ONLINE EDITION MANDATE TRADE UNION APRIL 2021 SHOPFLOOR 100 YEARS ON REMEMBERING BORN 1888 PADDY MORAN EXECUTED 1921 FREEDOM FIGHTER & FOUNDING FATHER OF THIS UNION CENTENARY SPECIAL PAGES 4,5,6 & 7

APRIL EX-DEBENHAMS WORKERS 9 IN DISPUTE FOR ONE YEAR GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE IMPLEMENT THE DUFFY/CAHILL THIS NEVER RECOMMENDATIONS HAPPENS AGAIN COVEROPINION STORY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Struggle for equality continues

THIS YEAR International Women’s Day (IWD) was regard. The Tánaiste has asked the Low Pay celebrated on Monday, March 8th. This global Commission to further explore this issue so event is important for two reasons. First, it it’s our role to ensure that we influence celebrates the invaluable contribution made their deliberations and seek the through the years by women across all aspects introduction of this laudable objective UPFRONT without unnecessary delay. of society, both here in Ireland and around the General Secretary, Pension Commission: The Government- world. established Commission is currently Second, and equally important, it highlights the ongoing Gerry Light Mandate Trade Union inviting submissions regarding the blatant discrimination and inequalities that adequacy of future State pension women face, many of which are deeply provision. In this regard your union has embedded, and have existed and tolerated offered its views and highlighted once for far too long. again the clear disadvantages that exist for Recognition of these indisputable facts women in the current system and the and a willingness to tackle them cannot urgent need to bring about an end to merely be confined to events and same. statements linked to holding an Childcare: This sector is predominately International Women’s Day, rather the staffed by women; therefore, it is vitally occasion should serve to remind us all that important that statutory measures – such the struggle for gender equality is constant

Picture: Mike Atherton (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Atherton (CC BY-NC-SA Picture: Mike as a Joint Labour Committee – be and needs to be highlighted and established to ensure a basic floor for terms vigorously fought for on each and every and conditions of employment. The occasion when the appropriate provision of affordable childcare is also opportunity arises. critical if we are to remove barriers which It is beyond doubt that the Irish State currently prevent many women from the since its inception has not served the full opportunity of access and participation interests of women well. On far too many occasions powerful in the workplace and beyond. male-dominated institutions deliberately Collective Bargaining: There can be contrived to ensure the role of women was little doubt that the prevalence of pay undervalued, restricted and never afforded inequality is greatly lessened in the true recognition it rightfully deserves. employments where the practice of proper In many cases the consequences of this and meaningful collective bargaining is commonplace. That is why the current government needs to swiftly introduce legislation which gives workers the right to effectively use their collective power at the negotiating table. The constitutional right to be a member of a trade union is considerably weakened unless workers are deplorable misogynistic behaviour has it is of critical importance that we are to afforded the opportunity to fully vindicate taken years to surface and the accumulated the forefront in fighting for tangible this right. unnecessary pain and suffering it caused is changes that will have a transformative Another current important issue becoming increasingly obvious. and positive impact on their lives. deserving of our attention is the Issues such as the ridiculous practice of The following are a number of areas very disproportionate negative fallout from the marriage bar, the inhumane operation much on our radar and we intend to ensure Covid-19 for women both in relation to the of mother and baby homes, and the health we play a proactive and influential role in significant job losses in retail in particular and life threatening consequences arising the early delivery of meaningful change and the worrying evidence emerging from the delivery of an inadequate cervical relevant to them. regarding the increased incidence of check service are to name but a few. Sadly, Gender Pay Gap: Through the years domestic violence. It appears that we are there are many more. Surely the much research has proven beyond doubt about to see the introduction of extended biggest regret is that we had a the gap is real and, despite this, it continues paid parental leave, which is to be choice, it didn’t have to be this to be tolerated. The promise by the current welcomed. way. government to introduce legislation in the These are, by way of an example, just a Aspirations area of pay transparency needs to be few areas your union is presently seeking The treatment of women delivered without further delay. This is not to bring about positive change. They are a through the years is the to suggest that this type of legislation in practical demonstration of how we can polar opposite to the views itself will be the panacea for all ills; however, deliver on key objectives which are clearly of those who not only it will help to maintain a focus on this rooted in and around events such as framed but gave their lives important issue with a view to ensuring that International Women’s Day. in pursuit of the aspirations the gap will be consigned to history as soon Across many facets of our society the relating to equality of as possible. struggle for gender equality continues. treatment contained in Living Wage: The aspiration for pay History shows us very little is conceded 1916 proclamation. inequality would be greatly served through without a concerted effort driven by a Given the fact that the the speedy introduction of an adequate clear unity of purpose, Mandate Trade majority of Mandate statutory living wage. Again the Union is proud to be part of that members are women, Government has set out its aspiration in this collective.

Shopfloor is published bi-monthly by Mandate Trade Union. Mandate Head Office, O'Lehane House, 9 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1 T: 01-8746321/2/3 F: 01-8729581 W: www.mandate.ie Design & Editing: Brazier Media E: [email protected] W:www.brazier.media Shopfloor is edited, produced and printed by trade union labour

2 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS ‘Landmark’ maternity policy change at Boots

MANDATE has described a change to maternity nity policy for customer assistants, advisors quested at store level through local manage‐ policy at Boots Ireland as “significant” and a and dispensers. It means that for some of our ment. The policy change also applies to adop‐ “unique landmark” for members working for members they can now avail of partially‐paid tive leave. the retailer. maternity leave for the first 10 weeks when Hogan said: “This truly is a unique landmark 2.0) Picture: Howard Lake (CC BY-SA The welcome development comes after a set they are off from work.” in retail for our members working within the of pay and benefits negotiations between union These new provisions came into operation on stores. It’s now hoped that this change – which officials and Boots management in 2020. April 1st 2021. Information on how members Mandate is very proud to be part of – will influ‐ National Coordinator Jonathan Hogan ex‐ can qualify and apply for the new benefit, as ence other retailers to implement similar ben‐ plained: “This is a significant change to mater‐ well as further details of the scheme can be re‐ efits for our members.” DEBENHAMS DISPUTE

STAND UP AND SUPPORT THIS STRIKE FRIDAY, April 9th marked the 365th day of a Forbes added: “This dispute will leave a his‐ Locations of striking dispute involving ex‐Debenhams workers in torical legacy. It shows that you have to struggle stores include: their battle to secure what is rightfully theirs. to achieve any meaningful change in this coun‐ Twelve months have passed since 1,000 try.” 1. Henry Street, Dublin 1 workers in 11 stores balloted for industrial ac‐ He said that the trade union movement was 2. Blanchardstown tion in a bid to win agreed redundancy package calling on the Government to implement imme‐ Shopping Centre, Dublin 15 of four weeks pay per year of service. diately recommendations set out in the Since then KPMG, Debenhams’ liquidator, and Duffy/Cahill report, published in March 2016. 3. The Square, Tallaght, the Government have both refused to honour Proud Dublin 24 that agreement. Geraldine O’Regan, shop steward from the 4. Frascati Shopping Centre, Mandate National Coordinator Brian Forbes Tralee store, said: “When this dispute started, Frascati Rd, Blackrock, Dublin said the union was extremely disappointed the we had no expectation that we would be here ex‐Debenhams workers have been forced to 5. White Water Shopping Centre, one full year later. I am proud of the stance we Newbridge, Co Kildare strike for so long. took and how we have highlighted the unfair‐ He told Shopfloor: “These workers should not ness of the current legislation that’s supposed 6. Mahon Point Shopping Centre, have had to go on strike for a single day. They to protect workers. Cork had an agreement, their employer was allowed “We want to thank the public and everyone walk away from that agreement, which was who has supported us and we are once again 7. Patrick Street, Cork wrong, but the liquidator and the Government calling on the Government to do the right thing 8. Eyre Square, Galway had an obligation to step in – and they didn’t. and implement Duffy/Cahill immediately.” 9. O’Connell Street, Limerick “I want to applaud the workers for their Karen Shaughnessy, shop steward from the tenacity and for their commitment to the prin‐ Galway store, said: “It is time for all workers in 10. City Square Shopping Centre, ciple of justice. Since they began this strike retail and trade unions across Ireland to stand Waterford they’ve been clear that not only are they doing up and support the strike and to fight for the 11. Tralee, Manor West Retail Park, this for themselves, they are doing it so that no implementation of the Duffy/Cahill report so Kerry other worker has to go through the same that workers no longer have to go through these trauma they had to endure.” disputes.” 3 April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 3 HERITAGEOUR HISTORY PATRICK MORAN CENTENARY Remembering Paddy Moran and the price he paid for freedom

INTERVIEW by Joe Mitchell Production Editor, Shopfloor MARCH 14th 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the execution of trade Picture: Mandate unionist and republican activist Patrick Moran, hanged in Mountjoy Jail along with five of his comrades. Patrick Moran and Thomas Whelan went to the gallows for the roles they played in a wave of assassinations and attempted assassinations of British agents – dubbed ‘Bloody Sun‐ day’ – in Dublin on November 21st, 1920. The others – Patrick Doyle, Bernard Ryan, Frank Flood and Thomas Bryan – were hanged for high treason after they were captured following an unsuccessful ambush on Crown Forces in Drumcondra in Jan‐ uary 1920. The condemned men were exe‐ cuted in pairs at 6am, 7am and 8am, while some 40,000 people – including Patrick’s brother and his three sisters (two of whom had recently returned from England) – stood in vigil outside the prison. “March 14th this year was a day of great emotion and significance to this union,” Mandate General Secretary Gerry Light told Shopfloor. “Patrick Moran was a founder member in 1917 and subsequent president, of a union – Irish National Union of Vint‐ ners, Grocers and Allied Trades Assis‐ Mandate General Secretary Gerry Light pays tribute at Patrick Moran’s graveside in Glasnevin tants – that in a later manifestation, became Mandate.” Floral tribute Fought in the He made the comments as he laid a floral tribute at Patrick Moran’s grave in Glasnevin cemetery on the week‐ end of the centenary. 1916 Rising... Light added: “Patrick Moran’s obvi‐ ous steadfast commitment to ordi‐ nary working people and to the cause Patrick Moran fought under the command of Irish freedom runs through the of Thomas McDonagh and Major John DNA of this union. We’re both proud McBride at Jacob’s biscuit factory during and humbled to carry forth those the 1916 Rising. After the surrender he was principles – the exact same principles taken to Richmond barracks, Inchicore, that Patrick and his comrades fought before being deported to Knutsford Prison and died for.” near Manchester on May 3rd, 1916; later The Evening Herald of the time re‐ transferring to Frongoch in Wales on July ported local reaction to Patrick’s exe‐ 16th. He was released after trial before cution. Sankey Commission in Wormwood Scrubs, Describing Patrick as “well‐known” London, on July 27th, 1916 and arrived and “extremely popular” in Dunleary home to Crossna on August 4th. (now Dun Laoghaire) and Blackrock, it was, according to the paper, a “a day of mourning unprecedented in its Walsh, the Archbishop of Dublin, was At 6am that morning – the exact solemn observance” with “all of the sent to Lord French, the Lord Lieu‐ time Patrick was hanged – his mother, establishments, including the banks, tenant for Ireland. Patrick’s union, IN‐ Brigid, stood up and told the congre‐ being closely shuttered”. UVGATA, also made representations – gation, “You can go, the worst has Municipal flags were flown at half‐ but all efforts failed to obtain the happened.” mast, schools closed, and Masses said Royal Prerogative of Mercy. Afterwards, she confided in her each hour on the hour from 6am to Meanwhile, in Patrick’s native son, Tom, that she had heard two loud noon. townland of Crossna, in Boyle, Co knocks and knew that the execution West Belfast MP Joe Devlin had Roscommon, the community gath‐ had taken place. raised the case in Westminster and a In this union’s DNA: Republican fighter and trade unionist Patrick Moran. Patrick was a founder member ered for an all‐night vigil to pray for a Executed for Ireland – The Patrick petition along with a letter from Dr in 1917 of INUVGATA, a trade union which, in a later manifestion, became Mandate reprieve to be granted. Moran Story was published by 4 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 Picture: Public Domain

Trained the Big Fellow... Patrick Moran was adjutant of D Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin 2nd Brigade. He was also involved under Martin Savage in training Volunteers in St Matthew Park Fairview. Michael Collins (above) was actually sent to them for training when he came back from London. Michael Collins said he wasn’t happy about this as he was already trained! But they made it very clear to the Big Fellow that this [training] had to happen.”

Those hopes, however, were to be cruelly dashed. “My father wrote to his parents just after Paddy’s execu‐ tion and he told them he had only learned [of his passing] in the news‐ paper two days after that the worst had happened.” May’s quest to uncover more infor‐ mation about her uncle came about when her 103‐year‐old aunt, Bea, asked her look after “Paddy’s things”. She explained: “My aunt had a little brown case on top of the wardrobe. She would ask me to dust the top of the wardrobe – I would have never looked inside that case or asked about it. She said to me about a week or two before she died, ‘This holds Paddy’s things and I want you to have it, but don’t let it fall into the wrong hands’.” May Moran, holds a treasured picture of her Contents uncle Patrick and a copy of Executed for Ireland, her retelling of his life story, May added: “This was in 1997 in published by Mercier Press in 2010. On the the run up to the Anglo‐Irish Agree‐ wall, next to the Moran family crest, is an ment and she meant she didn’t want image of Patrick’s nephews lifting his coffin the contents of the case to be used for at the state funeral in Mountjoy in 2001 propaganda purposes.” Patrick, the third child in a family Picture: The Moran family of 11, was educated locally and Mercier Press in 2010. homestead was sited. when we were younger we would ask painful to talk about the circum‐ served an apprenticeship in Paddy Its author, Patrick’s niece, May “I lived my early life in that house our father about Paddy but he would stances of Patrick’s death: “That was O’Rourke’s bar and grocery shop in Moran, spoke to Shopfloor in the run‐ until I was 15 or so,” she said. “That start to cry. one of the things my dad would say Boyle. up to the centenary. A retired teacher, was the house that Uncle Paddy was “We just didn’t pursue that subject he was most bitter about that they May thinks that his early working she described the writing of the book born in. It is no longer there – it was with him. These days you would let had hanged him – that his brother years in the town had a profound im‐ as “a labour of love”. taken down in 1960.” him cry, but at that time we didn’t didn’t get a soldier’s death.” pact in the shaping of what she calls May was born in the same two‐ Unsurprisingly, Patrick was want to broach the subject because it Tom was interned in the Curragh his “social consciousness” and poli‐ bedroom thatched cottage as Patrick, “revered” in the Moran family. She re‐ was too upsetting for my father.” during the time his brother spent in tics. and it was where she remembers calls: “Every year we would have had May says her father, Thomas Kilmainham and Mountjoy, but still She said: “On his regular trips spending a happy childhood. She now an anniversary Mass in his memory (Tom)– who was also involved in the fostered a hope that Patrick and the Continued on page 6 lives next door to where the original at the local church. And I remember War of Independence – found it too others would be reprieved. April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 5 HERITAGEOUR HISTORY

Pictures: The Moran family Paddy Moran and the price he paid for freedom

Continued from page 5 Patrick Moran (above, front row, far left) with Grocers’ Assistants football team. Grocers Football Competition medal won by Paddy (top left). Below: Paddy (in flat cap, far right) with Dunleary Commercials home he walked past Rockingham Es‐ and serious”. tate, owned by the Stafford‐King‐Har‐ “That’s not the impression I get [of mon family, and no doubt saw the him] at all,” laughed May. “When contrast of life within the demesne Paddy comes home [to Crossna] he walls with that of the people outside. was very much into fishing with the “The gentry had plenty to eat, liked neighbours. He even wrote a poem hunting, held grand balls for the about fishing – and it was such a upper classes, while those outside funny poem!” were trying to eek out a living for An all‐rounder, Paddy was commit‐ themselves and their families on their ted to republican politics and trade small holdings. union activism but also found time “I believe this injustice, as he per‐ for Conradh na Gaelige, the dramatic ceived it, led to his involvement in the society and, of course, Gaelic sports. trade union movement later.” “He was very into Gaelic football – After his time in Boyle, Patrick left he played for the Grocers’ Assistants to work in Maguire’s of Mohill, Co and for Marlboro’ Rangers and won Leitrim, for a year. While on holiday medals with both clubs. He also from work, he unexpectedly received founded a club called Dunleary Com‐ a letter from his boss telling him he mercials.” no longer had a job. May points out that Dunleary Com‐ But May thinks there was probably mercials actually took to the field at more going on behind the scenes: Croke Park on Bloody Sunday, and “They sent him a letter telling him not Patrick was there cheering on his to return, that they had no place for team as chairman of the club from the him any more. sidelines. Organising Shootings Jailbreak: role in Kilmainham escape May explains: “They had drawn a “I often wonder about it – if his pol‐ itics were different to Maguire’s. Seán match the week before with Erin’s WHILE held in Kilmainham Jail, following Bloody the identification parade, when he was picked out. Mac Diarmada, who was from Hope, the team of Saint Patrick’s, Sunday, Patrick helped organise the escape of Frank “He said afterwards that he was sure that the Drumcondra, and it was replayed at Leitrim, was going around at the time Teeling, Ernie O’Malley and Simon Donnelly. The trio evidence of the soldier cyclist, Snelling, who had organising for Sinn Féin. Could Uncle walked out through a disused gate after severing identified him, and who had already given evidence about 12.30pm on Bloody Sunday be‐ Paddy have come across him? open a rusty lock with a bolt-cutter smuggled in by that was not accepted in the cases of Boyce, Tobin and fore the main match and the subse‐ “It just seems odd as Paddy was so two friendly soldier warders on the eve of Patrick’s McNamara, would hardly be accepted in his case. quent shootings.” well‐liked. He subsequently went to court-martial. “He also said he would be letting down his November 20th, 1920 turned out Glynn’s in Athy, before moving to a May told Shopfloor: “Paddy could have gone too but witnesses if he wasn’t there for his court-martial. If he to have been a busy day for Patrick, job in Dublin in 1912. he felt he had a watertight alibi and that no court went and the escape was unsuccessful it would make bearing in mind his own role in the “The proprietor at Glynn’s actually could convict him given the way he had been set up, at him look guilty and he wouldn’t be spared.” unfolding of events earlier that morn‐ wrote to Paddy after he left for the ing – the assassination of 15 British agents and the targeting of many oth‐ capital – and we have the letter – ask‐ branch and its representative on the “Paddy was arrested for preventing She said: “Mandate has been very ing him if he would think of returning ers across the city. Bray & District Trade Union Council the unloading of a drey of Guinness. good to me. I had a lot of contact with as he was such a steadying influence In the days following, IRA members and on the union’s National Execu‐ He refused on principle to pay the former General Secretary John Dou‐ on the proprietor’s wayward son. were lifted in a series of raids by the tive. fine imposed and was sentenced to glas. He let me look at the old min‐ They both also had similar politics.” British military. Patrick – himself a Patrick joined the Grocers’ Assis‐ What May has gleaned from her re‐ two periods of seven days each in utes. Mandate also presented us with veteran of the 1916 Rising and, by tants’ Association in Dublin in 1913 – search is that her uncle “worked tire‐ Mountjoy – the place where he was a copy of the picture of Uncle Paddy then, captain of D Company, 2nd Bat‐ the year of the Lockout. May said she lessly to better conditions for later to die.” that currently hangs in the Mandate talion, of the IRA’s Dublin Brigade – had tried her best to find “specific workers in general and for grocers’ She added: “It was obviously a taste office. was among those arrested. documentation” on her uncle’s trade assistants in particular.” of what was in store for him and it “John and a number of officials He would later be falsely accused union activities in 1913, but concedes He played a leading role in a strike probably marked him out as a trou‐ came down to Crossna and presented and subsequently sentenced for the that records are scarce on the ground. in 1920. In January of that year, more blemaker in the eyes of the police.” us with the picture. They also brought killings of two of the agents, Ames In 1917, Patrick became a founder than 600 members of the union Patrick became INUVGATA’s na‐ down the chain of office.” and Bennett, in Mount Street. member of INUVGATA – often also walked off the job in a bid to improve tional president in September 1920. According to May, Paddy had a May knows Patrick wasn’t in called the barman’s union – as May wages, working hours and living con‐ While writing the book, May con‐ “winning personality” and “took part Mount Street at the time and wasn’t points out: “At that time, of course, ditions. tacted INUVGATA’s successor union, in all sorts of things”. And, in particu‐ involved in that part of the operation. most grocery shops were also pubs.” “It was a bitter dispute and many Mandate, for help in fleshing out lar, she takes issue with Ernie O’Mal‐ She explained: “He passed a num‐ He was chair of the Dunleary strikers were arrested,” May said. Patrick’s trade union activities. ley’s description of her uncle as “solid ber of identification parades but was 6 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 Picture: Public Domain

British agents, said to be The Cairo Gang, marked down by an unknown IRA hand for assassination. Several would later be shot dead on Bloody Sunday Capital offence: trial by court martial Patrick Moran was tried by military court martial on in January, which supported a different alibi to that February 15th, 16th and 17th. Cuman na mBan organised by Ms O’Flanagan. member Margaret Flanagan, who lived in the Patrick’s solicitor, Mr Noyk, decided not to call these technical School in Blackrock, organised 18 witnesses two and the prosecution, in another surprise move, from Blackrock and Dunleary (now Dun Laoghaire) to then produced a photograph of Paddy in uniform give him an alibi. All the witnesses testified that holding a gun. Although it wasn’t admitted in Patrick attended 8am Mass in Blackrock, returned to evidence the fact that it was produced at all sealed his lodgings for breakfast, got the first tram to town at Patrick’s fate. On reflection, May is quite stoical 9.30am before going to an executive meeting of his about all this: “Uncle Paddy was definitely in the IRB union at 11am. from early on and took part in the 1916 Rising and However, the police had obtained statements from later he had been held at Frongoch. He was obviously two men who lived and worked with Patrick and who an active soldier in the IRA. He knew well what British had been interviewed in Ballykinlar internment camp justice might be.” A soldier for Ireland: Patrick Moran in the uniform of the Irish Volunteers Sunday – just not in that particular a criminal as they would paint me.” action on Mount Street. At 6am on March 14th, Patrick She said: “Although not a member went to his death. Following his exe‐ My dear Parents: the last letter home of Collins’ Squad, Paddy was in charge cution, a note was posted outside the of a group of 15 men who provided prison gates. Mountjoy Prison, March 10th 1921. I had a visit from Annie and Sister today. She will cover for members of the unit re‐ May said: “The relatives later asked My dear Parents, tell you how I feel about it, the question of sponsible for shooting Capt. McCor‐ for the bodies to be released to the whether anyone else should travel to see me was a mack and Lt. Wilde in the Gresham families but, of course, that didn’t I suppose ere this letter reaches you will have sore one with me. No child ever had better Hotel.” happen. They had then to deal with heard all the news there is to hear about me and I It is still disputed whether Capt Mc‐ the distressing fact no funerals were pray God to give you the grace to view my fight parents, I did my best as a dutiful son and brother. I hope my efforts pleased God almighty and you. Cormack – an Irishman from Castle‐ going to be held.” with death and my triumph over it with bar – was a spy but his name had To add insult to injury, the relatives equanimity. I feel strong in myself now for what I don’t look been added to the hit list by the always believed that the men had I was told today by way of a birthday gift that on as an awful ordeal, and a meeting with those I Dublin Brigade. (Michael Collins later been buried in quick lime – but that myself and another prisoner named Thos. Whelan love so well might not do either of us any good so informed McCormack’s mother that turned out not to be the case. are to go the same road as Kevin Barry went not unless you wish otherwise, I shouldn’t advise he had been shot because he was an long ago on next Monday morning. anyone to travel to see me. enemy soldier.) Uncle Paddy was I pray God almighty to bless you all. Don’t worry May added: “I think that [the tar‐ I know it will be very hard for you all to bear and geting of McCormack] would not have for me, pray for me instead and shed no tears and definitely in the IRB I hope you will see it in the light that I do and bear been Uncle Paddy’s call – his name it just as bravely as I do and as I will. Perhaps it is always hold your heads high because I die a must have been on the list.” from early on and took part the will of God. I’m sure it is, that I should get such martyr not a criminal as they would paint me. Once Patrick was informed of the “ notice of ‘when where and how’, my earthly course Am rushed now, will write again to Mag. and the date of his execution, he wrote one in the 1916 Rising and finishes and that I never again might get the same lads and yourselves, last time to his parents. His mother later he had been held at had been ill and his father was al‐ chance for a thorough preparation. With best love, Frongoch. He was I expect to die in the grace of God as I am now, I ready an old man and they weren’t Your fond son, Patk. expected to visit their son in Dublin. hope. I crave His mercy and expect to meet you all obviously an active soldier May said: “His brother, Jim, was the in a brighter and better world and I want you all to one who spent time with him before in the IRA. He knew well look forward and to strive for that Eternal reward. his execution and his sisters had come from England to stand outside what British justice eventually picked out by a soldier cy‐ the jail.” might be clist who said that Paddy held him up In the letter Patrick – who was to in Mount Street on Bloody Sunday. He turn 33 on March 13th the day before was set up, at the last two identifica‐ the scheduled date of his execution – ” “They were actually buried fairly tion parades, by another soldier who writes: “I was told today by way of a had questioned him in the vicinity of respectfully – each in their own cof‐ birthday gift that myself and another fin,” added May, “but Paddy’s sister Mount Street on the eve of Bloody prisoner named Thos. Whelan are to and his father and my dad wouldn’t Sunday when Paddy and another go the same road as Kevin Barry went have known that because this fact man were trying to help a lady in dis‐ not long ago on next Monday morn‐ was only discovered prior to the re‐ tress. ing.” “That soldier recognised him when He tells his mum and dad: “No child interment.” he saw him in prison and a case was ever had better parents, I did my best In 2001, Patrick’s remains and built around him for the Mount Street as a dutiful son and brother. I hope those of nine others who were exe‐ shootings.” my efforts pleased God almighty and cuted by hanging during the War of May already knew that these were you.” Independence were disinterred from false allegations, but during her back‐ Patrick ends his letter: “Don’t Mountjoy Jail and reburied with full ground research for Executed for Ire‐ worry for me, pray for me instead and state honours, nine in Glasnevin land, she found out that her uncle shed no tears and always hold your cemetery and one in Ballylanders, Co actually had been involved in Bloody The remains of the Forgotten Ten are brought to Glasnevin cemetery for reinterment in 2001 heads high because I die a martyr not Limerick. April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 7 NEWS ICTU: Beef up protections in ‘always on’ work culture CONGRESS has called for provisions to be working. Protections must keep pace employment and protecting workers’ longstanding issue of workers regularly updated to protect workers’ rights in this with modern ways of working if workers’ well‐being, given the seismic changes in doing unpaid overtime.” new era of ‘always on’ work practices. hard‐won rights are to be preserved. work practices.” She added: “When the occasional The call came in response to the new “The new code gives guidance and best ICTU’s Social Policy Officer Dr Laura intrusion on a worker’s personal time to Workplace Relations Commission’s Code practice to organisations and workers on Bambrick told Shopfloor: “The scope of get a project finished or an order filled of Practice on the ‘Right to Disconnect’. the right to not engage in any work‐ the Code is much more than digital rights becomes the norm this becomes a health General Secretary Patricia King said: related tasks, activities or for workers to switch‐off from work‐ and safety issue. “Trade unions have been to the fore in communications outside of agreed related calls and emails at the end of their “An overtired worker is a danger to highlighting that existing checks on working time and not to be penalised for working day. themselves and others. Excessive excessive working hours have become exercising this right. “It applies to all types of work and all working time also squeezes out family, increasingly strained by advances in “The code is vital for safeguarding types of employment, not only remote friends, hobbies, sports, and involvement communication technology, an always‐on work‐life balance and better enforcement working. In this respect, the Code will be in the wider community. Dissolving work culture and boom in remote of existing laws regulating hours of an important tool to help tackle the work‐life boundaries is not victimless.” Dr Bambrick: ‘Important tool’ Fury over KPMG’s ‘covert op’ to remove stock from store site MANDATE has condemned the “covert operation” carried out by was planning to meet with representatives from Solas and the Debenhams liquidators, KPMG, involving the removal of stock Department of Education to further discuss the €3m fund that under cover of darkness from the retailer’s Blanchardstown site has been made available by the Taoiseach and his government.” in the early hours of April 1st. Mandate only received formal notice of KPMG’s intentions to General Secretary Gerry Light said: “As late as yesterday clear stock just before midnight on March 31st in an email sent (March 31st) I wrote requesting that KPMG or any of its agents to the union’s solicitors – the obvious intention being to keep should desist from attempting to remove stock from any Deben‐ union uninformed of the liquidator’s plans at Blanchardstown. hams location on the basis that it was clearly in contravention Light told Shopfloor: “Our members are understandably upset of existing Covid‐19 regulations in that it could not reasonably and very angry, especially considering the provocative timing of be considered to be essential work. this early morning operation and the clandestine nature of it. “Frankly, this pre‐emptive decision to forcibly remove stock “Therefore, we totally condemn KPMG’s actions in Blanchard‐ in a covert operation with gardaí defies belief, especially on the stown in the strongest possible terms and will be consulting our very same day the ex‐Debenhams National Shop Steward Group members about what actions to take in response.” COVID-19 RESPONSE Change to vaccine rollout ‘slap in face’ for retail workers

MANDATE has hit out at the Govern‐ empty platitudes from a Government ment’s March 30th announcement that has mishandled this pandemic that it intends to scrap the previous from Day 1.” vaccine roll‐out plan and follow an Light said Mandate members left aged‐based model similar to that op‐ home every day with the “uncer‐ erating in the UK. tainty” of now knowing whether they Slamming the move, General Secre‐ will return home having picked up tary Gerry Light said: “The sudden the potentially deadly virus. shift from prioritising job categories, “Unfortunately, in the vast majority including essential workers who have of cases our members face this ex‐ Picture: Steven Cornfield on Unsplash kept society functioning, over now to tremely high risk to their health and an age‐based roll‐out is a serious slap safety for limited financial reward in the face for the many thousands of and to what they see clearly as little our members who have continued to Minister clarifies rollout plan change or no recognition from this Govern‐ serve the public. ment.” “Those essential retail workers MINISTER for Health Stephen Don- “The National Immunisation Advi- adding that following the vaccina- He added: “Mandate strongly calls who have bravely attended work and nelly has responded to a March 31st sory Committee (NIAC) has now tion of those most at risk, in future on the Government to urgently re‐ who have been on the frontline con‐ letter sent by Mandate General Sec- been able to more comprehensively groups would be vaccinated by age think their strategy for the delivery of tinuing to work in public‐facing jobs retary Gerry Light following the identify those medical conditions “in cohorts of 10 years” (i.e., 64-55; the vaccination programme. We also since the very start of this pandemic Government’s decision to reconfig- and to distinguish between those 54-45, etc.). for over a year now will be angry and call on those retail employers whose ure the vaccine rollout plan. which place a person at very high or Defending the move to an age- disappointed at this decision by the retail businesses remain open to let In the letter, Minister Donnelly high risk of severe disease if they based model, the Minister said it: Government.” their voice be publicly heard on this pointed out that since the Covid-19 contract the virus. l Protected those at highest risk He continued: “Any past recogni‐ important issue. Vaccine Allocation Strategy was an- “Medical conditions and the mag- of severe disease first, which bene- tion by the Government of the vital “The priority vaccination of retail nounced on February 23rd, listing nitude of the risk they pose will con- fits everyone most; work carried out by our members, workers is not only the right thing to several medical conditions “associ- tinue to be monitored and l Facilitated planning and execu- who have effectively kept the nation do, it is absolutely necessary to en‐ ated with increased risk of severe periodically reviewed,” he added. tion of the programme across the fed and safe, must now regrettably be sure the long term safety of retail disease and death”, further “na- Minister Donnelly said the further entire country; and measured in the context of this deci‐ workers, retail customers and society tional and international evidence” update on March 30th was based on l Improved transparency and sion on vaccine roll‐out. Yet again, es‐ in general as well as the long term vi‐ evidence had become available to “clinical, scientific and ethical fairness. sential front‐line workers have been ability and future sustainability of the give a “more detailed analysis” of frameworks” produced by the NIAC served up more empty promises and Irish retail sector.” these conditions. He continued: and the Department of Health, 8 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS Members call on McCauley’s to do the right thing over ‘Covid’ tax bills Sharon Furlong Mandate member, McCauley’s Pharmacy THOSE of us working in McCauley’s Pharmacy who continued to work full rosters throughout the Covid‐19 pandemic are asking our company to reimburse us for the tax bills that have come about from the company using the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) last year. McCauley’s benefitted hugely from the Government’s TWSS from March to August last year. The TWSS was a We have worked subsidy that paid up to 70%‐85% of extremely hard staff’s net wages. McCauley’s remained open during the pandemic and“ put ourselves at risk as an essential retailer. The benefits to the company not working with fewer and only came from the significant fewer staff during very subsidy paid for each employee, it also came in the form of savings in difficult circumstances employer PRSI which was reduced but now it has cost us from 11.5% to 0.5%. In addition the McCauley’s money for doing so. Pharmacy benefited from savings made because our wages were only Staff at McCauley’s Pharmacy were at the front line throughout the pandemic and continued to do their work under difficult and trying circumstances It should be up to topped up to our weekly net amount McCauley’s to reimburse – not our gross. Since our take home pay was the this tax for each same as normal, everything looked in order to us. Then in January this year the TWSS from the Government but employee a large number of McCauley’s staff the staff are now stuck paying the to accept the company’s current were landed with tax bills averaging bill. position which is to take” no around €1,000! Certainly the Government didn’t responsibility for our tax liability We are now asking the company to set up this scheme for us to be out of now arising. reimburse us to pay these taxes pocket. Ironically the higher earning Revenue hasd established a facility which is actually just paying us the staff who did not qualify for the wage for companied such as McCauley’s to balance of our normal weekly gross subsidy were paid as normal with no clarity. We also had no choice on the very difficult circumstances but now wages which we earned but that were consequences. How is this fair? pay the tax liability for their staff never paid to us. There wasn’t any communication matter. We were not consulted and it has cost us money for doing so. It from the TWSS. So far 24 shops have No matter how you look at it this sent directly to us by McCauley’s it was not fully outlined or agreed. should be up to McCauley’s to submitted petition letters to the situation what has happened is about TWSS or the significant tax We have worked extremely hard reimburse this tax for each employee. company management as of the first effectively a pay cut. The company liabilities we would face despite and put ourselves at risk working There is strong consensus among week in March calling on McCauley’s didn’t have to pay anything to receive several attempts by members for with fewer and fewer staff during the members that we’re not prepared to pay the tax liabilities arising. MALAHIDEAnother GOLF CLUB DISPUTE round of talks on the cards? MANDATE members in Malahide Golf sick pay, as well as summer bonus l A reduction in the sick pay seen recent improvements to the Club have voted against accepting a and overtime payments. Club scheme from the current 13 weeks to course, the purchase of new set of proposals, negotiated under management, for their part, were eight weeks with a once‐off payment machinery, and the installation of a the auspices of the Workplace seeking to implement a number of of £500 to each union member as new drainage system. Added to that Relations Commission (WRC). changes – all of which had been compensation. there has been new CCTV installed Both the union and management previously rejected by the union l No changes to existing overtime and the painting of various areas in had recommended acceptance of the throughout the course of payments. the club. deal which it was hoped would have negotiations. l Performance‐related summer Expenditure resolved a long‐running dispute at Staffing levels bonus – 3% based on attendance, 1% “All this expenditure – though the links course north of Dublin. Management wanted to put in quality, and 1% Health & Safety/ The dispute arose over the non‐ flexibility. 2.0) Murphy (CC BY -SA Picture: William welcome – was being carried out place a continuous review of staffing while our members’ pay had been payment of a pay increase as well as levels, further improvements in John Callan, speaking in March frozen since October 2019. Added to proposed changes to terms and productivity and no wage increase in before the result of the ballot was that the club had sought to seek conditions of employment. The 2021. known, told Shopfloor: “While our drastic changes to terms and previous pay deal at the club expired After a long WRC Conciliation members are acutely aware of the in October 2019. hearing – held virtually because of economic situation which Covid has conditions of employment. Mandate started negotiations with Covid‐19 restrictions – and at which created for the club, they did not see “Our members – like most workers club management on September 3rd, Industrial Officer John Callan was how they should have being made to in the hospitality/recreation sector – 2019. A number of further meetings accompanied by shop steward bear the brunt of a pay freeze and have been severely impacted by the were held throughout 2020. Damien Clarke, the following was changes to their terms and Covid lockdowns and have been laid However, as no satisfactory pay agreed between both sides: conditions. off at various times – and their deal could be reached, the issue was l 1% pay increase backdated to “The club enjoyed many good years income has remained unchanged.” referred to the WRC in December October 2020. and our members played a vital role And Callan also pointed out that 2020. The case was heard at the l A further 1.5% pay increase throughout both the good and bad despite the impact of Covid‐19, the Commission on March 4th, the main effective from 1st October 2021 until times.” club’s revenue and “general financial issues being pay and working hours, 30th September 2022. He continued: “Our members have Enjoying a round on Malahide’s links course situation” had remained “healthy”. April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 9 NEWS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ‘Long history of women standing up and fighting for what is right’ EX‐Debenhams and Arcadia workers marked 333 days on strike on March have invited all women in Ireland and 8th as they celebrated International abroad to join with them as they de‐ Women’s Day (IWD). mand greater protections for staff in The ex‐Debenhams and Arcadia Ex-Debenhams shop steward Jane Crowe: ‘If what happened to us happened in a predominant-male industry, would it have gone on this long?’ female dominated industries. workers have said they don’t believe are calling on the women of Ireland very poorly. If what happened to us workers in retail, hospitality and Both sets of workers (numbering they would have been place in this and around the world to celebrate happened in a predominantly‐male healthcare hardest. 1,500 in total) were made redundant situation if they had been working in this momentous day with us. industry would it have gone on this “We have shown the need to last year – but without legislative pro‐ a male‐dominated industry. “We will be 333 days fighting for long? No, most definitely not. It change the law to protect workers tections they were not compensated Jane Crowe, ex‐Debenhams shop our rights and our hard‐fought‐for, would have been dealt with like us. The whole trade union move‐ with their agreed redundancy pack‐ steward, Henry Street, Dublin, speak‐ collectively‐agreed redundancy pack‐ favourably and swiftly.” ment, including the leadership of the ages of four weeks pay per year of ing ahead of IWD, told Shopfloor: age on this day. Our industry is pre‐ Ms Crowe explained how women ICTU, must publicly acknowledge service. “This year on International Women’s dominantly made up of female workers in trade unions have made what we have achieved in pushing for The ex‐Debenhams workers Day we, the ex Debenhams workers, workers and we have been treated massive changes to the employment legislative change. rights of all workers. “We need their support for a final “The Mna laidre na hEireann have a push to convert the €3m training long history of standing up and fight‐ fund proposed by the Government ing for what’s right. It was the Irish into cash for the workers in compen‐ Women’s Workers’ Union who went sation for not being paid their agreed on strike for three months in 1945 redundancy package. and won the right to annual leave for “We also need to ensure the fight all workers in Ireland. for new legislation continues so that “Dunnes Stores workers took ac‐ the Government does not fail to act tion which ended zero‐hour contracts again as it did after the Clerys dis‐ in 2019. And now we are fighting to pute.” ensure no other workers are treated Support as we have been. Christine Hourihan, former “This is the one thing that we have Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia) worker prided ourselves on during our long from Cork, expressed her admiration campaign. Being Strong Women of for the Debenhams workers and the Ireland who were raised by strong battle they have fought: “The major‐ women, with many of us are raising ity of workers in retail are female and the next generation of strong women. it’s sad to see we still have to fight for “If you are a woman and still lucky what is due to us. My colleagues and enough to have a job during the pan‐ myself were so grateful for the sup‐ demic, or are working unpaid in the port and advice of the Debenhams home raising families, we are inviting workers when we were starting our you to stand with us on International stand to highlight the fact that the Women’s Day, whether in person, or government have done nothing to on social media. Let our voices be protect retail workers. Dear Member, heard and say, ‘No, we will not be “They have refused to implement treated as second class citizens any‐ changes in the liquidation process – We are excited to announce that MC2 – your very own online training more’.” to put these women before landlords She added: “If you or your work‐ and other creditors. These women and job-matching platform – is live now! We believe that this platform place are not unionised, why not use are out there every day and still this day to join a union and get organ‐ found the time to help their fellow fe‐ gives our members the best possible chance to succeed in these ised in order to protect your rights male retail workers who found them‐ and the rights of your fellow col‐ selves in the same situation. If this troubled times and prepare for what we hope will be a new leagues in the workplace?” was a male‐dominated workforce, Carol Quinn, ex‐Debenhams shop this would not happen.” post-pandemic era. steward, Tallaght, outlined how de‐ Mandate has acknowledged the termined the Debenhams workers “determination and solidarity” were in their effort to se‐ shown by the Debenhams work‐ What does the platform offer? cure a just settlement. ers in their “long struggle for jus‐ She said: “On Interna‐ tice”. l Access to 1000s of jobs, with new vacancies added daily. tional Women’s Day A spokesperson said: “They we need to acknowl‐ l Access to 100s of courses – worth more than €2000 – to help your CV to have ensured that the edge and celebrate issue of tactical insol‐ stand out from the rest and give you the best chance of securing a job. the brilliant cam‐ vencies is placed high paign the Deben‐ l Unlimited access to the platform, its €2000+ worth of courses and jobs for on the Government’s hams workers agenda – and the en‐ any 6 additional users FREE of CHARGE. have fought. tire trade union move‐ “We have led the fight ment and beyond owes for all workers who will be them a huge debt of grati‐ For further information please contact Jonathan Hogan at [email protected] laid off as a result of the pan‐ tude.” demic, which has hit women or Amanda Blake at [email protected] 10 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS Solidarity messages from across the world on IWD EX-DEBENHAMS workers, who clocked up a “We salute former Debenhams retail total of 333 days on strike on March 8th workers, mainly women, who have (International Women’s Day 2021), received passionately campaigned for their rights for messages of support and solidarity from a a prolonged period. They have maintained a range of international and domestic trade strong presence at picket lines across the unions and civil society groups. country, though they have been exploited by On April 9th last year Debenhams workers a company that walked away from its – the vast majority of whom are women – obligations to loyal employees. received an email from their employer “Congress will continue to support these informing them they had lost their jobs and women and their demands for an acceptable they would not be receiving their agreed solution to this protracted dispute and will redundancy package. work to ensure that legislation is enacted, so Since then, the workers have been on as this kind of situation will not arise for Irish strike demanding justice and that the workers in the future.” Government implement legislation to Janet Wainwright, Kroger 555 butcher and protect all workers in liquidation scenarios. Orla O’Connor: ‘totally unacceptable’ Alke Boessiger: ‘legislative changes’ Patricia King: ‘passionate campaign’ Orla O’Connor, Director of the National UFCW shop steward from the US said: “UFCW Women’s Council said: “It is totally Local 400 members at Kroger 555 in the long-overdue change to the legislation job or financial security after the company Yorktown, Virginia, stand in unwavering unacceptable that nearly a year on the so that workers are protected in redundancy was liquidated. Debenhams workers are still left in this dire solidarity with ex-Debenhams workers scenarios.” “UNI and its more than 20 million throughout Ireland as you mark your 333rd situation. And it is very concerning that the Alke Boessiger – Deputy General members stand firmly with the courageous same pattern is now emerging for the day on the picket line. Arcadia workers. Secretary, UNI Global Union said: “On retail workers in their already 300 day long “No matter where we live or who we work “In both cases, the vast majority of the International Women’s Day, UNI is campaign for a fair redundancy package for, we know that heartless corporate greed workers affected by the redundancy are demanding essential rights for essential and changes to legislation to ensure must be met by organised worker power. We women who were often employed on low women workers. Debenhams had been workers are getting their fair share in the stand with you now and will take your pay, precarious contracts. The National making huge profits for decades on the back future.” courage to heart as we begin to negotiate Women’s Council supports Mandate’s call for of their employees who were left without a ICTU General Secretary Patricia King said: our next collective agreement this summer.” TALLAGHT LIMERICK

WATERFORD

HENRY ST, DUBLIN

GALWAY GALWAY

April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 11 NEWS RESEARCH Jobs of those on minimum wage most affected by Covid-19 WORKERS on the minimum wage in – tended to determine who worked in accommodation, food and retail being Luxembourg, Germany, the minimum wage when contrasted Ireland have borne the brunt of job minimum wage jobs across the hit particularly hard. Therefore Netherlands, Belgium, the UK and with those aged over 29. losses during the Covid‐19 continent. minimum wage employees are likely France. The research found that emergency, new research has found. ESRI stats show that 9.6% of to suffer disproportionately from job The ESRI research, which was educational attainment also played a The Economic and Social Research workers are on the minimum wage – losses arising from the pandemic.” funded by the Low Pay Commission key role. Institute (ESRI) study revealed that currently €10.20 an hour – in Ireland. Ranking (LPC), estimated that in 2017 and In Ireland, people with lower almost half of employees in this Significantly, some 43% of these 2018, Ireland's 9.6% minimum wage secondary education were eight category work in sectors most workers are employed in Some 21 out of 27 EU member incidence was slightly below the percentage points more likely to be impacted by the pandemic. accommodation, food, wholesale or states – including the UK – have a 10.5% average across the 14 on the minimum wage than those The paper, titled A Comparative retail sectors. statutory minimum wage. countries examined in the research. with third level education. Assessment of Minimum Wage Research Officer Paul Redmond, Interestingly, Ireland rates second Age was a significant factor in Though in some countries women Employment in Europe, also found the report’s author, concluded: highest in nominal terms, but when determining who worked in this were "heavily over‐represented" that other factors – being younger, "Public health measures across cost‐of‐living differences are taken category, with employees under 29 among minimum wage workers, in having fewer educational Europe, and the world, have led to into account, the minimum wage here between five and eight percentage Ireland, the gender composition was qualifications and not being a citizen business closures, with drops to seventh place behind points more likely to be on the roughly equal.

MARKS & SPENCER Talks start on vol redundancy programme

THIS EASTER has seen another well‐ known high street name, Marks & Spencer, announce a possible volun‐ tary redundancy programme across its retail operation in Ireland. The union and the company have begun national negotiations on the issue. National Coordinator Jonathan Hogan told Shopfloor: “Topping Man‐ date’s set of priorities is the sustain‐ ability of good jobs, which is a key objective of any national engagement of this nature.” He added: “There is no doubting the precarious nature of the Irish re‐ tail sector at present and the huge im‐ pact Covid and long‐term closures have had – particularly on non‐essen‐ tial retailing.”

PENNEYS Banded hours review sought MANDATE and Penneys are set to enter into a pay and benefits review in September 2021. The union is also seeking a review of the banded hours agreement with the retailer. National Coordinator Jonathan Hogan, who has responsibility for training and collective bargaining, told Shopfloor: “We want to ensure this agreement reflects the current realities of what our members re‐ quire as part of their banded hour contracts.” It is hoped that the timing of the national talks with Penneys will also UNIONS Donna serves up 20 glorious years signal the emerging of a general post‐ Covid reopening of the Irish retail ARGUE MANDATE member Donna Dowdall’s smile lights up the Tesco Extra sector. canteen in Dundalk after she notched up 20 years of working for the Hogan added: “The union will be FOR retailer. A valued member of staff, delighted Donna was presented working with its representatives over with a box of chocolates to mark nearly two decades of service at the coming months to ensure that the UNITY the store on Ramparts Road in the town. Congratulations to Donna relevant communications with mem‐ from all her friends and colleagues in the union. bers takes place before the opening PAGES 20/21 of these discussions.” 12 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS CONGRESS SUBMISSIONS ICTU calls for 30 cent rise in National Minimum Wage from 2022 means boosting the hourly minimum that in 2020, total compensation of CONGRESS has said the National contained a commitment to boost the "... which is in line or ahead of the employees fell marginally (0.1%) in Minimum Wage (NMW) should rise Living Wage – currently calculated at general movement in earnings in the 2020 compared to 2019, though by almost 3% or 30 cent to €10.50 €12.30 an hour by the Living Wage economy". some sectors saw significant falls. per hour from January 2022, and has Technical group – over the course of this administration. Congress also predicts a ICT saw an increase of 8.9%, but flagged up hopes of a post‐Covid wages in arts and entertainment The submission states: “Assuming “prolonged economic expansion”, boost to the economy, once the mass‐ caused by both a pent‐up demand for were down by over 15%, distribution, a modest 1.1% increase in the Living vaccination programme has done its products and services, as the iron transport, hotels and restaurants saw Wage to €12.45 would leave a €10.20 work. union representatives on the LPC, grip Covid‐19 had on economic a decline of 11.3% while pay in real The call for a rise in the NMW came claiming they did not want to be Minimum Wage at just 81.9% of the activity eases. estate activities fell by over 7%. in a recent ICTU submission to the party to leaving the lowest paid Living Wage rate, while a €10.50 It points out: "Crucially, low paid "In particular, job losses and Low Pay Commission (LPC) – the behind. Flagging up the "somewhat Minimum Wage would be at 84.3% of workers have higher propensities to reduced hours were concentrated body that recommends a minimum unique" nature of this year’s review, the Living Wage.” consume. This means that wage amongst lower paid workers. This wage that is legally binding across the Congress claimed the rollout of mass According to ICTU, the government increases for low paid workers and makes year‐on‐year comparisons state. vaccination had brought back some must – given its claim to value the income supports for low‐income extremely difficult," it adds. In September 2020, Congress hope of a return to a “near normal” as contributions made by low‐paid households are particularly suited to l Mandate has formally written to General Secretary Patricia King and it was before the pandemic struck. workers – use this year’s review to the goal of stimulating aggregate the LPC underlining the union’s Mandate General Secretary Gerry Pointing out that the current begin the process of implementing a demand.” support for the Congress position as Light withdrew “with regret” as trade programme for government Living Wage, which necessarily The Congress submission notes set out in its submission. Mandate supports Congress pensions submission

MANDATE has issued a submission to only 33% of those in receipt of a full CONGRESS’ submission contained year olds payment rate with the the Pension Commission supporting State Contributory Pension even the following recommendations: State Pension (Contributory). recommendations made by the Irish though they outnumber men among I. Congress recommends IX. Congress recommends Congress of Trade Unions. the over 65s category. Therefore, any maintaining the State Pension introducing a lower pension age In his submission to the Commis‐ measure that impedes access to a as the bedrock of the pension for workers who entered full-time sion, the union’s general secretary State Pension will disproportionately system. employment at a young age and Gerry Light explained how Mandate impact negatively on women who have a long contribution history. membership is predominantly female rely on the State Pension to a greater II. Congress recommends and would be considered to be degree than men. auto-enrolment X. Congress calls on medium to low paid. “Having regard to some of these contributions be publicly Government to commit to He said: “Statistically, women are basic facts we believe that the recom‐ managed and paid out as a undertaking a review to assess more likely to be in low paid, part‐ mendations outlined in the submis‐ top-up on the State Pension the merits of introducing a time and precarious jobs as is the sion presented to the Pension (Contributory). fast accrual provision in the State Pension (Contributory) case for many thousands of our mem‐ Commission by the Irish Congress of III.Congress further for physically arduous bers. Consequently many can’t afford Trade Unions adequately deals with recommends that the occupations. to pay an occupational pension sub‐ the matters particularly pertinent to significant profits from scription and this is more likely in our female members and many more managing auto-enrolment XI. Congress supports in principle sectors such as hospitality and retail. beyond, therefore we fully support investments be deposited into a the Government commitment to “Remarkably research shows only ICTU’s recommendations,” Light con‐ new National Pensions Reserve allow workers defer receipt of their 28% of women have an occupational cluded. Fund to pre-fund future State State Pension (Contributory) for a or private pension compared to 55% Pensions expenditure. higher payment rate and calls on of men.” Government to deliver on its IV.Congress recommends Light continued: “Subsequently, as commitment without further delay. women age, they are more likely to adequate public transport for experience poverty with 25% over rural areas be a Government XII. Congress supports the the age of 65 at risk of poverty com‐ priority and it recognised as abolishing the paid contribution Government commitment to pared to 15% of men in this category. essential for allowing all condition for the State Pension provide pensioners with greater pensioners realise the value of free income certainty on the value of Furthermore, an extended working (Contributory) for applicants travel in order to enable income their pension via benchmarking life is difficult for those in physically providing long-term care. adequacy when dependent on the and the indexation, and calls on demanding jobs, such as care work State Pension. VII.Congress recommends an Government to deliver on its and workers in low paid or precari‐ amendment to the Employment commitment without further delay. ous jobs.” V. Congress acknowledges the Equality Act making it illegal to He added: “Typically women are planned HomeCaring Credit as force a worker to retire at an age XIII.Congress views the proposed also more likely to be the providers of reasonable provision for earlier than the age at which the target of 34% average annual unpaid care which inhibits their abil‐ preserving pension entitlement of State Pension is generally earnings to be a floor below which ity to establish sufficient PRSI contri‐ workers taking time out of available. the value of the pension will not butions to become eligible for the full employment to provide full-time fall and not as a ceiling above State Contributory Pension. care. VIII. Congress calls on Government which it cannot exceed, as finances to align the Benefit payment for 65 allow. “In addition, women account for Gerry Light: ‘fully support ICTU recommendations’ VI.Congress recommends TEACHERS UNION OF IRELAND €12k donation to ex-Debenhams workers UNIONS THE Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) Taoiseach and the government to workers on the inspirational courage has made a €12,000 donation to ex‐ resolve the issue. and resilience they have displayed for BY Debenhams workers in their The statement, carried in the union over six months.” BETTER continuing fight for justice. journal TUI News, continued: “We Thanking TUI for “this amazing act Describing the donation – recently also fully support the demand of of solidarity and generosity,” Mandate DEFINITION proposed and accepted by the TUI Mandate and the ICTU that legislation National Co‐ordinator Brian Forbes Executive Committee – as a “small, be implemented to give effect to the told Shopfloor: “Superb support such practical expression of solidarity” Duffy‐Cahill report which could as this is both a great encouragement with the workers, the union also prevent other workers suffering a to our members on the picket lines echoed Mandate’s call for “immediate similar scenario in future. and a practical demonstration of UNIONS and definitive action” from the “In addition, TUI commends the what trade unionism is all about.” Picture: AFL-CIO April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 13 VIEWPOINT

ability of the person in question’. Nor BEHIND THE INEQUALITY CURTAIN... is it factoring in that there are two methods of calculating income in‐ equality, one (Gini coefficient with all its flaws) showing it falling and the other (tax returns of top 1% based on over two million tax units) showing it You don’t have to be a Wiz to increasing. The fact that Coffey and Leahy argue that inequality is declining in Ireland while wages are increasing will jar with many of our readers who know instinctively, and from lived ex‐ figure out what’s going on... perience, that this is not true. You start to question, “am I the anomaly?” when you hear that everyone is doing so well. The truth is, again, as pointed Dave out in the report, deprivation is on the increase in Ireland. Gibney Let’s quote directly from the Unite report: “On September 2nd, 2020 the CSO published a report which found that the enforced deprivation rate in Ireland had increased in 2019 to 17.8%. Enforced deprivation is defined as “Pay no attention to that man behind not being able to afford two or more the curtain!” deprivation indicators such as keep‐ So said the Wizard of Oz in the ing the home adequately warm or iconic movie of the same name. He buying presents for family/friends at was trying to convince Dorothy and least once a year, said Eva O’Regan, her friends that he was an all‐power‐ Statistician with the CSO. ‘The per‐ ful wizard, until her pet cat pulled centage of people considered to be back the curtain to expose that it was experiencing enforced deprivation in all bluster and that, in fact, he was 2019,’ she added, was ‘up from 15.1% just a “humbug” lever puller attempt‐ in 2018’.” ing to preserve the status quo and The same CSO report found that maintain his position of privilege. 34.4% of those in rented accommo‐ Unite’s new document, Hungry Bel- dation were in deprivation, up from lies are not Equal to Full Bellies, is the 27.4% in 2018. Women were more cat in our scenario. likely to experience it, while over one It strips back a curtain of lies and in five children were living in depri‐ inaccuracies to expose the truth vation. about not only inequality, but also Deprivation how economic power maintains itself It also found that the proportion of in Ireland. Before we get into the de‐ the population experiencing three or tail of the document itself, let me ex‐ more types of deprivation items in‐ plain why this piece of work is creased from 9.9% in 2018 to 12% in important. 2019. On 19th November 2020, The Unite report goes into detail in economist Seamus Coffey, of Univer‐ relation to why Irish data is skewed sity College Cork, published an article significantly when you only factor in on RTE’s Brainstorm website head‐ “income” as your inequality qualifier. lined “Why has income inequality Whereas other countries in the EU in‐ fallen in Ireland?” vest heavily in a public housing and Opinion piece public healthcare system, Ireland’s social welfare system, for ideological Firstly, it might interest you to Increased use of foodbanks is one indicator that Ireland is still a highly unequal society Picture: Joel Muniz on Unsplash know that it’s not necessarily true. reasons, is a largely monetary one, i.e. Despite this, it led to Irish Times po‐ equality. That’s more lives lost in one subvention and the worker in Ireland they give you money and tell you to litical editor Pat Leahy writing an Flawed year than were lost during the 30 spends 20 times that at €1,000 a source your own accommodation and opinion piece on 5th December titled: years of the Troubles. So to mess month. Who is better off? healthcare from the private market. “Ireland is becoming more unequal? economic data around with inequality data and pre‐ Yet even when they looked at in‐ If we want an accurate understand‐ Wrong.” sent it as something it is not is mess‐ come inequality, they used incom‐ ing of inequality, we need a holistic That article, too, was wrong. But it ing with lives. And it’s political. plete data. They focus on the Gini perspective. also did the job. And prompted Fine The Unite report, drafted by Dr coefficient, which, in Ireland’s case, as As Conor McCabe said: “Put bluntly Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer to put on Conor McCabe, dives into the inequal‐ the report points out, “is not based on – whatever your wages, if you have no the record that inequality was Newspaper ity data in detail. It explains how Sea‐ information on the 1.7 million house‐ money left after rent/mortgage, food, falling… which it’s not. publishes claims mus Coffey and Pat Leahy both use holds in the state but on a small sam‐ bills, taxation, healthcare, transport He told the Seanad: “I remind the limited data to present an argument ple of them – 4,183 to be exact and supporting your family then you House of Mr. Seamus Coffey, the emi‐ based on that suits their own agenda. (around 0.2 per cent of the total).” are poor.” nent University College Cork aca‐ For instance, they use income in‐ The CSO asked 9,000 households to The importance of the Unite report demic who has written on the issue of flawed data equality as a representation of in‐ participate in the survey with only cannot be understated. Everyone income and inequality. The reality is equality itself. But income inequality 40% agreeing. Evidence shows that should read it. And we should all that income growth and inequality is isn’t economic inequality. It’s one as‐ high income households are the most question the authority of “eminent” falling in our country at this time and pect of inequality. Conveniently it ig‐ likely not to participate, so you’d economists, or political experts who as Mr. Pat Leahy wrote recently in The nores wealth; public think everyone should tell us what life is like in Ireland when Irish Times, people are getting richer Politician uses services; tax; capaci‐ be made aware of that our lived experience is completely and we are becoming more equal. economist & ties; family composi‐ serious flaw. Not different. “If, however, one was to listen to tion; and costs of the “eminent” Always ask yourself, ‘Do they have the chorus and crescendo of naysay‐ newspaper to goods and services. UCC academic skin in the game?’ To not do so would ers, one would think we were living justify policy Think about it though. be to allow the Wizard of Oz to main‐ in a Trumpian world where govern‐ like this: a worker That’s not fac‐ tain his privilege at our expense. ment did nothing and our people in Ireland might toring in that Jerry Buttimer said in his state‐ were getting poorer.” have the same net 50% of those ment to the Seanad floor: “Can we Can you see the process now? This stuff is important. Inequality pay as a worker in who answered ever get a bit of honesty from the po‐ Economist makes use of dodgy data; is important. A report from the Insti‐ Denmark, but the the survey were litical commentariat in our country newspaper publishes opinion article tute for Public Health just over 10 worker in Den‐ proxies, that is, and from some – who are not in this mark spends €50 ‘another resident using this flawed research; and then years ago showed that in Ireland we Chamber now – on the extreme left a month on child‐ of the household politician in government party cites have over 5,400 preventable deaths who have no idea what they are tak‐ care due to public due to unavail‐ both to justify regressive policies. every single year from economic in‐ ing about?” Indeed. 14 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS ‘CORRUPT’ ELECTION CLAIM RWDSU calls for comprehensive probe after Amazon vote Stuart Appelbaum RWDSU, the US union behind the or‐ ganising drive at the Amazon ware‐ house facility in Bessemer, Alabama, has vowed it won’t let “lies, decep‐ tion and illegal activities” go unchal‐ lenged – and plans to lodge an objection to the conduct of the ballot at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union wants a comprehensive investigation into Amazon’s be‐ haviour which it claimed had “cor‐ rupted the election”. The ballot seeking the right to or‐ ganise was lost on Friday, April 9th, – with 738 votes for and 1,798 votes against. Another 505 ballots were challenged by Amazon and not counted in the final tally. Legal right The RWDSU’s campaign in Besse‐ mer has attracted worldwide atten‐ tion, with even President Joe Biden contributing to the debate by releas‐ ing a video telling the workers they had a legal right to organise. Union president Stuart Appel‐ baum claimed Amazon had left “no Fighting the good fight: getting the message across outside the Amazon fulfillment centre in Bessemer, Alabama Pictures: RWDSU stone unturned” in its efforts “to mation. That’s why they brought in ued: “Amazon’s behavior during the Brian Forbes told Shopfloor: “The Amazon bosses threw everthing – gaslight its own employees” to dozens of outsiders and union‐ election cannot be ignored and our outcome of the vote is an obvious set‐ and I mean everything – into their achieve this outcome. busters to walk the floor of the ware‐ union will seek remedy to each and back for the RWDSU and their valiant efforts to persuade workers to vote He said: “Amazon knew full well house. every improper action Amazon took. efforts to organise workers at Ama‐ against their own interests. that unless they did everything they “That’s why they bombarded peo‐ “We won’t rest until workers' zon facilities in the United States. “How sad. But the struggle is possibly could. That’s why they re‐ ple with signs throughout the facility voices are heard fairly under the law. “A victory at Bessemer, Alabama – never ending and we fully back the quired all their employees to attend and with text messages and calls at When they are, we believe they will especially in a so‐called ‘right to RWDSU’s bid to leave ‘no stone un‐ lecture after lecture, filled with mis‐ turned’ in exposing Amazon’s un‐ truths and lies, where workers had home. And that’s why they have been be victorious in this historic and crit‐ work’ state – would have provided a derhanded tactics in what looks like to listen to the company demand lying about union dues in a right to ical fight to unionise the first Amazon rallying point and valuable boost not – as RWDSU has claimed – a ‘cor‐ they oppose the union. work state. Amazon’s conduct has warehouse in the United States.” just for workers in retail but right “That’s why they flooded the in‐ been despicable.” Appelbaum contin‐ Mandate National Coordinator across industrial sectors in the States. rupted’ vote.” ternet, the airwaves and social media with ads spreading misinfor‐ l How Amazon deployed its legal big guns to thwart union vote p18/19 l Stateside viewpoint: Unions must seize the day p30 Have you a Mandate-related story or picture you’d like to share with us? Email [email protected]

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April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 15 VIEWPOINT Collective Bargaining or

Superficially, arbitration en‐ ables workers to engage with their employer Collective Begging? on terms of al‐ leged equality. By John Carty In arbitration, Mandate Divisional Organiser management THE International Labour Organisa‐ forgo lock‐outs tion (ILO) was established in 1919 Teamsters’ Jimmy Hoffa: in exchange for not a fan of Arbitration under the Treaty of Versailles "as a workers relinquishing the right to gesture to the left” at the height of strike. In reality, lock‐outs in recent post‐World War One [industrial and decades are used less frequently than political] radicalism (O’Connor, 2011, strikes, so the ‘exchange’ is very much p. 141). In 1923, the Irish Free State to the employer’s advantage. joined the ILO. It was the first inter‐ The union also gives up the right national organisation, the new state “to” represent its members in ex‐ joined to assert its independence change for a lesser right to “make” from Britain (Ó Cearbhaill, 1980; O’‐ representations on their behalf (see Connor, 2011). Ewing, 2003). Former Mandate General Secretary The employer’s rights regarding de‐ John Douglas, in his then role as ICTU cisions on investment, dividends, President, attended ILO conferences. budgets, transferring work, etc re‐ The ILO considers the right to strike main. Bob Hepple (Emeritus Profes‐ as an essential principle (OECD, sor of Law) in his address to the 2010 1996). John Hendy, a leading interna‐ Countess Markievicz lecture in UCD tional expert on labour law concurs cited a co‐authored work regarding and states: “… the right to strike as an these rights. essential element of the right to bar‐ Noteworthy gain collectively. This is not an ex‐ pression of academic opinion; it is a It is noteworthy, in 2015 the Cana‐ statement of international law ex‐ dian Supreme Court found in favour pressed in international treaties of workers regarding the right to widely ratified.” (Hendy, 2015, p. 66) strike and relied on numerous aca‐ demic articles, including Hepple and Restrictions Kahn‐Freund’s 1972 analysis: “The Since 2012, a concern for Congress power to withdraw their labour is for has been the “… attack by the employ‐ the workers what for management is ers’ group on the right to strike” in its power to shut down production, to the ILO (ICTU, 2015, p. 52). Judy switch it to different purposes, to Fudge (a Canadian professor of transfer it to different places.” (quoted labour law) has stated that in the ILO: in Saskatchewan v Attorney‐General “Both governments and employers’ Take your pick: ‘United We Bargain, Divided We Beg’... of Canada, 2015) organizations have argued that Pictures: Fibonacci Blue (CC BY 2.0); NYWTS (CC0 1.0) met.” (Ewing and Hendy, 2012, p.3) safety or health of the whole or part bitrators must choose in favour of ei‐ Jimmy Hoffa (president of the democracy should trump human The South African Constitutional of the population” (ILO, 1983, p. 66). ther the union’s final claim/s and Teamster union) was against compul‐ rights in the context of attempting to Court has held that, “Collective bar‐ Nevertheless, this is open to inter‐ management’s final offer/s. This can sory arbitration, as constraints are roll back labour rights [including] … gaining is based on the recognition of pretation and depends on a case‐by‐ be on all the issues in one decision or placed on increasing wages, but not the right to strike.” (Fudge, 2015, p. the fact that employers enjoy greater case basis (ILO, 2019). The point is, allow for each individual issue to be on inflation (1960). Arbitrators may 302‐303) social and economic power than indi‐ that the ILO recognises in principle decided in favour of either party. consider fair comparisons with other The employers’ groups are not anx‐ vidual workers”, and stated: “Workers that some workers in essential ser‐ In conventional arbitration, the ar‐ employments. However, the first ious about democracy in some ab‐ therefore need to act in concert to vices can be prevented by national bitrators have more freedom. How‐ Chair of ACAS (UK equivalent of the stract debate, but are attempting to provide them collectively with suffi‐ laws from engaging in a strike. WRC), Jim Mortimer observes that undermine the right to strike. The ever, Lewis (1990) notes that this is The ILO in such circumstances, “arbitration is not a means of deter‐ German Federal Labour Court in cient power to bargain effectively very seldom in practice about split‐ maintains that such workers should mining social justice.” (quoted in 1980 decided that, “collective bar‐ with employers. Workers exercise ting the difference. What is covered collective power primarily through have access to binding arbitration as by the structures can differ, in that it Corby, 2003, p.82) gaining without the possibility of a Arbitrators at best will follow the mechanism of strike action.” (Cer‐ a substitute to the right to strike may include all disputes concerning resort to the instrument of the strike precedents (McAlevey, 2012), they tification of the Constitution of South (Gernigon, et al, 1998). all workers, a group of workers would be no more than collective tend not set them. Major gains in em‐ Africa, 1996, p. 9) Structures and/or a single worker. begging” (Blank, 2002, p, 166; Origi‐ ployment conditions are more likely A Canadian Chief Justice stated that The terms may include both or ei‐ nal German: kollektives Betteln). However, arbitration structures to be obtained through collective bar‐ without the right to strike “… the right ther disputes of interests (such as In 2012, Hendy and Professor Keith can differ, but one common aspect, is gaining than by arbitration (Jenkins to organize and bargain collectively wage increases) and/or disputes of Ewing expanded on the term ‘collec‐ existing union members are denied a and Mortimer, 1965). [are] virtually meaningless”, and the rights (e.g., the interpretation and/or tive begging’ and stated that: “With‐ vote as the union ‘negotiators’ don’t MSF General Secretary Ken Gill court went on to state that without implementation of existing agree‐ out rights, trade unions are no more have to sell any unfavourable arbitra‐ once stated regarding binding arbi‐ the right to strike, a union is a “… bar‐ than pressure groups or providers of tion outcomes. But potential new ments). The terms may cover or ex‐ tration: “The difference between a cheap legal insurance or discount ren and useless thing” (Canadian union members, can register a ‘vote’ clude conditions of employment slave and a worker is the right to travel services. Without an effective Supreme Court, 1983). against arbitration by deciding not to and/or changes in work practices. withdraw his [or her] labour.” ([1987] right to strike collective bargaining is However, some workers in essen‐ join that union. The triggering of the process may quoted in Wilkinson et al, 1993, not possible. In the absence of a right tial services (such as police forces) in Some arbitration structures don’t require just one or both parties. The p.281). to strike collective bargaining is no some countries do not have the right require the employer to disclose fi‐ interpretation of what is and is not Slaves may never bargain, but they more than collective begging. No em‐ to strike. The ILO has defined essen‐ nancial information (McAlevey, 2016; subject to arbitration may itself be can always beg. ployer will make concessions if the tial services as including those that see also Cullinane and Dundon, subject to arbitration. Each of these NOTE: A list of references cited in this union cannot realistically threaten to “the interruption [a strike] of which 2018). The structures can be pendu‐ structures has advantages and disad‐ article are available on request from Shopfloor, email: [email protected] withdraw labour if its demand is not would endanger the life, personal lum or conventional. In pendulum, ar‐ vantages to the parties. 16 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

POISONING OF FLINT US officials face charges linked to contamination of city water supply THE AFSCME trade union has wel‐ comed the move by the Michigan At‐ torney General’s Office to bring charges against a number of former and serving officials – including ex‐ State governor Rick Snyder – al‐ legedly linked to a massive public health scandal that hit the city of Flint in 2014. Together the group face 42 charges, ranging from perjury to mis‐ conduct in office to involuntary manslaughter. All nine defendants, including Snyder, pleaded not guilty during a series of brief court appear‐ ances earlier this year. Snyder has also dubbed the charges “a politically motivated smear campaign”. Cost-cutting The crisis began when the city switched its drinking water supply from Detroit’s system to the River Flint – seen by many on the left as a cost‐cutting move on the part of the State’s Republican administration. Nine officials – including former Michigan State Governor Rick Snyder (far left) – face a total of 42 charges This caused parts of the local water linked to the 2014-2019 public health scandal. AFSCME’s Larry Roehrig (inset left) has welcomed the move supply to become contaminated and as ‘a start’ in ‘holding officials accountable’. Volunteers staff a water pick-up station in Flint (above & top) led to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Pictures: National Guard Bureau (CC BY 2.0); AFSCME; Doug Kerr (CC BY -SA 2.0);USDA (Public Domain) disease. Untreated water from the justice for the generation of children losophy” that “puts austerity first and Commenting on the move by the pay the price for the foreseeable fu‐ river had caused lead to leach from and families poisoned in Flint. people last”. He added: “It's a conse‐ Michigan Attorney General’s Office to ture. We cannot allow the financiali‐ old pipes resulting in the deaths of at “However, holding these officials quence of an economic ideology that bring charges, Right2Water Ireland sation of water and with it the least a dozen residents. Lead can accountable is a start. Elected officials regards public services as costly and spokesperson David Gibney told endangerment of public health any‐ damage the brain and nervous sys‐ cannot willfully endanger their con‐ unnecessary, as though a clean, Shopfloor: “When we start to put a where in the world.” tem as well as cause long‐term learn‐ stituents’ livelihoods to support aus‐ ‘cost’ to water, as if it’s a commodity healthy and safe community isn't the He added: “Right2Water in Ireland ing and behavioural problems. terity measures and their own essential right of every citizen.” and not an essential human right, it stands firmly with the victims in The AFSCME has described the de‐ partisan ideologies.” In 2016, delegates to the AFSCME gives legitimacy to those who would velopment as a welcome step for‐ In a 2016 opinion piece, AFSCME International Convention passed a cut costs and endanger the lives of all Flint. We send our solidarity and ward on the road to justice. Reacting President Lee Saunders claimed that resolution calling on Snyder to “take of us who need it. hope that those responsible for the to the announcement, union official the Flint poisoning was not “some full responsibility for the immoral ac‐ “This economic ideology is danger‐ loss of lives and endangering the Larry Roehrig said: “I don’t know that out‐of‐the‐blue occurrence” but tions of his administration and the ous and sadly the people of Flint have health of the people of Flint are held anything can possibly bring enough rather the result of a “governing phi‐ Flint Emergency Manager and resign.” paid the price, and will continuewww.lilliputpress.ie/product/from-lucifer-to-lazarus to accountable.” April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 17 SPOTLIGHT How Amazon deployed legal big guns to thwart bid for union recognition

Picture: tingey-injury-law-firm at Unsplash By John Logan Philadelphia US-based Labour Studies academic workers held a rally outside the AS SOON as US retail workers union offices of law firm RWDSU filed for a National Labor Re‐ Morgan Lewis, as lations Board (NLRB) election in part of a February 20th national day Bessemer, Alabama, in late November of action in 2020, Amazon engaged the services solidarity with of corporate law firm, Morgan Lewis, Amazon workers to do what it could to thwart the ini‐ in Bessemer, tiative. Alabama Morgan Lewis – which brings in nearly $2.3 billion a year in revenue and employs 2,200 lawyers across the world – is one of the States’ most influential firms specialising in so‐ called union avoidance activities. According to one legal expert, Ama‐ zon’s move showed it was “digging in for a fight”, adding, “That is not a hire you make if you’re playing nice”. Powerful The fourth largest law firm in the United States in 2020, Morgan Lewis has a dedicated labour practice sec‐ tion which dates back to the 1950s. By the 1970s, the firm had the most powerful management‐side labour Picture:Joe Piette practice in the country, one that ap‐ Fighting the good fight: getting the message across outside the Amazon fulfillment centre in Bessemer, Alabama Picture: RWDSU (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) peared regularly in the AFL‐CIO’s Re- mote positive employee relations and results “signal that union elections County, Alabama (site of the BHM1 International Association of Machin‐ port on Union Busting. Today it is strategically shape bargaining units likely will be held by mail for the distribution centre). ists (IAM) union in Middleton, consistently among the top Big Law to minimize potential union organiz‐ foreseeable future, with the virus Anti-union Delaware, in 2014. firms that “dominate the representa‐ ing victories.” Following the NLRB’s surging as cold weather pushes more After its crushing election defeat, tion of employers before the NLRB.” decision to restart elections in March activities indoors.” However, Morgan During its anti‐union webinars, an IAM spokesperson said that work‐ Morgan Lewis’ extensive battles 2020, following a brief pause, union Lewis has encouraged employers to Morgan Lewis attorneys have ac‐ ers had “faced intense pressure from with organised labour include the in‐ elections have overwhelmingly been appeal against NLRB decisions for cused unions of trying to “capitalise [Amazon] managers and [Morgan famous 1981 PATCO strike, the 1993‐ conducted by mail‐in ballot. In fact, mail‐in union ballots. on Covid‐19 virus fears”, such as a Lewis] anti‐union consultants hired 1994 baseball strike, the 2009‐2010 every NLRB election has been held by Taking that advice to heart during lack of proper PPE, and strikingly to suppress this organizing drive”. efforts to oppose bank workers or‐ mail‐in ballot since the board set up the Bessemer campaign, in early similar anti‐union rhetoric was later And this time round, Amazon dis‐ ganising in the wake of the financial adopted by Amazon management. crisis, the 2019 General Motors its six‐factor Covid‐19 test for union February, Amazon appealed the tributed anti‐union materials to em‐ Morgan Lewis helped Amazon de‐ strike, and it played a key role in ad‐ elections in the Aspirus Keweenaw NLRB’s decision requiring a mail‐in ployees at BHM1. The online retailer vising McDonald’s on how to defeat case (November 2020). election because of the high inci‐ feat its previous NLRB election, dur‐ also created an anti‐union website for both unionisation and the ‘Fight for According to Bloomberg Law, these dence of Covid‐19 cases in Jefferson ing an organising campaign by the employees, displayed anti‐union 15’ campaign for higher wages. Attorneys at Morgan Lewis have extensive expertise fighting unions in NLRB elections. The firm boasts a “NLRB Special Appeals Practice” to “assist clients with high‐stakes is‐ sues” which includes three former se‐ nior Republican‐nominated members of the NLRB. Its attorneys advocate the use of NLRB election delaying tactics, op‐ posing mail‐in ballots, as well as bar‐ gaining unit manipulation. These tactic were clearly seen in the Al‐ abama campaign. In presentations to corporate clients, Morgan Lewis at‐ 2.0 Picture: CT Senate Republicans (CC BY-NC-ND torneys have openly stated that any delay in NLRB elections benefits em‐ ployers and hurts unions, and has ad‐ vocated changes to the bargaining unit that will make organising more difficult. The firm’s website states: “In addi‐ tion to assisting employers during union organizing campaigns and re‐ lated litigation, we help clients pro‐ 18 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS curity searches. Since the onset of the pandemic, RAISE THE ROOF CAMPAIGN Morgan Lewis has also defended Amazon against allegations of putting in place inadequate Covid‐19 safety precautions. According to the com‐ pany’s own figures, between March Housing legislation and October 2020, almost 20,000 workers tested positive for Covid‐19. Public health officials immediately criticised Amazon’s analysis of infec‐ tion rates among its warehouse work‐ comes under fire ers for omitting key data and providing a misleading picture. In November 2020, warehouse FLAGSHIP Government initiatives on And Mandate has added its voice workers filed a lawsuit against Ama‐ housing have sparked controversy to the chorus of disapproval over the zon in New York City alleging that and criticism amid claims they could proposals. National Co‐ordinator these health and safety failures dis‐ see a massive transfer of public land Brian Forbes told Shopfloor: “The proportionately exposed workers of to private developers and cause a whole housing market is just not op‐ colour to Covid‐19 infection. spike in house prices. erating as it should. It has become In addition to representing Amazon Legislation on the Land Develop‐ separated from what surely is its key multiple times, Morgan Lewis has ment Agency (LDA) and Affordable social purpose – to offer ordinary also represented several other Big Housing is currently under scrutiny people decent accommodation at an Tech firms – including Microsoft, Dell in the Oireachtas, with the Govern‐ affordable price. and Google – in proceedings before ment stating both measures will help “Putting a roof over people’s heads the NLRB. deliver on its pledge to “put afford‐ should not be a means for land spec‐ One of the Trump NLRB Senate ability at the heart of the housing sys‐ ulators and developers to make a confirmation hearings revealed, ac‐ cording to Bloomberg Law, a “conflict tem.” quick killing – most especially when list littered with Big Tech companies” But the Land Development Agency public land is used for this purpose. and showed that Morgan Lewis also proposals have been slammed by all “And not forgetting, of course, that “represents management in union pe‐ major opposition parties, including any unseemly transfer of public land titions to organize workers at the Sinn Fein, Labour, Social Democrats to private developers will be played General Electric Company, Aramark, and People before Profit. out against the backdrop of the most DaVita, Google, and Dell, among other They say the proposed LDA con‐ severe housing crisis in our coun‐ large corporations.” tains weak provisions on delivery of try’s history.” Amazon also has connections with affordable homes and is a ‘Trojan The Raise the Roof campaign has several other leading anti‐union horse’ that could see a massive trans‐ consistently demanded that public law firms, and has appointed fer of public land to private develop‐ land be retained in public ownership experts who formerly worked ers. and used exclusively for public hous‐ for Jackson Lewis and Ogletree The draft legislation provides for ing and affordable homes to pur‐ Deakins, and engaged the ser‐ vices of Littler Mendelson. the acquisition of public land by the chase. signs within the distribution centre voting in of a union as Interestingly, for over a LDA and stipulates that just 50% of The proposed LDA does not pro‐ and sent anti‐union texts to employ‐ “like a one‐way door”. decade, Morgan Lewis was any such land would be used for af‐ vide for this and will see public lands ees’ phones. The materials also the Trump Organisation’s fordable housing/cost rental. used for private gain. All of these materials contained claimed that the union favourite law firm. Since The legislation does not define ‘af‐ Opposition parties are united in tried‐and‐tested anti‐union tropes would prevent employ‐ 2005, Morgan Lewis played fordable’ and provides for the dis‐ their criticism of the proposals, with that have been used by firms such as ees from communicat‐ a key role in providing legal posal/transfer of public lands to the Social Democrats demanding ing directly with Morgan Lewis for decades. representation concerning private developers, for housing con‐ major changes to the proposed legis‐ Amazon supervisors Except for a few direct references the former president’s per‐ struction. lation, including: to Amazon or BHM1, the same talking and managers within sonal finances and those of This could see private interests l That the LDA cannot sell or dis‐ points can be found in almost any the BHM1 plant. the Trump Organisation and did so gain control of major tracts of lucra‐ pose of pubic land to private devel‐ anti‐union campaign. For example, Morgan Lewis has re‐ until he left office in January. these materials told employees that peatedly represented Amazon in law‐ tive public land. opers; Morgan Lewis’s extensive back‐ Housing expert Mel Reynolds esti‐ l That 100% of homes on public the RWDSU is a “business” that is suits against its own workers who ground in so‐called union avoidance only really interested in dues money claim they have been discriminated mates that the State controls enough land should be affordable and public; activities, and its powerful connec‐ l (despite the fact that, since Alabama against or have been cheated out of tions at the Trump NLRB, made it the public land to build some 114,000 No homes on public land can be is a so‐called ‘right to work’ state, no wages and benefits. ideal choice to lead Amazon’s aggres‐ homes, or almost 7,500 acres. sold to major institutional investors. Amazon worker was required to pay For example, the firm has helped sive counter‐organising campaign in dues even if the union had won certi‐ Amazon defeat law suits by delivery Alabama. fication). drivers, warehouse workers and oth‐ These externally orchestrated anti‐ They also stated that the union had ers over the company’s alleged failure union campaigns often have a pro‐ made promises but could not guaran‐ to provide overtime payments, its al‐ found impact on the outcome of House prices surge tee better wages or benefits or leged misclassification of Amazon union organising drives – as was seen greater job security, warning workers flex drivers as independent contrac‐ at Bessemer. Hiring Morgan Lewis that they could end up with “less”. tors rather than employees, and its showed the online retailer was utterly failure to pay warehouse workers for They went on to claim the union re‐ determined to do whatever it deemed time spent in mandatory security quired workers to go out on strike necessary to prevent its workers from checks. despite pandemic unionising. and that they wouldn’t be eligible for In May 2020, Amazon, represented pay or unemployment benefits dur‐ by Morgan Lewis, paid $11 million to THE latest CSO figures show there persuade the ESRI to change its evi‐ ing any stoppage. Getting rid of John Logan is Professor and Director settle an overtime suit by warehouse has been a surge in the price of hous‐ dence. The ESRI declined to do so. unions, they also claimed, was ex‐ of Labour and Employment Studies, San Fran- workers in California over unpaid se‐ ing with the Covid emergency failing Central to the Government’s Af‐ tremely difficult and described the cisco State University to dampen the market. Overall, house fordable Housing initiative is a prices rose by 2.2% in 2020. ‘shared equity’ model, similar to a The highest median house price scheme that operated in the UK from and was in Dublin at €380,000 – well 2013. We need words deeds from incoming CEO above the affordability threshold for This was criticised by the UK’s Na‐ the majority of the workforce. tional Accounting Office (NAO) for UNI Global Union General result of the vote in Bessemer was The price of new homes has surged pushing up house prices and sepa‐ Secretary Christy Hoffman has known, she added: “He should use called on Andy Jassy, Amazon’s his influence to stop Amazon’s by an astonishing 72.6% since 2013, rately by the London School of Eco‐ CEO-in-waiting, to promote real anti-union campaign. He should while prices for existing homes are nomics (LSE) for failing to deliver change within the company. support black workers’ right to now 84.8% higher than in 2012. homes where they were needed. Jeff Bezos, who heads up the form a union without Expert assessment of the Afford‐ The shared equity scheme was online retail giant, is stepping interference.” able Homes Bill from the Economic & closed down by authorities in North‐ down from his current position The majority of the Bessemer Social Research Institute (ESRI) says ern Ireland in 2016. later this year to take up the role workers are black. it “would very likely lead to higher Also causing disquiet is the fact of executive chairman. Jassy, who is chief of the AWS house prices.” that the Government 'shared equity' Hoffman said Jassy could “show wing of the company, has been The ESRI voiced their fears at a plan bears a remarkable resem‐ to the world – in words and deeds quoted as being supportive of the February 15th hearing of the blance to recent proposals submitted – that he will change the company movement for racial justice in the Oireachtas Housing Committee. by Irish Institutional Property (IIP) ‐ for the better by actually caring United States, but so far, has But rather than examine the key is‐ comprising many of the country’s about racial and economic remained silent on the situation in justice.” Speaking before the Bessemer. sues this raised, a succession of gov‐ largest developers ‐ and IBEC’s Prop‐ Andy Jassy Picture: Steve Jurvetson (CC BY 2.0) ernment representatives sought to erty Industry Ireland. April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 19 PLATFORM Trade union pressure group TUNUI set out a robust case for constitutional change Arguing for unity...

Trade Unionists for a New and United labour in the long term and There Ireland (TUNUI) was set up in Febru‐ recognise the enormous dam‐ is no escap‐ ary 2019 with the aim of putting the age inflicted on those who live ing the fact interests of workers front and centre and work on the island by parti‐ that the debate in the debate on constitutional tion and divided communities. about the future of change. While a United Ireland, achieved by our country is under way in Our initiative was launched with a peaceful and democratic means, is a the media, in civil society, in work‐ statement that called on trade union‐ legitimate object in itself, workers are places and in communities. ists across the country to “put eco‐ nevertheless entitled to ask what it That is all the more reason why nomic and social equality into the would mean for them. We, therefore, trade unionists have to come together heart of the discussion on a New Ire‐ believe in a New and United Ireland to promote discussion within our land”. That statement was signed by of equality. This means that economic movement and among workers gen‐ over 150 trade union leaders, officials and social justice, human rights, erally on how their interests could be and activists from across the country. workers’ rights, women’s rights, chil‐ advanced in a New Ireland. The inclusion of the word ‘New’ in dren’s rights and diversity should be That discussion must be construc‐ TUNUI’s name was a very deliberate at the heart of a new constitution. tive and involve trade unionists and one. We are intensely aware that both We have to ensure that never again workers on both sides of the border. states on the island of Ireland have will workers, their families and com‐ It should include both unionist and failed workers. So, constitutional munities be left behind or be divided nationalist/republican identities as change cannot mean simply bolting by sectarianism and racism. well as those who declare as neither. those two states together. Overshadowing everything else It especially must involve the many As our declaration states: “If there currently are three enormous exis‐ workers who have come from other is to be a United Ireland, it must be a tential challenges: Covid‐19, Brexit countries to live and work in Ireland, New Ireland that puts workers’ and Climate Change. All three pose marginalized communities and rights, economic rights, gender rights, massive risks for working people young people. as well as universal human rights who inevitably pay the biggest price What we cannot do is simply wait front and centre in a new all‐Ireland for failure on any front. around to allow corporate interests Covid‐19 and Climate Change re‐ to monopolise and dictate the terms Connolly and the Irish trade union constitution.” movement unfortunately came true. In the South, the rights of workers spect no borders while Brexit disre‐ of this debate, leaving workers gards the will and interests of the scrambling to “play catch up”. Work‐ The workers’ movement was not only have been undermined since the divided in two because of the cre‐ foundation of the state. From its in‐ majority of citizens on both sides of ers and communities on this island the border. All point to the absolute deserve better than that. ation of two political jurisdictions, ception until the Good Friday Agree‐ but workers in the North were fur‐ ment, the Northern state was a “cold necessity of an all‐Ireland strategy and solution. Why workers and trade unionists ther divided along sectarian lines. house”, not just for nationalists, but There are those who say that now should support Irish Unity Despite these divisions, the trade also for workers, trade unionists and is not the right time to debate the fu‐ In 1914, James Connolly warned union movement tried against very even those on the moderate left. Both ture for all those who live and work that partition would be a disaster for difficult odds to maintain some de‐ states were run ultimately in the in‐ on this island. However, there was the working people of Ireland. In the gree of unity across the working class terests of business and of conserva‐ never a more compelling time when Irish Worker, he wrote: “The betrayal in the North. tive and reactionary forces. workers on both sides of the border of the national democracy of indus‐ Over the past century, partition has Thus, a new departure in the form are in the front line facing an emerg‐ trial Ulster would mean a carnival of undermined the natural development of a United Ireland on this island can‐ ing and immediate “perfect storm” reaction both North and South, would of not only the trade union move‐ not simply be about more of the posed by the Covid pandemic, the set back the wheels of progress, ment, but every movement for pro‐ same. The same has meant austerity, breakdown of our climate and the would destroy the ongoing unity of gressive social change in this country. housing crises, emigration, inade‐ disruption of Brexit. Indeed, to not do the Irish Labour movement and Most recently, vibrant campaigns quate health care, low wages and the so would be reckless and irresponsi‐ paralyse all advanced movements achieved marriage equality and re‐ restriction of workers’ rights such as ble. As the largest civic society move‐ whilst it endured.” productive rights in the South but the right to collectively bargain or to ment in the country, trade unions The Irish Labour movement op‐ were denied to people in the North. strike. have a particular responsibility to in‐ posed the partition of the country In the North since the 1940s, peo‐ We are proud to say that support‐ volve themselves in this ongoing de‐ from the moment it was first pro‐ ple have had access to universal free ers of our initiative include the sitting bate. posed. In 1914, the Irish Trade Union healthcare, something that right‐ president of ICTU, Gerry Murphy, a Even leading Unionists agree we Congress declared that “partition will wing governments in the South de‐ number of general secretaries, lead‐ should talk about the future, albeit intensify the divisions at present ex‐ nied to its citizens. ing officials and activists, as well as from a different political perspective. isting and destroy all our hopes of Partition distorted the natural eco‐ the former Dunnes Stores Anti‐ Former Northern First Minister and uniting the workers of Ulster with nomic development of Ireland on Apartheid strikers. DUP leader Peter Robinson has more those of Munster, Leinster and Con‐ both sides of the border. Most of Ire‐ As active trade unionists, the peo‐ than once called for unionists to pre‐ naught on the basis of their economic land was cut off from what was then ple involved in TUNUI are engaged on pare for a Border Poll and put for‐ interest”. the country’s industrial heartland a daily basis in fighting for the rights ward their case for the retention of When partition became a reality in based around Belfast and Lagan Val‐ of workers. We aim to advance the the Union with the United Kingdom. 1921, the warnings put forward by ley. cause of workers and organised Over time, the North’s once power‐ 20 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 e leading to a NEW and UNITED Ireland based on economic and social equality...

ful shipbuilding and linen industries about what the country will look like the past are never repeated. went into decline, while the southern after reunification. This is an exciting state became dependant on foreign opportunity for everyone living on A unity referendum is a key provi- investment attracted by low corpo‐ this island to have a say in what their sion of the Good Friday Agreement rate taxes at the expense of its own country should look like, and what Holding a referendum on Irish indigenous industries and public ser‐ rights and services they expect from Unity is promised in the Good Friday vices. a new state. Agreement. The agreement states Partition is not simply a matter of In this civic discussion, trade that the British Secretary of State can national identity. It is a pressing so‐ unionists should be demanding the call a referendum “if at any time it ap‐ cial and economic issue that has had right to collective bargaining, a living pears likely to him that a majority of real negative material and economic wage, a Bill of Rights, universal health those voting would express a wish care and affordable housing in a New consequences for the people of this that Northern Ireland should cease to and United Ireland. island. Trade unionists knew this at be part of the United Kingdom and the time when partition was happen‐ form part of a united Ireland”. Irish Unity will enhance ing, and it remains true today. Below TUNUI believes the conditions democracy on our island are a number of reasons why we be‐ have been met for an Irish Unity ref‐ The aspiration for Irish Unity is a erendum to be held. Political parties lieve trade unionists should advocate democratic one based on the princi‐ for a New and United Ireland. that are explicitly in favour of parti‐ ple that decisions affecting people on tion are now a minority in both the the island of Ireland should be made Irish Unity is a chance for a new Stormont Assembly and among the by the people living here. A funda‐ North’s Westminster MPs. Only eight start for everyone on this island mental principle of trade unionism is Most trade unionists would agree MPs out of 18 are unionist, while only democracy. 39 MLAs out of 90 are unionist. that both states on the island of Ire‐ By no stretch of the imagination land have failed working people and Unionism is now a minority position could the northern state even today in the North and there is a clear de‐ few would argue that either state is a be described as democratic. Key po‐ model to emulate. sire for constitutional change. litical decisions – such as taxation, Regardless of one’s position on TUNUI believes that Irish Unity major state investment strategies and cannot mean merely stitching the two whether or not the North should re‐ COVID-19 foreign affairs – are all dictated by main in the union with Britain, if you states together. We want a totally new London, with minimum input from support the Good Friday Agreement, state where the rights of workers are people living in the North. you should support all the key provi‐ advanced, taxation is progressive, Democracy requires that decisions sions of that agreement – including housing is a right and health care is affecting communities on this island the provision that allows for a refer‐ PANDEMIC free at the point of delivery. should be taken as close to them as endum on Irish Unity. The debate on Irish Unity will nec‐ possible, not in London. The debate essarily involve a broader discussion on Irish Unity has already started and Irish Unity will allow us to tackle trade unionists need to play a leading climate change as an island role in the discussion. The response to the Coronavirus The debate on Irish Unity is already pandemic across the two political ju‐ under way in the media, in politics risdictions has been disjointed, with and right across society. As the conflicting public health advice and largest civic society movement in Ire‐ land, trade unions have a responsibil‐ different restrictions on a number of ity to take an active part in this occasions. debate and ensure the rights of work‐ This gives us a small glimpse into ers are front and centre in this discus‐ how difficult it is going to be for us to sion. tackle climate change on a divided is‐ Irish Unity will be an occasion of land. In order for any Green New Deal enormous constitutional change and or Just Transition initiative to be suc‐ as such will determine the course of cessful, it needs to be implemented politics and economics for decades to on a 32‐county basis. come. If trade unionists stay out of TUNUI advocates for strong climate Pictures: Olga Kononenko (Unsplash); Markus Spiske (Unsplash); Kevin Grieve (Unsplash); action, which would include divest‐ Jonathan Borba (Unsplash); Mauro Gigli (Unsplash); Gilette’s Crossing (CC BY 2.0) this debate, our voice will not be lis‐ tened to when those new constitu‐ ment from fossil fuels, massive state tional arrangements are being investment in green energy, expan‐ constructed. sion of public transport and a Just Furthermore, without the voice of Transition for workers in affected in‐ CLIMATE workers and their unions, corporate dustries. Climate change does not interests will determine the course of recognise borders, and our response this discussion and mould it in their to it cannot be hindered by a line interests in order to further promote drawn in a map by imperialists a cen‐ CHANGE privatisation, anti‐union legislation tury ago. and low corporate taxes. Irish Unity can allow for Irish Unity can help heal the all-island economic planning divisions that exist on our island An All‐Ireland industrial strategy Partition not only divided our is‐ could help address the imbalances of land, but exacerbated sectarian divi‐ the island’s economy caused by colo‐ sion within the North. Anti‐racism nialism and partition. The North is and anti‐sectarianism is a central overly dependent on a subvention principle of our movement. We need from London, while the southern to face up to the fact that sectarian‐ economy is overly dependent on for‐ ism cannot be overcome while parti‐ eign investment. tion exists. A New and United Ireland could be The northern state was a colonial an ambitious country that breaks this sectarian creation. It was founded on dependency and sets out an all‐island sectarianism and continues to exist strategy to develop sustainable in‐ because of it. As long as partition con‐ dustries across the island. Most im‐ tinues, sectarianism is something portantly it should be one based on that can only be managed, but never sustainable employment and fair pay eliminated. and conditions for workers. Irish Unity is an opportunity for us Reunification could further rebal‐ to overcome the divisions inflicted on ance regional inequalities, particu‐ our island by colonialism. A New and larly in border counties. This would United Ireland would respect and see an expansion of public transport, protect the rights of all traditions on particularly rail, of which those coun‐ this island to ensure the injustices of ties have historically been deprived. April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 21 FROM WHERE I STAND... Fighting back against Big Brother

By Eugene McCartan General Secretary, Communist Party of Ireland BIG BROTHER is watching us all! Some Shopfloor readers may remember or even have used such now outmoded machines as public telephones, fax machines, and even received telegrams. And some may have grown up when very few homes had telephones and in the small country towns there may have been only one public telephone for everyone’s use. Today much of that technology is obsolete and most people carry a phone around with them in their handbag or pocket. The advance in technology has been staggering and is changing our lives almost on a yearly basis. Since the outbreak of the Covid‐19 pandemic more and more people are shopping online which has had – and will continue to have – a huge impact on the lives of millions of workers who earn their living in the retail sector. The internet was invented in 1989 – just 32 years ago – and in that very brief period of time our world has changed. What will our lives look like and the impact of all this technology on Capitalism everyday existence in a hundred years is very had to fathom. Technological change is impacting on every aspect of our lives – from finance, transport, tourism, culture, education and knowledge, as well as how to we socially interact with each other. Surveillance At the same time we have seen the growth of mis‐information by government agencies, more intense surveillance and an increasing loss of privacy. This growth in surveillance is no longer just the state watching us but giant globalised private corporations – such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon etc. They know almost everything about us from what we eat, read, watch and with whom we interact. Over the next number of years with artificial laptops, tablets and others), individual citizens Never before have fake news, delusional us all to believe there is no alternative to the intelligence and 5G technology, algorithms will have more communicational firepower than, for narratives, and plots been “constructed” with current system we labour under. They defend have an ever‐increasing impact on our lives. example, the first global television channel, such sophistication and spread quickly across the status quo and ensure tomorrow belongs to These fundamental changes in communication Cable News Network (CNN), had in 1986. the globe. We just have to see and listen what them and not to working people. They construct will have a profound influence on how society Workers always knew that they rarely, if ever, is being promoted about this current pandemic multiple narratives around the same one issue is organised, the political structures that control get sympathetic coverage in the national media. and the giant green lizards that are controlling to sow confusion and misunderstanding and to our lives. Our every action ‐ strike or otherwise ‐ would demoralise people. We are living in a period – and increasingly so us!What is more disturbing is that many came under sustained criticism from a media That there really is “no alternative” beyond – in which our privacy is under grave threat. We surveys show that citizens prefer and believe platform that served as a mouthpiece for their reality and those that are peddled in are under surveillance more than ever before fake news more than real news because the employers. Today it is increasingly hard to get cyberspace are crazily promoted by crazy through biometrics or video cameras. And former corresponds better to what we think. beyond the new version of fake news, post‐ people and daft groups. robotics, drones and artificial intelligence (AI) truth, news manipulations or alternative truths. Fool ourselves “(…) although the digital revolution has allows for even greater control and the Manipulations have multiplied, intoxications Neurobiological studies confirm that “we allowed an indisputable democratisation of management of what is the truth. proliferate (like another pandemic), adhere more to what we believe than to what communication – a goal that seemed absolutely But with the mass equipping of lightweight goes against our beliefs. It has never been unthinkable – this democratisation now leads digital communication devices (smartphones, disinformation dominates and the war over how we should understand our world easier to fool ourselves.” to an uncontrolled and disorderly proliferation intensifies. That is why it’s more important than ever of messages, as well as to the deafening noise created above all by social networks.” If you can control and shape how people that working people choose carefully from Every one of us is now what used to be called understand events and forces around them, whom they get their information. The state a mass media. Most people are unaware of the then there is every likelihood you will manage and big business are well‐versed in the power that they have to counter the bosses’ how they will react to those events and forces. manipulation of news. The task is simple to get media and the conspiracy think‐tanks. We need to know the real power in our hands within our smart phone, laptop, if we use it properly. Today, while corporate media appears all‐powerful, we are no longer unarmed. The decision we have to make is – are we making best and most effective use of the communications superpower at our disposal? Have you sent this copy of Shopfloor on to Picture: Esther Vargas (CC BY-SA 2.0) (CC BY-SA Picture: Esther Vargas workmates, family members and friends to give them an alternative view of retail workers in Ireland? Have you picked out one article and tweeted a link to those that follow us on social media? Have you thought about using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Zoom, Tik‐Tok and others to promote your union, to spread the word about Shopfloor? If not get on to it today. 22 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS ICTU STATEMENT Racism has no place in Irish society and workplaces

CONGRESS has reiterated its commitment to fighting racism, xenophobia and far-right ide- ologies, and to stand in solidarity with those impacted by them. In a statement issued on the eve of Interna- tional Day for the Elimination of Racial Dis- crimination, Congress stated: “Even before the pandemic, racialised people were less likely to have adequate access to social protection and quality public health and care services and were disproportionally represented in low- paying and precarious jobs, including in those sectors that were deemed ‘essential’, such as health and care, cleaning, transport, meat pro- cessing and food-retail. hands of authorities ensuring that racial jus- “Over the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic tice has not fallen off the agenda during the has thrown into sharp relief the need to ur- current crisis and beyond.” gently uproot and dismantle systemic in- Underlining that ICTU had a long history of equalities that have persisted for far too long within our society and workplaces. opposing racism, the statement continued: “Although the fight against racism and xeno- “While some have cynically exploited the Pictures: Ted Eytan (CC BY-SA 2.0); Elvert Barnes(CC BY-SA 2.0) pandemic to oppose public health restric- phobia in all its forms is not new, we acknowl- that the pandemic has shone a light upon.” l tions, their real agenda is to further racist and edge that trade union action is now more The International Day for the Elimination discriminatory views. urgent than ever. The statement concluded: “This World Anti- of Racial Discrimination is observed each year “They have not had it their own way, how- “Trade unions will continue to organise and Racism Day Congress stands alongside trade on March 21st. On that day, in 1960, police ever, with the revival of the Black Lives Matter bargain to fight racism at work and to tackle unions everywhere, and all other anti-racist opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful movement in the wake of the deaths of Bre- ongoing disparities in health and safety, pay, activists and movements to fight all forms of demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, onna Taylor, George Floyd and others at the and working conditions for racialised workers discrimination against racialised people.” against the Apartheid pass laws. COMPENSATION PAYOUT UK NEWS Unite hits out at WRC’s ‘lesson’ for Tesco after worker creeping culture denied chance to go for a better job of ‘fire & rehire’ MANDATE has praised the bravery and commit‐ breach of their own equal opportunities policy A LINE in the sand needs to be drawn over ment of Tesco Swinford member Helen is the real focus of this claim and its resulting what Unite has called a “creeping culture” of McLaughlin after she was awarded a compen‐ outcome. ‘fire and rehire’ across the retail, distribution sation payout against her employer, Tesco Ire‐ “Mandate welcomes the Adjudication Offi‐ and logistics industries in the UK. land Limited, following an adjudication at the cer’s findings as its serves notice to companies The union claimed its shop stewards had re- Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Jan‐ like Tesco and others – all of which have incred‐ ported attempts by employers, citing “current uary. ible resources at their disposal – to commit to market conditions” across sectors to “salami The third party claim (ADJ‐00025582), taken their words with real action. slice” pay as well as terms and conditions for under Section 13 of the Industrial Relations Act Picture: Mark Hillary (CC BY 2.0) “Despite repeatedly being told about its fail‐ its members. This warning follows a Scottish 1969, involved Tesco’s obvious breach of its ings, the company during all stages of the pro‐ court ruling earlier this year preventing Tesco promotion was wrong. The grounds put for‐ cess muddied the waters by intentionally own well‐stated and publicised equal opportu‐ ward, that the appointee had longer service from forcing some of its staff on to a new con- nities policy in that it failed to advertise and diverting their investigations away from the tract at its Livingston distribution centre. (and not that much longer) or that the em‐ union’s simple argument that our member was seek expressions of interest for a team leader ployee in this dispute had not applied for a team Unite shop stewards from a wide range of position within the Swinford store. By doing so, denied an opportunity to try and get a post that employments have expressed concern at the leader position which occurred four years pre‐ provided more money.” Tesco denied potential applicants the chance of viously; when she was only a year in the em‐ proliferation of similar ‘fire and rehire’ propos- seeking to secure a better paid job. Campbell added: “Our member was very als. National officer Adrian Jones told ployment and before she was given additional brave to do what she did and to stay committed Awarding Ms McLaughlin €1,500 compensa‐ training are incredibly subjective. Shopfloor: “‘Fire and rehire’ is an abomination tion, the Adjudication Officer pointed out that to and with her case, as I am sure she must have and the ability of employers to sack workers “If applied as a standard across the employ‐ found it very difficult to do so when constantly her recommendation was “intended as much as ment, this standard for selection for promotion so they can remove established terms and anything to encourage the employer to learn having our arguments and position ignored. conditions should be erased from the statute would predictably lead to actual breaches “Helen deserved this decision and I have from this case and to apply their promotional of the equal opportunities policy.” book. Unite will not hesitate to take industrial policy more fairly in the future”. no doubt that she isn’t the only Mandate action to oppose employers who are engag- It continued that staff “should have member that has or is being treated this Mandate proved that despite Tesco arguing ing in this creeping culture of ‘fire and rehire’. been notified of the appointment of a way. that it had followed all of its grievance proce‐ “It shouldn’t be forgotten that members team leader, temporary or perma‐ “It is important that while we ac‐ dures throughout the case, it had failed to ac‐ have worked tirelessly throughout the pan- nent.” knowledge a company’s intent on knowledge the core element of the union’s case demic. Commenting on the recommenda‐ equal opportunities, we need to police “At the same time, these firms have made which was that its member had been denied an tion, Mandate Divisional Organiser their adherence and practising of the opportunity in line with company policy. Ciaran Campbell told Shopfloor: same. This can only happen by hav‐ millions in profits, and therefore should not While Mandate accepted that Ms McLaughlin “While the monetary award is to ing a well‐organised and active be using the excuse of ‘current market condi- might not necessarily have been successful in be welcomed, the actual de‐ union presence on the tions’ to salami slice our members’ pay, and attaining the post, she was not even afforded cision regarding the com‐ shop floor. That way we terms and conditions.” the simple opportunity to compete for it. pany’s obvious and clear stay relevant!” He added: “A line in the sand needs to be The Adjudication Officer’s reommendation Ciaran Campbell: welcome drawn when it comes to unscrupulous em- stated: “The failure to advertise the team leader outcome from adjudication ployers.” April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 23 NEWS TheJUSTICE AT LAST THE SHREWSBURY Royle PICKETS prerogative! FOURTEEN of the so‐called ‘Shrewsbury 24’, including The Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson, have won their appeals against convictions linked to picketing during the UK’s national builders’ strike of 1972. On March 23rd, the Court of Appeal in London quashed the trade unionists’ convictions, with Lord Justice Fulford stating in a written ruling that “what occurred was unfair”. In June 1972, the first‐ever national strike in the construction sector across Britain was called in protest against poor pay, unjust casualised employment practices and the high number of deaths and injuries on construction sites. At the time, trade unionists, dubbed ‘flying Ricky Tomlinson in 1973 pickets’, would travel to demonstrate from one site to another. And in September 1972 six coach‐loads of strikers travelled to actions in Shrewsbury and Telford. Offences None of the group was detained on the day – but five months after the strike ended, arrests were made and 24 men charged with more than 200 offences. These included unlawful assembly, affray, intimidation and conspiracy to intimidate. Following a number of trials beginning in October 1973, six of the pickets were sent to prison. The others received non‐custodial sentences. Nearly half a century later and after a long campaign for justice, lawyers for the men – who were members of ATGWU and Ucatt – argued at 2.0) Andrew Hurley(CC BY-SA Picture: the Court of Appeal that the destruction of Ricky Tomlinson – aka Jim Royle – was one of 14 men who had their convictions linked to picketing during a strike in 1972 quashed at the Court of Appeal in London witness statements made the convictions be upheld." Unfortunately six of the 14 involved quashing of the convictions, with Unite General unsafe. in the original appeal – including Dennis Secretary Len McCluskey describing it as a In the March 23rd ruling, Lord Justice Fulford Warren jailed for three years – have since died. “joyous and just day”. wrote: "If the destruction of the handwritten Ricky Tomlinson, who was then a plasterer, He added: "It is also a landmark day in trade statements had been revealed to the appellants was sentenced to two years, later leaving the union history. For nearly 50 years this group of at the time of the trial, this issue could have construction industry after being blacklisted to workers have been defending themselves been comprehensively investigated with the become a well‐known TV star. against deep, criminal injustices perpetrated by witnesses when they gave evidence, and the Speaking after the ruling, he said: "We were the state. Finally, the truth has been heard and judge would have been able to give appropriate brought to trial at the apparent behest of the justice has been done.” directions. building industry bosses, the Conservative TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes said: "We have no doubt that if that had happened, government and ably supported by the secret “The Court has confirmed what we knew all the trial process would have ensured fairness state. along – the Shrewsbury pickets had a legitimate to the accused. Self‐evidently, that is not what "This was a political trial not just of me, and fight, not just for better pay but improved safety occurred. the Shrewsbury pickets ‐ but was a trial of the in an industry which regularly saw workers "By the standards of today, what occurred Protest in support of the trade union movement." jailed trade unionists maimed and killed. was unfair to the extent that the verdicts cannot Trade unions have expressed delight at the Tenacity “They deserve immense credit for their tenacity in this fight and overcoming many obstacles. All trade unionists know that an injury to one – no matter when it occurred – remains an injury to all.” What HAVE OUR unions Describing the ruling as “fantastic news”, GMB Acting General Secretary Warren Kenny, said: “We pay tribute to those who were wrongly convicted and to the campaigners who have worked tirelessly to throw light on the ever done for us? collusion between the building industry and police. “These pickets were prosecuted just because they had the audacity to ask for better working conditions and fair pay.” ...ANNUAL LEAVE, PAY INCREASES, SICK LEAVE, LUNCH BREAKS, Welcoming the news, Mandate National Coordinator Brian Forbes told Shopfloor: “We SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE, BANDED HOUR CONTRACTS, REDUNDANCY PAY, salute the courage, grit and steadfast determination of these workers over so many THE WEEKEND, HEALTH & SAFETY LAWS, UNFAIR DISMISSAL LEGISLATION, years. MATERNITY & PARENTAL LEAVE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE... “Their conviction as well as being an obvious miscarriage of justice was also an attack on the whole trade union movement. And like so many Sign off bio of author style ranged miscarriages of justice, it took the courts far too Join YOURright xjkldjfkdjfkljfkjdfjdfkljfdlkf union! fd- www.joinmandate.ie long to rectify. Our thoughts are with those who kjfdlfkjfdlkjdfljkdfljkf did not live to see this day.” 24 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWSOPINION Trade unions: The Missing Years considered counter revolutionary and purely in the best interest of global capitalism. Justified criticism should be handled within respective RED unions while the increasing use of “megaphone diplomacy” by certain political entities is both anti‐union BULL and anti‐worker. The column that gives you wings If someone is unhappy with their union they should get involved from within and help change it from any Brian Forbes future trajectory in favour of social National Coordinator partnership towards strike‐ready workplace militancy. Mandate Trade Union We can never return to our Missing PHILOSOPHISING recently about Years if we desire a fighting and trade unions and the current state of effective collective movement of the movement while listening to John trade unions. To return to social Prine’s Missing Years album I was partnership would be counter‐ struck with the strange similarity productive and not in the best between Jesus Christ as portrayed in interest of workers. Prine’s song Jesus The Missing Years When workers get to negotiate face and our union movement’s past to face with an employer who decides dalliances with the dreaded social to push back against advances, those partnership model. workers get to see the true face of In Prine’s song the narrator capitalism and they become speculates on what happened to the emboldened and empowered. fresh‐faced Jesus from the age of 12 It is gratifying to watch as the in Bethlehem until he reappeared previously unassailable workplace back on the biblical radar at 30 years power wielded by a greedy employer of age. becomes exposed and weakened. It could be argued that similar to The balance between capital and Prine’s Jesus, trade unions labour begins to tip in favour of the squandered years of potential union stabilisation and weaker protections. companies to people desperate for workers and it gives a salutary activism by curtailing militancy and Flexing our collective workplace We can never work in order to clothe and feed reminder to employers on how much settling for a comfortable seat at the muscles is no different and the often themselves and their families. they need workers and how little the big boys’ table with government over‐used term “use it or lose it” fits return to our So the next time you hear someone workers need them. ministers and captains of industry. perfectly into the lived experience of Missing Years if we decry unions and complain they are Do not delay, get busy now It was raining, it was cold unions during and after our social “ ineffective and not working in the organising your strike‐ready West Bethlehem was no place for a partnership missing years. desire a fighting interests of workers, you might workplace because we all need to twelve year old The collective union movement and effective consider what their agenda really is. kick some capitalist ass on behalf of So he packed his bags and he headed must now step forward to fully Publicly attacking unions can be the working class. out reclaim its rightful place as the collective movement To find out what the world's about revolutionary vanguard of the He went to France, he went to Spain working class. of trade unions He found love, he found pain This global pandemic has impacted on us all in a variety of different ways He found stores so he started to shop empower workers to take control of He had no money so he got in albeit with one constant which was their own workplace and destiny in trouble with a cop both predictable but also devastating ” employment. We are many, they are Kids in trouble with the cops from for workers – the loss of their few. Israel didn't have no home employment. When employers avoid dealing illustration: Barry McGowan So he cut his hair and moved to Despite the challenging with unions they must be categorised Rome circumstances many unions have as anti‐union and the movement It was there he met his Irish bride fought and won struggles recently And they rented a flat on the lower against unscrupulous employers must use all its collective power to east side of Rome, seeking to exploit the pandemic to ensure those anti‐union employers Italy that is force through pay cuts as well as bad have sleepless nights worrying about Music publishers, book-binders, bosses not putting the correct health their class treachery. Bible-belters, money changers and safety measures in place to Union avoidance has created Spoon-benders and lots of pretty protect their staff. increased inequalities across the Italian chicks However, the only real answer to globe and created multi‐billionaires Sometimes when I’m alone at night organised greed is organised labour such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos who strumming my guitar and staring up and Mandate must lead the way in sticks two fingers up to workers into the night sky at the International preparedness for building strike‐ while growing his massive fortune off Space Station, I reflect about the past ready workplaces in every town and of the backs of those same underpaid and the many missed opportunities city on this island. and undervalued employees. for the union movement and those Having a strike‐ready Forbes’ Billionaires List (no workers who form that workplace does not necessarily relation thankfully) has expanded body of workplace power. mean a strike is inevitable but this year with another 660 joining the In humans, when muscle it provides an unequivocal world’s wealthiest list which has atrophy occurs it is most warning shot across the reached an unprecedented 2,755 often from a lack of bows of employers who people. activity for an might be The 2,755 greedy bastards on the extended period of tempted to list are worth a combined $13.1 time. Muscles make trillion, up from $8 trillion in 2020. shrink and power unnecessary Our very own Denis O’Brien’s net depletes causing cuts to hard‐won worth also jumped significantly with reduced strength, terms and conditions of his stash rising from $2.9 billion in less endurance in service. 2020 to $4.6 billion today. Staggering movement, lack of If and when a strike is amounts of wealth considering the American icon: John Prine absolutely necessary, poverty wages and the poor terms Picture: Eric Frommer (CC BY-SA 2.0) unions must support and and conditions being offered by April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 25 26 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 EYES LEFT! No brainer for sleepy head TD

BIFFO may have the answer for the the mask gets too soggy from saliva Green Party leader Eamon Ryan’s dribbling whilst asleep it can be recycled tendency to fall asleep during Dail and a replacement mask purchased for proceedings. a measly few euro. An Eamon Ryan full-face mask can be It satisfies the green agenda, it would purchased online for less than €6. It’s help stop public ridicule and it may be made from sturdy cardboard, covers the tax deductible or allowable under TD’s Biffo face and has two pre-cut eye holes all expenses. The Eye That Never Sleeps held in place by an elastic band. When It’s a no brainer for a no brainer.

My growing suspicion, it’s all ... a hairy fishy tale

ONE of the most enduring images of the global pandemic has to be that of the former teacher and Taoiseach Enda Kenny sporting a lockdown hippie haircut on the Late Late Show. Twitter had previously gone into meltdown when hippie Kenny was pictured playing golf with his “retirement beard.” The beard didn’t last long though as his wife didn’t approve and apparently commented that John William Waterhouse’s painting A Mermaid (left) and long-haired politicos Enda Kenny and Gerry Adams Picture: Public Domain she thought there was a bit of meat stuck in his persona. Choosing unconventional in a conven- purpose that really matters. beard. Gerry Adams has also taken to the wild tional world is seemingly the new 70 and per- I have a sneaking suspicion that none of the hippie hairdo lifestyle, much like a six county ver- haps having long hair subliminally signals health, above reflects the real reason for their flowing sion of Mattress Mick. vigour and vitality in the elderly gentleman. manes of shiny follicles. However, instead of selling mattresses hippie Whatever the reason for their luscious locks Truth is, when they swim with their hair loose Adams hawks his cookery books and republican and hairy chins, maybe they feel people are it makes them both feel like a lovely mermaid. Easter eggs like an over-eager hirsute contestant obliged to take them more seriously on the In fact, rumours abound that Kenny and on a republican version of Dragons’ Den. dance floor and deep down, it forces people to Adams are considering starting up a neurodiver- Both of these ageing hippies may want to por- recognise it’s not a person’s outward appearance, gent, mermaid-themed parody band of AC/DC. tray an image different to their previous public but the quality of their character and depth of Apparently they’re thinking of calling it OCD Sea! Getting the auld band Biffo’s fitness tips for lockdown back together again... FEELING lethargic over lock- relax. Each day you’ll find that you can THE recent rioting in the North is a real genuine down, auld Biffo decided to take a hold this position for just a bit longer. cause for concern. News reports from bit of exercise. Feel free to copy my After a couple of weeks, move up to 10lb Nelson Drive in Derry said that daily ritual by standing on a comfortable potato bags, then on to 50lb potato bags loyalists were hijacking surface, where you have plenty of room at and eventually try to get where you can lift cars and attacking each side. a 100lb potato bag in each hand and hold people with violins, With a 5lb potato bag in each hand, ex- your arms straight for more than a full cellos and clarinets. tend your arms straight out from your minute (I’m at this level). The PSNI said the violence sides and hold them there as long as you After you feel confident at that level, put seemed very well orchestrated. can. Try to reach a full minute and then a potato in each bag. And not forgetting Biffo’s last word...... remember to stay classy and stay safe, buckaroos!

April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 27 NEWS EU DRAFT LEGISLATION Leo, seize this opportunity on workers’ rights MANDATE General Secretary Gerry Light has tives” in the “strongest manner possible”. called on the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, to “move But he added that the response thus far from beyond words” and show “genuine tangible the government – and Varadkar in particular ICTU backs directive support” rather than “lip service” for low paid (as the relevant minister) – had been “totally CONGRESS has called on the workers. unacceptable” and could only be seen as an “ab‐ Government to support the EU He made the comments in a February 18th dication of moral and political responsibility” Commission’s proposed directive, letter to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and towards the most vulnerable workers in soci‐ describing it as potentially one of the Employment after it was revealed Varadkar had ety. most important for pieces of EU joined eight other EU employment rights min‐ And he reminded the Minister that many of legislation for workers in decades. isters in a bid to soften Commission proposals those workers had placed their lives on the line ICTU General Secretary Patricia King that would force individual governments to pro‐ 2.0) Murphy (CC BY-SA Picture: William during the Covid crisis: “On many occasions told Shopfloor: “The pandemic has vide for “adequate” minimum wages and to put they have been lauded by yourself and many of shone a light into areas of our economy in place a framework for collective bargaining. your Government colleagues yet when you are where some essential workers are The nine ministers had argued that a recom‐ offered an opportunity to move beyond these amongst the lowest paid. This EU mendation rather than a directive would be a words and show genuine tangible support you directive seeks to address this. "better legal instrument” and a more flexible fundamentally fail to grasp it.” “The directive proposes that all means of achieving the proposal’s objectives. Light continued: “By joining your voice to governments in consultation with social In his letter, Light pointed out that Mandate’s other EU countries who are requesting that the partners would develop action plans to view on the issue was informed by the “real‐life proposal be advanced as a recommendation increase collective bargaining coverage experiences” of workers forced to live on wages rather than a legally enforceable directive, you to 70% over time. In Ireland, this stands “either on or marginally above” the statutory know fully well that such an approach will pro‐ currently around 40% even though the minimum wage. vide no more than lip service to low paid vul‐ EU average is about 60%-65%. “There can be little doubt,” he continued, nerable workers.” “This would be a crucial initiative to “that the persistence of low pay and the associ‐ Urging Varadkar to reflect on his current ensuring that workers achieve their fair ated workplace poverty are rooted in two main stance and move to have the current proposals share.” Tánaiste Leo Varadkar: must ‘move beyond words’ on rights realities. First, the reluctance of the State to en‐ implemented as a directive, he added: “Truly in She added: “It is important that the sure the provision of an adequate statutory liv‐ impact them and their dependents.” the history of our State there has never been a Irish government align itself with ing wage and, second, the denial of meaningful Light said the these core issues had been set more appropriate time to do the right thing by progressive EU member states that wish statutory rights which would allow the im‐ out in the EU Commission’s proposal document the workers who not only need but deserve to may work pay and support this crucial pacted workers bring the power of their collec‐ and underlined how important it was that the your support the most, I urge that you avail of initiative from the EU Commission.” tive voice to bear on matters which directly Irish government backed these “laudable objec‐ the opportunity.”

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28 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS New Unite report debunks myth of falling economic inequality in Ireland UNITE has hit out at the current show an increase in the proportion of contradicted not only the facts but narrative being pushed that rates of the population experiencing three or the “lived experiences” of people inequality in Ireland are falling. more types of deprivation. struggling to cope with inequality Senior Officer Brendan Ogle l Median rents are at between and deprivation, as well as that of (pictured inset below) described 48% and 68% of the media wage. those frontline charities and such “myth‐making” as “a bad Irish l Over a third of those living in volunteers trying to mitigate its habit” that became apparent in the rental accommodation experience impact. lead up to the 2008 financial crash. deprivation. And Ogle flagged up the “powerful WRC role for Begg “Commentators [then] talked up l In 2019, well before Covid testimonies” of “frontline heroes” FORMER Congress general secretary the Irish economy even as the struck, nearly a million people – or contained in the report. underlying problems became ever one in five of the population – were David Begg, pictured above, has been He added: “We can only address appointed chairperson of the Work‐ more clearer,” he told Shopfloor. on waiting lists to see a consultant. economic equality once we honestly l place Relations Commission (WRC). “Over a decade on, commentators Ireland has the highest recognise the extent of the problem are again feeding us myths, this level of inequality in Serving for a five‐year term, he will in Irish society. be only the second holder of the office time claiming that inequality in earned income before tax “We can then start focusing on the Ireland is falling.” in the EU28. since it was set up under the Work‐ l remedies – from public housing to a place Relations Act 2015, and re‐ He made the comments as Ireland lacks the universally accessible public health Unite published a new report, robust collective places Paul Duffy in the role. care system and measures to Begg, who is also an adjunct profes‐ titled Hungry Bellies are not bargaining provision improve the lives of workers, their Equal to Full Bellies, on the needed to effectively sor at Maynooth University Institute those facing inequality, deprivation families and communities.” issue. address earnings of Social Sciences took the helm at and discrimination – details how, A webinar, hosted by Vincent The key indicators of high inequality. ICTU between 2001 and 2015. according to Ogle, these Browne, on the Hungry Bellies report, levels of economic The Hungry Bellies Prior to that, he had a long associ‐ commentators are “using the wrong was broadcast live on Unite’s inequality include: report – focusing ation with the trade union move‐ tools to ask the wrong questions to l The latest on the Facebook page on March 1st. Check ment, heading up both the ESB figures (from 2019) experiences of come up with the wrong answers”. out the YouTube recording of the Officers Association and the Commu‐ He claimed these answers event at https://bit.ly/2O3RNOo nications Workers' Union. PUBLICATIONS Violence at anti- New ICTU guide on lockdown demo bullying for reps ‘unacceptable’ THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ Health and Safety Committee has produced a new booklet to help union reps understand what bullying CONGRESS has expressed grave concern following an and harassment is and to assist them in outbreak of violence and a disregard of public health providing practical support to victims. The guidelines at an anti‐lockdown protest in Dublin on booklet defines bullying and harassment and February 27th. helps reps recognise the different workplace Slamming the violent scenes as “unacceptable”, ICTU behaviours that contribute to them. General Secretary Patricia King said: “Gardai should be The HSA and WRC have recently completed able to go about their work in policing society and a review of their respective codes of practice keeping people safe without threats of violence, on bullying in the workplace and have particularly during this Covid‐19 pandemic. They are developed a unified code of practice, titled frontline public servants and like all workers, they have Gardai react after a firework is thrown at police lines 'Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and a right to have their health and safety protected. movement upholds the right to some engaged in such actions are far‐ Resolution of Bullying at Work', which came into effect in December. protest and to hold the authorities to The HSA and WRC consulted with several representative “We ask everyone to support the right sympathisers with views that account. This right must be exercised organisations and stakeholders – including the Irish Congress of Trade necessary public health guidelines at are unacceptable in any progressive responsibly, peacefully, and in Unions. In addition, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission this time in order that as a state we and inclusive society.” (IHREC) has also published a Code of Practice on sexual harassment can overcome the Covid‐19 crisis. accordance with the law. She added: “Such far‐right views and harassment at work. This does not mean that people “Clearly, this protest was not. It was must be challenged by all in order cannot question the government and contrary to the public health that we always uphold democratic l Bullying & Harassment - PreventionGuidelines for Trade Union its strategies in addressing the guidelines and was reckless and values and principles in the interests Activists go to https://bit.ly/3t3BeRv pandemic. The trade union dangerous. Indeed it is clear that of all of our citizens.”

April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 29 VIEWPOINT It’s time to seize the day as US unions get the ‘seal’ of approval Straight from the top: President Biden voiced avowed support for unions in video that went viral million Twitter followers, has retweeted positive stories about the By John Logan Amazon campaign. US-based Labour Studies academic New York Democrat Alexandria AMAZON warehouse workers in Ocasio‐Cortez, who has also tweeted Bessemer, Alabama, are currently repeatedly about the Amazon voting by mail on whether or not to campaign, has more than 12.5 million form a union. Their campaign against Twitter followers. Michigan one of the world’s most powerful – Democrat Ilhan Omar has tweeted and most anti‐union – corporations about it to her 2.6 million followers, has captured public imagination, and who likely include Amazon workers inspired young activists, in a way that trying to organise in Minneapolis. hasn’t happened in almost a century. In the South, Stacey Abrams has On March 1st, President Biden tweeted extensively about the expressed direct and unequivocal campaign to her 2.5 million followers. support for the Retail, Wholesale, and VP Kamala Harris Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Tina Fey Stacey Abrams Even actors and celebrities have Department Store Union campaign at tweeted about the campaign. Given Amazon in Bessemer, Alabama. campaigns. For example, President successfully struck to oppose part‐ up the supportive tone, and has Clinton issued statements that were time work and outsourcing, and the captured the David v Goliath the key role of the media, and social Biden tweeted a video that media, in transmitting information included the following statement: considered generally supportive of Chicago Tribune coverage of the character of the struggle: “Workers the union in the 1997 UPS/Teamsters teachers’ strike in 2012, when the fighting to form the first union at an about labor unions to the public, the “Workers in Alabama – and all across coverage of the campaign at Amazon dispute, and President Obama openly union struck for better conditions Amazon workplace in the US are America – are voting on whether to could have concrete immediate and supported the workers’ factory and increased funding for public pioneers in the battle to civilise big‐ organize a union in their workplace. longer‐term benefits for labour. occupation at Republic Windows in education with widespread public tech capitalism.” It’s a vitally important choice – one The labour movement is a Chicago in 2015. But neither of support. Moreover, in mid‐February, a major that should be made without secondary institution in American these examples come But those labour campaigns were poll showed that a clear majority of intimidation or threats by society. It lacks the power to shape its employers. Every UPDATE remotely close to largely regional stories. The Amazon Americans support Amazon workers This article was written approaching the tone environment, but it has the ability to worker should have a union campaign, on the other hand, trying to form a union and take advantage of changes in the before the result of the vote or the importance of has attracted a remarkable amount of disapprove of Amazon’s anti‐union free and fair choice at the Amazon facility in larger economic and political to join a union.” Biden’s supportive national and international media tactics; support for the workers Bessemer, Alabama was known. comments about environment. That’s what John L. Later, VP Kamala Unfortunately, the vote was lost: coverage. It even made the front‐page crossed party lines. The survey found, the RWDSU Lewis did in the 1930s by adopting Harris followed his 1,798 voting against; 738 vote story in the New York Times for example, that “strong majority of the “President Wants You To Join a lead by tweeting, for with another 505 ballots campaign. magazine. voters — 69%— support Amazon The campaign at Union” slogan for the CIO – but unlike in another clear challenged by Amazon and not But it’s not just the usual suspects employees’ efforts to unionise, with Biden, FDR never actually said that. counted in the final tally. Amazon has reference to the that have been involved. The story just 19% opposed.” The RWDSU’s Amazon campaign, Amazon campaign: As Shopfloor goes to print, attracted much has also received positive coverage in The union drive has attracted such the RWDSU has vowed to and the President’s support for it, has “I support union media coverage. fashion publications Elle and Teen a stunning amount of attention lodge an objection to Short of Facebook and also provided such a moment, which workers and those the conduct of Vogue, and gamer publications, such because Amazon is not simply a ‘just unions must take advantage of. Every working to unionize, in Google workers striking as Kotaku and 343 Industries. another Big Tech company’. This the ballot. and crashing the internet, union in the country should have Alabama and across It has been covered extensively in campaign is not just about work in it’s difficult to imagine a union Biden’s video comments at the top of America.” the Black media, and in the pro‐BLM one industry, but about the future of organising campaign that would have its website. The situation has been compared media, including in The Giro and Ja- work itself. generated greater media coverage – Every labour leader in the country to the 1930s, when John L. Lewis, cobin, as well as in the tech media by The Amazon union drive even and overwhelmingly positive should be tweeting, emailing, and president of the newly‐created publications such as Gizmodo and made it to the subscription coverage – than the RWDSU texting Biden’s video to every union Congress of Industrial Organizations Pando. It has even made it to the campaign at Amazon. homework site Chegg.com, which member and non‐member they can adopted the slogan “the President pages of The Onion. used the following example: “Write contact. Moments like this don’t come wants you to join a union” to help The only comparable recent labour events in terms of positive coverage International media has also the introduction to an informative along very often; we don’t know organise auto and steel industries. covered the union campaign at speech. Topic: Amazon’s poor work when the next one will come along – The difference is that Franklin D. is the Los Angeles Times’ positive coverage of the ‘Justice for Janitors’ length, with an overwhelmingly conditions, which led to employees or even if there will be a next one. Roosevelt had made no such positive tone. In the past few days attempting to form a union.” Unions cannot allow it to go to waste. statement – it was apocryphal – and campaign in the mid‐1990s, when the Service Employee International alone, I have spoken about the In short, the US labour movement Amazon workers trying to form a in private, FDR was furious about it. campaign to, among others, has probably never had this amount union should know that much of the But it did not matter – people Union organised janitors in major journalists at Les Echos and of positive media coverage any time country is rooting for them, and, of believed he had said it and the rest, as downtown office buildings. Marianne (France) and Pagina/12 before in its history. Social media has course, the President Wants Amazon they say, is history. There was also the New York (Argentina). The campaign has also greatly amplified this positive media Workers to Join a Union! Previous sitting Democratic Times’ positive coverage of the been covered extensively in Asian coverage of the union campaign at presidents have made supportive United Parcel Service (UPS) strike in media. In the UK, The Guardian Amazon. To cite but a few examples: statements about on‐going labour 1997 when the Teamsters This article first appeared in editorial board perhaps best summed Senator Bernie Sanders, who has 15 online publication pando.com 30 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 NEWS NEW ONLINE COURSE FOR Fundamental questions MANDATE WORKPLACE REPS must be answered on the future of banking Covid-19 return

CONGRESS has backed the call by the And she claimed “fundamental Financial Services Union (FSU) for questions” have been outlined in the the setting of a forum by both admin‐ recent FSU discussion paper, titled istrations North and South to discuss The Future of Banking in Ireland and to work protocols the future of banking and financial Northern Ireland. sectors on the island of Ireland. The paper examines a range of is‐ In a March 11th statement, ICTU sues including the lack of public trust Mandate’s new online Covid-19 back to work General Secretary Patricia King said within finance, the closure or down‐ thousands of workers faced turmoil grading of branches and ATMs, SME following the scandal at Davy Stock‐ induction course is designed to guide you through some lending, financial exclusion, illiteracy, brokers and recent announcements and digital exclusion along with aspects of the protocol document, as well as supporting by Ulster Bank, which is seeking to leave the Republic, as well as plans by banking culture and ethics and re‐ the implementation and compliance of best practice AIB and Bank of Ireland to slash its viewing whistle‐blower protection. branch network. King added: “It is time to engage within the industry collectively as a union King said: “Billions of euro were with all stakeholder at a cross‐border spent rescuing the banks after the forum where customers, staff, man‐ property crash but is it fit for purpose agement, trade unions, business and to serve the needs of society and the employers’ groups, and other com‐ To complete the course, you can register on our online economy? A structured debate on the munity interests should all have their academy by following the relevant steps below... banking sector would be good for voices heard.” customers, business, staff, banks, and l Growing case for a democratic the Government.” finance sector - pages 32/33 For new learner members to Mandate’s online learning platform... DEATH SQUADS STEP 1 Go to the following self-enrolment link https://bit.ly/2X34Fpj UNI social media drive to Add your name, surname and email address, press enrol STEP 2 Check your mailbox (including the spam basket) highlight the killings of and then register your account STEP 3 Create a new password (password will need include 8 characters including upper, lower case, number and special Colombian social leaders character such as @ , ! , # ,* , /, ) complete the registration UNI Global trade union has launched You will be directed to your dashboard, please a social media campaign to highlight STEP 4 the 1,000 plus trade unionists and so‐ click on the course and then the start button cial leaders murdered in Colombia since the signing of the peace agree‐ ments in 2016. To log back into the platform please go to the following link and enter the The #MilMinutos campaign, launched log-in details created: https://mandatetradeunion.hiuphub.com/login on March 15th , has three objectives: to raise awareness about the killings, If you have any issue or problem during this process, please use put an end to the violence, and push the support button in your right upper corner or “I NEED HELP” button bodies such as the Organization of when logged into the platform American States (OAS), and the Inter‐ American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to take action. For existing members to Mandate’s online learning platform... Despite political violence having Marcio Monzane: ‘this scourge on humanity’ dropped significantly before 2016, social or union leader is murdered, a figures have skyrocketed since the dream also dies.” Existing trainees can use the following link: signing of the peace deal under Iván STEP 1 He continued: "This is a call for https://mandate.hiuphub.com/login Duque’s administration. peace, but also a global call for the According to Indepaz, 1,091 social OAS to take action – for the Inter‐ leaders have been murdered between American Commission on Human November 2016 and December 2020 Rights to go to Colombia and investi‐ If you cannot log in, please use forgotten password option – 695 of them during the Duque ad‐ gate the ongoing violence and shine a STEP 2 ministration. spotlight on what has been happen‐ on your log-in page or simply follow [email protected] Some 246 former FARC‐EP com‐ ing in this country for decades.” to reset your details batants, who were in the process of Help UNI Global to raise interna‐ reincorporation into civilian life, have tional awareness about political vio‐ been assassinated during the same lence in Colombia – period. l Twitter: @TuMuevesCol Please keep your log-in details/password safe as you UNI Americas Regional Secretary l Facebook: @TuMuevesColombia will require same for future online training Marcio Monzane said: “Colombia is l Instagram: @TuMuevesColombia the second most dangerous country in the world, right behind the Philip‐ Should you have any issue accessing the links please pines, for trade unionists and social leaders. With this campaign we want contact Jonathan Hogan [email protected] or to remember all the victims, and put Amanda Blake [email protected] at the Mandate Training Centre an end to this scourge on humanity, by understanding that every time a April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 31 IN FOCUS... The growing Health & Safety case for a Training for Safety Reps democratic Anyone completing this course will be able to: l Describe the role and function of the Safety Representative l List the legal requirements involved l Assess, investigate and help prevent accidents in the work place l finance sector List the main requirements of a Safety Statement l Provide induction training on By Seán Byers significant ways, including: Health and Safety in their workplace Trademark-ICTU l The unsuitability of its products BANK of Ireland’s recent to the needs of SMEs; Who should attend? announcement that it will close more l The failure to bring about a than a third of its branches across reduction in borrowing costs; Mandate Elected Health & Safety Representative Ireland – 88 in the south and 15 in the l Its on‐lending model, which uses north – will come as a huge blow to a small pool of banks (AIB, Bank of Duration: struggling workers as well as the Ireland, Ulster Bank) and non‐ remote communities and vulnerable Course runs for six weeks, one evening per week banking entities rather than lending groups that depend on access to directly as a competitor or working

branch services. 2.0) Murphy (CC BY-SA Picture: William through pro‐public lending Course Content: This is the latest in a string of infrastructure; and l l Legislation relating to the Safety, decisions by Ireland’s major banks – A confused mandate and including the two state‐owned banks, strategic purpose. Advocates of a Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 AIB and RBS/Ulster Bank – that have proper state investment bank will l Role and function of the Safety Representative shed thousands of jobs and closed rightly argue that the SBCI was never l Identify health and safety hazards in offices dozens of branches in the past fit for purpose. But that it has even l decade. failed to fulfil its limited, watered Ergonomics and manual handling The FSU, which represents workers down remit means that it must be on l Internal transport in the sector, has called for a the table as part of any discussion on l Ergonomics and Visual Display Units moratorium on branch closures until the future of banking and financial l 2022 and for the establishment of a services in Ireland. Office environment forum to discuss the future of The future of the SBCI is closely l Lighting banking and financial services, a linked to the need to redirect overall l Air Quality proposal that enjoys cross‐party lending and investment towards l Fire Safety backing north and south. productive, green economic activity A public forum on banking and and societal needs. As things stand, l Hazard identification and risk assessment financial services is not only property‐related lending accounts for l Accident investigation necessary to address the mounting more than two‐thirds of Irish banks’ challenges of digital banking, branch l Health and Safety management For sale sign at Bank of Ireland branch in Dublin loan books, which is higher than the l closures, job cuts and loss of access to EU average and not far off its pre‐ Occupational health and hygiene services, but would also represent an As Conor McCabe has noted in a 2008 peak. l Information sources opportunity to fundamentally research paper published by Unite, Encouraged and facilitated by l transform the sector for the benefit of this situation has persisted government policy, the banks appear Safety Statements throughout the pandemic. Despite l people, planet and place. to have returned to business as usual, Final Discussion and review Irish banking and finance has been the introduction of government‐ helping to inflate another speculative long characterised by systemic backed lending schemes – and indeed property bubble. Certification: weakness and failure. In recent times precisely because of how these are Meanwhile, there remains a lot to structured – the four main banks The National Safety Centre awards a Certificate along the Irish domestic banking be done to bring the climate sector has done much to earn its have continued to lend at their commitments of Irish banks in line of Attendance. This course meets the HSA guidelines. negative reputation, not only by market rates and on the basis of with international best practice. Certificates are valid for three years. fuelling massive commercial profit motives, at a time when Research undertaken by Trademark property speculation in the lead up to struggling SMEs are in need of zero‐ has found that Bank of Ireland is the financial crash, but also by interest loans and debt write‐downs. trailing behind in meeting any If you are the Elected Health & Safety Rep and have not engaging in extensive foreclosures These problems are built in to the reasonable definition of climate yet completed Health & Safety Training, or if it has been and price‐gouging in the years since. Strategic Banking Corporation action, while even AIB, the state‐ more than three years since you received Health & Safety Personal mortgage rates and Ireland (SBCI), the south’s pale owned bank, is playing catch‐up with borrowing costs for SMEs have imitation of a state investment bank. international trends rather than training, contact Amanda Blake – [email protected] – consistently been the highest in An external review conducted by the driving the green transition. in Mandate Training Centre for further details. Europe, despite the trend of falling consultancy firm EY in 2019 Part of the reason for this is that and record low interest rates across concluded that the SBCI has failed to the policy and regulatory the board. realise its potential in a number of environment is devoid of ambition on 32 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 traction in Britain and the north of The FSU, which Ireland, and could potentially form represents workers part of the equation. The threat posed by the shadow “in the sector, has called 4banking sector, both in terms of for a moratorium on financial instability and social‐ ecological destruction, cannot be branch closures until effectively tackled without Picture: Johnny Vino - Unsplash Picture: Johnny Vino 2022 and for the coordinated international action. However, there are steps that the establishment of a forum government can take in support of this agenda. Trademark, in its to discuss the future of publication Financing a Just banking and financial Transition in Ireland, has outlined the scope for government action through services, a proposal taxation, penalties and regulation, for that enjoys cross- example. The Government will, of course, party backing dismiss any case for meaningful banking and financial reform, just as north and south it has resisted calls for tax reform, destruction, be that directly or ambitious climate action, a new ” public housing policy and structural through their lending and investment activities. investment in public services. The FSU will no doubt have some But our thinking and demands ideas about how to reform the need to be as radical as our time banking and financial services in the requires. interests of workers, customers and communities. There are a number of broader structural changes that might be considered as part of the conversation: The establishment of a new public 1banking ecosystem to enable Chicken ‘teamed democratic decision‐making over the entire functioning of banking up to kill fox’ institutions. at Brittany Sinn Féin and the Irish Rural Link have both sketched out proposals for farming school– AFP report, the establishment of a local public March 2019 banking network based on the German Sparkassen model. This would see a number of local public banks established in well‐ defined areas to provide a more directly accessible and democratic form of banking and credit tailored to the needs of regions and local communities. This public banking ecosystem 2would need to be anchored to a public/state investment bank, with a clearly defined social‐ecological mandate. In the south, the role of the SCBI would need to be revisited, alongside the transformation of the AIB into a fully‐fledged public bank under democratic control, with customers, workers and community members involved in making the decisions that affect them. The added advantage of transforming the AIB along these lines is that it is furthest down the road to becoming a leader on climate action. In the north, this would require the creation of a new state investment bank, which could benefit from the Tories’ recent Picture: Monika Kubal on Unsplash announcement that it will re‐ establish a Green Investment Bank to support the climate transition. As part of a new public banking this front, reflecting the broader eurozone. At €4.5 trillion, Ireland’s tax liabilities. They also include some Be a chicken... 3model, the role of credit unions failures of the Irish government to shadow banking/market‐based of the world’s biggest investment and/or post offices could be develop and implement a radical finance sector is 22 times the value of funds and asset managers such as expanded to provide a wider range of climate action plan. the domestic economy, compared Blackrock and Vanguard, which are personal banking services and to act Even more worrying signs are to be with 2.8 times in the euro area and 6 heavily invested in fossil fuels and as an intermediary for a public/state A found in Ireland’s rapidly expanding times in the US. other carbon‐intensive activities investment bank. JOIN shadow banking/market‐based The entities located in this sector driving climate destruction. In their role as lenders, they would finance sector, a complex ecosystem include real estate investment trusts Ireland’s shadow banking sector is be in a stronger position to support of unregulated entities that act as (REITS), which are playing an not only disproportionately large SMEs with low‐cost loans and to corporate loan sharks and wield increasingly significant and relative to the domestic economy. It finance initiatives such as considerable power as investors in increasingly destructive role in represents a vital cog in a globally community‐led renewable energy, UNION their own right. Ireland’s inflated property market. interconnected system of green worker‐owned cooperatives or According to conservative They include Section 110 Special unregulated credit and investment. sustainable, localised food estimates, Ireland is now the sixth Purpose Vehicles, which enable some The systemic role it plays is as a production and distribution largest shadow banking jurisdiction of the world’s most profitable low‐tax conduit for the institutions networks. The concept and practice https://mandate.ie/join-mandate/ in the world and third largest in the companies to reduce or avoid their that are driving social and ecological of community banking is also gaining April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 33 LABOUR HISTORY CENTENARY OF MALLOW ATROCITY Told to run for their lives before being shot down

CONGRESS has marked the centenary on January signal cabin during the police raid, died the 31st this year of the notorious Mallow shootings following June. The behaviour of the police and that claimed the lives of four railway workers by auxiliaries on that day made headlines across making available online a 1921 report into the Britain and Ireland. The men who died were atrocity. union members – and their unions, the Associated Describing the report, titled An Account of the Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen Mallow Shootings, as a unique and very rare (ASLEF) and the National Union of Railwaymen historical document, former union official Peter (NUR), pressed for an official investigation into Rigney told Shopfloor: “We’re grateful to the what had taken place. ASLEF threatened a Library of the Trade Union Congress in London nationwide strike across Britain. for finding a copy, providing us with a scan, and A British military court of inquiry was securing copyright permission. It makes subsequently held into the events of January 31st. fascinating – if grim – reading on the Ireland of a (Its president, Colonel Commandant H R century ago.” Cumming, was himself killed by the IRA in the Three of the railway workers – all union Clonbanin ambush in March 1921 before the members – were shot dead by an RIC raiding conclusion of the inquiry.) party, a fourth died the following year of injuries The inquiry suggested that the railwaymen sustained. “were not beaten or subjected to inhuman Several others were wounded, and some – who treatment or in any way abused” while held at the didn’t retire until the 1960s – were later placed barracks and that any casualties resulted from an on ‘light duties’ as they still carried bullet exchange of fire after the police escorting the fragments from that dreadful night in their railwaymen were shot at from the south signal bodies. cabin. This tragic series of events was sparked earlier ‘Mistaken’ on the evening of the 31st when RIC District The inquiry claimed the railwaymen were Inspector William King and his wife, Alice, were “mistaken” in thinking that the death of their co‐ ambushed by a team of IRA volunteers while workers had been carried out by Crown Forces – Main: Front page of NUR report into the strolling close to the railway station in the town. a conclusion that was widely derided as a Mallow shootings. Mrs King – who according to the IRA was not whitewash in Ireland. Inset: NUR and deliberately targeted in the action – was hit by Meanwhile, National Union of Railwaymen ASLEF fobs from shots fired from the south end of the station, later General Secretary J H Thomas, who was also a the period dying of her wounds. Westminster MP, commissioned English social Pictures: Public Domain In response, a party of RIC auxiliaries and Black historian L. Barbara Hammond to write a report and Tans raided the station, rounding up into the shootings. members of staff. It is reported that up to 100 Thomas also raised the issue in the House of men were on duty at the time. Commons. It was reported that there was uproar The men, their hands raised above their heads, when Chief Secretary for Ireland Hamar were led away under police escort towards a Greenwood – a politician closely associated with nearly barracks. According to accounts, they were the aggressive use of auxiliaries – was greeted then told to run for their lives, before being fired with the jibe of “Here comes the assassin” as he upon. entered the chamber. l Seventeen‐year‐old locomotive cleaner Denis Hammond turned out to be a good choice as Bennett and signalman Patrick Devitt, a father of report author. She had actually been in Mallow on eight, died at the scene. January 31st, 1921 with her husband and was l Fireman Daniel Mullane, 23, had initially able, according to JH Thomas, to “make careful escaped the volley of shots but returned to help a investigations on the spot and secure valuable wounded colleague. He was then shot three times first‐hand information”. and died a few days later. An Account of the Mallow Shootings (January l Signalman Joseph Greensmith, 68, who had 31st 1921) by L. Barbara Hammond. Read the been thrown down the stairs leading to the North full report at https://bit.ly/3dkciAC

Report: NUR General Secretary JH Thomas Shot dead: Inquiry chief Col Comdt HR Cumming

34 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 ANALYSIS Low pay, poverty pay: welcome Michael Taft to the Irish retail sector

THE EU Commission has recently annual calculation. The Living Wage published data for earnings in the is based on what a single person service and sales sector across the needs for a minimum adequate in‐ EU. And when compared to our peer come based on a 39‐hour working group (other high income economies week, 52 weeks a year. It is expressed such as Belgium, Austria, Germany in an hourly figure but that is to en‐ Denmark, etc.), Irish sales workers sure it gets the widest possible atten‐ are extremely low paid. [See Table 1] tion. The hourly Living Wage is There we see Ireland right at the currently €12.30. But the annual Liv‐ bottom. It should be noted that these ing Wage is €25,000. In other words, numbers factor in living costs a full‐time single worker would need through PPP (or Purchasing Power to earn €25,000 a year to each a min‐ Parities) so as to more effectively imum adequate income (and the em‐ compare between EU countries. So phasis is on ‘minimum’). that €9.33 hourly figure for Ireland There are employees on precarious includes the very high living costs contracts, temporary contracts, un‐ here compared to most other coun‐ able to work the hours they want or tries. need. While there has been some Nonetheless, this shows that ser‐ progress on this (i.e. banded hours), vice and sales workers would need a there is still a long ways to go. In‐ 20% increase in pay just to bring Table 1 creasing the hourly minimum wage their wages up to the average of other won’t necessarily raise workers to an high‐income economies. And even annual minimum adequate income. then we’d still trail a number of coun‐ Table 2 What can? Let’s go back to the tries. table on low pay in the wholesale and Unfortunately, we don’t have the retail sector. Some 30% of employees data for sales workers in just the re‐ experience low pay. In Finland, the tail sector – the above refers to all percentage of low‐paid employees in sales and services workers in the pri‐ that sector is 3.6% while in Sweden vate sector. However, other data the figure is 2.3%. That’s a substan‐ shows that, if anything, Irish retail tial difference. How does Finland and workers trail even further behind. Sweden manage this? Do they have a What we do have is data for low really high minimum wage? No. pay in the wholesale and retail sector. They don’t even have a national min‐ Low pay is an official category. It is imum wage. They do not have a measured as two‐thirds of the me‐ statutory wage floor set by govern‐ dian wage. The median wage is the ment. midway point where 50% of workers They achieve this performance earn above and 50% earn below. through widespread collective bar‐ So what do we find for the Irish dis‐ gaining – not only throughout the tributive sector? [See Table 2] economy but in the distributive sec‐ Some 30% of employees in this tor as well. Through bargaining at sector are officially designated as sectoral and company level, workers low‐paid. That is far higher than the and their trade union representatives EU average where low pay affects are able to lift wages while address‐ 21% and behind only one other coun‐ ing issues relating to precarious work try in our peer group. hours and occupational benefits (e.g. The low‐pay threshold in 2018 was sick pay, top‐up maternity pay, etc.). €11.86 per hour. The Living Wage Therefore, we need a two‐prong was €11.90 per hour. That means strategy: increasing the minimum that 79,000 employees in the Irish wage and increasing collective bar‐ wholesale and retail sector earn gaining. In this way, we can reduce below the hourly Living Wage. This low pay and raise people’s living is an indictment of a sector that pays standards up to the Living Wage and poverty‐line wages to so many work‐ beyond. Everyone has a role to play ers. in this – in the workplace, in the com‐ So what can be done about this? munity, in the political debate. Whenever people discuss how to And the first step is to join a union. combat low pay the first policy in‐ strument they reach for is the na‐ tional minimum wage. Clearly, the minimum wage is an important pol‐ icy tool. In 2018, while the low‐pay threshold was €11.86 per hour, the minimum wage was €9.55 per hour. We’d have to increase the minimum wage by 25% to get everyone up to the low pay threshold. However, a high minimum wage is no guarantee that we can raise people to the Living Wage. The minimum Working-class communities everywhere suffered after a decade-long period of wage is an hourly calculation. The austerity following the 2008 crash Living Wage, on the other hand, is an April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 35 HERITAGEMEL CORRY 1964 -2021

A great educator, Mel was never far from a flipchart. Here he deploys ‘Nae Pasaran’, a peculiarly Northern twist on the old Spanish Civil War slogan ‘¡No pasarán!’

TRIBUTE by Brian Forbes across the country which gave them Mandate National Coordinator a good grounding and understanding MANDATE was deeply shocked and about the privatisation agenda that saddened to hear of the recent was and is destroying living passing of our dear comrade Mel standards for workers and their Corry after a short battle with Covid‐ families across the island of Ireland.” 19. Rest in Power, Mel Understated, knowledgeable, Mel passed despite having no empathetic and communist. He had a underlying conditions and receiving comrades during his time working inspired through his teaching and our trade union movement. My clear socialist anti‐sectarian vision the very best of care from his beloved alongside our proud union. The wise counsel to become more Mandate comrade Dave Gibney for a better future and he spent his National Health Service. palpable outpouring of grief and involved in their union. recently reminded me of the time Mel life searching for it and fighting for it This terrible virus has robbed the sadness at Mel’s passing is testament We will be forever indebted to Mel spoke at our 2014 conference in every single day. world of one of our very best socialist to the exceptionally high regard he for his ability to encourage union Killarney. He spoke with passion Everyone connected with Mandate educators and a true understated was held in by all who had the members to collectively join the fight about the great inequities and social wishes to extend our sincere champion of the working class. pleasure of meeting him and to defend their class against injustices we faced, and continue to condolences to Mel’s wife Fiona and Mel had been working for spending some time in his company. oppression and then onwards face. sons Sean and Michael, his Trademark Belfast as a tutor on Mel was brilliant company: a towards a radical socialist When we all arrived the morning granddaughter Nancy, his wider Mandate’s education courses since talented raconteur, a marvellous alternative. the conference was to start, Mel was family circle, his many friends and his 2013. It was through this political musician but – more importantly – a Struggles already there before everyone else wonderful comrades in Trademark education and advocacy work where kind and gentle soul. setting up a wee stall where he could Belfast and all who are impacted by all our union staff and many of our The bold Mel held court on many The epitome of a working class recommend books to our members this terrible loss. members had the great pleasure and an occasion regaling us all over a pint trade unionist, Mel acutely felt and and activists to help them on their Final words come from his privilege of learning from this or ten with humorous stories from deeply understood the struggles met learning journey. That was Mel – a Trademark friends and comrades: experienced stalwart of trade his past working life and his musical by workers and their families trying trade unionist, a socialist and an “Mel was a committed trade unionist unionism who formed life‐long, deep travels that had everyone in his to put food on the table and a roof educator every minute of every day. and communist, an inspirational connections with so many people company in genuine tears of laughter. over their heads. Dave Gibney one of the founders of teacher, a passionate bluegrass simply by being Mel Corry. Mel’s passing has left a great void Through his union work it was the Right2Water campaign speaking musician and composer, a talented Since Mel’s untimely passing, at the in the trade union movement but his patently obvious Mel felt a deep about Mel recently said: “When young boxer in his day, a defender of far too young age of 56, many honest dedication towards fighting affinity with Mandate members and Mandate became involved in the workers who made a lasting Mandate members have spoken with inequalities and his championing of them with him. He was an important Right2Water campaign, we contribution to the peace process. me sincerely about their love for those who were most disadvantaged part of their struggles and their immediately made contact with “He worked tirelessly in the service Mel’s dry wit, his twinkle in the eye in our communities and in our ongoing journey through life towards Trademark Belfast and asked them to of his class and was and remains an and his brutal‐but‐compassionate workplaces will live long in our a better tomorrow. involve themselves in the campaign. exemplar of the incorruptible honesty. collective memories. Mel will be Mel’s life was a life well lived and “Through Unite the Union, Mel and working class.” Mel was truly a remarkable man remembered fondly by a generation he will leave an irreplaceable hole his Trademark comrades provided “Gone too soon comrade and he easily made friends and of Mandate activists who became both in our hearts as well as within educational courses to water activists ❤Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.” 36 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 VIEWPOINT NOAH DONOHOE DEATH Oireachtas must step up the fight to uncover the truth ON JUNE 21st, 2020, 14‐year‐old Noah Donohoe from Belfast went Thomas missing. He was missing for six days while search operations were carried Pringle out. Later his body was found in a storm drain in north Belfast. The postmortem revealed that the cause of death was drowning. Soon after Noah went missing, on‐ line speculation began about his dis‐ the storm drain for three days. The appearance and around those who Department for Infrastructure (DfI) might have been involved. After would not confirm that the hatch had Noah’s body was found, the PSNI gave been unlocked up to June 24th. assurances that “there was no foul Why have I raised Noah’s case in play” involved after people living in Dáil Éireann? Because I could not be‐ the area were targeted by anonymous lieve that no other politician had online trolls. brought it up prior to that. I was con‐ There were claims that Noah’s dis‐ tacted by Noah’s grieving mother, Justice campaign: Noah Donohoe appearance was part of a loyalist con‐ spiracy, which is untrue. Fiona, and aunt, Niamh, and met on‐ “In my 30 years in the police this is line with them alongside Deputy Joan did not.From my briefing with Noah’s support in the investigation and to tatives and to answer questions. one of the most unusual missing per‐ Collins and Senator Eileen Flynn. family, it seems clear that the police highlight the inadequacies in getting The family have started the #Remem- son inquiries that I have done,” said During ‘Statements on New have not acted properly in this inves‐ answers around her young son’s beringMyNoah campaign, are raising PSNI Superintendent Muir Clark. Decade, New Approach’ on February tigation. The investigation and whole tragic death. public awareness and are carrying Noah’s body was found in a storm 24th, 2021, I spoke of Noah’s case. scenario raises more questions than I have been urging the Taoiseach, out their own investigations into There appears to have been a failure drain and it was reported that a per‐ answers and a grieving family de‐ the Tánaiste, the Minister and every‐ Noah’s death. It is time for members of action by the police which left son would have to actively enter the serves answers. one who can help to do so. We wrote of the Oireachtas to step up and help Noah's family in the horrific position storm drain, that it didn’t seem plau‐ A grieving mother was left with no to Taoiseach Micheal Martin request‐ Fiona and Niamh in this campaign for of having to investigate this crime on sible that he would have fallen in. option but to investigate her son’s ing a meeting and we await a reply. justice and truth. Union members can their own. However, the access hatch on the death herself. In my view, the fact that As Shopfloor went to press, I, along help too by lobbying politicians to They have identified and retraced grille of the storm drain was allegedly she has uncovered more information with Deputy Joan Collins and Senator make sure they care about Noah. And Noah's last journey by walking the not locked on the day that Noah dis‐ than the police is indefensible. For ex‐ Eileen Flynn hosted an online brief‐ thanks go to Mandate for giving me route and identifying and following ample, Fiona Donohoe made a public appeared. However, a padlock was ing with Noah’s mam, Fiona, and this opportunity to highlight Noah’s put on the grille on June 24th, 2020 up on hundreds of security cameras call for people with phone evidence aunt, Niamh, as well as representa‐ case. by officials. This is three days after that cover the route in question. They to come forward, and they did. tives from the Dáil and Seanad which Noah’s disappearance, meaning effec‐ have identified things the police Fiona has also come south to raise gave the family an opportunity to pre‐ Thomas Pringle is tively that Noah’s body was locked in should have done and acted on but awareness of Noah’s case, to look for sent their findings to public represen‐ Independent TD for Donegal Why we’re always app your service!

Mandate has launched our UNIONLINK courses courses such as Interview Skills, Basic First Aid on https://unionlink.org where you can register on‐ and GDPR, at discounted rates of up to 60%. line for bitesize course programmes, such as In‐ The Mandate Training Academy will also host dustrial Relations, Recruitment and Organising, links to Mandate’s LOOKUP App and our Man‐ Stress Management courses etc. date Induction video, all presented now on our In addition to the free training and develop‐ new online Training Academy. ment courses, we are pleased to launch our new In time our course offering will grow, allow‐ online training platform (Academy on the App ing you – the member – improved access to a Store and Google Play Store), in partnership wider range professional course modules. with Olive Media. The cost of purchasing Mandate online This app will allow members the option to courses also qualify for grant support through purchase online professional and development our Education Grant Scheme every November. How to register... How to purchase training...

l Click on the registration link here – REGISTRATION LINK l Click on Purchase Course on the l Fill out details leaving the 'Member ID' and 'Team' field blank. bottom left hand of your page l l This should be done from PC/laptop using a Google Chrome Here you will see a list of courses web browser (where possible) and their prices l l If you already have an existing AcademyHQ account please Choose your course and click ‘Add to Cart’ contact our support team at [email protected] l Proceed to check-out l Following registration above, members can download the 'Academy HQ' app l Make payment from the Google Play store or App Store if you wish to login from your l Return to the dashboard tab smartphone. Alternatively use the following link to login on your PC: and you will see your course https://mandatemembers.academyhq.com/en/auth/login

April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 37 NEWS RETURN OF ‘PIECEWORK’ ICTU vows to fight to protect hard-won rights CONGRESS General Secretary Patricia lead to greater work precarity and Piecework is defined as work paid King has underlined the need to casualisation.” for according to the amount protect workers’ rights against the The comments come after Brendan produced. backdrop of a huge hike in remote McGinty, the managing partner of King added: “We have raised this working over the past year. Stratis Consulting, suggested recently repeatedly in our consultations in the She said: “The trade union that the boom in remote working LEEF forum with Government and movement is fully committed to opened up the possibility of a return employer representative bodies. ensuring workers’ hard‐won rights to a “modern version piecework” – Congress and trade union are preserved when working with it to be decided “if for certain representatives around the country remotely, that protections are fit for roles there should be a movement will ensure that any attempt to usher purpose and that the post Covid‐19 towards pay for work done rather in a return to piecework will be Piecework at home: Mother and her children producing baby clothes in a New York tenement in 1912 Picture: NARA (Public Domain) world of remote working does not than for time”. vigorously resisted.” UK NEWS Unite’s Union hails ‘massive victory’ over Amazon workers equal pay ruling for Asda workers helpline THE GMB trade union has hailed as a UNITE has launched a national “massive victory” a UK Supreme advertising campaign to Court landmark ruling, allowing the encourage Amazon workers to roles of shop floor workers and blow the whistle on poor warehouse staff at Asda to be treatment by calling 1800- compared in assessing equal pay. 851268. The online retail giant, According to law firm Leigh Day, which already employs several Picture: David Howard (CC BY 2.0) Picture: David Howard (CC BY thousand people in Ireland in which represents Asda staff, it tech and warehousing roles in constitutes the largest equal pay Dublin and Cork, is planning a claim ever to be brought in the UK major ‘fulfilment centre’ in and will have implications for North County Dublin. workers in other supermarket and The union’s hotline initiative retail chains. coincides with the launch of the Lawyers have estimated that if all campaign alliance, ‘Action on UK supermarkets were found to be in Amazon’, that is demanding a breach of equal pay laws, they could ‘new deal’ for Amazon workers, face a total bill of around £8 billion. including union recognition and a greater share of profits. Around two‐thirds of shop floor cross‐border trade, it still had a bosses to come to the talks table to which could run to hundreds of staff at Asda are women, while most Unite Executive Officer percentage of the overall grocery broker a potential £500 million millions of pounds.” Sharon Graham told Shopfloor: warehouse workers are male. It is market in the Republic. settlement. Wendy Arundale, who worked for “Unite has opened a understood distribution staff were Dismissing Asda’s appeal on March GMB Legal Director Susan Harris Asda for 32 years, said: “I’m delighted confidential hotline for Amazon paid between £1.50 and £3 an hour 26th, Supreme Court judge Lady told Shopfloor: “This is amazing news that shop floor workers are one step workers in Ireland to blow the more than workers on the shop floor. Arden pointed out that the ruling did and a massive victory for Asda’s closer to achieving equal pay. whistle on poor treatment and Until now, the case has focused on not mean shopworkers had won the predominantly‐female shop floor “I loved my job, but knowing that working practices. whether both groups of workers can automatic right to equal pay, but that workforce. Asda has wasted money male colleagues working in “It is prime time Amazon be compared for equal pay purposes their success meant they were now on lawyers’ bills chasing a lost cause, distribution centres were being paid gave workers in Ireland the – not whether their work is of equal free to take further action. losing appeal after appeal, while tens more left a bitter taste in my mouth. right to negotiate collectively value. However, Leigh Day lawyer Lauren of thousands of retail workers remain “It’s not much to ask to be paid an through the union of their Asda has several outlets in Lougheed said the ruling meant her out of pocket. equal wage for work of equal value, choice, and to organise without Northern Ireland but none south of clients had cleared “a big hurdle” in “We now call on Asda to sit down and I’m glad that the Supreme Court interference, bullying and the border. Despite this, prior to the their fight for equal pay. with us to reach agreement on the intimidation.” reached the same conclusion as all l Alabama action – p18 & 19 Covid pandemic and because of The GMB has called now on Asda back pay owed to our members – the other courts.” Have you a Mandate-related story or picture you’d like to share with us? Email [email protected]

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38 SHOPFLOOR y April 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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regularly organized to such a degree that they walk off the job and regularly strike”. Categorising workers And McAlevey has a quick answer to those on the left who flag up the advantages for workers of adopting a Swedish or Germany‐ style sectoral bargaining model in the US. “In Germany or Sweden, or ...don’t be fooled by an anywhere else in the world, workers didn’t achieve their decent living standard because of sectoral Workers’ power: It’s the only way... bargaining. They achieved it because they fought like mad, including with old trick used by the 1%... Illustration: Xoan Baltar (CC BY 2.0) revolutions in the earlier half of the past century, to achieve an overall AN AMERICAN academic and labour Those auto workers, however, had ‘real’ workers.” This is because to be referred to as a ‘third category’ of détente with capital. journalist has warned US unions that mobilised to build strong unions that covered by the US’s National Labor worker.” Again, McAlevey points to Worker power Silicon Valley’s offer of sectoral turned those same jobs into the kind Relations Act and Fair Labor historical parallels – about how the bargaining is a trick designed to of employment “that became the Standards Act, a worker has to be an same discussions about categorising “It took worker power to win the create a ‘third category’ of worker. backbone of the American dream”. ‘employee’ as opposed to an workers occurred in the 1930s standards workers enjoy in every country that currently has sectoral And she claimed that a prominent She thinks the lesson for today’s ‘independent contractor’. involving the notion that nannies and bargaining.” part of today’s labour landscape both workers is clear. She explains: “The current debate farmworkers did not deserve the She added: “Whether you are a in the US and across the world – “It’s only if and when workers about who is a worker, who is an same protections as those earning worker in Germany or in Alabama, precarious working or the gig decide to harness their only real independent contractor, and who is their living on the factory floor. the only way you win a decent life is economy – has long been a feature of power – coming together in a union – legally eligible for things like Social Today, she claims gig‐economy by building enough power to create a American capitalism. that their lives will improve.” Security and unemployment employers are “dangling” the carrot But McAlevey identifies a catch: “If insurance centers around the of “sectoral bargaining” to unions in crisis for the capitalist class. That Jane McAlevey, who is senior means the power to forge research fellow at the University of they are to be allowed to do so, the question of whether state and federal exchange for setting up this third law first has to consider them to be policy makers accept or reject what is category of worker. supermajority unity, striking, and California Berkeley Labor Center, causing profits to nosedive until the made the comments in a well‐argued At first sight this sounds “enticing” – unions engaging with employers bosses remember that workers – piece in left‐leaning US publication Whether you are a worker in Germany or in whatever we call them – make the The Nation. across an economic sector (fast‐food, hotels, retail, hospitals) to create profits the 1 per cent thrive on today, Comparing the situation today with Alabama, the only way you win a decent life while everyone else suffers.” the 1930s, she pointed out that wage and benefits standards. But, she “is by building enough power to create a crisis for argues, these theoretical advantages Read the full article at “abysmal conditions” in auto plants https://bit.ly/30nkDvF then were not much different from the capitalist class disappear “when workers aren’t Amazon warehouses today. ” UK NEWS New deal needed for workers USDAW General Secretary Paddy Lil‐ lis has reiterated the union’s call for a ‘New Deal for Workers’. Speaking on March 23rd, the an‐ niversary of Britain’s first lockdown because of the Covid‐19 pandemic, he said: “Millions of low‐paid workers have provided essential services to help ensure the country is fed, healthy and safe throughout. “Usdaw members employed in our supermarkets, distribution ware‐ houses, food processing sites and home delivery operations welcomed the key worker status, but that re‐ spect and appreciation must not fade into the background when this na‐ tional crisis passes. “There must be lasting and funda‐ mental change to the way society views our lowest paid workers. We need a new deal for the workers: a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour, an end to insecure employment, respect for shopworkers and action to ensure that retail jobs are no longer underpaid and undervalued.” April 2021 y SHOPFLOOR 39 TWITTER STORM FOR NOAH DONOHOE 6:11pm every Sunday evening @mynoah8