ridicu- Solicitors of 4 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 7: investment & lettings. in a number of companies includ- cheap,” and handed over his Dublin 2, but ceased any involve- “All property detailed is jointly ing Aran Candy Ltd., 7 money. “Well, we try to stay lous, I want to speak to the manager.” ment in the firm following his owned with another (the "other" Northumberland Road, ahead of the competition,” said Cabinet appointment and he has being one of two others in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. the barman. “And we are serving “Ah, I see you want to use the counter,” says the barman, “that ceased operating as a partner. He respect of each property) save for That’s sweet. Alan can clearly free pints every Wednesday was also described as “Property last property listed (Smithfield afford to have a life. evening from 6pm until 8pm. will be €2 please.” O’Leary’s face was red with rage. Owner (Investor/Landlord)”. Market) in which I have only a We have the cheapest beer in The register gives a breakdown quarter beneficial interest with a Ireland.” “Do you know who I am?” “That is remarkable value,” “Of course I do, Mr O’Leary.” Michael comments. “I’ve had enough, what sort of “I see you don’t seem to have a hotel is this? I come in for a glass, so you’ll probably need quiet drink and you treat me like one of ours. That will be €3 this. I insist on speaking to a please.” manager!” O’Leary scowled, but paid up. “Here is his email address, or, if you wish, you can contact him Close links He took his drink and walked towards a seat. between 9 and 9.10 every morn- AMID all the justified furore over far the Fine Gael Deputy Leader alleged contract to buy a nursing “Ah, you want to sit down?” ing, Monday to Tuesday, at this Bertie and Pee Flynn, little atten- appears to have kept his counsel to home in county Tipperary. said the barman. “That’ll be an free phone number. Calls are tion has been paid to Cllr Anne himself on the Mahon report. In their action, the plaintiffs extra €2. You could have pre- free, until they are answered, Devitt, who has stepped aside from Oddly, Fine Gael sees the behav- alleged, under an agreement of booked the seat, and it would then there is a talking charge of Fine Gael to contest the adverse iour of their members as a private November 2000, that Dr Reilly and have only cost you a euro. only 10 cent per second.” findings about her by the Mahon party matter while freely, and cor- four others, including Devitt, were “I think you may be too big for “I will never use this bar Tribunal. rectly, excoriating the FFs named in to buy the Greenhills nursing the seat sir, can I ask you to sit in again.” A solicitor and former teacher, the report. home for €1.95m, plus VAT, and to this frame please.” “OK sir, but remember, we are Anne is well known is North On 6th February last, The Irish secure the release of the plaintiffs Michael attempts to sit down the only hotel in Ireland selling County Dublin and is a highly Times reported that Dr James and from all liabilities to Bank of but the frame is too small and pints for one euro.” influential figure on the political Anne were among a group of Ireland relating to the property. when he can’t squeeze in he landscape. investors who had consented to The terms of the settlement complains, “Nobody would fit in Thanks to Joan Usherwood for this. She also has the ear of Health judgement orders for £1.9m at the were confidential but it just goes that little frame.” Minister Dr James Reilly who is a Commercial Court under a settle- to show, it’s a small world. political and business associate. So ment of proceedings over an SIPTU MEMBERSHHIP SERVICES

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