Centralised Agreement Best for Public Service Workers

Vol. 12 No.2 March 2013 ISSN 0791-458X Glanbia Workplace Interviewdscsdcsdcsdcsd with TUC Nearcdscdscdscds FM - a Committee General Secretary media alternative Page xxxxxxxx Page xxxxxxxxx Interview Page 7 Frances O’Grady Page 8 Page 10 Centralised agreement best for public service workers

By Frank Connolly

The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU has said that the best way workers in the public service can protect their interests is through a single centralised agreement, prohibiting compulsory re- Demonstrators in Cyprus dundancies, limiting redeployment and restricting outsourcing. on Monday (18th March) In detailed statement on the Labour Rela- following the decision by tions Commission (LRC) proposals for a revised EU and international public service agreement, the NEC has said that lenders to impose a levy on they are “the best that could be obtained through negotiation.” bank deposits in exchange It said that a vote against the proposals will for a €10 billion bailout. mean the collapse of the existing Croke Park Agreement with workers facing government imposed pay and pension cuts and individual groups of workers being “isolated and attacked in the desperate quest for savings.” LRC PROPOSALS INTERNATIONAL “Voting No will not make the problem go LIBERTY away. The Croke Park Agreement will collapse FOR A REVISED WOMENS DAY - CROSSWORD and we will still be faced with the cuts agenda AGREEMENT without the protections it provides,” said the Commemorative statement which was issued on 14th March after for pay and reform WIN a Hotel break lengthy discussions by the NEC on the events for two... proposals. in the Public Service Page 3 1 Central to the decision to endorse the proposals Page 31 2 3 was the prospect of legislated pay cuts and a 2013-2016 7 4 protracted campaign of industrial action to resist them. Page 15-18 8 “Undoubtedly, if a protracted industrial cam- 9 paign involving the membership of all unions 10 across the public service could be maintained it 11 12 Continued on page 2 1211

O R G A N I S I N G F O R F A I R N E S S A T W O R K A N D J U S T I C E I N S O C I E T Y • W W W . S I P T U . I E • J O I N O N L I N E 14 2 Liberty In this month’sLiberty MARCH 2013

16 Liberty NOVEMBER 2012

Tens of thousands marched against bank debt Page 6

1913 Lockout Commemorative Events March - April Unveiling: Jackie McKenna with last serving IWWU general secretary Padraigin Ni Mhurchu Page 9

Communities First Plaque honours Lockout role played by the IWWU launched O COMMEMORATE the founding of Page 11 the Irish Women Workers’ Union more than 100 years ago and its role Dreaming in the Zeitgeist Tin the 1913 Lockout, a ceramic I catch them in half light, or winter dawns, plaque was unveiled on International a summer’s evening, shadows cool and blue Women’s Day, Friday 8th March, at the en- when dipping sea gulls skim the brimming river; trance to Liberty Hall. I catch them from the corner of my eye — Feminist and historian Margaret MacCurtain and the the ghosts of women workers long since gone. Liberty View Liberty IWWU’s last serving General Secretary Padraigin Ni I get down on my knees and bless their dust, Mhurchu and IWWU member Kay Marron unveiled the I salute them in my every waking breath — Page 18 plaque. mothers and grandmothers who made a stand Created by the sculptor Jackie McKenna, the plaque against slavery, against the whip hand. View depicts members of the IWWU and the verse of a song sung by striking laundry workers in 1945. Hard times again, a different song of fear, Speaking at the unveiling, Margaret MacCurtain said: a different whip, the same indifferent face. “The significant contribution of many Irish women has We track them through the archives silting dust: State Pension frequently been sidelined in our history. The Irish in photographs, in newsprint yellowing in drawers — (Transition) Women Workers’ Union is an example. undaunted grandmothers, mothers of the poor, “Initiatives such as the one today serve to remind us the ones who raised their voices to be heard, Page 19 all of the central role played by women generally and, spat on, slagged off and slandered by the mob in particular, the membership of the IWWU in the 1913 they louder spoke for every silenced voice, Lockout. for the lost and broken sisters in their sad haunts. “The union played a key role in the events of 100 years ago, not only standing up for their own right to Sometimes on the city’s granite quays organise in the pursuit of better pay and working con- we sense them in the river’s lonely prayers. Chavez loss ditions but also, in many cases, working tirelessly to They reach between the future and the past support others in their fight. their work-worn hands across from there to here. Page 25 “Women like Delia Larkin, Hanna Sheehy Skeffing- They watch their daughters dancing out their fate ton, Louie Bennet, Helena Molony, Mary Galway, Rosie under the waxing or under the waning moon: Hackett and a host of others have become part of the stars in their courses, wise bringers of dream. school curriculum because other women will not let They will not let us rest — they need us now them be forgotten. as much as we need them, to show the way. “Jackie McKenna's plaque will ensure we continue to Paula Meehan remember these and other women and establish them Sport in the mainstream rather than the margins." became the Irish Women Workers’ Union) to refuse to take SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor said: “The off their union badge while at work in Jacobs Biscuits Page 30 decision by three young women, members of the played a significant role in the decision by Dublin employ- women workers branch of the ITGWU (which later ers to enforce the lockout”.

Continued from page 1 — Centralised agreement best for public service workers

would present a major difficulty for ment or outsourcing. ment in place for the period envis- the employer, which in this case is “This in turn would open the wayaged,” the statement said. the Government. It would become a for one group after the other to be iso- It added that in the event that the Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. gigantic trade dispute which would lated and attacked, potentially forfeit-proposal is accepted by the member- challenge both the Government and ing far more than what is envisaged ship, SIPTU will not participate in any If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: [email protected] public service union memberships in the LRC proposals. The purpose ofrenegotiation of it which would entail generally. trade unions is to advance the inter- any further diminution of pay and Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, “Ultimately, the real danger is thatests of workers in times of prosperityterms of employment. Any such at- Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 public service workers could end up and to defend them during down- tempt would be actively opposed by SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • with the worst of both worlds, i.e. leg- turns. the union, the statement said. General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn islated pay cuts on one hand and no “Doing so entails making the best The Minister for Public Expendi- Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, agreement on the other. Then work- judgements we can in each given cir- ture and Reform, Brendan Howlin, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] ers would suffer the cuts but they cumstance. We believe the best strat-has warned that the government will SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • would have no protection against egy for these extraordinary times is tolegislate to reduce public service pay Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • compulsory redundancy, redeploy- keep the centralised collective agree- if the LRC proposals are rejected. Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour Advertise in Liberty Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or email [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU members countrywide Liberty 3 News MARCH 2013

Sarah King of the ETUC speaking at the Congress Women’s Committee annual conference on Friday, (8th March)

Shane Mac Thomais leading the tour Series of events through Glasnevin cemetery that visited the graves of women activists marks women’s contribution to cause of labour ORE than 600 Irish Women Workers’ Union people attended a (IWWU) and the evolution of Inter- weekend of SIPTU- national Women’s Day. hosted events in A lively History Ireland Hedge M School saw historians Rosemary March to mark the role played by women in the Cullen Owens, Mary Jones, Mary labour movement. McAuliffe, Theresa Moriarty and On International Women’s Day, Padraig Yeates discuss the legacy of (Friday 8th March) Liberty Hall the IWWU. Centre hosted the Congress The debate touched upon the class Women’s Committee annual confer- aspects of the feminist movement in ence. Among those addressing the the early 20th century and the event were survivors of the Magda- impact on women workers of the Threads of history: Mary Maguire, Mary Hunter, Jo Banks and Helen Jacobson, end of British rule. above, and Larena Scott, below left, with the tapestry marking the 1913 Lockout lene laundries. They recounted the toll that years of forced labour in the From the floor there was even a service of religious orders had taken call to consider the resurrection of on their lives. the IWWU, a move that the speakers Congress legal affairs officer, Es- felt would be a step backwards ther Lynch, outlined to delegates rather than forward. from across the country the ongoing The day’s events concluded with battle to secure collective bargaining the Launch of Mary Cullen’s book rights for workers in the Republic. Telling It our Way: Essays in Gender The following day the centre History which was attended by lead- hosted the SIPTU Equality Commit- ing feminist activists including Nell tee’s ‘One Struggle: women workers McCafferty and Ailbhe Smyth. 1913-2013’ conference which in- On Sunday, around 50 people at- cluded the presentation of a new ac- tended a tour of the graves of ademic paper on a variety of women activists conducted by Shane subjects, including the history of Mac Thomais in Glasnevin cemetery.

COMMUNITY radio plays a cial Justice Media’, a conference in report in an independent manner.” “vital role” in providing “an Dublin on Saturday, 9th March, to Ireland’s system for evaluating media Community radio alternative to the mainstream mark the 30th anniversary of commu- mergers and acquisitions was “past due media and offering an outlet nity radio station Near FM. The event an overhaul”, he added. for those whose views are not brought together media practitioners Nessa Childers MEP called for meas- and community activists to address ures to promote media pluralism, ‘vital’ in offering represented” by commercial the failure of Ireland’s media to ade- including the teaching of media literacy and state broadcasters, ac- quately treat social justice issues. in schools. “The role media plays in a cording to Minister for Com- He also said concentration of main- functioning democracy should be munications Pat Rabbitte. stream media ownership could “seri- critically assessed as part of the Rabbitte: Overhaul call media alternative The Minister was speaking at ‘So- ously harm the ability of media to curriculum,” she said. See page 10 4 Liberty MARCH 2013 News

SIPTU condemns call Noonan slammed over call to for more evictions cut bank staff’s wages and pay SIPTU General President, “The parallels between the SIPTU Sector Organiser, that lower to middle salaries are dress the real issue of lack of bank Jack O’Connor, has de- graphic images of post-famine Adrian Kane, has described typically in line with other compara- lending but will further reduce the scribed calls for a higher Ireland and the prospect our own comments made by Minister tors in the financial services sector. spending power of workers thus en- rate of evictions as repre- authorities evicting people from for Finance, Michael Noo- “Our members in Bank of Ireland, suring that over all domestic de- hensible and barbaric. He their family homes to pay off nan, over rates of pay in the AIB and Permanent TSB have not re- mand will remain stagnant. was responding to threats debts to those at the top of the banks as a signal to employ- ceived any pay increases since 2008 “Our members are the most mod- by senior government fig- European banking system are ers to further attack pay and have had all increments frozen estly-paid workers in the financial ures that home reposses- striking. rates across the economy. since then. sector. SIPTU will not accept any en- sions are likely to increase “I suspect that the recent inten- Responding to a report on Tues- “Real earnings have reduced sig- forced pay cuts in any of the state- following the introduction sification in calls for such un- day (12th March) by Mercers on pay nificantly as most of our members supported banks and any such of new guidelines for banks speakable cruelty is about in the banking sector, the Minister in these institutions relied on over- attempts will result in an immedi- on the mortgage debt crisis. pandering to the vultures of the proposed a reduction of between time earnings which have all but ate ballot for strike action. O’Connor called on the Gov- global banking system in the con- 6%-10% in pay and pensions for disappeared. “Ultimately, Mr Noonan’s propos- ernment “to come up with better text of the effort to return to the bank workers. “All three banks are currently in als, if he proceeds, will result in solutions to the mortgage crisis markets. We desperately need to But Adrian Kane hit back saying: talks with SIPTU and other unions branch closures, the de-skilling, out- than reverting to the tactics of escape the troika’s strait jacket “State-supported banks have re- in attempts to significantly reduce sourcing and the displacement of and access funding ourselves, but colonial lackeys in nineteenth duced labour costs in the region of pension costs.” decent jobs and the replacement of descending to the crucifixion of or- century Ireland.” between 23% and 31% over the past Adrian Kane said: “The effect of these jobs with low-paid call centre dinary families is a step too far. “ five years. The Mercers report states his proposal will do nothing to ad- type jobs,” Adrian Kane added. See page 13 Protest over youth project cuts Ireland needs retrofit drive Galway school bus IRELAND needs to retrofit 150,000 houses a MORE than 200 workers year for a decade if it is to meet its sustain- dispute settled protest outside the Dublin able energy targets, according to the Sus- Youth Services Board SCHOOL bus drivers in the Galway area have tainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) reached agreement with Bus Éireann, bringing (CDYSB) offices on More- chairman Brendan Halligan. hampton Road, Dublin 4, an end to a dispute which had threatened to Halligan said: “We are at the stage now where we result in strike action. SIPTU Transport Sector on 1st March following the have sufficient Building Energy Rating figures that we announcement that six can begin to draw conclusions for the whole popula- Organiser, Willie Noone, told Liberty: “These projects are to have their tion of housing stock,” and the state of affairs “is ut- issues have now been resolved to the complete funding cut by €600,000. terly and absolutely appalling.” satisfaction of the members involved.” Old Darnley Lodge sit-in ends Umbrella group A SEVEN-WEEK sit-in at the monies owed to them, it is unaccept- set up to protect Old Darnley Lodge in Athboy, able that in order to vindicate our county Meath, ended on Fri- rights, such action was necessary. natural resources day, 8th March, with workers “This victory would not have been emerging from the hotel at possible without the tremendous A NEW 'Resource Protection 11.30 a.m. to be greeted by a support of the local community and Network' has been set up to cheering crowd. the workers wish to express their co-ordinate resistance to the sale SIPTU shop steward, Eileen sincere gratitude.” of Ireland’s forests and the Quinn, told Liberty: “The workers The Old Darnley Lodge workers privatisation of water supply, as commenced their sit-in following well as to the ongoing give-away are happy that they can end the sit- of Ireland’s oil and gas resources. in with their heads held high after the sudden closure of the hotel on Wednesday, 16th January. The man- The new umbrella body was set up at securing the payment of their redun- a conference in Dublin on Sunday 10th, dancy entitlements and a commit- agement of the hotel gave only one hour’s notice before its closure and March titled ‘Ireland’s Natural Re- ment from the State’s insolvency sources: Not For Sale’. fund that all other monies owed to could not be contacted to discuss the Speakers from Ireland, Norway and them will be paid in the coming workers' statutory entitlements. Canada discussed Ireland’s mismanage- days. The hotel employed around 15 ment of a range of natural resources. full-time and 30 part-time and casual Old Darnley Lodge workers greeted “While the worker’s protest has by supporters after their sit-in ends Former Statoil worker director Stein been a success in terms of securing staff, most of whom are SIPTU mem- Photo: David Gilroy Bredal and SIPTU Head of Communica- its aim of the full payment of the bers. tions Frank Connolly spoke of the need to protect and develop Irelands off- shore potential. Canadian scientist Jes- sica Ernst described the devastating consequences that hydraulic fracturing IHF must support decent work MSD Rathdrum to close – or “fracking” – has had on water sup- AGM that the JLC system was ply and human health in her commu- THE IRISH Hotels Federation In early March management of the multi-national phar- nity in Alberta. costing jobs are both untrue and should accept workers have a maceutical company MSD announced they intend to close A number of companies are currently right to decent conditions of offensive. the company’s plant in Rathdrum, county Wicklow, by the seeking permission from the Govern- employment which can only “Studies carried out by independent ment to use the controversial process be protected by the reinstate- researchers have repeatedly shown end of 2015 with up to 280 jobs losses, including 75 SIPTU to extract shale gas from under several ment of the Joint Labour that the fair implementation of Joint members. Irish counties. Committee (JLC) for the sec- Labour Committee agreements does SIPTU Organiser, Frank Jones, said: “We intend to engage with the Among the plans made at the event tor. not cost jobs but rather creates Ideas Institute to ensure that our members are ‘skilled up’ to a level was a forest walk and mass meeting in April at the former estate of Charles decent working environments and is that their future employment prospects are as good as possible SIPTU Organiser Denis Hynes told Stuart Parnell at Avondale, county Liberty: “Claims by the Irish Hotels good for the wider economy as it by the time of the plant’s closure. The union is also engaging with Wicklow, to highlight the threat to Irish Federation president, Michael provides more money for low-paid management concerning possible re-deployment opportunities for forests posed by the Government’s Vaughan, at his organisation’s recent workers to spend.” our members to other MSD plants throughout Ireland.” plans to sell Coillte harvesting rights. Liberty 5 News MARCH 2013

BCD Travel to attend LRC following intervention by Minister SIPTU members at BCD Travel industrial action. The threat of impasse by utilising the estab- in Tralee, county Kerry, have strike action followed the refusal lished machinery for dispute reso- deferred strike action follow- by company management to nego- lution.” ing the company’s decision to tiate redundancy terms for seven Responding to the minister’s in- attend the Labour Relations workers who are to lose their jobs tervention and the company’s de- Commission (LRC) in an effort as part of a company restructuring cision to attend talks, SIPTU Sector to resolve outstanding issues plan. Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, said: has gone into the campaign and its arising from a dispute over the In response, BCD Travel threat- “We welcome the decision by the success will be an important start to non-payment of redundancy ened them with immediate dis- company to attend the LRC and we James Connolly the commemorations of the Lockout entitlements. missal and non-payment of have good reason to thank the of 1913 and the 1916 Rising." The company agreed to attend redundancy entitlements. Minister for his timely interven- Among the many people backing the LRC following a request by the On Wednesday (13th March), a tion. We have been trying to nego- Bridge Campaign the campaign are cultural figures in- Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and spokesperson for Richard Bruton tiate terms with the company, cluding author Irvine Welsh, singers Innovation, Richard Bruton, earlier said the minister regretted that the which includes the retention of The naming of the new Imelda May, Christy Moore, Andry transport bridge over the Liffey in this week. company had decided against at- two positions, and we hope that Irvine, Mary Black and Frances Black, BCD Travel, which manages cor- tending a Labour Relations Com- we can now achieve a positive and honour of worker's leader James actors Bryan Murray, Gabriel Byrne Connolly would be a fitting start porate travel arrangements for the mission (LRC) hearing, contrary to early resolution of this dispute. At and Jer O'Leary; comedians Brendan Kerry Group, had threatened work- good industrial relations practice. the request of the LRC we have to the commemorations of 1913 Grace and Brendan O'Carroll; poets and 1916, a delegation will tell ers with immediate dismissal if He said the Minister had urged the agreed to defer our strike action Theo Dorgan and Paula Meehan, as parties involved in this dispute “to and the placing of pickets pending Dublin City Council in the coming well as artists Robert Ballagh and they exercised their right to take work together to break the current the outcome of these discussions.” weeks. Dublin GAA star Alan Brogan. Currently under construction, the In late February, the commemora- bridge from Marlborough Street at tive naming committee released its Eden Quay to Hawkins Street at Burgh guidelines on choosing the name of Quay will accommodate the linking of the bridge and other infrastructure. SIPTU JLC submission the capital's two Luas lines. They specify that the names of liv- Workers from all of the Joint Labour Committee The delegation that will comprise ing persons will not be considered, of community activists, cultural fig- and those who have died in the last (JLC) sectors gathered at the Labour Court, ures and trade unionists will address 20 years only "in very exceptional Dublin, on Friday, 1st March, to call for the the commemorative naming commit- cases". A person proposed must have protection of low paid workers through the tee. been born, or lived, in Dublin, or have reinstatement of the JLC system. James Connolly Bridge Campaign a strong connection with the city and Pictured is SIPTU National Executive Council co-ordinator Brendan Carr said: 'The must also have made a "unique and delegation is a part of the formal ap- member, Bernie Casey, presenting Frances Gaynor outstanding contribution" to the life of the LRC with the SIPTU Submission to the plication to have the bridge named in or history of the city. honour of James Connolly, the work- Review of the JLCs. The Council's commemorative Bernie Casey said: “All SIPTU members stand in ers he led and their families." naming committee will consider sug- "The campaign has received back- gestions, then make a recommenda- solidarity with low paid workers demanding that ing from numerous leading cultural tion to a council meeting, which will they are fully protected in their jobs by the imme- figures and from abroad. Hard work make a final decision. diate reinstatement of the JLC system.” 6 Liberty MARCH 2013 Austerity and Bank Debt Protests Tens of thousands march against bank debt and austerity Tens of thousands marched in six Irish cities and towns on Saturday (9th February) in protest at the bank debt and one sided austerity policies. More than 50,000 marched in Dublin where Congress general secretary, David Begg, told a massive rally in Merrion Square that the Irish protests against the unsustainable €64 billion debt will be brought to Brussels and Frankfurt and to governments across the EU. He said that the “architects of austerity” would be informed that Ire- land will no longer be the “Mr Nice Guy” or “poster child” of Europe and that the campaign against the bank debt would continue until the agreement reached by EU leaders in June last year to separate it from sovereign debt was honoured. He said that protests would also continue at home Young people lead the until the Government changed Congress protest in Cork course on its one-sided austerity poli- on Saturday, 9th February cies and adopted measures to stimu- (Photo: Yvonne O'Callaghan) late growth and employment. On the march against austerity Comedian, Barry Murphy, enter- and bank debt in Waterford City tained the Dublin marchers with his (Photo: Photocall Ireland) Photo left: Protestors at the Lift The Burden march and troika character, Gunther Grun, while demonstration in Sligo listening singers Temper Mental MissElay- to speakers in O'Connell Street neous, Jinx Lennon, Knots and (Photocall Ireland) Mundy also performed at the rally. In Cork, up to 15,000 people heard SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn, March against the bank debt and austerity at Merrion Square, Dublin call for an end to austerity policies on Saturday, 9th February which were inflicting pain and suffer- (Photo: Jim Weldon) ing on the most vulnerable. Huge crowds also rallied in Limer- ick (10,000), Galway (5,000), Sligo (6,500) and Waterford (6,000) in a day of national protest that confirmed the deep anger of Irish working people at the bank debt despite the deal on the Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes announced by the government just two days previously. Protestors at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions protest against the bank debt burden in Galway (Photo: Photocall Ireland)

Protestors on ICTU protest against austerity Dame Street, and bank debt in Limerick City Dublin (Photo: Photocall Ireland) (Photo: Jim Weldon) Liberty 7 Workplace Committee MARCH 2013 ‘There is strong support for the union... it’s the culture’ By Scott Millar Glanbia workplace committee members John Doyle, Liz MONGthe rolling O’Donohoe and Pat Keatley hills of south Kildare is nestled the village A of Ballitore. Histori- cally famous for its once- prestigious Quaker boarding school, the village’s centre of activity is now its Glanbia milk processing plant. Employing 95 workers full-time and 25 part-time, the plant was established in 1982 by Avonmore Dairies as both a dairy and agri-food processor. When Avonmore and Pre- mier dairies merged in the 1998, the plant came under the control of the new Glanbia company. It’s a history which the plant’s workplace committee members Liz O’Donohoe, John Doyle and Pat Keatley know well as all have worked at the plant since the 1980s. “About 90% of the workforce is local. We work in two shifts from 6.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. till 10.00 p.m.,” says Liz who works in the plant’s laboratory. All the plant’s workers are mem- vene in Athy, Liz believes something bers of SIPTU and there is a strong John said: “The union was organ- in ensuring that the plant has for the port for the union from the work- was lost during SIPTU’s reorganisa- culture of trade union activity. ised in the 1980s but when for a few last 30 years supplied decent jobs in force. It’s the culture. We were here tion from a geographical to indus- John, who along with Pat is a ma- years it changed to people having to the local area. The union has done in the 1980s when there was another trial sector-based union. chine operator, said: “There is usu- be self-employed you could no great work over the years in terms of recession, so we realise how bad it “For me personally who attended ally good competition for places on longer be a member. People were rates of pay and terms and condi- can get without a union in place branch meetings it was a disaster be- the workplace committee and if eager to get the union back in 1990 tions of employment he says. compared to when there is one.” cause you lost contact with people you’re not up to the mark, your col- when the self-employed business He says: “A lot of hard work went This strong support ensures that who you were very friendly with in leagues soon let you know about it.” ended.” into it on the part of the branch sec- the committee works well in negoti- the area. If you had a problem you The committee, which numbers John along with the then local retary and the committees that went ations with management. could ring them or they could ring six people in total, oversees the ac- ITGWU Branch Secretary, Mick before us.” Pat said: “We have a comprehen- you. When it changed a lot of good tivity of the union between biennial Dowling, was instrumental in get- John agrees: “The union repre- sive agreement between the unions people in this area were lost.” general meetings at which it is ting the union organised again in the sents a lot of people that would not and the company. If no agreement Workers from a number of other elected. plant. have got employment and proper can be reached on local level we go major unionised local employments The worker’s attachment to the Pat, like many of his colleagues, is conditions without the union’s in- to third party.” Having been active as including hospitals and Tegral Tiles union was strengthened following a from a local farming background and volvement. There is a good grievance the plant’s delegate to the local attended the Athy Branch meetings. period in the late 1980s when the believes the union has been crucial procedure in place and strong sup- union branch, which used to con- These and other workers in the re- workers were encouraged to become gion will now be drawn together self-employed. This had financial ‘We were here in the recession in the 1980s, so we again by the, recently-created, SIPTU, benefits but damaged the operation Kildare District Committee. of the plant and was opposed by the realise how bad it can get without a union in place’ workers.

SIPTU Sector Organsier, Oliver right to put forward an alternative year, based on individual, business future increases will be based on McDonagh, told Liberty: “This type with the final outcome negotiated. unit, and corporate performance. market movement and individual Bord Gáis of pay system had been rejected pre- Potential for further salary in- Oliver McDonagh added: “The performance.” viously by union members. creases can be achieved through in- company had approached the union A defined contribution pension “Existing employees were on an dividual performance. The matrix seeking a €9.6m reduction in pay scheme for new starters will be in- incremental scale and would not will range from 0% to 3%. roll. The new scheme will deliver the troduced. Present employees and pay system change. Existing employees who wish to savings required, those on fixed-term contracts will re- “The new Bord Gáis proposal cross over to the new pay system can “The union, although dubious main in the defined benefit pension affects new entrants only – existing retain their present pay rate. After about performance-related pay scheme. The deal was brokered over members will only be affected if that, increases will depend on mar- schemes, welcomes the fact that brokered many days at the Labour Relations they apply for promotion. Existing ket movement and performance-re- there will be no job losses and no de- THE introduction of a per- employees may opt into the scheme lated pay. Those on the top of their crease in the earnings of our present Commission, and was accepted by formance-related pay system voluntarily if they wish.” scale who cross over will also receive members. ballot. An additional one-off pay- for new workers in Bord Gáis The salary range for new employ- 50% of national wage or other forms “The union also welcomes the fact ment of €1,000 per employee is to has been agreed between ees will be based on market research of collective agreements. The that 58 people on fixed-term con- be paid on acceptance. unions and the semi-state’s figures provided annually by Towers scheme provides for an individual tracts will be made permanent, re- management. Watson. The union will have the performance bonus at the end of the taining their present salary and 8 Liberty MARCH 2013 Frances O’Grady Interview Building economic democracy

You have a family history of working class political activity. My grandad and his dad, on my This year Frances O’Gradybecame the first female General Secretary mother’s side, were founder mem- of the British Trade Union Congress. The daughter of an Irish-born bers of the ITGWU. The Lockout was part of the family history. My mother and second-generation Irish father, she has fond memories of great grandfather had also worked summers spent with relations in the Cabra area of Dublin.Scott Millar in the Liverpool docks and was involved in the 1911 strike there. talked to Frances about her family background and the challenges and Apparently, he knew Larkin well. opportunities of her role. My father was born in England but went to Dublin, where he met my mother and they got married before coming back to England to standards for everybody. work with the Fabian Society be- We need to defend pub- live. I think we are now at a cross- cause we have been repeatedly lic services and go beyond TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady roads because the dominant told that people do not care who that. We’ve got to look believes there is an appetite among young I have always seen the Irish as workers for a new style of trade unionism natural organisers and it is where I model is under real pressure and provides public services as long as ahead to what we need as see a genuine value being brought ordinary people are questioning they were good. communities from our into the trade union movement by the kind of economy we live in In fact, what the research shows public services, how pub- and to what extent that economy very clearly is that people care lic services can be improved to Are younger workers listening? migrant workers because they All my experience is that they bring these rich experiences and should serve the interests of a rich very deeply about who provides meet the need of an increasingly elite and to what extent it should public services because the only ageing population and increas- are very interested in collective ac- very often a bigger understanding tion. You still get people talking of how the world works. serve the interests and needs of way that private services can make ingly diverse population. ordinary working people. In a fun- a profit is either by worsening the I also want to start a debate on about the ‘me generation’ and that I was always brought up know- they are hard to organise but I ing there were at least two differ- damental sense they are asking conditions of workers or cutting what I’m calling economic democ- what is the economy there for? the quality of the services they racy, because I think most people think that is to do with the sectors ent versions of history and I think they are employed in. Generally, that was very useful. Just to get a few people at the top provide or, very often, both. agree that the balance has swung richer, or is it there to provide de- This has touched a raw nerve in too far in the favour of employers we have had massive support from young people who have re- When did you first become active cent jobs, decent housing, a de- the UK because people feel very and big corporations. cent society that allows time to be strongly that there are certain We have seen those who hold ally been on the front line of the in the trade union movement? cuts and have very little to lose. I first joined as a shop worker as spent with our families and peo- parts of life where it is simply the reins of the banks and our ple that we care about. wrong for private companies to businesses making some incredi- They have lost their education a teenager then later on in my maintenance allowance, their uni- twenties was employed in the vol- make a buck from, and pain and bly bad decisions for which every- How should the trade unions suffering is one of them. body else is paying a high price versity fees have been tripled, if untary sector and later became a they get a job it will most likely be Transport and General Workers change? So wherever there are decisions Trade unions worldwide need to being made that impact on job se- low paid and insecure or they get Union representative, involved in the glory of an unpaid internship. organising campaigns beyond the remember our roots as a social ‘I also want to start a curity, investment, innovation and movement and to build new al- skills I want workers to have a I think there is a big appetite workplace and with migrant work- debate on what I’m among this young generation of ers and others in London. liances. We need to work on both voice, to be there, and that in- fronts –we have a lot of work to calling economic cludes up to and including the workers for what will probably do to build membership and or- boardroom have to be a new style of trade What are the major challenges democracy, because I unionism. We should be open to facing the movement? ganisation, and new active leaders at a workplace level. think most people agree Is media ownership an issue? that and to changing our struc- I think the big challenge is in tures because the world of work the private sector and we need to In the case of the multi-national that the balance has The concentration of media corporations that are circling our ownership in the hands of a very has changed. But trade unions remember that we are only ever as swung too far in the have to ensure that we are rele- strong as the weakest worker. We public services, that requires inter- few, largely right-wing, rich men is national corporation and solidar- favour of employers and a major challenge; not just for vant, that we are championing the also need to rebuild citadels of issues that the new generation bargaining strength because if you ity of the sort that Larkin and big corporations’ unions but it is bad for the health Connolly pioneered. of our democracies. But again we cares about and we are showing look at people’s living standards that we can make a difference. they’re stagnating or declining. At the same time we have to have huge opportunities. In the Many economists now argue that reach out to migrant worker UK as well as the traditional trade this growing inequality was actu- groups, to women’s organisations, What are your current priorities? union paper the Morning Star, we ally one of the causes of the crash. to campaign groups. We have to We need decent jobs, growth have Union News which is web- Because people’s living stan- build very broad and deep al- and reform of the banking system. based. This is a great, cheap and dards were falling and they were liances that show that we are We have got to do something effective way to get out to mass rooted in the communities that about living standards and wages. audience, it’s the 20th century an- Frances O’Grady will be taking on more debt and mort- among those addressing the gages that they couldn’t afford, gave rise to us in the first place. I’m going to be leading a new ini- swer to the old penny newspapers that all fed the debt bubble. So it tiative around the living wage but that were so important for that Universities Ireland confer- is a classic case of the system sow- In the UK the trade union move- we go beyond that. first wave of new unionism that ence: ‘Reflecting on a Decade ing the seeds of its own destruc- ment is emphasising the need to We want fair wages and fair Larkin and Connolly were part of. of War and Revolution in Ire- tion because it wasn’t sustainable protect the National Health Serv- shares because we need to reverse We mustn’t just bemoan what land 1912-1923; the Cause of ice. the unfair distribution of the we have lost but must roll up our in the long term. Labour’ in Croke Park, I think people in Britain are very wealth that we all produce. Com- sleeves and start creating those What is also clear is that as trade Dublin, on Saturday 8th June. unions become weaker, particu- clear that the NHS is not safe in panies need reminding it is not new ways of getting our message larly in the private sector, the less this government’s hands despite boardrooms that produce wealth – across to a new generation. able they are to improve living the promises. We did some polling it is their workforces. Liberty 9 News MARCH 2013

A Century of 1913 Events Calendar 21st March – 15th April

Struggle Recalled A selection of upcoming events to commemorate the 1913 Lockout For a full list including the dates of the tour of local libraries by the Irish History

SF President Gerry Adams Live show - Dublin’s Tenements, which is suitable for children see events at addresses conference in Liberty Hall www.1913committee.ie Admission to all events is free unless stated

Thursday, March 21st: Sunday, April 7th : History Ireland hedge School - Jim Larkin Lockout speech by Jer O’Leary at ‘Locked out: 1913 in Dublin and Galway’ Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin at 2.00 p.m. in Mechanics Institute, Galway, at 7.30 p.m. (This event will take place each Sunday in April).

Thursday, March 21st: Monday, April 8th: John Lovett Memorial Lecture ‘Class war vs. ‘Infernos of Degradation’: Life in the Dublin social compact?’ by Padraig Yeates, University Slums with Dr. Enda Leaney, Dublin City Public of Limerick, at 7.30 p.m. Libraries Ballymun Library, Ballymun Road, at 2.30 p.m. Booking essential Tuesday, March 26th: Launch of One City One Book, ‘Strumpet City’ Friday, April 12th: in Liberty Hall at 10.30 a.m. Stories, songs, speeches which inspired Strumpet City with historian Padraig Yeates, Thursday, March 28th: actor Jer O’Leary and Fergus Whelan (ICTU). History Ireland hedge school – “‘Suffrage first”? The Church Café & Bar, Dublin, at 1.00 p.m. Women at home, at work and in the public sphere, c.1911-14” Mechanics Institute, Galway, at Saturday, April 13th: 8.00 p.m. A Capital in Conflict: Dublin city and the 1913 Lockout. Seminar associated with the launch of Monday, April 1st: the book of the same title, Dublin City Library & Irish Traditional Music with readings from Archive, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin, 10.00 a.m. - Strumpet City. The Church Café & Bar, junction of 4.30 p.m. By David Cullinane Mary Street and Jervis Street, Dublin, at 7.30 p.m. Sunday, April 14th: IBERTY HALL was the venue on pear great because we are on our knees. Let us Tuesday, April 2nd: Strumpet City at the National Print Museum. March 2nd for a conference en- arise!!” Appropriately this was followed by a Dublin at the time of James Plunkett’s Strumpet Print your own keepsake, listen to a performed titled ‘A Century of Workers’ in contribution from Gerry White, a former City with Dr. Paul Rouse (UCD). National Gallery reading and drink tea from a jam jar or fine Struggle 1913-2013’. Lagan Brick worker, a group of workers who of Ireland, Clare Street, at 10.30 bone china, with artist and letterpress printer LOrganised by Sinn Fein, the event began on achieved a just resolution against the odds. Mary Plunkett. National Print Museum, Garrison ‘Who Feared to Wear the Red Hand Badge!’ SIPTU president, Jack O’Connor, further ex- Chapel, Beggar’s Bush Barracks, Haddington a retrospective note, with Gerry Adams TD Songs and Poems of 1913 Lockout, Council plored the topic of the link with the Labour Road, Dublin, 2.00 – 5.00 p.m. paying tribute to those involved in the Lock- Chamber, City Hall, Dame Street, 1.10 p.m. - Party, and asserted that the left in Ireland was out, who faced such enormous odds, before 1.50 p.m.: giving way to a historical video produced by being held back by its lack of ambition a point Strumpet City – Extracts, Banners, Ballads and Banter. Dublin’s best balladeers, Jimmy Kelly, Mark Moloney, and a contribution from echoed by Peter Bunting, Regional Secretary of Wednesday, April 3rd: Fergus Russell and Fergus Whelan sing rousing Labour historian, Brian Hanley. ICTU in the north. O’Connor also criticised Bread and Roses: Strumpet City Revisited. ballads of the time. Jer O’Leary is an actor and Former Vita Cortex worker, Henry O’Reilly, constant attacks on the Labour Party from Broadcaster Sean Rocks, writers Christine other left wing parties banner maker, living in the North Strand. Mick then gave an impassioned in- Dwyer Hickey, Diarmuid Ferriter and Peter which, he said, did not focus O’Reilly, President of DCTU, talks with Jer, as a sider’s view of the long run- Sheridan discuss the importance of Strumpet O’Connor also criticised the same anger on Fine Gael. slide show of his banners depict how he was ning occupation of the Cork City – the book. Readings by Bryan Murray Siobhán O’Donoghue of influenced by Larkin’s writings. Extracts read by plant, followed by the first constant attacks on the (Fitz in the TV series), theme music from the TV the Migrant Rights Centre of drama students, Sean O ‘Casey Theatre, East panel session which saw Labour Party from other series played by the orchestra of the RIAM and Ireland stated that the rights Wall. 2.00 p.m. -5.00 p.m. Admission 10. Eamon Dunphy chair an inter- conducted by the composer Proinnsias O Duinn. € esting, engaging, and some- left wing parties which, of Migrant Workers should Email: [email protected] St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle, Dame Street, at times tense discussion he said, did not focus not be treated in isolation. 7.30 p.m. Admission free. Booking essential. entitled ‘1913-2013 – The They are workers, and are Sunday, April 14th the same anger on Fine Limit of four tickets per person. Struggle for Workers’ Rights.’ agitating for the same rights, Jim Larkin Lockout speech by Jer O’Leary at Brian Forbes from Mandate Gael. she said. Jimmy Kelly of Email: [email protected] Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin at 2.00 p.m.(This Unite and John Douglas of event will take place each Sunday in April). outlined the difficulties facing Thursday, April 4th: workers organising in well- Mandate, highlighted the need for trade unions to challenges austerity. Dramatic readings from Strumpet City, The Monday, April 15th: known companies which often discourage Bailey Bar, 1-4 Duke Street at 4:30 p.m. union membership. The Chairperson Eamon After a musical interval, by the always ex- Lockout a new play by Ann Matthews. Hear the story of Dublin working class wives and Dunphy put questions to Conor McCabe and cellent Don Baker, the evening’s discussion Friday, April 5th: mothers during the Lockout. The New Theatre, to SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank wrapped up with three further addresses. Big Jim & Jimmy’s Novel: The story behind 43 East Essex Street, Dublin, 7.30 p.m. Connolly, regarding the link between the Donie Fell, a worker in Waterford Crystal, told Strumpet City with James Curry. Labour Party and the Union movement, with the story of their efforts to seek justice and The Church Café & Bar, Dublin, at 11.30 a.m. McCabe responding that comparisons with fair treatment, while Brian O’Donoghue of the the British Labour Party were unhelpful. Con- Labourers International Union of North Amer- We are seeking memorabilia from nolly underlined the importance of parties on ica illustrated the International nature of the left, as well as unions, to work in concert. workers struggles. the period of the Dublin Lock out of He said that the broad left vote jumped from It then fell to Sinn Féin’s Vice President, 1913 for an exhibition in Liberty Hall 20% to 40% at the last election, an historic ad- Mary Lou McDonald TD, to sum up. Thanking theatre. If you have items of vance which could be significantly rolled back all for attending she underlined the impor- without left wing unity. tance for unions, not only to represent their interest including letters, photos, After a brief interval, the crowd were members, but also to continue to work as part uniforms, etc. please contact brought back to 1913, as the spirit of James of a progressive movement. [email protected] or tel: 01-8588217 Larkin was resurrected by Jer O’Leary, exhort- David Cullinane is the Sinn Fein spokesperson on ing those in attendance –‘The great only ap- workers’ rights 10 Liberty MARCH 2013 Feature Offering a media alternative to empower local communities By William Hederman

OR some, the words “community radio” bring to mind small, F amateur outfits, with a narrow focus on local issues and often with a short life- span. The reality is very different – if the experience of Near FM is any kind of indicator. Near serves north-east Dublin and is this month celebrating 30 years on the airwaves. Near started out in March 1983 as Sally Galiana, head of a tiny pirate station, tucked away in radio at the Near Media a disused room in St David’s School Co-op in Dublin, ad- in Coolock and has grown to become dressing the ‘Social Jus- a solid fixture in Irish broadcasting, tice Media’ conference in with more than 100 volunteer broad- Dublin on Saturday 9th casters and 24-hour radio output. March. The event was The Near Media Co-op – now also hosted by Near to mark producing TV and web content – is its 30th anniversary. The one of the driving forces in a broad conference was opened movement that is seeking to build a by Minister for Commu- democratised or “bottom-up” media, nications Pat Rabbitte, owned and produced by ordinary who said community people as an alternative to commer- media played a ‘vital role cial and state-controlled media. by offering an outlet for In listenership terms, Near com- those whose views are pares respectably with mainstream not represented’ by broadcasters in its north-east Dublin mainstream media. The catchment area, but for those whose conference brought to- passion and work keeps the station gether media practition- going, the question of how many ers and community people are listening comes second to activists to address the the question: who is making the pro- poor coverage of social grammes? justice issues in Ireland’s

Near’s head of radio Sally Galiana, Hederman William Picture: originally from Madrid, told Liberty: quite an achievement, but the folks “Community radio is open to any- are weekly programmes made by lives,” said Byrne, who at the time of catchment area of community radio at Near FM are not resting on their one, but in order to balance under- Polish, Croatian and Brazilian peo- Near’s founding was a shop steward stations, 34% had listened to a com- laurels. representation in mainstream ple, broadcast wholly or partly in with the Marine, Port and General munity station in the previous week, The station has just launched a media, we target certain groups and their native language. Workers’ Union (now part of SIPTU). which translates into 307,000 listen- new ‘citizen journalism’ scheme in help them make programmes – for Since 1995, the co-op has also of- He describes media literacy as an ers. conjunction with the website example, women, migrants, older fered “media literacy” training in “empowerment tool” for all citizens In Near FM’s case, another survey boards.ie, which will train people to people, young people and people north Dublin. Near FM co-founder and is currently in discussion with showed that 12,000 people listen to go out and gather news. with disabilities.” Jack Byrne describes media literacy several trade unions to provide the station in any given week. This could eventually feed into an- Galiana, who is also vice president as the “first step” in creating an al- media literacy training. Near has also branched into tele- other ambitious idea that Near pro- of AMARC Europe (the European as- ternative media. The community radio sector is vision. The co-op was one of the posed at a major conference it sociation of community media “Media literacy is about under- thriving, with almost 25 stations in main players in the setting up of hosted this month to mark its 30th broadcasters), said: “Community standing the hugely powerful influ- the Republic. Dublin Community Television birthday, “a national, alternative radio is completely different from ence of mainstream media in A Red C survey in June 2012 (DCTV) in 2008. news service that would bypass the mainstream radio. We look at people shaping so many aspects of our found that of adults living in the Thirty years of broadcasting is mainstream media and could be as potential volunteers rather than shared between all of the 30-plus as someone to sell to. community broadcasters on the is- “Mainstream media delivers infor- ‘In order to balance under representation in land of Ireland.” mation to people – we let people cre- Watch this media space. ate their own information and mainstream media, we target certain groups – Near FM broadcasts on 90.3 FM decide what is important.” and www.near.ie. DCTV is available As part of its mission to democra- women, migrants, older people, young people on NTL channel 802. tise media, Near trains local people For a list of community radio sta- in how to make programmes. There and people with disabilities’ – Sally Galiana, head of radio tions in Ireland, see www.craol.ie Liberty 11 Community MARCH 2013 Communities First launched By Paul Gavan authorities and Local Development O’Connor said: “Initial plans include communities. If his department is Companies that will have major im- intensive lobbying of politicians intent on making such big decisions SIPTU community workers plications for local services and across the 26 counties. about our jobs and our local services have launched a new cam- workers. “We will be making clear to he needs to talk to the people at the paign to defend vital services According to O’Connor, the minis- politicians the damage these plans coal face.” from government plans to ter’s plans put the future of more will inflict on already disadvantaged SIPTU sector organiser, Eddie cut, outsource and close key than 50 Local Development Compa- communities which are suffering the Mullins, said: “The bottom-up ap- parts of the sector. nies in jeopardy and millions of worst effects of the recession. proach of independent Local Devel- SIPTU Sector Organiser Darragh euros of European funding at risk. “We will also engage with local opment Companies has been Key threats to the sector from the communities to explain the impact O’Connor told Liberty: “Plans internationally recognised as a best minister’s proposals include: of the minister’s plans on vital announced by the Minister for the practice model. • The likely closure through programmes providing community Environment Phil Hogan will “The independent nature of these “amalgamation” of local develop- development, education and dismantle existing structures for key companies is also a stipulation for community services. ment companies, employment supports.” the continued receipt of millions of “Our ‘Communities First’ • Job losses, SIPTU shop steward, Manus Bree, euros in European Rural Develop- campaign has been established in • The contracting out of services, commented: “On Tuesday (26th Feb- response to these proposals to •The loss of funding streams from ruary), Minister Hogan indicated in ment funding. defend thousands of workers who the EU, and the Dáil his intention to ‘rationalise “Any change must consider the in- now face an uncertain future.” • A ‘race to the bottom’ in wages structures’ as part of this so-called terests of communities and workers. The local government reform and conditions. ‘alignment’ process. That’s why SIPTU is launching a Environment document, Putting People First, pro- Outlining the main components “We know that this means job campaign to defend these vital local Minister Phil Hogan poses an ‘alignment’ between local of the new campaign, Darragh losses and reduced services for local services and jobs.” Tommy’s advice to CE workers... join SIPTU! By Paul Gavan TOMMY Byrne’s decision to had signed up for membership. the issue for other CE workers who join SIPTU while working as He continued: “I worked in Britain may be facing a similar plight. a participant in a CE scheme for many years as a carpenter and He told Liberty: “There is a lot of was instrumental in ensuring was always in the union, so I didn’t misinformation out there as to who his contract was renewed. have to think twice about joining.” is and who is not entitled to renew Tommy, who works as a caretaker Upon hearing that his contract on CE. for the Crosserlough Community would not be renewed, he immedi- “Being in SIPTU gave me the con- Development Scheme in county ately contacted Parker and discov- fidence to establish what my rights Cavan, was told that his contract ered that while there had been were and to insist that they were re- would not be renewed at the end of changes to the eligibility criteria for spected.” his first year on the scheme. remaining on CE, he had in fact Tommy found the experience em- He said: “I was devastated because every right to an extension. powering and is now looking for- there was no work out there and I Tommy raised the issue again and ward to playing a bigger role within faced the dole again. I was also in the pointed out that he was entitled to SIPTU through the newly-estab- middle of a level 3 Computer Course receive a further contract. lished Cavan District Committee. to upgrade my skills. When he still met with resistance He added: “I would urge anyone “However, I was told that only 25% he weighed in with a letter from his working on a Community Employ- of participants could have their con- union outlining his entitlements. ment scheme to join the union – not tracts extended and that there was Tommy also enlisted the help of just to ensure your own rights are nothing that could be done.” local TD, Caoimhghim Ó Caoláin, protected but also to support Fortunately, Tommy had attended who raised the issue of entitlements SIPTU’s campaign to maintain CE a meeting with Noreen Parker from for CE workers in the Dáil. schemes which have been under sus- Tommy Byrne: ‘I didn’t have to think twice about joining the union’ SIPTU’s Strategic Organising depart- As a result, Tommy’s contract was tained attack from government cuts ment a couple of months earlier and renewed but he is keen to highlight for the last number of years.”

SIPTU Membership Information & Support Centre (MISC)

8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday

&NBJMNJTD!TJQUVJFtXXXTJQUVJF 12 Liberty MARCH 2013 Community

Lessons from the Lockout: Casadh Youth workers involved in 1913 project Guarantee - quality is key By Loraine Mulligan

THE agreement to recom- ing to keep the rate lower than it mend the setting up of might otherwise be. Youth Guarantee schemes Notwithstanding fiscal con- across the EU was brokered straints, there is a need to assist under the Irish Presidency vulnerable young people, particu- of the EU last month. larly those who are ‘not in educa- It marks a significant step for- tion, employment or training’ ward but major challenges remain (NEETs) given the extent of the regarding implementation. problem (18.4%). The aim is to “ensure that all The guidelines at EU level point young people under the age of 25 to the need to actively involve the receive a good-quality offer of em- social partners in the design and ployment, continued education, an implementation of policies to apprenticeship or a traineeship boost opportunities for young peo- within a period of four months of ple. becoming unemployed or leaving This is a key requirement in Ire- CE workers to launch formal education”. land in order to promote a quality The proposal is set to be formally approach, offering skills develop- approved at the next European ment and progression. It is partic- summit of leaders on 14th-15th ularly important to minimise the March. Under the EU Budget 2014- potential abuse of JobBridge, the 2020, €6 billion has been ring- national internship programme. fenced for measures to address the While traineeships can be useful Lockout film project problem of youth unemployment. in providing work experience to Rather than a legal obligation, young people who are seeking an By Paul Gavan never done anything like this before the plan represents a political com- initial foothold in the labour mar- and are determined to give a faithful mitment to take action to arrest the ket, the displacement of existing portrayal of what life was like at the emergence of a ‘lost generation’. jobs by unscrupulous employers through the use of free labour is HERE’S a strong ethos time.” For countries – such as Ireland – of workers’ rights The 15 participants hope to have which are subject to a Troika pro- not allowable or acceptable. Sufficiently resourced and robust within the Casadh the film ready by mid-year. Once fin- gramme of financial assistance Community Employ- ished, the film will be uploaded on and/or in budgetary difficulty, the monitoring/compliance procedures T ment (CE) scheme with su- to the web. There will also have a horizon for introducing measures are required to avert exploitation. Members under 35 years who pervisors and most formal launch in a major cinema. is gradual given the potential need Shop steward Karl explained the for additional funding. would like to get involved in the participants being members of SIPTU. motivation behind the work: “We’re Youth unemployment in Ireland SIPTU Youth Network should So perhaps it shouldn’t come as a doing it because it’s the centenary of has been at an elevated level of contact Loraine Mulligan in the surprise that CE workers there are 1913, and we’re getting educated about 30% for a number of years Policy Research Unit at planning an ambitious project to about the Lockout and what it and emigration is undoubtedly act- [email protected] commemorate the 1913 Lockout –a meant to people involved in the film and exhibition portraying the local area at the time. “It was the start of the trade union impact of the Lockout on working Colm Foran: ‘the key class families living in Dublin’s lesson is get organised!’ movement, and the demand for inner city at that time. workers’ rights. We’re basing the story on a family and how they Casadh provides a centre where writing, filming and production would have gone about their daily persons recovering from substance were done by the participants them- lives, and exploring the working misuse are made to feel welcome, selves. That gave them the bug to do class culture of the time.” valued and empowered so that they further work in this area and the One of the key conclusions of the can take control of their lives. commemoration of the Lockout was Big Jim Larkin (aka work so far for participants like Karl Based in Dublin’s south inner city, an ideal opportunity to do just that.” Seamus Hughes) was the similarity between 1913 and the FAS Community Employment There will also be an exhibition to made an appearance situation today in terms of the strug- programme blends a mixture of for- accompany the film. Participants are at the St Patrick’s Day gles facing working people. mal education with targeted inter- currently engaged in detailed re- parade in Galway on He said: “It’s still relevant, the ventions and close individual and search for the project. Sunday (17th March) class distinction in society is still group support. As part of this work they are trying to help EQUAL Ireland very much with us. The key lesson Explaining the background to the to establish links between families to encourage more from 1913 is to get organised!” 1913 initiative, Project Manager living in the area today and ances- people back For more information on Casadh Colm Folan told Liberty: “Last year tors who took part in the events of into education. and the 1913 project, contact Colm our participants made a short film 1913. Colm explained: “The research Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy Folan on 01 4548419. which was a huge success. All of the is tough, painstaking work – they‘ve Liberty 13 Economy MARCH 2013

By Vic Duggan

HE debate on debt may go down as the defining debate of this decade. Everyone T is painfully aware that after a borrowing-fuelled Debt Relief – consumption and property bubble, Ireland is now reel- ing from the hangover. The government is over-indebted, businesses are over-indebted, and families are over-indebted. Even the banks themselves are over-indebted, mandated by the Troika to shrink their balance sheets, reining in for the genuine credit for everyone else as a result. between a family with reduced means struggling to meet home As a nation, we are among the world’s leaders in the borrowing mortgage repayments and investors race, total private sector credit stand- with a string of properties trying to ing at over 300% of GDP, even after game the system. IFSC activities are stripped out, and Legislation needs to be introduced general government debt is nearing to facilitate repossession as a last re- 120% of GDP. sort. If collateral cannot be repos- This debt overhang is undoubt- sessed, then the whole concept of edly undermining investment, mortgage lending breaks down. job-creation and economic Some landlords are taking in rent, growth. Everyone is spending but refusing to pay their mortgage, in less, borrowing less, investing the knowledge that the banks are unless and busy paying down willing or unable to repossess and in loans to ‘repair their balance the hope that their debt will be writ- sheets’. ten down. Even though Ireland’s sav- In line with the EU Commission’s ings rate has increased sensible advice, the €3m ceiling on markedly in recent years to eligible debt under the personal in- about 11%, investment as a solvency legislation should be signif- proportion of GDP is only icantly reduced. Ultimately, all 10%, a near-record low and taxpayers will foot the bill for debt about half of where it needs writedowns, and the inclusion of to be to retain and improve multiple investment properties and the country’s production ca- trophy homes under the legislation pacity. may further skew the benefits in Household debt in Ireland is favour of property speculators over double disposable income and struggling families. nearly a third of total household For those who truly cannot – assets, both measures having and likely will not be able to – roughly doubled since 2003 – one in repay the mortgage on their nine mortgages on family homes family home, swift, com- were in arrears of more than 90 days passionate action by by the end of September 2012. This lenders is of the essence. rises to nearly one in five for invest- IRE Herculean forbearance ment properties. Half of all mortgages simply forestalls the in- are estimated to be in negative equity. evitable and prolongs the mis- That’s the problem. What’s the so- ery. Certa inly, innovative lution? solutions such as equity-sharing It is a simple statement of fact that arrangements sh ould be encouraged, debt that can’t be repaid, won’t be but not at the expense of resolute ac- repaid and will eventually be written teriorated quite so much as the if not impossible. Even though such outcome must surely be considered tion. off. For many firms, families and fin- worst-case scenario envisaged when a drastic approach would provide a intolerable in Ireland. Debt relief targeted where it is anciers across the country, this is an they were last recapitalised in 2011. fillip for the economy, the cost We need to face up to the reality, needed, and as quickly as possible, is inescapable reality. The banks have enough money to do would ultimately be borne by Irish and the unfairness, of ‘moral hazard’ the right thing for the economy, the Already, the banks have been thee necessary. taxpayers, now proud owners of a or ‘strategic default’. Hard-pressed right thing for society, and the right As well as burning bondholders significant chunk of the banking sys- taxpayers can’t be expected to foot stuffed chock-full of taxpayers’ thing by taxpayers. money so that they can withstand and foreign depositors, Iceland of- tem. the bill for those who don’t want to To speed things along, we need to the inevitable, but they are dragging fered mortgage relief to anyone Typically, debt levels are correlated pay as well as those who can’t pay. see a little less jaw-jaw and a little their heels, thus far impervious to whose mortgage was more than with income and wealth levels – so Insofar as possible, we need to dis- more war-war from the authorities. the authorities’ moral persuasion. 110% of the value of their property. a blanket writedown would benefit tinguish between these two groups, Recent moves by Government in While it cannot be excluded that this regard are welcome but far from The Rev- A blanket writedown of mortgage the wealthy most in relative and in providing relief to the latter and the banks will need more capital in and other debt in Ireland, however, absolute terms, as happened in Ice- penalties for the former. what is needed to relieve hard the future, the economy has not de- would be unwise and badly targeted, land. Such a perverse distribution There is an important difference pressed home owners. Education & Development Support Scheme Members in Further Education Gaeltacht Awards for Members’ Children The scheme will offer up to ten Up to twenty-five awards will be made each year for awards each year. the children of members to cover the cost of their participation (accommodation and tuition fees) in a Application forms and further Second-Level Awards for Gaeltacht course under the scheme operated information available from Members and for jointly by SIPTU and Gael Linn. Members’ Children your Sector Organiser Up to thirty awards will be made A member, applying on his/her own behalf or each year to second-level on behalf of his/her child/children, must have Closing date for receipt of students to cover the senior cycle at least one year’s membership of the Union completed applications (the two years up to the and be in benefit when both the application 30th September, 2013 Leaving Certificate). and the payments are made. (for awards 2013/2014) 14 Liberty MARCH 2013 Comment Swiss vote signals NEW! One Direct branch network

WITH so many other finan- by setting up a dedicated One Di- Post Office/ Local Tel Number cial institutions closing rect Insurance Zone in 27 loca- Branch Rep issue of high pay down branches, isn’t it reas- tions nationwide. Cork GPO Tracy 076-6888001 suring to see an Irish com- Castlebar Post Office Hilary 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 02 pany investing in local 10% discount for SIPTU Members Drogheda Post Office Karl 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 03 Dun Laoghaire Post Office Pat 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 4 towns and communities all To celebrate the arrival of this over Ireland? Dundalk Post Office Rachel 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 5 new service, One Direct is offering Letterkenny Post Office Joyce 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 6 now on the agenda One Direct’s new Insurance 10% Discount to SIPTU members. Limerick Post Ofice Grace 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 7 Zones in 23 Post Offices around By Niall Crowley through and agreed by civil society So why not give us a call or drop Mallow Post Office Joan 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 8 the country and four new One Di- organisations that draw together en- into your local One Direct Branch. Monaghan Post Office Jacinta 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 0 9 rect branches is great news for ex- GRASS-ROOTS ini- vironmental, social justice and Plus as a SIPTU member you also Mullingar Post Office Monica 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 0 isting and new insurance equality concerns. get interest free monthly instal- Naas Post Office Hugh 076-6888011 tiative in Switzerland customers seeking value on their on the issue of high Claiming Our Future hopes to ments and Free Journeywise Navan Post Office Karl 076-6888012 stimulate the development of, and doorstep. cover. Portlaoise Post Office Sinead 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 3 pay achieved success This new insurance service pro- A agreement on, such new perspec- Sligo GPO Melissa 076-6888014 in a recent referendum. vides SIPTU members with a face A 68% majority voted for legal pro- tives. This should be a source of new Win a €250 One4All Voucher Swords Post Office Susan 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 5 to face service when looking for a visions to give shareholders a bind- creativity for a new set of policy de- Tralee Post Office Angela 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 6 quote on their car insurance. Send an email to ing power of veto over the salaries of mands for a very different future. Waterford Post Office Mary 076 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 7 Established in 1999, as a wholly [email protected] with managers and board members of Civil society remains fragmented Wexford Post Office Donata 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 8 owned subsidiary of An Post, One your name, telephone number and listed companies. and disempowered. It continues to car insurance renewal date and be St Andrew St PO, D2 Paula 0 7 6 - 6 8 8 8 0 1 9 reflect a loss of purpose and direc- Direct has always provided great Golden handshakes to managers in with a chance to win a €250 Tallaght Post Office Claire 0 7 6 - 6 8 8 8 0 2 0 tion in the face of the scale of the value insurance from their Head for joining or leaving and bonus pay- One4All Gift Card. Entries must be Cavan Post Office Laura 076 - 6 8 8 8 02 1 current crisis. Office in Athlone to people up and Ennis Post Office Grace 076 - 6 8 8 8 02 2 ments for executives involved in received before 30th April 2013. mergers or acquisitions are to be out- Claiming Our Future hopes to down the country. Blanchardstown Centre PO Paula 076 - 6 8 8 8 02 3 lawed. stimulate debate about the purpose, Now, they’ve gone a step further One Direct, Eyre Sq, Galway Marie 076 - 6 8 8 8 024 EU finance ministers are now con- function and organisation of civil so- One Direct, James St, Kilkenny Rosie 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 2 5 sidering regulations to curb exces- ciety in the current social, political One Direct, Phibsboro Rd, D7 Julie-Anne 0 76 - 6 8 8 8 0 2 6 sive bank risk-taking by specifying a and economic context. Civil society One Direct, Castle St, Bray Leon 076 - 6 8 8 8 027 1:1 ratio on bonus relative to salary, organisations have remained re- rising to 2:1 if shareholders give ap- markably immune to change and we proval. run the risk of becoming irrelevant These steps are more about curb- in a context that has been trans- ing gross excess than dealing with formed. high pay. However, high pay is on The next initiative for Claiming the international agenda. It needs to Our Future will be an event to de- be a bigger focus on the Irish agenda. GREAT DEALS ON Claiming Our Future is complet- ing its work programme for the coming 12 months. CAR INSURANCE Income equality, specifically the For SIPTU Members need to establish maximum incomes, is one priority area. It is hoped to develop debate across the different sectors of civil society on 10% Discount for SIPTU Members the policy mechanisms that could When you take out a car policy before 30th June 2013 curb high incomes, and thus promote income equality. Swiss have voiced disapproval After that it is hoped to build a over excess in the boardroom 33% discount if all drivers have no penalty points and hold concerted effort across civil society Picture: kmaschke (CC BY-SA 2.0) BY-SA (CC kmaschke Picture: an Irish Driving Licence to promote and build popular support for such policy initiatives. bate the development goals for Ire- Democracy is a second key focus land and the wider world. 24 hour Breakdown Rescue Cover in Ireland and the UK in the work programme. The Consti- New global development goals are theft tutional Convention will consider currently being negotiated at United the issue of electoral reform and Nations level. The European Union, local and European elections are due under the Irish Presidency, is prepar- or attempted theft claims in 2014. ing its position for these negotia- This offers some limited space to tions. Multiple Payment Options including your local Post advance proposals for electoral re- Global development goals need to form. Political reform needs to be break with models of neo-liberal de- driven by civil society. However, it velopment and create societies and with your name, has yet to adequately find its way on economies that are environmentally [email protected] to our agendas. sustainable, participative and equal. Send an email to Budgetary policy will continue to This event will bring trade union- telephone number and car insurance renewal date and be in be a focus in the work of Claiming ists, community groups, environ- Our Future. The need to rebalance mental groups and global justice budgetary policy towards taxation of groups together to deliberate on wealth and real investment in job what development goals should be Please note that the details supplied by you will be used and retained by One Direct (Ireland) creation are the priorities in this re- established for Ireland and on what Limited for the purpose of contacting you prior to your renewal date or in response to your & & && & & gard. further development goals might retained for any other purpose unless otherwise requested by you. Calls may be recorded for Environmental sustainability and also be required at a global level. issues of social justice and equality This will be in the RDS in Dublin on have been pursued by civil society April 20th. Acceptance criteria, terms and conditions apply. One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as One Direct is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a subsidiary of An Post. Car Insurance is underwritten by Aviva on parallel – and sometimes op- Further information is Insurance Limited. posed – tracks. New perspectives on available from www.claiming the future need to be thought ourfuture.ie. Liberty 15 LRC proposals for a Revised Agreement on Pay in the Public Service – 2013 to 2016 MARCH 2013

5. Voting No will not make the problem go 10.The purpose of Trade Unions is to away. The “Croke Park Agreement” will advance the interests of workers in collapse and we will still be faced with times of prosperity and to defend them the cuts agenda without the protections during downturns. Doing so entails it provides. The country is subject to the making the best judgements we can in Statement by the Troika imposed schedule for reducing the each given circumstance. We believe deficit, (which is still the highest in the the best strategy for these extraordinary National Executive Eurozone). That entails cutting the gap times is to keep the Centralised between tax revenue and spending by a Collective Agreement in place for the Council of SIPTU further €4bn to €5bn between now and period envisaged. 2015. Public Service pay and pensions on the Labour Relations account for 35% of all state spending. This would enable all Public Service workers to retain the protection it Commission’s proposals 6. It is not clear how things will unfold if affords against compulsory redundancy, the proposals are rejected. Government redeployment and outsourcing, (as well for a Revised Agreement spokespersons have declared the intention as the defence it provides against other to legislate for pay and pension cuts. agendas), with the objective of working However, we do not know what form such to recover lost ground later when there on Pay in the Public legislation might take. Some say back- is a better prospect of success. We benchers could be dissuaded by intensive should at least try to pick a time and Service – 2013 to 2016 lobbying from voting for such a law. place when we wouldn’t have to take on Certainly a number of them would not the entire European establishment as want to do it. However, they would be well as our own. faced with the alternative of voting through even more draconian measures Accordingly, we urge each member to 1. on top of those which are already consider the proposals carefully and The Labour Relations Commission’s assess the degree to which they would proposals for a revised Agreement on pay pencilled in for 2014 and 2015, under the Troika Agreement, if they do not do so. actually be affected by them. It is for in the Public Service to extend over the each individual to decide whether they period 2013-2016, are the result of 7. The hardy annual of legal action has also can go along with them for the period unprecedentedly difficult negotiations. envisaged with the objective of recovering They have emerged in the context of the been rolled out as a potential way of stopping pay and pension cuts. However, lost ground later, or whether they have on-going consequences of the most serious no alternative but to make a stand now. economic collapse in the history of the the Financial Emergency Measures in Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation has This can only be determined by each state and the Government’s decision to member based on their own circumstances. reduce the Public Service pay and pensions proved impervious to all such challenges to date. bill by a further €1bn. The outcome will be decided by a 8. Undoubtedly, if a protracted industrial majority vote in the secret ballot to be 2. We firmly believe that the best way Public conducted over the next four weeks. Service Workers can protect their interests campaign involving the membership of all Unions across the Public Service could be is through a single centralised Agreement, In the event that the proposal is prohibiting compulsory redundancies, maintained it would present major difficulty for the Employer, which in this accepted by the membership and that limiting redeployment and restricting it becomes an Agreement, we in SIPTU outsourcing. Otherwise each group, grade case is the Government. It would become a gigantic trade dispute which would will not participate in any renegotiation and category, irrespective of how strong of it which would entail any further they believe themselves to be, is vulnerable challenge both the Government and Public Service Union memberships generally. diminution of Pay and Terms of to being isolated and attacked in the Employment and we will actively desperate quest for “savings”. 9. Ultimately, the real danger is that Public oppose same. 3. That is why we supported the original Service Workers could end up with the “Croke Park Agreement” with the previous worst of both worlds, i.e. legislated pay Fianna Fail/Green Party Government. It cuts on one hand and no Agreement on was for that reason and for no other that the other. Then workers would suffer the we participated in the recent negotiations cuts but they would have no protection to try to rescue the concept of a single against compulsory redundancy, centralised Agreement. redeployment or outsourcing. This in turn would open the way for one group after 4. The proposals which have emerged are the the other to be isolated and attacked, best that could be obtained through potentially forfeiting far more than what negotiation. is envisaged in the LRC proposals. (For example, the Employers’ organisation, (There is, of course, a wider issue of IBEC, has been consistently calling for fairness in the country as a whole because the effective dismantlement of the Public the wealthy are not contributing to the Service Pension system). One way or the degree that they can or should. This is a other we must not allow this to happen. consequence of the political choices made by the voters at election time). 16 Liberty Liberty 17 MARCH 2013 LRC proposals for a Revised Agreement on Pay in the Public Service – 2013 to 2016 MARCH 2013 Explanatory Summary 18 Liberty MARCH 2013 Liberty View Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View Voting for LRC proposals is best strategy Many members have enquired as (EU/ECB/IMF) Agreement negotiated mean accepting the additional reduc- by the last Government in November This would mean that tions on pay and terms of employ- to why we participated in negotia- 2010 have not materialised, (exactly public service workers would ment envisaged in it until the end of as we predicted at the time). The the Agreement and organising to re- tions on revising the terms of the schedule outlined in that Agreement suffer the cuts but they would cover the lost ground in better circum- Croke Park Agreement when it still requires us to cut the gap between tax have no on-going protection stances. Alternatively, we can vote no and spending to 3% of GDP by 2015. and resolve to make a stand now. had a year to run. It is important Failure to meet it has very serious against compulsory redun- Voting no and hoping the problem that the reasons for doing so are implications for everyone in Ireland dancies, indiscriminate will go away, or that it can be success- especially for people who work in the redeployment or wholesale fully resisted by political lobbying or properly understood. public service. The Taoiseach made a legal action is not a real choice. The clear public statement to the effect outsourcing as well as other scale of the financial problem facing Budget 2013 which was adopted by that the Government intended to agendas. the Government is far too great. the Oireachtas last December in- legislate to achieve the €1bn. cluded provision for additional savings over and above those originally Such an outcome would represent the envisaged in the Croke Park Agree- worst of all worlds for everyone who workers would suffer the cuts but This course is being ment, for an amount in excess of works in the public service. Financial they would have no on-going protec- recommended to our €300m. Subsequently it became clear Emergency Measures in the Public In- tion against compulsory redundan- that the additional contribution en- terest (FEMPI) legislation would mean cies, indiscriminate redeployment or members on the basis visaged from public service pay and pay and pension cuts imposed with- wholesale outsourcing as well as that we make it clear that out regard to trade union concerns. pensions would be €1bn by Budget other agendas. we would participate in 2015. All this is because the growth More importantly, they would projections underpinning the Troika collapse the Croke Park Agreement. It would of course be open to us to no further renegotiation to This would mean that public service embark on an industrial campaign of diminish the terms of the opposition. However, the odds against us would be considerable given the Agreement. Government’s need to cut the gap between taxation and spending by between €4.3bn and €5.3bn overall by 2015. The outcome would be un- Our National Executive Council has certain for either side. In light of this concluded that the best strategy, hav- the Public Services Committee of ing regard to all the circumstances, is Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union Congress decided to accept an invita- to vote in favour of the LRC proposals, tion from the Minister for Public thus keeping the Croke Park Agree- NATIONAL BALLOT ON LABOUR RELATIONS Expenditure and Reform to enter into ment in place until 2016. This course negotiations, to try to save the Croke is being recommended to our mem- COMMISSION PROPOSALS FOR A REVISED AGREEMENT Park Agreement. It is comprised of bers on the basis that we make it clear ON PAY AND REFORM IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE delegates representing nineteen trade that we would participate in no fur- unions (SIPTU accounts for just short ther renegotiation to diminish the of 25% of the vote). terms of the Agreement. We believe BALLOTING PERIOD this is the best strategy because it pre- TUESDAY 19TH MARCH TO MONDAY 15TH APRIL, 2013 (inclusive) There are two real choices on the reserves the protections of the Agree- sult. Voting yes would mean keeping ment and we are recommending it Balloting will take place in workplaces within the balloting period in accordance the Croke Park Agreement, extending with a view to working to retrieve lost with arrangements to be notified locally. Members may apply for a postal vote its terms until 2016. This would ground when circumstances improve. by writing to or e mailing: mean keeping the prohibition on However, it is ultimately for each compulsory redundancy, the limita- member to decide whether to go with RETURNING OFFICER, EAMON LAWLESS, SIPTU, tions on redeployment to 45km and it or make a stand now and the policy LIBERTY HALL, EDEN QUAY, DUBLIN 1 the restrictions on outsourcing as well we follow will be decided by the re- [email protected] as being able to rely on it as a defence sult of the ballot. against other agendas. It would also Liberty 19 State Pension MARCH 2013

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...

Following representations from SIPTU, signals have been given by the Department of Social Protec- tion to indicate that people aged 65 who claim JB following the pro- Liberty State Pension (Transition) posed abolition of the SPT will con- By Loraine Mulligan tinue to receive JB up to age 66 rather than being subject to the reduced term of either nine or six What is the State Pension However, new contribution bands What is the problem? months which was introduced in (Transition)? and personal rates were introduced The Social Welfare and Pensions Budget 2013. The State Pension (Transition) for new claimants from 1st Septem- Act 2011 provides for the abolition However, it is imperative that a (SPT) currently becomes payable at ber 2012 which produce greater dif- of the SPT from 1st January 2014. formal cast-iron clarification should age 65 years if you have retired from ferentiation in the payment amount This means the age for claiming the issue to the public from the top work and have sufficient PRSI con- as follows: State Pension will rise to age 66 from level of the Department to this View 2014. It will rise again to 67 in 2021 effect. tributions. It acts as a bridge, for one year, until the State Pension (Con- Yearly average Personal rate and to 68 in 2028. Notwithstanding possible entitle- tributory) (SPC) becomes payable at contributions per week While this shift was signalled in ment to JB, the situation remains age 66. It is a non means-tested pay- the National Pensions Framework unsatisfactory and engagement is 48 or over €230.30 ment. 2010, little has been done by the required between the Government state to prepare those who will be and the social partners to enable Who is eligible? 40-47 €225.80 affected, particularly by the most workers to transition to retirement You may be eligible if: immediate prospect of first having with an acceptable income. • You are aged 65, and 30-39 €207.00 access to a state pension at age 66 Measures to facilitate workplace • You have retired from work (un- rather than 65. level arrangements, including the less you work and your earnings 24-29 €196.00 In 2012, some 12,559 claims for possible need for change to legal amount to less than €38 per week), the SPT were awarded. provisions, should be explored in and order to resolve the issues that • You satisfy certain PRSI conditions In addition to the personal rates What are the options? arise. above, recipients of the SPT may also In the absence of a SPT payment, How much is the payment? qualify for a payment in respect of it is possible for a person who is no Next steps Up until September 2012 there an adult dependent. longer in employment at age 65 to In the absence of adequate meas- were only two possible personal Source: Department of Social Protection claim Jobseekers Benefit (JB), having ures to address the concerns of rates for claimants of the SPT as fol- met the relevant qualifying criteria. prospective retiring workers, it is lows: How to apply? However, workers who have made unacceptable to proceed with the Applications should be made social insurance contributions over abolition of the State Pension Tran- three months before reaching the many years are likely to have an ex- sition in the short-term. Yearly average Personal rate age of 65. pectation of obtaining a retirement SIPTU will undertake a robust contributions per week For further information on the income from the state rather than campaign to ensure working fami- facing the conditionality which per- lies are not left at a disadvantage. 48 or over €230.30 SPT and on how to apply please con- sult the Department of Social Protec- tains to JB, including being available Details to follow in future issues tion website and/or your local for, capable of and genuinely seek- of Liberty. 24 - 47 €225.80 Citizens Information Centre. ing full-time work.

20 Liberty MARCH 2013 Comment Failed economic model forces €1bn pay cuts By Roland Erne

HY is there a sudden need for an additional one W billion cut in public sector pay? The Irish government imple- mented all austerity demands set by the Troika without hesitation. In turn – we were told some weeks ago – the ECB accepted a restructuring of the AIB debt which reduced Ireland’s liabilities by one billion euro. So where is the demand for an additional cut in the public sector pay bill coming from? Why is the Gov- ernment determined to break the Branchard: Austerity impact Croke Park Agreement until June ‘large, negative 2014 and to take another billion out and signficant’ of the economy? The answer to this question is quite simple. It underes- timated the negative impact that cut-

backs have on the growth rate of the Picture: IMF (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) economy. According to the IMF chief economist, austerity cuts have a “large, negative, and significant” impact on growth. This effect is much bigger than the IMF previously thought. The reduction in GDP growth that results from government cuts was thought to be 0.5. But now it sug- the wine merchant spends it on tick- cated across the whole economy, gests that a cut of one percentage ets to see a film, and the owner of then the whole economy would grind point could knock up to 1.7 percent- the cinema spends it on chocolate, to a halt. And that, broadly speaking, age points off growth. What are the and the sweet-shop owner spends it is what is happening right now. implications of this error for Ireland? on a bus ticket, and the owner of the Hence, the proposed additional Hence, the Ireland’s general government debt bus company deposits it in the bank. one billion euro cut of the public currently stands at 106 % of its GDP, That initial ten pounds has been sector pay bill is the result of a failed which is above the EU threshold of proposed spent six times, and has generated economic model. It seemed that it is 60 %. But because the austerity cut- £60 of economic activity. In a sense, the time for a rethink of the auster- backs reduce our growth rate, it is in additional one fact mathematically impossible to no one is any better off; and yet, that ity agenda. But obviously this is not reduce our debt to GDP ratio by the movement of money makes every- the case in Ireland. On the contrary, billion euro cut imposition of austerity measures. one better off. To put it another way, the Government seems to be pre- Hence, the IMF error very much con- that first tenner has contributed £60 pared to violate our human rights to of the public firms the judgement of those who to Britain’s GDP. Seen in this way, push the proposed cuts through. The have argued that the national econ- GDP can be thought of as a measure proposed unilateral imposition of sector pay bill omy is not working in the way pri- not so much of size – how much pay cuts by law betrays our volun- money we have, how much money tarist industrial relations tradition is the result of a vate households work, as eloquently Parliament European Picture: outlined in a recent piece by John the economy contains – but of veloc- and violates binding international Lanchester in the London Review of ity. It measures the movement of ILO conventions that Ireland ratified failed economic Books: money through and around the in 1955. IBEC will be very pleased, as “Imagine for a moment that you economy; it measures activity. If you this government is doing its best to model. come across an unexpected ten had taken the same ten quid when achieve IBEC’s aim to reduce Irish pounds. After making a mental note it was first given to you and simply workers’ average earnings to the av- not to spend it all at once, you go out paid it into your bank account, the erage EU wage levels, notwithstand- and spend it all at once, on, say, two net position could be argued to be ing Ireland’s higher labour EC President pairs of woolly socks. The person the same – except that the only con- productivity and costs of living. Ní Roland Erne is SIPTU staff representative Barroso: Troika programmes can from the sock shop then takes your tribution to GDP is that initial gift of uasal aon uasal ach sinne bheith and Lecturer in International and Compara- tive Employment Relations at University work, IBEC told tenner and spends it on wine, and £10, and if this behaviour were repli- íseal: Éirímis. College Dublin Liberty 21 Know Your Rights MARCH 2013 Victimised for helping Failed economic model a workplace colleague

By Tom O’Driscoll

OISIN recently gave What happens if mediation forces €1bn pay cuts evidence at the Equal- is unsuccessful? ity Tribunal on behalf If the mediation began and was R of Vicky, a close unsuccessful or the mediator friend and former work col- decides that it cannot be resolved by league. mediation, he/she will issue a notice Vicky was awarded €50,000 for to Roisín and/or her union represen- discriminatory dismissal on the tative. grounds of gender where it was If Roisín still wishes to pursue the found that the real reason for case, she has 42 days to respond to a Vicky’s dismissal was not her lack of notice from the mediator signifying performance on the canning ma- her wish for her case to continue to chine line in the food processing the Equality Tribunal for investiga- plant, as originally claimed by the tion. employer, but the fact that she was pregnant. What happens there? Roisín’s evidence was crucial be- An investigation by an equality of- cause, as a supervisor, she testified ficer at a hearing is a quasi-judicial that the company began to put pres- process. The officer will consider sure on Vicky with regard to her per- written submissions from each party formance only after she had and will conduct the hearing in informed them that she was preg- accordance with the principles of nant. fairness and natural justice. Roisín also told the equality offi- It is always advisable that union cer that the management data for assistance would be sought in the Vicky’s alleged lack of performance drafting of submissions and union was not plausible. members should never go to the Vicky is now gone and Roisín tribunal without representation. feels vulnerable. She’ll never forget the comments of the HR manager in What does Roisín have to the hotel after the hearing when he prove at the Tribunal? said, rather sarcastically, “You Initially Roisin has to show a showed some loyalty in there”. prima facie – i.e. primary, basic evi- Last week, two weeks after the Supervisor Roisín was informed she was to dence – that she was victimised. hearing, Roisín was demoted back be demoted after giving evidence on behalf In this instance, evidence of the to process operator with a loss of of a work colleague at an Equality Tribunal – remarks of the HR manager and the €50 per week. The excuse given was what options does she have? demotion shortly afterwards should that there was a breakdown of “trust suffice to shift the burden to the em- and confidence” in her ability to ployer. continue to operate in a supervisory But it was Vicky who took tance if necessary, raising her con- priate form but it is crucial that the The employer would then need to role because it was felt she was too the case and she’s gone – cerns at the beginning. six months limit is observed. It can prove that the demotion was based close to the process operators. Roisín’s role was confined Roisín should be made aware that happen that efforts are made to sort on factors other than the evidence only to giving evidence. strict time limits apply and that she out an issue informally but there Roisín gave in favour of Vicky’s What can Roisín do? The protection under the victimi- has only six months from the act of should an acute awareness the clock claim. Roisín may be able to take a case sation clause would extend to those victimisation – i.e. the demotion – to is ticking all the time. of victimisation under the Employ- who give evidence at an equality take a claim to the Equality Tribunal. The tribunal will not look What are the remedies? ment Equality Acts. hearing or even at the internal griev- SIPTU advocates from the Mem- favourably at an application of The redress available for victimi- ance stage, so Roisín would be cov- bership Information and Support extension of time in such sation is the same as that for dis- Is this victimisation as we ered. Centre (MISC) can be called upon to circumstances. crimination – 104 weeks usually know it? The protection from victimisation make specialist representation remuneration or €40,000 whichever No, the ordinary, everyday mean- is not concerned with discrimina- which would include advice on cor- Isn’t there a mediation is the greater, or an order that the ing of victimisation is harassing tory treatment under any of the nine respondence to ensure that false or step in this process? employer take a specified course of someone or generally picking on grounds of the Act but it protects exaggerated claims are avoided at Yes, mediation is on offer to both action e.g. to reinstate Roisín back to someone or bullying them. Victimi- people who were associated with the this stage. Roisín and the employer after the supervisor’s role. sation under the Employment enforcement of the Act. Such misconceived correspon- submission of the complaint form. A There is an appeal to the Labour Equality Acts is defined in some- dence may come back to bite at the designated officer will assist parties Court within six weeks of the Equal- what narrower terms where an em- What’s the first step Tribunal! in coming to an agreed solution in a ity Tribunal decision. ployer is not allowed to punish or for Roisín? confidential and non-threatening As always, this column should penalise an employee who has com- Roisín should contact her union What happens if Roisín’s environment. never be taken as a legal guide to the plained about discrimination or representative who may advise that employer ignores the There is no compulsion to take legislation. taken a case to the Equality Tribu- she should make a formal grievance representation/grievance? part but if an agreement is reached Advice should first be sought from nal, or appealed it to the Labour of her complaint. This may mean the A claim is then processed to the it is binding and may be enforced at your union official. Court. drafting of a letter, with union assis- Equality Tribunal through the appro- the Circuit Court. 22 Liberty MARCH 2013 NEC Profiles

NEC PROFILE Liz O’Donohoe Trade unionism is in my genes! NEC member Liz O’Donohoe She said: “I am very proud to rep- sectoral committee before joining She said: “I am very confident that is proud of her involvement resent my fellow workers and I can- the NEC. SIPTU will continue to grow. How- with SIPTU. not speak highly enough of their She said: “I am very proud to be a ever, we must continue together in For trade unionism is part of labo- help and support to me as a trade member of the SIPTU NEC and I am vigorously pursuing the rights of our ratory technician Liz’s heritage. union representative. indeed among very experienced and members. She told Liberty: ”The interest in “Our union committee is very committed trade union personnel “For me, the fight will continue for defending the rights of the worker committed to protecting and defend- who are working extremely hard in many years to come and I will give came about through my dad who ing the rights of all our members on very difficult times for the good of my time and dedication for the a daily basis. the trade union movement. cause of this great union. was shop steward for many years of “I have made many great friends “As someone who enjoys a chal- “It is of utmost importance that his working life. through the union and have been lenge, the trade union movement is SIPTU membership increases and we “Indeed, I learned a lot from him mentored by some extremely dedi- definitely the place to be. Numerous must all work together to ensure this regarding the importance of stand- cated trade union people – including changes to the union structure have happens. ing up for your rights in the work- Michael Dowling, who served as our taken place in recent times. They “The union for me is like family. place.” trade union official up until his were very necessary in order to en- On the good days you have plenty to And as soon as Liz graduated, she recent retirement.” sure that, going forward, our union celebrate with, while on the bad joined a trade union, adding:“It was Liz describes her involvement in remains a strong, viable organisa- days, there is always a shoulder to important to me to become involved the branch committee in Athy as “an tion.” lean on. in the fight for workers’ rights.” important stepping stone”. She sub- Liz also notes there is a “huge em- “Not a day goes by that I don’t Liz works at Glanbia Foods, Bally- sequently served as chairperson on phasis on profiling women” in the thank God that I am a trade union tore, county Kildare in a mainly male Liz O’Donohoe: ‘We must all work the National Women’s Committee union and that this is clear on all member – perhaps for me it is a together to increase membership’ workplace. and as well as on the manufacturing committees. genetic inheritance!”

NEC PROFILE Padraig Heverin The key issues for our movement PADRAIG Heverin, who first joined lieves there are a number of key must get more young people in- Commission, also thinks the num- the ITGWU back in 1977, has a long issues unions need to address in the volved. ber of unions in Congress – more record of service to the trade union centenary year of the 1913 Lockout. “All one needs to do is look at the than 40 in a country with a popula- movement. He told Liberty: “There is a need national executive boards/councils tion of four million – is “unsustain- Currently President of SIPTU’s for greater involvement of women in of all the unions in Congress to see able”. National Nursing Council, Padraig has leadership roles in trade unions, most are populated by people of ad- He said: “The survival of some of been a stalwart member of the Mayo “When one looks at the leadership vancing middle years. the smaller unions from a member- Health Services Branch since 1983 of the three nursing unions – SIPTU, “This also holds true when we ob- ship and financial point of view is and has served that branch in a num- INMO and PNA – all have officials serve the ages of people attending not viable in my view and if it could ber of roles: Vice Chairperson, Chair- who are male in a profession that is local meetings, marches and be achieved the formation of proba- Padraig Heverin: More women person and as Branch Organiser. 90% female.” protests.” Padraig, who has repre- bly six major trade unions for the need to take leadership roles Elected to the union’s NEC in Padraig is also worried about the sented SIPTU Nursing on several whole country would greatly en- 2005, the veteran trade unionist be- age profile within trade unions. “We bodies, including the Mental Health hance the trade union movement.” SIPTU statement on Property Tax 1. SIPTU believes that the best condition of the agreement with the wealthy would avoid paying on 6. Such an approach would gener- ceipt of Family Income Supple- and fairest way of raising tax on the EU/ECB/IMF Troika, in advance their trophy houses because of the ate much more revenue from the ment or those on low incomes. the wealthy is through a Wealth of Budget 2011. It has been intro- wealthy who own the most valuable We also believe those on middle Tax. We have consistently called duced by the present Government properties. This should be used to incomes who are servicing high for the introduction of a Wealth as a condition of continued fund- alleviate the burden on low to mid- mortgages because they pur- Tax for several years. However, ing from the Troika. dle income families living in modest chased their homes during the 60% of the people who voted in 3. In the circumstances, we are houses. bubble years and would have al- the last General Election sup- ready paid hefty stamp duty, not opposed in principle to a pro- 7. The Government’s plan envis- ported those who guaranteed the gressive property tax because it should be afforded relief. rich that they would not face a ages a standard rate of 0.18% for the means that the wealthy, who can first €1m of value (subject to certain 9. We are also opposed to the Wealth Tax (or a higher rate of tax concept of the levy being unilat- otherwise manipulate their in- accommodations and deferrals) and on their incomes either, for that erally deducted from people’s comes for tax purposes, are actu- € matter). Moreover, even though 0.25% on the portion above 1m. wages/salaries or bank accounts ally obliged to contribute This means that the more valuable the latest opinion polls suggest something. etc, unless they have voluntarily some shift of allegiance among the the property, the higher the tax (in- opted to pay it in this way. 4. If the Property Tax does not deed, it is the only significant contri- electorate, the parties opposing a 10. SIPTU will continue to Wealth Tax would still attract an proceed it does not mean that the absence of a property tax. bution some elements among the €500m that it is targeted to gener- wealthy have been required to make lobby for a fairer system and for absolute majority of the votes. 5. The most progressive way to exemptions for families on social ate in a full year will not be raised. during the whole five-year consoli- 2. The concept of a property tax levy property tax is through a gradu- welfare and those on lower in- It would still have to be raised but, dation process to date). However, a was first proposed by the Fianna ated formula. This would mean that comes as well as those threat- given the experience to date, work- graduated tax would be more pro- Fail/Green Party Government in ing people would be expected to the actual rate of the levy applied ened with loss of their homes gressive still. their National Plan which was pub- end up paying it all. They would would increase at various steps by due to mortgage pressure. lished in the autumn of 2010. be expected to pay it through other reference to the value of the prop- 8. SIPTU is opposed to the levying Adopted by the National Executive They went on to commit to it as a tax avenues, including the element erty. of property tax on families who are Council of SIPTU on 22nd February dependent on social welfare or in re- 2013. Liberty 23 Health MARCH 2013

HYPERTENSION Pressure points

S an adult, blood pressure measurement is probably the MIND A most common medical test that will be performed on you. YOUR It is the commonest screening tool that doctors use and given that high blood pressure is a problem in 60% of people over the age of 75 HEALTH years and 25% of people over 45 years of age, this is an important test. People often believe that they will have symptoms if their blood pressure is high and therefore know when to seek treatment. However, high blood pressure (hypertension) rarely causes symptoms and when it does it is usually because it has already caused secondary problems BP cuff: Your blood pressure within the body. should not be higher than 140/90 What is blood pressure? By ILLONA DUFFY Blood pressure is a measure of the on what you are doing. During times people develop high blood pressure. Lifestyle change is the first and strength of the pumping of blood by of stress or physical activity the heart Those with high cholesterol, dia- most important treatment for those the heart around the body. There are may pump faster and harder – this is betes and who are overweight are with hypertension. Patients must: two measurements. The first (sys- a natural primitive body reaction to also at high risk. • Stop smoking, prepare for the ‘flight or fight’ re- tolic) reflects the pressure when the Unfortunately because of our in- • Reduce salt intake (both added heart muscle squeezes and propels sponse! creasingly sedentary lifestyle and salt and salty prepared foods), the blood through the blood vessels There is no one perfect blood pres- diet with high salt and cholesterol, • Reduce alcohol intake, from the heart (arteries). The second sure reading but it should not be we will face the risk of developing measurement (diastolic) is lower higher than 140/90 (systolic/dias- this disease. • Start to exercise – simple and reflects when the heart muscle tolic) on a prolonged basis. People walking is enough, and with high risks of heart disease will There are rarer causes for blood relaxes. pressure especially in the young and • Reduce weight if overweight. need to have an even lower blood If lifestyle change does not pressure. doctors will screen for these with How is it measured? If the patient’s blood pressure blood tests and an ultrasound of the improve the blood pressure, there When checking blood pressure a readings are high in the surgery, it is kidneys. may be other risk factors such as cuff is placed around the arm just recommended that a 24-hour ambu- diabetes. If the blood pressure above the elbow. This is then in- latory blood pressure monitor be Risks remains very high, medication may flated either by a machine or by used. This is an electronic monitor Prolonged high blood pressure in- be required. manually pumping it up and in that is placed on the patient over a creases risk of death. High blood It is important to understand that doing so reduces blood circulation to 24-hour period and it takes measure- pressure is associated with an in- if you are started on blood pressure the arm. ments every half hour during wak- creased risk of both heart attacks and medication it only controls the blood ing hours and hourly during sleep. The air is slowly released allowing stroke. When the arteries become pressure while you take it. Therefore the cuff to deflate and reducing pres- This is the most accurate way of narrow and hard the heart has to assessing blood pressure and is ad- medication will treat but does not sure on the arm and the blood circu- pump harder to push the blood cure blood pressure. lation increase. As this happens the visable before starting a patient on treatment. If this is not available around the body and therefore the Before starting medication the pa- pumping of the heart can be heard then home monitoring by the pa- heart muscle becomes strained and tient will have had blood tests done either by putting a stethescope over tient may suffice. The patient will be weaker. to check that their kidneys are not the artery at the elbow or by a ma- advised to take three readings over a The increased pressure also causes affected and that they do not have chine which also picks up the sound 10-minute period and record the damage to small blood vessels in the other risk factors for heart attacks of blood pumping. lowest twice daily and monitor for a kidneys and can lead to kidney fail- and stroke such as diabetes and high The pressures at which various full week. ure. cholesterol. sounds are measured equates to the Similarly the blood vessels in the It is important that patients taking blood pressure. Causes brain can be damaged and lead to blood pressure medication return for Blood pressure is usually meas- It is commonly caused by narrow- strokes. regular monitoring of their blood pressure to ensure that it is ade- ured when the patient is sitting, the ing and hardening of the blood ves- quately controlled and also have arm supported and no tight clothing sels. This is the reason that older Treatment constricting the upper arm. It is com- blood tests done at least yearly. mon for the first reading to be high Hypertension is a silent disease that can have devastating conse- in many patients due to a subcon- ‘Hypertension is a silent disease quences such as stroke, heart attack scious anxiety. This is called ‘white and kidney failure. It can be treated coat hypertension’. that can have devastating but needs to be diagnosed first. It is therefore advisable that if So if attending your doctor or prac- your blood pressure is elevated, you tice nurse use the opportunity to remain seated and have it repeated consequences such as stroke, have it checked, especially if you a couple of times. heart attack and kidney failure’ have a family history or are over 50. Blood pressure varies depending Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation 24 Liberty MARCH 2013 Health & Safety Fire in the workplace... A bigbA i g THANKT ANKH YOUYYOOUO t to yo you o u anandd what you need to know youruoy r faffamiliesa ma i l i e forfos r supportingsup p pu o r t i n tthehg eh Fire Triangle workers ow r k e r s behindb es h i n thethd e bbrands re a n d s oof tthehf eh A fire requires three SUPPORTING S PU ROP R T I GN QUALITYQUA LI I TL Y C Campaign! pma a i g ng ! basic components – fuel, oxygen and heat. To extinguish the fire, at least one of these basic components must be removed.

By Sylvester Cronin

HE safest way to deal lighting, emergency escape routes, fire with fire is to prevent fighting, fire wardens, emergency it – and prevention is evacuation practice runs, etc. certainly the watchword Next in line to fire-prevention T when it comes to all comes early fire-detection to prevent a safety issues. fire turning into a serious catastrophe. Fire in the workplace poses a seri- Fire detection devices – such as ous risk that can cost lives, health and smoke-detectors, fire-detectors and jobs. heat-detectors – need to be connected Responsibility for fire safety is to effective alarm systems that can spread across two statutory authori- alert people and/or fire-fighting per- ties: the Health and Safety Authority sonnel that a fire has started and (HSA) and the local authority. where. The local authority has jurisdiction This alert system needs to be com- within the Fire Services Act, 1981 and plemented by an emergency lighting 2003. Under this legislation, it is re- system that adequately lights up a way sponsible for issuing fire certification, to and through the emergency escape which the owner/occupier of work- route to safety outside the building. places are required to obtain. Some personnel should be ade- Under the Fire Services Act, 1981, quately trained to tackle a blaze using authorised inspectors from the Fire fire-fighting equipment/extinguishers, Services can visit and inspect any without endangering their own safety. building within their jurisdiction, ei- The rule-of-thumb is never let the fire ther randomly or because of a request come between you and your escape or complaint. rout – you must at all times be able to The Fire Services in Ireland are man- turn your back to the fire and make aged at local authority level, with the good your escape. Department of the Environment, Appropriate numbers of fire wardens Community and Local Government should be selected and trained to ensure playing an advisory, legislative and pol- that fire safety plans are effective. icy-making role. Fire emergency evacuations practice The Fire Services are operated by 37 runs (fire-drills) should be held regu- Fire Authorities, which are managed larly. These let everyone know what by city councils, county councils, bor- to expect and what to do in a real ough councils and town councils emergency evacuation. around the state. The ‘fire-drills’ are also an important More brands continue The Fire Services run 222 fire sta- way of validating that your procedures tions and staff are comprised of full- are adequate and effective. Any de- time professional fire fighters and fects or shortcomings encountered to join the campaign retained part-timers. during ’fire-drills’ need to be corrected Retained staff, who make up about or else they will contribute to serious so please keep updated two-thirds of the national total, are re- risk of injuries or death, such as areas cruited in rural areas, and are available where emergency alerts/alarms cannot for emergencies at all times. Cities and be heard, emergency lighting not on www.supportingquality.ie larger urban areas are serviced by full- working, escape routes obstructed, etc. SUPPORTING S PU ROP TI I NT G time fire fighters, who work in shifts A fire requires three basic compo- to provide a 24-hour. on-call service. nents – fuel, oxygen and heat, as de- or on our Facebook page QUALITY U AQ L I T YT The HSA has jurisdiction under the picted in the ‘Fire Triangle’. Protecting QualityQgintcteorP JobsJytliau bo sb in I Ireland r e l a n d Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, To extinguish the fire, at least one of PromotingrP mo Qginto Quality Iytliau Irishr is s ProductsPhi r o d u c t s 2005 – i.e. it has a role in monitoring these basic components must be re- employers' management of fire risk. moved. Included in this legislation (under There is some very helpful informa- Section 11) is the requirement on em- tion and guidance on fire prevention reb ployers to prepare and revise adequate on the HSA’s website at RememberememR emergency plans and procedures as www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Fire/Fire well as providing the necessary meas- _Prevention ures for fire-fighting and evacuation. Remember that the rights for work- EEvvveer ttrrraa yyoo s pu e n on gd oon ddss prroo ud u c ie nd Also a fire safety risk assessment ers and safety representatives under should be conducted. And this should the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work include fire prevention measures.The Act 2005 apply to fire safety. This cru- IrelandIrreellaa cn can had helpp clen ccreaterreeattee uupp ttoo 66,00000, 00 jobsjjobobobss iin I Irishrn iiss companiesc oh m nap ieiess fire prevention risk assessment/plan cially includes the right to consultation should include details about fire detec- during the fire risk assessment tion and warning systems, emergency process. Liberty 25 International MARCH 2013 ‘Despite violence, I’m still hopeful for Colombia’ a conflict between groups who are ria’s family became the target of the By Scott Millar Colombian rights activist seeking to use areas for drug traffick- paramilitaries when pictures of her Gloria Amparo Suárez ing and the army which is seeking to two children were delivered to her OLOMBIA is a very grab land for its resources and the house, with the message that unless dangerous place, par- benefit of multi-nationals. she stopped her work they would be ticularly if you are a “In this setting OFP seeks to pro- killed. C human rights de- tect women’s human rights, provid- “I have had to take my two chil- fender and a mother. ing legal representation and other dren out of university and send That was the message delivered to services such as training.” them to somewhere safer,” she said. trade unionists by Colombian Right-wing paramilitary groups But despite the threats and chal- human rights defender, Gloria Am- that were originally funded and sup- lenges, Gloria is hopeful. paro Suárez, during a visit to Ireland ported by the government-aligned She added: “It is very difficult to in March. business elite present the number say what is going to happen in Speaking to Liberty, Gloria, who one threat. Colombia, because there are still has been working for the Popular Officially these groups have dis- deaths, there is still conflict and the Women’s Organisation (OFP – Orga- banded and decommissioned their poorer communities are not benefit- nizacion Femenina Popular) for 24 arsenals; in reality they are tighten- ing from the government’s develop- years said that despite on-going ing their grip on communities. ment policy of bringing in peace talks between the government “They have broken into small little multi-nationals. and left-wing guerrillas, parts of factions, and are threatening and “But women must be hopeful that Colombia were becoming more dan- killing people.” there can be better lives for our chil- gerous. “Women are in the centre of On 11th February this year Glo- dren.”

By John O’Brien Dialogue at the historic ter, with the first of a six- As the talks struggle on in Ha- ing raids on FARC positions. Colombia’s peace talks between the gov- item agenda agreed by both vana, in Colombia, violence re- For their part. the guerrillas em- ernment of Colombian Pres- parties. sumes. "The rules of the game are barked on increased attacks on Hope for Peace ident Juan Manuel Santos The latest text presented by the very clear", President Santos is military targets, resumed the tak- and the guerrilla group Rev- FARC negotiator Jesus Santrich, quoted as saying two weeks ago. ing of military hostages and blew olutionary Armed Forces of seeks to include guarantees on "There is no ceasefire of any kind, up oil and energy infrastructure Survives Despite Colombia (FARC) will focus the rights for the land and terri- neither military nor judicial, nor in a bid to force the government on the issue of land. The tories of indigenous, black com- even verbal. These are the condi- to suspend hostilities. talks, with Cuba and Nor- munities, and other settlements, tions that we set from the begin- way acting as guarantors an Increase in through real recognition and ning". Government actions were and Venezuela and Chile as "companions", resumed in funding, and immediate resolu- stepped up when the FARC For further information Violence late January at Havana's In- tion of their territorial aspira- temporary ceasefire ended on contact; [email protected] ternational Conference Cen- tions. Jan. 20th, including heavy bomb- Chavez loss ‘tragedy for people of Venezuela’ THE death of Venezuelan turned more than one million result in the comfortable election of Man of action: President Chavez President Hugo Chevez on 5th spearheaded a massive reform hectares of land to indigenous peo- his appointed successor, the former March removed one of Latin drive across Venezuela ple. bus driver and trade union official, America’s most inspirational Picture: Mike Gonza lez (CC BY-SA 2.0) Other land reforms enabled tens Nicolás Maduro. figures of the last two of thousands of farmers to own their He faces an election on 14th April decades. land. In total under Chavez’s rule, against Henrique Caprilesa, the First elected in 1999, Chavez won Venezuela re-distributed more than right-wing candidate backed by the the presidency on three further oc- three million hectares. Venezuelan business elite. casions, most recently on 7th Octo- Five million children now receive In response to Chavez’s death ber, 2012. His administration also free meals through the school feed- SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, dramatically overcame a US-backed ing programme. The figure was said: “I want to express my deep re- military coup attempt in 2002. 250,000 in 1999. The malnutrition gret at the death of Hugo Chavez During his rule, Venezuela under- rate fell from 21% in 1998 to less whose passing is a tragedy for the went a dramatic period of progres- than 3% in 2012. Venezuelan people and the op- sive reform which Chavez called the The massively successful pro- pressed and downtrodden of Latin Bolivarian Revolution, in honour of gramme of social development and America and the wider world. the 19th century champion of South reform was assisted by the national- “His vision of an egalitarian soci- American independence, Simon Bo- isation of major industries. ety for which he strove so earnestly livar. These included the nationalisa- offered a humane and radical alter- During this social revolution, the tion of the oil company PDVSA in native to the collapsing edifice of the number of children attending school 2003 and the electrical and telecom- neo-liberal project which has increased from six million in 1998 to munications sectors (CANTV and wreaked such havoc across the 13 million in 2011 while the enrol- Electricidad de Caracas) which globe. ment rate is now 93.2%. tional public health system was cre- the number of doctors increased ended private monopolies and guar- “His death from cancer at such a ated which provides free access to The rate of secondary school en- from 20 per 100,000 of the popula- anteed universal access to these young age is a sad loss for all pro- health care for all Venezuelans. Be- rolment rose from 53.6% in 2000 to tion in 1999 to 80 per 100,000 in services. gressive people and movements that tween 2005 and 2012, 7,873 new 73.3% in 2011. 2010 – an increase of 400%. The massive popularity of Chavez aspire to fairness and justice in soci- medical centres were created and Under Chavez’s leadership, a na- Since 1999, the government re- and his government is expected to ety.” 26 Liberty MARCH 2013 Film Reviews

Michael Halpenny looks at two recent releases charting the fight for freedom and change and previews a third highlighting the need to defend democratic gains... Backroom deals that paved the path to freedom

Y NOW most people price of being constantly challenged will have heard of the (a situation that many a shop stew- Oscar-winning film ard and not a few union officers Lincoln and the tri- might be familiar with). B With the war almost won, the task Hail to the chief: President Lincoln on umph of its starring Wicklow before Lincoln is to bring in the 13th the battlefield... but much of the film’s resident, Daniel Day-Lewis. action occurs in the corridors of power However, if you haven’t yet Amendment to the Constitution to seen the film then do so now. outlaw slavery before the war ends But before that, a note of warning. and it runs the risk of being defeated While this is a film about the Amer- by the political opposition, bolstered However, the big ticket struggle outcome and there are few historical suffering on both sides have been ican Civil War, don’t expect to wit- by returning slave states in a post- lies in the political theatre of opera- missteps. worthless, but the burning issue of ness too many great moments of war Congress. tions as the President, played by If there is a weakness in the film slavery and ultimately the freedom derring-do, or spine-tingling charges The story is, therefore, set over a Day-Lewis, pulls out all the stops, it is that it completely underplays and equality for all Americans, by the massed ranks of the Union or short few weeks in January 1865, and a few strokes as well, all in the the role of African Americans in would remain unsettled for future Confederate armies. with the war grinding to an end. It service of the significantly higher struggling over centuries for their generations. This is less about mounds of bod- is, in truth, a tour around the cause of ensuring the safe passage of emancipation. Despite some mild carping over ies on the field of battle, than about rougher edges of democracy – and a the anti-slavery amendment. It’s all in the telling, and Steven the occasional historical inaccuracy, taking out or turning the political captivating and enthralling tour it is And all the stops, means all. Little Spielberg’s film, 12 years in the mak- this is a film whose central concern opposition in the House of Repre- at that. is left to chance as Lincoln, his ing, describes the political fight, of building equality and freedom for sentatives at a crucial moment in There are several levels of strug- trusted Secretary of State, William every bit as engaging as any military American history. gle – within Lincoln himself, within Seward, and his closest advisers conflict, for an American democracy all remains as relevant today as it The inspiration for the film lies in the War Cabinet and within his fam- argue, cajole, threaten and “induce” which is sometimes hard to recog- was then. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Team ily. This is manifested between Lin- support for the cause of democracy. nise these days. It is little surprise, therefore, that of Rivals: The Political Genius of coln and his wife, played by Sally Key to this campaign is a small Nevertheless, it was crystal clear to it has received such universal ac- Abraham Lincoln, which deals with Field, still grieving the loss of one team of what could delicately be Lincoln nearly 150 years ago, that claim at many levels – ultimately a the manner in which Lincoln popu- son in the war three years earlier called “lobbyists” who provide the unless he secured this landmark political thriller and civics lesson (as lated his war-time cabinet with and now fearful of losing their necessary muscle at certain critical amendment, albeit imperfect and one reviewer described it) and one gifted former political rivals, the bet- younger son who is intent on joining junctures to obtain the desired re- already defeated once, then not only which is hugely entertaining. A must ter to win the conflict, even at the up before the war ends. sults. There is no secret about the would all the bloodshed and see. Damning Pinochet with a dash of humour and mild ridicule... THE second tale about and are based on humour and mild ment of the film lasts but a few sec- Finally, one to watch out for is democracy, the film No, is set ridicule, rather than on highlighting onds in a passing comment from Spirit of 45, Ken Loach’s latest offer- in Chile of the 1980’s – 1988 the undoubted excesses of the one character to another. ing and tells the story of the seismic to be precise – and deals with regime. While this film is anchored in a advances made by the post-war Wel- how the opposition confronts Engaged by the left and centre op- tale of how the advertising industry fare State in the UK, brought about the dictatorship of General position for this task, his idea goes responded to this critical moment in by the Labour victory in the 1945 Pinochet during an historic down like the proverbial lead bal- Chile’s development, it is not a po- elections. referendum. loon. He is convinced that his ap- litical Madmen in Spanish. There are Much of the enormous gains madmen, but they’re the guys in the made for ordinary working people The referendum itself is called by proach, based on sound advertising regime – including the boss of our through nationalisation of transport, Pinochet, under pressure from the principles and offering a vision of a Ad man: Gael better, brighter Chile without Garcia Bernal unlikely hero who’s working for the coal, access to education and the international establishment to Pinochet camp. provide some legitimacy for his Pinochet, is more likely to gain trac- NHS, not to mention the strides in tion with voters than the traditional ern to our eyes to the point that the Like Lincoln this is a film about housing, have been eroded during regime. With his control of the state democracy, its fragility and about the apparatus and, the support of the approach of reciting the evils of the viewer begins to checklist the char- the Thatcher and post-Thatcher pe- dictatorship in a classic left-wing for- acters and everyday situations and practical things that have to be done riod. middle-class and business, he to, in this case, regain it. The scenar- confidently expects to be endorsed mat. compare them to our own familiar This film due for release on the The tension between the champi- territory, with the unspoken ques- ios are 123 years apart but deal with 15th March and based on archive for a further eight-year term. essentially the same core message. ons of both approaches is pre- tion, could that ever happen here? newsreels and contemporary inter- Both sides in the referendum are Democracy and freedom cannot dictable and palpable, initially It is the very outwardly contempo- entitled to a number of television be taken for granted but the practical views, is determined to ensure that almost as much as that between the rary and relatively sophisticated na- slots and the story is one of how a work of maintaining and securing the story of those years and the peo- young advertising executive, played No camp and the regime. ture of Chile, even then, which ple concerned will not be consigned The film tells the story of how all them can lie as much in the drudg- by the Mexican actor Gael Garcia provides a chilling backdrop to the ery of the ordinary as in the as a footnote to Thatcherism, but Bernal, fashions a series of television this plays out in a Chile of the late tale. Threat lies in the everyday and rather will provide an inspiration to 1980’s,which is so recognisably mod- grandiose, colourful and extraordi- shorts which talk about happiness ordinary, and the most chilling mo- nary. the current generation. Liberty 27 Book Reviews MARCH 2013

Michael Halpenny reviews a new book that argues we’ve got it all wrong on climate change Crunch time for the world The Carbon Crunch – How sources going to current renewable energy solutions should be diverted We’re Getting Climate Change to research and development on fu- Wrong and How to Fix it ture “clean” technologies like elec- By Dieter Helm tric vehicles, carbon capture and Yale University Press 2012 energy storage. In doing so he directly confronts Picture: Takver (CC BY-SA 2.0) BY-SA (CC Takver Picture: much of the prevailing wisdom and HE first thing that policy of the last 20 years. strikes the reader It is fair to say the author need not about this recent expect many Christmas cards this book, is that the year from the Green movement, T NGOs or many governments. author, Dieter Helm, also clearly someone who feels, Greenpeace, while welcoming the justifiably or not, that he has debate stimulated by the book and had to listen to an awful lot of its focus on the need for an acceler- twaddle from politicians and ated change in our climate and NGOs on his particular subject. energy system, believes that his He reserves a special place in solutions basically support the this world of twaddledom for the conventional system and under- EU and its Commissioner for mine policies which are currently Climate Action and the policies trying to effect change. adopted to date by western govern- They also point out that whereas ments to deal with the problem of he tackles the policies of the Green climate change, arguing – in movement, he doesn’t lay a glove on military parlance – that the guns the fossil fuel lobby. More mainstream criticism such are pointing in the Climate change protestors take to wrong direction. the streets of Melbourne in 2009 as in the Economist magazine regard Some critics argue his solutions as unrealistic, particu- that his approach is larly in the UK or European context somewhat similar to where there is a high degree of com- that of the person mitment to existing regulation. Oth- stopped for directions (in ers such as the Guardian newspaper pre-satnav days!) who criticise his proposed solutions as would respond by saying, However, he criti- thing he might know a bit about as a Rather he focuses on solutions vague to the point of suggesting the “Well now, if I was you, I cises the policy reac- former special adviser to the EU En- such as (shale) gas as a cheaper book should be renamed “the Car- wouldn’t start from here”. tion as being one of ergy Commissioner). method of reducing carbon emis- bon Hunch”. However, before he lays a series of short- Fundamentally, he believes that sions, arguing that it is abundant and One thing all are united on is that out his prescription, he de- term responses to a policy is no substitute for a solution, has significantly less carbon content this is a timely, provocative and scribes the dangers faced long-term problem and argues that simply decarbonis- than coal or oil. stimulating read which forces a by an increase in global and that such a re- ing production in the west, without In essence he argues it is a major re-evaluation of current policy. temperatures of 2% and the sponse, which is decarbonising consumption of goods “game-changer” – already is so in the With current assessment that we radical restructuring of the anchored in the west “leading by ex- means the effect of such a policy is US transition from coal to gas and are fast approaching the point of no earth’s habitat and distribution of ample”, ignores the elephant in the illusory. will continue to be exploited by the return on irreversible climate population that would follow an in- room (i.e. that massive reliance on For example, he says that in the US and China in particular. change, it is a debate which is none crease of 3%. fossil fuels, principally coal, so cen- period 1996-2005, UK carbon produc- As far as problems around shale too soon, regardless of whether you He touches with trepidation on tral to the industrialisation of the tion fell by 15%. Nevertheless, in the gas extraction are concerned, such as agree or disagree with Helm. any increase to 6%, which he de- east). same period, the UK’s carbon con- “fracking”(the injection of water, There was a time when the whole scribes as “the stuff of nightmares – In this vein, he estimates that if sumption (i.e. the goods bought and sand and chemicals to break up rock question of climate change, global and scary films”. Nevertheless he be- current rates of expansion continue used, produced domestically and im- and release gas) and methane cap- warming and carbon emissions was lieves the problem can be tackled be- unchecked, by 2020, the target year ported) rose by 19%. Therefore, the ture, he believes these can be dealt viewed by some as the preserve of fore we get into that kind of for global reduction in carbon emis- net effect was an actual increase in with by better technology and the Green movement and those dis- territory, if the right solutions are sions – between 400 and 600 new the UK‘s contribution to the global tighter regulation and that sites for paragingly referred to as “tree hug- followed, not just in the EU and the coal-fuelled power stations will have carbon production problem. exploitation should be dealt with on gers” and “hippies”. west, but globally. been built in China and India. (This On the plus side, Dieter Helm be- a case by case basis – not by blanket Thankfully, that point has long Helm lays out his basic premise is not to suggest he is a great fan of lieves there is a way out if there is a ban. passed and more people realise this that the last three decades have been nuclear energy either, which he does significant policy shift. In summary he does not regard is everybody’s concern. a period of “a debt-fuelled spending not appear to be). He is – to say the least – critical of these major issues for environmen- Hurricane ‘Sandy’ brought that spree” in the west, in turn resulting He points to what he regards as a future based on current renewable talists as “showstoppers”. In addi- message home to the US business in a massive increase in the burning the serial failures of global confer- technology such as wind energy, tion he argues for the introduction and political establishment. of fossil fuels (mainly coal) in the ences at Kyoto, Copenhagen and which he regards as expensive, inter- of a domestic carbon tax which is However, as in all things, in- production of goods in China and Durban and is scathing at the politi- mittent and unreliable with signifi- tradable and a border tax on im- formed and engaged citizens on cli- other developing economies to re- cal spinning around such “failures“ cant problems in the area of energy ported carbon products. mate change are the best protection spond to that stimulus. by the political establishment (some- storage. Finally, he proposes that some re- against government indifference. We In advancing this analysis he owe it to this and future generations builds a direct link between that pe- to inform ourselves and to engage riod of deregulated economic and fi- It is fair to say the author need not expect many Christmas cards with the issues, as much in the trade nancial mayhem and the climate union movement as in any other dangers faced by this and future gen- this year from the Green movement, NGOs or many governments. sector of society. erations. 28 Liberty MARCH 2013 Obituaries

OBITUARY Gerry Lynam Proud Dub was a trade union and GAA stalwart

THE death of Gerry Lynam on Dublin GAA and he loved sport as he Gerry understood that people suf- brewing business local and nation- the 15th February after a rel- saw it as a way of getting people to- fered in society and as a public rep- ally. atively short illness was a gether. He was a founder of the resentative he gained recognition for Gerry’s commitment to his people shock to many people in his Unity Cup competition which his work in providing services for was acknowledged by the massive community and workplace. brought teams together in competi- young people through better facili- turnout at his funeral on the 19th Gerry worked in the Guinness tion from North and South. ties for sport and recreation and, February where politicians from all Brewery at St James’ Gate, Dublin, At a packed funeral service in his where needed, counselling and sup- parties attended, members of since the mid-1970s. local parish of St Mochtas in Clon- port for addiction problems. management from Diageo, his trade His death at the age of 54 is a great silla, his son Brian related the story As a proud trade unionist, Gerry union comrades, but most of all by loss to his family and friends and is of how one evening Gerry was the was an active member of the St the hundreds of people from his also a huge loss to his community victim of an attempted mugging. James’ Gate Section committee with community who came to and the trade union movement. Gerry was well able to handle him- SIPTU while he was also a member acknowledge his and his family’s Gerry had been an elected local self, as anyone who knew him could of the unions Agri-food and Drink contribution to the area in which he councillor in his area of Mulhud- testify. He overpowered the poten- Sector Committee. lived and served so well. dart/Clonsilla where he lived with tial mugger, and brought him home Gerry represented the views of Di- Gerry Lynam, politician, musician, Brewery worker Gerry Lynam his wife, Anne, and children Karl, to his own house, where he phoned ageo workers as a committed shop sports man, trade unionist and showed ‘commitment to his people’ Sarah, Brian and Emma. the mugger’s mother and arranged steward. He also represented con- proud Dub. We will miss you. Gerry was a great supporter of for him to be brought home. tract and agency workers in the John Dunne

OBITUARY Dardis Clarke Radical voice with a sense of humour AS A former work colleague bird’ role to get in a hundred lengths Indeed, Dardis sent us, his fellow in the Development Services of the ESB pool in Ringsend before trustees, one of his tongue-in-cheek Division of the ITGWU in the making his way home for refresh- missives on that subject, just before 1970s, I have been a friend of ments. his untimely death. Dardis for many decades – He wasn’t an easy man to get to I would like to end this brief trib- many more than I care to re- know, as he appeared to embrace the ute to my late friend and colleague member! view of Oscar Wilde that, “Life is too Dardis Clarke, and all who will miss I would like to offer my personal important a thing to ever talk seri- his presence, by quoting from Grow- condolences and sympathy, and ously about”. ing Old, a short poem written in those of his former colleagues, to all His sense of humour was very per- 1914 by Francis Ledwidge, a fellow his family, extended family, many sonal and obscure, not always under- trade unionist and social activist. friends and relatives. stood by others. But I always found It was published in Songs of the Dardis was also a very active mem- him a kind and helpful colleague, a Fields just before he died, on Flan- ber of the National Union of Journal- loyal friend without any great ego or ders’ fields, on 30th July 1917, a ists all of his working life. pretension. month before his own 30th birthday. My earliest memories are of I know that Dardis was particu- We’ll fill a Provence bowl and Dardis as an utterly unforgettable larly proud of the contribution his pledge us deep/ The memory of the character, on that short ‘strip’ of father, Austin Clarke, had made to far ones, and between/ The soothing Lower Baggot Street and Merrion Irish poetry and his fearless social pipes, in heavy-lidded sleep,/ Per- Row, when the pubs were seething commentary during the dark years haps we’ll dream the things that with revolutionary fervor and an in- of the ‘Celtic Smog’ which enveloped once have been./‘Tis only noon and satiable thirst for drink and radical the Irish Free State from the early still too soon to die,/ Yet we are activism in the early 1960s. years up to the 1950s. growing old, my heart and I. That was the dismal period in our As Bob Dylan described it:“… A hundred books are ready in my recent history, when we had air- There was music in the cafés at head/ To open out where Beauty brushed out the radical ‘Celtic Twi- night… and revolution in the air…” bent a leaf./ What do we want with light’ influences and replaced them It was the era when the young Beauty? We are wed/Like ancient with a dictatorial clerical tyranny people of Ireland appeared to have Proserpine to dismal grief./And we and State censorship that made ex- suddenly awoken from the long, are changing with the hours that fly,/ iles and enemies of the best of our dark nightmare of Church and State Dardis Clarke was ‘an unforgettable And growing old and old, my heart character’ and a former editor of Liberty serious artists and writers. repression – to discover, in the light and I. of day, an urgent need to address I know Dardis cherished the legacy Across a bed of bells the river many serious social issues, both na- frequented that ‘strident strip’ in compromise and typeface or head- and ensured that Poetry Ireland flows,/ And roses dawn, but not for tional and international. those heady days. line adjustment to fit the space avail- could make his father’s work avail- us; we want/ The new thing ever as Apartheid in South Africa, the war I got to know Dardis much better able. able to a wide public, long after his the old thing grows/ Spectral and in Vietnam, housing, women’s when he came to work for the Later, he took up an early morning death in 1974. weary on the hills we haunt/ And rights, civil rights, contraception, di- ITGWU, in 1972, as editor of the job with the European Parliament as More recently, as trustees of The that is why we feast, and that is why/ vorce, etc., were all on the agenda. union’s paper Liberty – and then to- media correspondent, transmitting Great Book of Ireland with Theo Dor- We’re going old and old, my heart You could not miss Dardis’s pres- wards the end of the ‘70s, when I fol- to Brussels a summary of what was gan, Poetry Ireland and others, we and I. ence there, with his black leather lowed him in that job and worked in the Irish papers of European note, were delighted that this year, that jacket, matching black leather hat, many late nights with him on ‘the early in the morning before others wonderful work of art found a wel- Other readers at the funeral serv- black shirt and bushy black beard. Stone’ in the Irish Times, producing began their daily routines. coming new home in University Col- ice were: Theo Dorgan, Joe Woods, Unmissable, he was, but not un- the paper. That was before modern comput- lege Cork, where it will be on display Enda Whyley, Patrick Deeley, Pat mistakeable, as he enjoyed at times He helped me acquire all the old ers could provide an automated ver- and available for the enjoyment and Boran, Paula Meehan, Gerry Smyth being mistaken for the late Barney tricks of the trade from upside down sion. And I remember that Dardis perusal of visitors and all lovers of and Peter Sirr. McKenna of the Dubliners, who also reading to instant editing, layout frequently made use of that ‘early art and poetry. Des Geraghty Liberty 29 Obituaries MARCH 2013

TRIBUTE Paddy Donegan LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Funeral oration delivered by SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn Heart and soul of the Famine walk in heart of Dublin trade union movement Dear Editor That support put pressure on THIS year’s National Famine the Government to sanction the Memorial Day is in Kilrush on NFMD in May 2008, which has IT IS my honour to reflect on working years, becoming one of the Sunday, 12th May. There will grown over the years and is get- the wonderful life and founding members of the National also be an overseas twinning in ting bigger. achievements of Paddy Done- Retired Staff Council. Sydney on the 25th August to in- Wherever green is worn, the gan who contributed so much He was awarded two honorary clude our Irish global family. victims of the Famine and the to improving the quality of doctorates after his retirement – one The NFMD is rotated around generations of emigrants who life for workers and their in law in November 1992 from the the four provinces to include the have contributed to building families, not just here in National Council of Educational Ad- whole island and all of its peo- communities and societies Dublin, but throughout the vancement and the second in philos- ple. around the world and changing country. ophy in July 2001 from the Dublin The Famine (An Gorta Mór) the course of history will be re- Paddy was a man who could truly Institute of Technology. knew no borders or boundaries, membered for ever more. be described as the heart and soul of But Paddy was not a man to rest it didn't distinguish between This is the year of the Lockout. the Irish trade union movement. on his laurels in retirement. As a ‘se- Catholic, Protestant, Dissenter or Big Jim Larkin and James Con- Born in 1921 in the last days of nior citizen’ Paddy served on the Re- non-believers. We suffered to- nolly were the children of the British rule and reared in sight of the tired Workers’ Committee of the gether, we can remember to- Famine – their parents were ICTU, represented Older People on gether. most likely scattered at the time Black Church in the north inner city Paddy Donegan: a long life of Dublin, Paddy was from a family of service to working people the National Economic and Social The lily and the poppy, the of the Famine or shortly after. steeped in the traditions of trade Council and was for many years harp and the crown, a republican All SIPTU members are wel- union and labour activism. Vice-President of the Irish Senior Cit- and a royalist may have diverse come to the Dublin Famine Com- His father worked alongside Big His dedication and commitment izens’ Parliament. allegiances and beliefs. The memoration on the 12th May. It Jim Larkin and from a young age to building a better education sys- In recognition of his outstanding bond, the bridge and the link is will begin at the Garden of Re- Paddy became involved in political tem saw him elected VEC Chairman commitment and loyalty to the trade the Famine – we emigrated on membrance at 2pm before head- activism aimed at bettering the con- in 1967, a position he held for al- union movement and to the the same coffin ships, we went ing down O'Connell Street and dition of his fellow workers. most 20 years. ITGWU/SIPTU in particular, Paddy into the same workhouses, died past Liberty Hall to the Famine While still a young man he be- During these years, he continued was made a life-long president of the side by side in the workhouses, sculptures on the Quays. There, came active in the Labour Party, serv- to fight for improvements and extra union’s National Retired Staff Coun- were buried for expediency in a wreath-laying ceremony will ing as the secretary of Labour Youth resources, building solid educational cil. shroudless, coffinless, un- take place before heading to the and working alongside Big Jim and foundations for all the city’s citizens Just one week before he passed marked, unconsecrated mass Jeannie Johnson for craic agus Jim Larkin Junior at election time. and not just those from better-off away, Bernard Byrne, Frank Gannon graves – many of which, to our ceol with Pete St. John and From an early age Paddy was families. and Frank Wallace visited Paddy and shame, are still unmarked today. friends. aware of the pain of loss. One of his In 1964, Michael Mullen encour- presented him with a framed scroll The Committee for the Com- The event will conclude with two bothers died at only 16 years of aged Paddy to come and work along- confirming his life-long Presidency. memoration of Irish Famine Vic- the celebration of life – we are age while playing hurling, while a side him in a reorganised ITGWU. It was fitting tribute to over 75 years tims would like to thank SIPTU the survivors and we celebrate sister died as an infant. Paddy began work in the ITGWU as of activism and he was visibly and the National Executive the lives and memories of the Educated through Irish in Coláiste group secretary number six, looking moved by the recognition he re- Council for passing a motion victims. United in the light of Mhuire CBS, the tragic circum- after engineering and manufactur- ceived. calling for a National Famine peace. stances of his brother’s death did ing. A quiet, unassuming man, Paddy Memorial Day in the early days Is mise le meas, not dim his own life-long interest in During his time in charge, this can rest assured that in his life of the campaign. Michael Blanch Gaelic games and soccer. group went from 16,000 to 38,000 which spanned from the birth of the Paddy became active as a trade members. Paddy was in the fore- State, he has succeeded in making unionist first as a young man with front in numerous negotiations with his city a better and fairer place for COMMITTEE FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF IRISH FAMINE VICTIMS the Workers’ Union of Ireland in multinationals to ensure their work- his fellow workers – not just in 1934 and then with the National En- forces were organised into the trade terms of workplace rights but just as gineering Union in the ESB and later union movement, helping to im- importantly in access to good and Rowntrees, where he met his wife prove the pay and conditions for appropriate education. and life-long companion, Marie. countless thousands of workers. He was a man from a generation In 1954, he was elected assistant His commitment to his role as a that set a standard of commitment, general secretary of the NEU. His en- trade unionist and educationalist led integrity and tenacity which for thusiasm and commitment saw him to long days and nights of work, those of us that followed served as a elected to serve as President of the working weekends and even spend- guiding torch. Irish Famine Victims and Emigrants Memorial Day Dublin Council of Trade Unions ing valuable holiday time that he Paddy was a man that I personally AN GORTA MÓR from 1961 to 1963. sacrificed from his family in the in- greatly admired and valued his 10TH ANNUAL COMMEMMORATION Impressed by his abilities early on, terest of the greater good. friendship and support during my UNITED IN THE LIGHT OF PEACE Michael Mullen, then-general secre- Despite this, Paddy was first and time as General Secretary of SIPTU. tary of the ITGWU, asked Paddy to foremost a family man and it was He had a tremendous intellect, COMMEMORATION WALK was incredibly wise and deeply pas- serve on the board of the Dublin Vo- the support and understanding from Céad Mile Fáilte to “The Gathering” cational Education Committee. Marie and his children that provided sionate about all that he pursued. On behalf of the general officers, Assemble at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square There he worked with others to the bedrock to Paddy’s success as an to Famine Sculptures, Custom House Quay ensure that appointments of teach- organiser of workers for better em- the National Executive Council and DATE: 12TH MAY 2013 @ 2.00 PM ers would no longer be on the basis ployment conditions and as a cham- his many friends and trade union of political connections but ability. pion for a fairer and just society for colleagues to whom Paddy Donegan Traditionally the Lord Mayor of Dublin lays a wreath with one minute’s silence was an inspiration, I offer my sin- This brought him into conflict with all. PETE ST. JOHN AND FRIENDS WILL SING ‘THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY’ the Department of Education, but as After 20 years of service with the cere condolences to Marie, his chil- ON THE JEANIE JOHNSTON FAMINE SHIP dren Padraig, Ray and Breda, and he said, recalling these events, “he ITGWU, Paddy retired as National Web: www.irishfaminevictims.com Email: [email protected] knew he was in the right and would Group Secretary in 1984. His com- Paddy’s extensive circle of family Phone: 01 452 6548 or Mobile: 087 90 40 888 not back down.” mitment remained beyond his and friends. 30 Liberty MARCH 2013 Sport

Finally Sligo Rovers had something sparkly to put in their trophy room last year...

Will it be a Rovers return? By Brendan O’Brien season, particularly so in the final of people's expectations upon last year. New manager Stephen Kenny relegation battle for the Seagulls. the FAI Cup last year when they year's return to the top flight, though has put a spring back in 'De Town's' Prediction 11th HILE most people missed out on the chance for their most Leesiders will tell you that step, but it’s hard to see them finish- Shelbourne find themselves in consider January first win in the blue ribband event there was a bit more to be got from ing in the top half of the table. Pre- similar territory to Derry in that the start of the since the 1960's. last season. Expect them to give an- diction 10th they've clawed their way back to the W new year, for This season will be a test of char- other good account of themselves Drogheda United surprised many top flight and consolidated their League of Ireland supporters, acter for them to bounce back from this year, with perhaps a Cup to when they recovered from a terrible spot, but are finding the new pre- March is the year’s real begin- last year's disappointments. Predic- show as well. Prediction 4th 2011 to run Sligo close for most of tenders to their throne difficult to ning as the domestic soccer tion 3rd Bohemians have suffered a terri- the season before finally finishing as dislodge. A similar season to last season kicks off again. Limerick City are the Premier Di- ble couple of seasons, going from the well deserved runners up. Along the year's in store for Alan Mathews' Last year Sligo Rovers ended their vision's new boys and are making a highs of challenging Red Bull way, Mick Cooke's side landed the men. Prediction 9th long-running championship drought welcome return to the top flight, giv- Salzburg for a Champions League EA Sports Cup and have more great Shamrock Rovers had by their to land the title with a certain degree ing the league a welcome boost in Group Stage spot to the lows of al- European nights to look forward to standards a nightmare season last of comfort, if the truth be told. the process. They'll play this season most losing their famous home Da- in this year’s UEFA Europa League. year. From the highs of playing in While winning the title is difficult in Thomond Park while their lymount Park and indeed their very They'll be hard pressed to keep up the Europa League Group Stage the enough, retaining it is even tougher spiritual home of Markets Field is existence as a club. last year's very high standard but previous season to the ignominy of as everyone wants to knock you off being revamped. Many thought when Pat Fenlon shouldn't be fearing a relegation bat- not qualifying for Europe at all this your perch. Limerick is the away trip that left for Hibs, it was signalling the tle. Prediction 6th year, the Hoops have a point to prove Add to that the Bit O'Red's first tilt everyone's looking forward to this end for this famous old Bohs. Aaron Derry City ended last season in this year. at the UEFA Champions League and year and while many have Limerick Callaghan had other ideas, however, style by landing the FAI Cup at the The over-confidence of last year the pressure is on the current cham- as this season’s dark horses, they'll and has steadied things on the pitch Aviva to the delight of their thou- has been replaced by a smouldering pions to build on the promise of last be satisfied to consolidate their place through his brave introduction of sands of fans who made the trip to determination to put things right year, though Ian Barraclough's men in the league this year. Prediction talented youngsters who have lifted Dublin that day. Expectations are rel- this year. Coupled with some serious seem to relish the pressure. An un- 7th the gloom on a dark period for the atively modest among Derry fans squad strengthening by new boss usually quiet transfer season for UCD have struggled over the last club. this year, but Declan Devine's side Trevor Croly, the bookies have made them might just tell in the end. Pre- number of years at the wrong end of While still in a transitional stage, showed hints of better things to Rovers the strong favourites to re- diction: 2nd the table despite frequently playing Bohs should do enough to maintain come for the Candystripes. Predic- claim the title. Prediction 1st St Patrick’s Athletic have often crisp, tidy football and just about get- their top flight status. Prediction 8th tion 5th Well, there's nothing more to say flattered to deceive in recent years. ting there in the end. With other Dundalk were on the verge of Bray Wanderers have been one of at this stage other than switch off While they've frequently played fast sides strengthening this year, time dropping into the second tier of the the most unpredictable sides in re- the TV, get your scarf on and do what flowing attractive football and had may finally be up for Martin Rus- domestic league, until they eventu- cent years, a terrific win one week, real football fans all over the world terrific European runs, they've come sell's brave side. Prediction 12th ally overcame a nerve jangling play- an unexpected loss the next. It's hard do – support your local team! Enjoy up short at the business end of the Cork City performed above many off against Waterford United late last to see anything other than another the season. Liberty 31 Liberty Crossword MARCH 2013

Liberty Prize draw to win two nights for two people in one Crossword of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. 1 2 3 454 5 6

7 8

9 10

111211 12 13

15 16

18 1920

21 22

Across Down 7 Ancient name for 1 No Clue *Correctly fill in the crossword Britain (6) 2 How the universe to reveal the hidden word, 8 Juice source (6) started (3,4,6) contained by reading the letters in 9 One who crosses 3 Keep ships at rest (7) the shaded squares from top to the line? (4) 4 Kells and Ashbourne bottom. Email the hidden word to 10 A Gaelic game (8) in county Meath (5) [email protected] 11 Bring them on the 5 Important to watch or post to Communications Dept., march (7) when you are on a diet Liberty Hall, Dublin1 along with Thinking of 13 Primate (5) (13) your name and address and you 15 The lanuage of 6 Publicans take will to be entered into a prize draw holidaying in Robert Burns (5) heed (3,5) to win two nights for two people 16 Those beyond the 12 Where the records in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Ireland? law (7) are kept (8) 18 Not the main 14 Looks like the real The winner of the crossword quiz event (8) thing (7) will be published in the next issue 19 Where China is (4) 17 Immunisations (5) of Liberty. *Terms and conditions apply. 21 Once war torn 20 Big-ticket ___ (4) January crossword winner was: capital (6) K Chambers, Teadies, Enniskeane, 22 Illicit cigarette (6) Co Cork

Multi-millionaire comic Beppe Grillo Beware the new Italian populism THE shock 25% polled by the the introduction of “direct democ- terity drive Grillo backs it. In one 5Star Movement (5SM) in the racy” and the scrapping of the blog post he demanded “tens of recent Italian general elec- “political class”. thousand of public employees [be] Picture: torre.elena (CC BY-SA 2.0) BY-SA (CC torre.elena Picture: tion was welcomed by some However, many of its leading laid off.” as a sign of popular unease figures have no qualms about As a leader of CGIL trade union with austerity. voicing admiration for an earlier has pointed out behind the phrases However, a closer look reveals a Italian popular movement – fascism. that Grillo uses about public em- leadership that is anti-trade union Roberta Lombardi, a 5SM MP, said: ployees in an abstract way “there are and a movement which has become “Before it degenerated, fascism had hospitals and emergency rooms, home to neo-fascist elements as a sense of national community, firefighters, schools and kinder- well as some leftists. which it took directly from social- gartens, social services for the eld- Led by the multi-millionaire co- ism, the highest respect for the state erly and the gravely ill.” median Beppe Grillo and web-mar- and a will to protect the [institution The real targets of Grillo’s invec- keting guru Gianroberto Casaleggio of] family.” tive against public employees are (a former backer of the far-right The movement has also gained trade unions. Northern League), the 5SM is largely members and support from Italian In his lively public appearances he controlled through internet blogs neo-fascist groups such as Casa has on more than one occasion and is unashamedly populist. Pound and Forza Nuova. In many recalled for the utter “elimination” of It calls for Italy to leave the euro, spects rather than confront the aus- trade unions.