Vol. 16 No.2 May 2017 ISSN 0791-458X Women’s football Clerys workers Brexit debate team result Page 18-19 Page 4 Page 10-11 Housing crisis demands urgent action

by Scott Millar

A massive public house-building programme, which can provide homes for hundreds of thousands of people in housing need, was the demand of the 2017 May Day march in . Over 1,500 trade unionists and social activists took part in the march, which concluded with a rally outside Liberty Hall. Organised jointly by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) and the National Homeless and Housing Coalition, the May Day march was the largest in the city for several years. It is was clear from the diversity of those involved in the march that the demand for an effective public home building scheme is one that unites and motivates a wide range of progressive trade unions and political groups. Addressing the rally outside Liberty Hall, leading housing cam- paigner, Fr Peter McVerry, said the government’s housing strategy is May Day march on Monday, 1st May, organised by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and the not working as homelessness is increasing and that it is time for “more National Homeless and Housing Coalition was the largest in the city for several years. Photo: Derek Speirs radical measures”. “The Government introduced its strategy nine months ago. Every single month since then the number of homeless people has risen and risen and risen,” he said. Recognise Bus Crossword 5 6 He added that the only real long-term solution to the crisis was 3 4 1 2 8 “an effective public home building programme”. Page 31 Palestine Eireann 10

13 The demand for a public housing programme was reiterated by all 1 12 - 14

16 Page 14 Page 6-7 5 other speakers. activist Rita Fagan harshly criticised plans 17 19 20

8

Continued on page 2 22 1

WORKERS RIGHTS CENTRE

8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.,

Monday - Friday

wrc@.ie 2 Liberty In this month’sLiberty MAY 2017 News

Housing 100 Years of Bray Trades Council Crisis Page 3 The ‘Bray, Kingstown and District United Trades and Labour Council’ was estab- lished at a meeting at Bray Town Hall, on Sunday 1st Health Care April 1917. Exactly one hun- dred years later, on Saturday Assistants 1st April 2017 the Bray and Page 12 District Council of Trade Unions held a special meet- ing in the Town Hall to com- Members of Bray Trades Council memorate its founding. Fashion The Council President, George housing were still the lot of the fathers were founding members of Sheehan, chaired the meeting and poor. Against this background a the Council; Angela Connolly, Revolution speakers included of group of men in the town of Bray widow of Ross, and former presi- Page 13 Wicklow County Council Pat decided that a united council of dents, Maura Donnelly (INTO) and Fitzgerald, ICTU General Secretary, the trades was needed to organise Stephen Donnelly (ASTI). The pro- , and General Secre- their forces to challenge these con- ceedings were interspersed with tary of , John Douglas. ditions. music from traditional band Assistant Secretary of the Coun- The current Council secretary, ‘Seoidín’ and singer William Byrne Liberty View cil and SIPTU Organiser Derek Kieron Connolly, gave an overview who gave a powerful rendition of Page 16 Liberty Casserly spoke on the events lead- of some of the main issues that it ‘Joe Hill’ ing up to the founding meeting in had been involved in over the The Council will be organising 1917. He referred to the aftermath years. further events throughout the year View of the Easter Rebellion and the Other guests at the meeting in- including co-hosting a seminar economic effects of the Great War. cluded honorary life members of with the Irish Labour History Soci- While wages had risen, prices had the Council, John Byrne and John ety in Bray in November. soared. Hunger, disease, and slum O’Brien from SIPTU, whose grand- Climate Change Page 21 Vote against WRC proposals by DAA workers

SIPTU members in the Dublin ment in relation to terms and con- tives will take time to consult with Kurdish Struggle Airport Authority (DAA), excluding ditions of employment. their workplace representatives Page 25 airport police and fire service, have Following the announcement of and the wider membership to de- voted against the acceptance of the ballot result on 28th April, cide on the next steps in progress- Workplace Relations Commission SIPTU Organiser, Neil McGowan, ing their claim for improved terms (WRC) proposals contained in the said: “Following the vote against and conditions employment.” Company/Union Framework docu- these proposals, union representa-

Worm’s Continued from page 1 — Housing crisis demands urgent action by the Minister for Housing, ment to “set out a national and and across local authorities to com- rights! Simon Coveney, to make 800 state county level plan to deliver the mence an urgent refurbishment Page 28 owned sites available to private largest housing programme in the and house building programme in companies to build properties, in- history of the State”. It adds that cities and communities across the cluding some social housing. there must be “an immediate country. She said: “That means it’s going sharp increase in capital invest- Elsewhere, thousands of trade to developers. On my estate, St ment with the aim of reaching an unionists and activists also cele- Michael’s Estate, that’s 428 mort- annual output of 10,000 social af- brated International Workers’ Day, gage homes. We don’t want mort- fordable housing units per annum including in Belfast, Derry and Editor: Frank Connolly, SIPTU Head of Communications gage homes; we want public for the duration of the [housing] . In Belfast, the Congress May Journalist: Scott Millar homes that people will be able to emergency”. Day March on Saturday, 29th April Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU), Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) & William Hederman rent whether they’re in a job or More details on the Congress took the theme of ‘international- Publications Assistant: Deirdre Price not. We have to build a different proposals, including the major role ism, solidarity and peace”. Among Administrative Assistant: Karen Hackett vision.” local authorities could play in the those who addressed the crowd in Produced, designed, edited and printed by labour. Such a vision of publicly built direct provision of social housing the Art College gardens were ICTU Printed by , City West, Dublin. and managed housing, which will will be contained in a major hous- president, Brian Campfield, and Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: be available to a mix of income ing policy document prepared by chairperson Maria Morgan. [email protected] groups, is one that is the subject of Congress, SIPTU and the One Cork In Cork, trade unionists and ac- Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, intense discussions in the Irish project to be released this month. tivists marched on Monday 1st Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). The proposals envisage the May with the housing crisis the SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Gene Mealy• General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn At its biennial conference in creation of municipal housing task main issue highlighted. Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, early July, Congress will debate a forces which can harness existing Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] motion which calls on the Govern- land, resources and skills within Liberty 3 News MAY 2017

MAY DAY 2017 (Above) Fr Peter McVerry addresses the Dublin May Day rally outside Liberty Hall on Monday, 1st May. Picture: Graham Seely (Left) A section of the SIPTU delegation on the Dublin May day march on Monday, 1st May. Picture: Derek Speirs (Top right) The SIPTU banner at the Belfast May Day march on Saturday, 29th April. Picture: Ann Thompson (Bottom right) Members of the Repeal the 8th Choir singing in Liberty Hall on Sunday, 1st May. Picture: Derek Speirs Political backing for Big Start campaign DELEGATIONS from the Claire Bolton, an Early Years ed- A Big Start delegation will meet SIPTU Big Start campaign ucator from Mountshannon also in councillors before the debate have been meeting with Clare, said: “I put myself through which they will then attend. politicians across the country college achieving a first class hon- Also, on Monday, 8th May, Big to inform them of the prob- ours BA in Early Childhood Care Start campaign members will meet lems and growing crisis and Education. I am still paying off with local TDs in St. Peter’s Parish within the Early Years educa- the cost of loans needed to get my Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow, to tion sector. qualifications. discuss the serious issues facing On 10th April, a Big Start cam- “However, the level of my educa- the Early Years sector and to seek paign delegation including Early tion goes unnoticed as my wages their support for increased state Years educators, childcare man- equate to that of someone with investment as well as proper recog- agers and providers had a success- lesser qualifications.” nition and pay for workers. ful meeting with Clare County Co Following the meeting council- On Wednesday, 17th May, a Big Councillors. lors signaled their intention to Start Network meeting will take Before the meeting, Claire Casey, submit a motion supporting the place in the SIPTU Office in Ark- an Early Years educator from aims of the Big Start campaign. low, County Wicklow, at 6.45 p.m. Corofin in Clare, told Liberty: On Monday, 8th May, South The meeting will give Early Years “I love my job but I feel that the Dublin County Council will be vot- educators and providers from the Government is talking the talk but ing on a motion calling for in- area an overview of the Big Start not walking the walk when it creased state funding, recognition campaign and provide an opportu- Early Years Educators in comes to properly resourcing and and professional pay for the Early nity to discuss the challenges fac- Darndale financing the Early Years sector.” Years sector. ing the sector. 4 Liberty MAY 2017 News Victory for women’s team in ‘Saipan’ moment

Defiant: women’s team make a stand for equal treatment Picture: Paddy Cole

•By Scott Millar

DRAMATIC press con- Captain Emma Byrne leads ference in Liberty squad protest during press conference, left, that made Hall in early April, headlines across the world Awhere the Republic of Picture: RollingNews.ie Ireland women’s football team outlined a list of griev- ances with the FAI, made headlines across the globe and resulted in a rapid indus- trial relations victory. The team’s problems spanned from not being refunded for earn- ings lost while representing their country to not being allowed to keep their international tracksuits; even on occasion being forced to change in airport toilets, so the ap- to field the best international team agreement a victory which ade- Buckley told Liberty: “This is a parel could be handed on to junior we possibly can. We want to com- The team are a quately deals with all the issues short, sharp and successful cam- teams. pete at the highest level and in they had raised. paign to the rights of The 14 members of the team order to do this, everyone has to reminder that in Leading soccer correspondent, women in sport. The team are a re- who attended the press conference commit. There have been some is- Neil O'Riordan, tweeted his reac- minder that in any area of modern included captain, Emma Byrne, sues, not just in the last few years, any area of Irish tion to the dispute: “Agreement striker, Stephanie Roche and FAI Irish society, women should never but for a very long time now.” reached between FAI and women's Women's International Player of society, women accept being treated as second- The press conference happened team under 48 hours after they the Year, . The on the morning of Tuesday, 4th class citizens. should never went public. Must go down as one women were accompanied by rep- April, and by the early hours of “The success of the campaign of most successful industrial ac- resentatives of their union, the Thursday morning, following in- accept being was only possible due to the deci- Professional Footballers Associa- tions.” tensive talks involving SIPTU, PFAI sion of the players to join a trade tion of Ireland (PFAI), which is an treated as second- Central to the negotiations were and FAI officials, a deal was se- union and fight for their right for affiliate of SIPTU. cured. SIPTU Services Division Organiser, class citizens it to be recognised as their repre- At the press conference, Byrne Although confidential, the team Ethel Buckley and Sector Organ- sentative body.” said: “We’re here because we want players were quick to declare the iser, Denis Hynes. Liberty 5 News MAY 2017 Next steps in Community Sector drive SIPTU seeks meeting with Minister COMMUNITY Sector work- Kyne over future of Tara Mines ers are attending a series of regional meetings to discuss A meeting has been requested by SIPTU representatives with Min- the next steps in the SIPTU ister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Sean ‘Rebuilding Our Communi- Kyne, over the long-term future of the New Boliden Tara Mines ties’ campaign. in Co Meath. The proposed discussions will focus on the likely The campaign, which was impact on the lives of workers, and the local economy, if the cur- launched with a protest outside rent plan to extend the Tailings Pond at the facility is not ac- the Dail on 22nd March, is fo- cepted. The planned extension was the subject of an oral hearing cused on three key issues for by An Bord Pleanála in March. workers across the sector. These Meanwhile, Tara Mines workers returned to work on 8th April after a are the funding of the vital serv- six-day sit-in, following the acceptance of proposals on improving the op- ices it delivers, problems associ- eration of a new underground ambulance system in the mine. The agree- ated with creeping privatisation ment followed a meeting between management,members of the and the need for movement on workplace safety committee and a Senior Inspector from the Health and workers’ pay and related issues. erty: “SIPTU members in the need for urgent attention to what Safety Authority (HSA). Several dozen local community Community Sector provide cru- is happening in the sector, they workers attended a meeting in cial support to many people must be listened to.” the Clayton Hotel in Galway on within our society including the Meanwhile, SIPTU Community 26th April. Further meetings are elderly, people with disabilities, Sector activists are also visiting scheduled for Connolly Hall in Cork, on 4th May, and Liberty young people and vulnerable politicians in their areas to ask Hall in Dublin on 17th May. families. them to sign a petition indicating SIPTU Community Sector pres- “When workers providing such their support for the ‘Rebuilding ident, Donnie O’Leary, told Lib- vital services say that there is a Our Communities’ campaign. Private funding incentives

Workers at Tara Mines. hit job standards Picture: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

A SEMINAR, titled ‘Towards a World Class Education Sys- tem’, held in Liberty Hall in Action at Edenderry Power suspended January, focused on the SIPTU members in Edenderry Power Ltd (EPL), Edenderry, Co Of- spread of precarious work faly, have suspended all industrial action at the plant in order to facilitate engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission practices in the Education (WRC) aimed at resolving the dispute at the company. At a meet- Sector. ing of the Labour Court on 24th April it was agreed that engage- Organised by the Public Admin- ment between the parties in this dispute should take place with istration and Community Divi- the assistance of the WRC over the following eight weeks. sion, the seminar was addressed by a number of keynote speakers, including , who re- John King, SIPTU Public Ethical Trading and adapting to Brexit cently chaired the Expert Panel on Administration and Community the Future Funding of Education Divisional Organiser The first Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) two-day workshop, on Picture: Dan O’Neill practical steps for Irish companies and suppliers exporting to the in Ireland, Nevin Economic Re- UK, took place in the Hub in Kilkenny on Thursday 30th and Fri- search Institute Director Tom day 31st March. Healy, and ICTU Industrial Rela- free.” At the seminar, King high- The workshop focused on understanding the demands of UK supermar- tions Officer Liam Berney. He added: “The Education Sec- lighted the impact of the incen- kets as they adapt to changes in legislation, knowing how Irish legislative SIPTU Public Administration tor over the last decade has a seen tivising of third level higher changes can assist Irish businesses as well as giving practical assistance and Community Division Organ- a significant growth in the preva- institutions to increase revenue on mapping risks in supply chains and developing links between busi- iser, John King, said: “The pri- lence of precarious employment from private sources. He said this ness, NGOs and trade unions. mary purpose of holding this practices. This situation has re- push had impacted on employ- SIPTU Sector Organiser, Orlagh Fawl, said: “If companies and workers’ seminar was to have a debate sulted from the impact of the re- ment standards and collective representatives in Ireland are fully up to speed on the current legislation with key stakeholders in order to cruitment moratorium and cuts bargaining on campuses. and guidelines in the UK, our agri-business sector will be in the best po- develop the SIPTU Education Sec- in public funding to the sector.” King added: “One of the key is- sition to adapt to the conditions following Brexit.” tor Committee campaign to en- At present, SIPTU organises sues presented at the seminar sure the Expert Panel report is 7,000 members across the Higher was what opportunities exist for implemented in full.” Education Sector, including sup- this course to change and to re- Pfizer new entrants’ pension dispute resolved “The Expert Panel report points port grades, academics and re- align the sector to act as a driver SIPTU members in Pfizer Ireland Ltd., Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, set- to four possible solutions. These searchers. However, many of the of social and economic growth in tled a dispute with the company in early April following its are: state funding, state funded union’s membership of more a fair and balanced manner. It is agreement to allow 35 new entrants access to its defined benefit and student fees, state funded than 160,000 also have a key in- widely accepted that the funding pension scheme. and student loans or an increase terest in the future of education for the sector needs to signifi- Over 250 SIPTU members had been engaged in industrial action for in contributions from business. as community and political ac- cantly increase. The issue is how more than eight weeks, since 27th January, at the plant over the refusal Each of these options present op- tivists as well as parents. is this to be achieved. by the company to allow new entrants access to the defined benefit pen- portunities but none are risk- sion scheme. 6 Liberty MAY 2017 Bus Éireann Bus workers hold the line

Dundalk Galway

Cavan Limerick Cavan Protest in Dublin

and especially communities in rural a process which could find a reso- Such attempts to bring about a After three weeks on the picket Ireland, like here in Galway and lution to the dispute, “SIPTU repre- proper dialogue were rebuffed by Connemara, which would suffer sentatives want to engage in management and ignored by an lines Bus Éireann workers the most if Bus Éireann is under- meaningful negotiations concern- aloof Minister for Transport, Shane mined.” ing far-reaching change and im- Ross. In response, the bus workers returned to work with their heads Over the following days, SIPTU provements in the public bus took their demands directly to the held high and a difficult decision members stood alongside their col- network. In order for these talks to Dáil. A quickly arranged lunchtime leagues in the four other Bus Éire- be effective they must include di- march in Dublin by over 600 bus to make. Scott Millar reports ann unions, the NBRU, TSSA, Unite rect input from the National Trans- and rail workers on 29th March and TEEU, in their defence of de- port Authority and the Department went from the Garden of Remem- brance in Parnell Square to Leinster ORKERS in Bus pose draconian cuts throughout the House. Éireann were fi- company, on both staff and serv- The crowd vigorously applauded nally forced to ices, that would fatally undermine 'The State found €64 billion for the as leaders from all the unions in- begin a long- the very existence of the national volved in the strike made impas- public bus network. banks and global investors who lost sioned pleas for political action to Wthreatened strike action at As pickets were placed on bus resolve the dispute. SIPTU TEAC 12.01 a.m. on Friday, 24th depots across the country on the their money through gambling and Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, March. This was less than 48 first day of the strike, Dermot Hes- said: “The State must provide a hours after management had sian explained why he and his greed but it can’t find €9 million public bus service and not a for- sent a letter to all staff in- colleagues in Galway had been left for a bus service that the rural profit bus service. It found €64 bil- structing them that it in- with no alternative. “It’s an unfor- lion for the banks and global tunate situation, but government investors who lost their money tended to unilaterally impose policy seems to be to privatise pub- people of Ireland depend on' changes to their terms and through gambling and greed but it lic transport that in this country. can’t find €9 million for a bus serv- conditions of employment My own view is public transport is ice that the rural people of Ireland which would result in reduc- just as important as health and cent jobs and a high quality public of Transport.” depend on.” tions in their earnings of up education, and it just isn’t funded transport system. He added: “SIPTU members in Among the others who ad- 30%. correctly.” Early in the dispute, SIPTU Sector Bus Éireann want a solution to the dressed the crowd were NBRU Gen- Workers had no doubt this was He added: “This is a dispute Organiser, Willie Noone, had laid current dispute and to return to eral Secretary, Dermot O’Leary, the first stage of a wider plan to im- about services to local communities out what was necessary to establish work as soon as possible.” TSSA General Secretary Manuel Liberty 7 Bus Éireann MAY 2017

Cortes, Unite General Secretary, afternoon of 13th April. tinuing public goodwill and politi- Jimmy Kelly, and SIPTU Bus Éire- During this period, the Bus Éire- cal support. Just hours before the ann worker, Georgina Kerslake. ann workers had maintained their recommendation was issued the Karen North, the wife of a bus steadfast resolve on picket lines result of ballot of their Dublin Bus driver, summed up the sentiment across the country buoyed by con- colleagues was announced, with a large majority voting in favour of taking industrial action. Celebrating In his statement announcing that SIPTU members would return to work while they considered the Workers’ Labour Court recommendation, Willie Noone said: “Our members Culture have shown fortitude and solidar- ity in their fight to protect decent PRODUCED BY SIPTU DUBLIN DISTRICT COUNCIL jobs and the public transport sys- TICKETS BLE tem. They will now return to work AVAILA E DOOR with their heads held high know- Liberty Hall, Dublin AT TH ing that they and their union have done everything they could to try Wednesday, 3rd May The SIPTU Dublin District and protect conditions of employ- Council ment. From The Backbone Out Commemorative Plaque Drogheda “SIPTU prioritises the security of Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre Project Film employment of its members in Bus Show starts 8.00 p.m. Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre Éireann and the protection of de- A play focusing on the life and death of Time: 6.30 p.m. of many of the workers’ supporters cent employment conditions. It trade unionist Richard O’Carroll, one of The launch of a short educational film on the march. She said: “It is im- will also continue to play a major the unsung heroes of the labour move- based around the SIPTU Dublin District portant to remember that as well role in fighting to retain bus serv- ment and the 1916 Rising. Written by Alan Council Irish Citizen Army (ICA) as the 2,500-plus Bus Éireann ices in rural Ireland and the urban O’Brien and Patrick Ferris. ‘Government Commemorative Plaque Project. workers there are also their fami- centres outside of Dublin. Tickets €10, available at the door. lies. In our case if we want to give policy is “The Labour Court recommenda- our daughter a decent future then tion is restricted to proposing a her dad needs a decent job.” doomed to result pathway to dealing with the cur- Thursday, 4th May Tuesday, 9th May The following morning some rent industrial relations issues in From The Backbone Out Joyce, Larkin and Connolly Bus Éireann drivers ill-advisedly, in higher fares, Bus Éireann. However, the wider Venue: Connolly Hall • Time: 7.30 p.m. but somewhat understandably, Government policy on providing Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre took matters into their own hands less frequent and properly funding public trans- Show starts 8.00 p.m. Des Gunnings one-man show focusing and set up unofficial pickets out- port still needs to be addressed. Tickets €10, available at the door. on excerpts from the works of James side Dublin Bus depots and Irish services and “The belated offer by the Minister Joyce referring to Larkin and Connolly. Rail stations. declining for Transport, Shane Ross, to set up Requested contribution €5 The action resulted in several a forum to engage on transport pol- Friday, 5th May hours of severe disruption to standards and icy will be taken up by SIPTU. The The Dublin Dockworkers Show Wednesday, 10th May members of the public. SIPTU rep- current government policy is Venue: Connolly Hall • Time: 7.30 p.m. resentatives, in a meeting in Lib- will only benefit doomed to result in higher fares, Sons of Molly Maguire An evening of stories and songs from erty Hall later that day, decided to less frequent services and declining Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre the Dublin docklands and surrounding immediately begin balloting mem- privateers’ standards and will only benefit pri- Time: 8.00 p.m bers in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. communities curated by Niamh Gleeson vateers.” In the 1860s coalmines of Pennsylvania, Bus Éireann school bus drivers also and starring retired dock workers. The recommendation includes when bosses cheat and discriminate decided to ballot for action. Requested contribution €5 200 job losses, the closure of Dun- against Irish immigrants, the newcom- With these ballots in motion – ers fight back through strikes and the but with management and the Saturday, 6th May terror of the Molly Maguires. Written by Minister still maintaining a posi- John Kearns. Tickets €10, available at tion of total intransigence – the Invisible Lives the door. dispute dragged on. Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre. On 4th April, trade union and Time: 8.00 p.m. management representatives ac- At a party for a retiring cleaner Thursday, 11th May cepted an invitation from the old stories and lingering dreams emerge. A Workplace Relations Commission Sons of Molly Maguire debut play by Mags O’Brien. Tickets €10, (WRC) to attend talks, aimed at re- Time: 8.00 p.m. available at the door. solving the dispute. However, Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre these talks proved fruitless and the Tickets €10, available at the door. dispute was referred to the Labour Sunday, 7th May Court on 11th April. Following two Jimm LarkinL days of marathon negotiations the Invisible Lives CREDITR D UNIONUTI OINU N Labour Court eventually issued a Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre lengthy recommendation on the Waterford Time: 8.00 p.m. Tickets €10, available at the door. SIPTU Membership Services

dalk maintenance garage, and the Monday, 8th May ending of several bus routes. It also Children’s Book reading proposes the consolidation of driv- ers’ pay in set hourly rates and the and discussion creation of a forum for all major Venue: Liberty Hall Theatre stakeholders to discuss the future Time: 10.30 a.m. The Cois Life Bar will be open for of bus transport in Ireland. A children’s author will read from their refreshments from 7.00 p.m. before Nationwide meetings of SIPTU work and discuss storytelling with an theatre performances, at intervals and members to discuss the Labour invited audience from Primary Schools until 11.00 p.m. after the show. Court’s recommendation are cur- involved in the Irish Citizen Army rently taking place. The results of Commemorative Plaque Project. ballot of SIPTU Bus Éireann mem- Monaghan bers on the recommendation will To buy a €30 ‘season ticket’ which allows you entry to all shows Pictures: Paddy Cole be counted on May 12th. contact Laura Woods at [email protected] or 01 858 6354 8 Liberty MAY 2017 Supporting Quality

DO YOUR PART TO S SUPPORT QUALITY JOBS IN IRELAND!

IrelIrelandand Liberty 9 News MAY 2017 Huge turn out in Derry for McGuinness funeral • By Frank Connolly

Tens of thousands of people in the loss of a loving husband and the barricades of Free Derry. He turned out for the wake and father. disputed the attempt by some to funeral of Martin McGuinness The extraordinary scene of tens explain that the outbreak of affec- in Derry on 23rd March while of thousands walking to and from tion for McGuiness on his death the church to the graveyard look- was due to some Damascene con- the requiem mass in the ing over the city from the Donegal version. packed St Colomba’s church side, with family, friends and com- “Reading and watching some of looking over his native Bog- rades bearing the coffin by turn the media reports of his life and side was attended by Presi- culminated in a moving and sim- death in recent days one could be dent Michael D Higgins, and ple oration by his long-time friend forgiven for believing that Martin, former US president, Bill Clin- and political soulmate, Gerry at some undefined point in his ton. life, had a road to Damascus con- SIPTU president, Jack O’Connor version; abandoned his republican was among the mourners along There was not a bad principles, his former comrades in with trade union members from the IRA, and joined the political es- across the country, politicians, Martin McGuinness or a tablishment. To suggest this is to diplomats, civic and church lead- miss the truth of his leadership good Martin McGuinness. ers. and the essence of his humanity. There was not a bad Martin Clinton delivered a carefully cal- There was simply a man, ibrated and typically concise mes- McGuinness or a good Martin sage to a global audience appealing like every other decent McGuinness. There was simply a to politicians in the North to get man, like every other decent man back into talks. McGuinness had man or woman, doing his or woman, doing his best. Martin resigned from the power sharing believed in freedom and equality.” executive earlier this year bringing best. Martin believed in The public day of mourning commenced with Frances Black it down over the “cash for ash” and freedom and equality. other political scandals and snubs singing ‘Raglan Road’ outside his he had blamed on the chair of the family home on Westland Street DUP. and ended some six hours later Clinton also extolled what he with Christy Moore giving a heart- described as the legitimate and Adams. felt rendition of the ‘Time has genuine ambition of people for ‘a The Sinn Fein president mixed Come’ a moving lament for an- humour and pathos in his personal The coffin of former Deputy First Minister Martin other Derry boy, Patsy O’Hara, who self-governing’ Ireland, careful to McGuinness is carried past iconic gable wall murals remain consistent with the life tribute and recollections of a man on his way to St Columba’s church for Requiem Mass died during the republican hunger long struggle of the former IRA and whom he first met when they were Pictures: RollingNews.ie strike in 1981. Sinn Fein leader for national unity both in their early twenties behind while sensitive to those in the con- gregation reluctant to embrace the end of partition and union with Britain. Queen Elizabeth of England sent a private note of sympathy to his wife Bernie and their children, Emmet, Fiachra, Gráinne and SIPTU president, Jack O’Connor was Fionnuala, a family clearly bereft among the mourners

Low pay statistics highlight need for action Unions to resist move to link • By Loraine Mulligan public pensions to inflation The recent Central Statistics an average of 155,100 em- There was also an age dimension Unions will resist any The upcoming talks will focus Office (CSO) figures under- ployees fell into this cate- to low pay with 37.9% of those move to link the pensions on pay restoration for public line the need for accelerated gory, with 14.5% of them earning on or below the NMW. of public service workers sector workers, following the significant cuts imposed on action to convert the earning below the €9.15 rate Part-time workers were more to inflation rather than the likely to be represented among pay rates in the grade from them during the economic cri- National Minimum Wage so that applied at the time. sis. Government ministers have those on or below the NMW, 58.7% which they retire, it was as to ensure all workers can It remains the case that women decided at a meeting of the claimed they will be utilising enjoy a modest but decent are most heavily affected. Over the compared to 41.3% who are work- Public Service Committee the talks to seek so-called ‘pro- standard living. The CSO period, 54.5% of those on or below ing full-time. of the ICTU on 2nd May. ductivity measures’ and Migrants are disproportionally changes to public sector pen- updates reveal that 134,500 the national minimum wage were The decision came as union women, representing 10.9% of all represented among the low paid, leaders met to discuss upcom- sions. employees reported earning ing talks with the Government It is believed that the Govern- female employees. accounting for 17.3% of those on or the National Minimum Wage below the NMW compared to 8.7% on a successor to the Lans- ment will seek to conclude the The statistics confirm that the talks process by early June so (NMW) or below in the who were Irish employees. downe Road Agreement. These fourth quarter of 2016. This concentration of low pay is in the talks are expected to begin later that the agreed measures can be wholesale and retail trade (25.9%) This is not news in so far as the introduced in the October 2017 represents 8.6% of total em- this month, following the pub- and the accommodation and food profile of low paid workers has lication of a report by the Public Budget. ployees. Over the three quar- services sector (24.7%). proven relatively consistent over Service Pay Commission. ters between Q2 and Q4 2016, time. 10 Liberty MAY 2017 Clerys dispute

T I M E L I N E Clerys result shows the Battle under Clerys clock 2015 12 June – The consortium Natrium takes power of workers united over Clerys in the early hours of the morning. The company is liquidated By Ethel Buckley almost immediately. Staff, 130 of them directly employed and more than 300 HE victory of the Jus- working for concession holders, are tice for the Clerys The victory has informed at 5.30 p.m. that their jobs are Workers campaign again proved gone and they must be off the premises shows the power that by 6pm. Tworkers can muster when they the truth of 13June – At a meeting in Liberty Hall show resolve, dedication to a the Justice for Clerys Workers (J4CW) cause and, most crucially, work Larkin’s words: campaign is launched, the workers then march to the department store and hold together as a collective organ- ‘The great only a protest. It receives widespread media ised in their union. appear great attention. As a result of detailed reporting 16June – More than 1,000 people and by the media, most people in Ire- several prominent politicians attend the land are aware of the shocking cir- because we are Former Clerys worker Liz first in a regular series of protests cumstances surrounding the on our knees. Meade protests outside outside the store. At the protest a closure of the Clerys Department the department store in petition calling for justice for the Clerys Store in June 2015 after more than Let us rise!’ September 2015. Picture: workers is launched. Within 24 hours 160 years in operation. Workers Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie more than 5,000 people have signed it. were forced out of their place of employment with only minutes' This they achieved and in doing so out a framework for co-operation struggle and will now continue as notice and with no arrangements they have set an important exam- between developers, communities an important part of our union’s in place to pay their redundancy ple for workers throughout Ireland. and unions. We must now work to fight for social and economic entitlements. The dramatic press conference in ensure that these clauses are deliv- progress. Unfortunately, in recent years the Mansion House on 21st March ered on, so we can re-establish the The victory of the Clerys workers the gross abuse of workers’ rights last brought one phase of our strug- capital's inner city as an area where has once again proved the truth of by employers has become more gle to a satisfactory conclusion but business thrives, workers are as- the words cast in bronze that are commonplace. However, in the im- other battles continue, including sured fair working conditions and attached to the statue of our mediate aftermath of the store clo- the battle to secure legislative local communities directly benefit union’s founder, Jim Larkin, which sure it was clear the Clerys workers change to ensure that what hap- from its redevelopment. stands directly opposite the main would not just meekly accept their pened at Clerys can never happen This is in line with the aims of entrance to the store: “The great ill-treatment. They organised again. SIPTU's Working City Initiative. only appear great because we are through their union to fight back to The Clerys settlement also in- This campaign emerged from the on our knees. Let us rise!” achieve the respect they deserved. cludes important clauses setting Justice for the Clerys Workers Clerys worker John Finn speaks to the media on 16th June 2015. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie 19June – Clerys workers protest outside Dramatic end to relentless 21-month battle the offices of D2 Private, a part-owner of By Scott Millar Natrium, in Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2. FTER a relentless 21- The hearing, at which SIPTU was 29June – At the request of the J4CW month battle, the the sole objector to the redevelop- campaign, Dublin City Council convenes a special meeting to discuss the closure. A members of the Jus- ment, began at 10.00 a.m. on 20th March in the Bord Pleanála offices in motion is passed supporting the workers tice for the Clerys central Dublin. At 3.00 p.m., SIPTU and calling for the renewal of the Special AWorkers Campaign declared Services Division Organiser, Ethel Planning Control Scheme for O’Connell victory following a meeting Buckley, announced that the union Street and Environs, which includes ref- with the Natrium director, was withdrawing its objection. It erences to Clerys, which was due to ex- Deirdre Foley, on 21st March. emerged that the objection was pire. Foley was among those who con- withdrawn because a comprehen- 6July – A delegation, led by ICTU Gen- troversially took ownership of the sive agreement had been secured eral Secretary, Patricia King, meets with between the union and the develop- department store in June 2015, in a Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innova- Natrium Director Deirdre Foley speaks at the press ers, Natrium. move which led to its closure and conference on 21st March. Also pictured are Lord Mayor tion, Richard Bruton, to propose changes the loss of several hundred jobs. The of Dublin Brendan Carr, and SIPTU’s Ethel Buckley and Central to establishing a process to bring the two sides together was the to the law that would require employers deal that finally settled the long-run- Gerry Markey. Picture: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr. to enter a 30-day period of consultation ning dispute includes a goodwill He said: “It will be the role of the with workers before redundancies could payment for those formerly directly owner, Deirdre Foley. This goal was which was organised though our office of Lord Mayor in the the com- occur. employed by Clerys and clauses to achieved when Ms Foley held a union, SIPTU, have achieved is a ing years to ensure that a proper bal- 7July - Minister for Business and Em- ensure that inner-city Dublin com- private meeting with Ethel Buckley clear indication of what is possible ance is maintained between the munities benefit from the site’s re- and myself and then met other when workers stand together and ployment, Ged Nash, publishes a report interests of business and workers in into ‘The Sale and Liquidation of Clerys’. development. workers in the Mansion House on fight for what is right.” the Clerys development. It is hoped SIPTU Clerys shop steward and 21st March, before she took part in The deal to resolve the dispute Its conclusion makes clear that the in- that the framework agreed for this vestigation into the events that resulted Justice for the Clerys Workers Cam- a press conference to publicly ratify which had been the subject of na- development may also become a paign spokesman, Gerry Markey, the deal to bring this long-running tional media attention, came about in the closure of Clerys is at a “prelimi- template for others concerned with nary stage”. said: “We had one key demand in dispute to an end. dramatically, hours into a public regeneration projects in our city. our campaign and that was to meet “What the members of the Justice hearing by An Bord Pleanála into the Such an approach is in the best in- 21 July – Clerys workers begin holding with the department store’s new for the Clerys Workers Campaign, redevelopment of the Clerys site. terests of the citizens of Dublin.” regular protests outside the registered Liberty 11 Clerys dispute MAY 2017 Hastings car workers in Mayo secure settlement

Protest at Clerys in June 2016

offices of Natrium, on North Wall Quay, 9December – Dublin City Council Dublin 1. grants planning permission to the 20 August - Clerys workers hold a Clerys development, despite more than protest to mark 10 weeks of silence from 67 objections being lodged by former the new owners. They announce their workers, councillors, neighbouring petition now has 18,000 signatures. businesses and SIPTU. 1 September - A SIPTU Workers Rights Centre legal expert is appointed to sit on 2017 a Committee of Investigation to oversee 16 January – SIPTU lodges an appeal the liquidation process of the company with An Bord Pleanála for a public Several hundred rally in support that operated Clerys department store. hearing into the granting of planning of Tim Hastings Volkswagen 27 October - Former Clerys workers permission for the Clerys development workers in Westport on 4th March begin holding regular protests outside with An Bord Pleanála. Among the Picture: Paddy Cole the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and union’s main objections is that the Innovation on Kildare Street, Dublin 2, to development contravenes the Special By Scott Millar highlight their call for a change in the law Planning Control Scheme for the Mayo area was also crucial.” was SIPTU General President Jack to ensure no other workers can lose their O’Connell Street area. A SIX-WEEK strike action by The strike began on 3rd Febru - O’Connor, representatives from jobs in a similar manner. Over the coming SIPTU members in Tim Hast - 6February – Dublin City Council passes ings Volkswagen Garage in ary due to a dispute concerning IMPACT trade union, the Commu - weeks they are joined by representatives an emergency motion calling on the of several ICTU affiliated unions. Westport, Co Mayo, ended in the payment of redundancy enti - nications Workers Union and Lord Mayor, Brendan Carr, to use his late March with an agreement tlements and the implementation members of the local community. office to find a solution to the Clerys of a Labour Court recommenda - SIPTU Sector Organiser, Teresa dispute. brokered by the Workplace 2016 Relations Commission (WRC). tion. In late March, a WRC concili - Hannick, said: “The Hastings 4January – An hour-long TV documen - 22 February – An Bord Pleanála an - SIPTU Organiser, Ashling ation conference was attended by workers believe the support they tary on the history and closure of Clerys nounces it will hold a public Oral Hearing Dunne, said: “Our members are SIPTU representatives and man - received at this rally, from trade is broadcast on RTÉ One. concerning the Clerys development. very pleased that a just and fair agement. The proposals for the unionists and the general public, 13 January - Dublin City Council renews 20 March – On the opening day of the resolution was reached in this dis - settlement of the dispute which played a significant role in bring - the Scheme of Special Planning Control Bord Pleanála Oral Hearing, SIPTU with - pute. This outcome was achieved emerged from this meeting were ing the dispute to a close. Strike for the O’Connell Street area. Following a draws its objection to the development. only due to the overwhelming then accepted in a ballot of the actions are always difficult experi - lobbying campaign by SIPTU, it includes support the workers received from workers. ences and our members were very reference to Clerys and an objective that the local community in Westport SIPTU members travelled from pleased to be able to return to workers are assured fair working and from SIPTU members across across the country to attend a rally their normal lives following the conditions in this “area of special the country. in Westport on 4th March in sup - resolution of this dispute.” significance to the Irish Nation.” “The support of local politicians port of the strike action. Among The terms of the settlement are 14 January – The Government from Westport and the wider county those who showed their solidarity confidential. announces a review of company and employment law, by experts Kevin Duffy and Nessa Cahill. 26 April – The Duffy-Cahill Report is published. It recommends a series of legal changes to prevent another Ba s ic English Scheme situation similar to the Clerys closure. FOR SIPTU MEMBER S 11 June – Time for Justice’ demand projected onto front of Clerys to mark M FILLING Í one year since the store closed. Former Clerys worker Maurice R NO Bracken with his mother Dora FO T 29 July – An application for planning E outside the Bord Pleanála Í - permission to redevelop Clerys as a G T hearing on 20th March 2017. A EAD, hotel, offices, bars and shops is lodged IN O R Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie K HT T L I RIG ELL with Dublin City Council. L N THE E & SP 21 March – A press conference is held in E G WRIT 9August – Lambstongue, a contractor P Right the Mansion House in Dublin with SIPTU Í specialising in the restoration of historic S

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‘I started in the hospital 19 years ago with no experience. I became a maternity HCA 13 years ago. We would not have had any education without SIPTU’

By Scott Millar the recognition or respect they be- lieve their role deserves. This has led HE SIPTU Care Sector to the SIPTU Care Sector adopting a is one of the newest in five-point agenda. the trade union. For- Sector Organiser, Marie Butler, mally launched in summarises their agenda as having TMarch 2016, it was established twin objectives, including the devel- Taking care of the opment of the grade through “regis- to organise Healthcare Assis- tration/recognition of the role, a tants (HCA), a grade of staff national job description; an appro- which the union had a crucial priate workplace uniform; ongoing role in creating. education training development and Liberty met with the members of progression”, while the other is “to the SIPTU Care Sector Committee in improve pay and working conditions late April during one of their quar- through nationally negotiated pay terly meetings in Liberty Hall. Helen care assistants agreements”. Tierney, a HCA in Mayo General Hos- “We have also campaigned to en- pital in Castlebar, outlined how the sure that permanency and incremen- jections and other tasks.” mated 16,000 HCAs play in our HCA role came into being. Finbarr’s Hospital in Cork, took the tal credit is secured for those Despite the crucial role the esti- health services, they still do not have “I came into the hospital as an or- FETAC course in 2005. “Until then employed under the HSE intern derly. However, as I was working di- there were no HCAs, we were known scheme,” she added. rectly with patients when the FETAC as auxiliary staff. We did the same With a HSE national review of Level 5 Healthcare Assistant course work as a HCA does now, direct pa- healthcare assistants expected to re- was rolled out, I enrolled. tient care. All auxiliaries have been port shortly and a national HCA “Prior to that we did have HCAs in trained up now in St Finbarr’s so forum already established, the com- the hospital, some had trained in the there are just HCAs and multi-task mittee expects major advances on US and some in the UK but it was attendants.” their agenda in the near future. only with the start of the FETAC Committee members talk of the Pauline McDonagh, who has been Level 5 course that we started getting “Healthcare Assistant family” to a HCA in the Mayo Mental Health qualified in Ireland.” cover the wide variety of roles in- Sector for the past five years, be- The FETAC Level 5 Healthcare As- cluded within the grade, from acute lieves progress on the five-point sistant course was created with the services, maternity, palliative care, agenda will make HCAs visible. “Cur- direct involvement of SIPTU, when mental health services, care of the rently people only think of doctors elderly and other disability services. SIPTU Care Sector Committee (l-r): Moira Daly, in the mid 2000’s the union worked Cheryl Barrow-Hilliard, Ann O’Connell, and nurses but we deserve to be with the HSE to assist its health staff The HCA position became essen- Pauline McDonagh, Helen Tierney, Marie recognised as qualified professionals members to upskill. The course tial throughout the health service as Butler, Justina Munitich and Michelle Corbally as well.” sought to train hospital support staff nursing and other roles evolved over With recognition should come a to fulfill hands-on patient care roles. time. As Cheryl Barrow-Hilliard, a National HCA uniform throughout In many cases the workers were al- palliative care HCA recalls, “My back- the health service, although what ready carrying out such duties with- ground is in nursing in England. A What the SIPTU Care Sector is looking for colour it should be is yet to be de- out formal qualifications. HCA does a load of what I did as a cided. As Michelle Corbally, a HCA Justina Munitich, a Maternity HCA nurse. However, the role of a nurse 1. Registration and recognition. in Tallaght Hospital since 2006, in Portiuncula Hospital in Balli- has changed. It is now less hands-on points out, this is not about vanity and because of regulation, paper- 2. National Job Description and appropriate workplace nasloe, Co Galway, said: “I started in uniform. but ensuring that the HCA is easily the hospital 19 years ago with no ex- work and other tasks, we have taken identifiable in the various health perience. I became a maternity HCA on much of the hands-on work for settings and assists in improving patients.” 3. Ongoing education training, development and 13 years ago. We would not have had progression. the patient experience within the any education without SIPTU. We Ann O’Connell, a HCA in the health service. were doing the job already but the Emergency Department of Cork Uni- 4. Permanency and incremental credit for interns. “It’s not because we want a uni- FETAC 5 course explained why we versity Hospital, agrees. “Nurses are form to go with the colour of our were doing it.” doing roles that doctors would have 5. SIPTU negotiated pay and conditions. eyes. It defines who you are”, she Similarly, Moira Daly, a HCA in St once done, taking bloods, giving in- said. Liberty 13 News MAY 2017 Largest ever Starting a fashion revolution discrimination award given to Barna Waste part-timer SIPTU member Carmel Leydon, who was represented by the unions Workers Rights Centre, has won the largest ever compensation award for discrimination against a part-time worker. Carmel Leydon had worked as an administrator at the non-union Barna waste company for 11 years when she and three colleagues were told that their four part-time jobs were to be replaced by two full-time posts. None of the four opted to apply for the full-time positions. Ms Ley- don, the only SIPTU member of the SIPTU member Carmel Leydon four, objected to her dismissal for received €26,000 payout redundancy in June 2014 and brought a claim under the Protec- tion of Employees (Part-Time Court found that Ms Leydon has Work) Act 2003, alleging that she been discriminated against be- Iris Textiles, an industrial textile group, proudly operating since 1956 in Guatemala. Thanks to the had been treated less favourably cause of her part-time status and efforts of various generations, Iris Textiles has continued to evolve until today it manufactures 100% than her full-time colleagues in awarded her €26,000 compensa- sustainable eco-cotton yarn, fabrics, garments and accessories. Picture: Fashion Revolution other areas of the plant who had tion. not been selected for redundancy. Ms Leydon was represented by After an unsuccessful hearing in Paul Hardy of SIPTU’s Workers’ AT THE end of April, SIPTU ion and demanded greater supply my clothes?’ and to question front of a Rights Commissioner in Rights Centre. Global Solidarity gave its chain transparency from clothing where your clothes come from 2015, the case was appealed to the Paul Hardy told Liberty: “I’m de- backing to Fashion Revolu- brands. and who makes them, how much Labour Court. In September 2015, lighted that SIPTU was able to se- tion Week – part of a grow- they’re paid, and under what con- the Court ordered that an evalua- cure some measure of justice for ing global movement seeking ditions are they working?” tion of Ms Leydon’s job and those our member. This case shows the a fairer, safer, cleaner fash- Our clothes have gone on a long of her full-time colleagues be car- value of union membership even ion industry. Some 75 journey before they hit our local ried out. An independent assessor in workplaces without union The week coincides with the clothing store, passing through concluded that Ms Leydon’s post recognition, and is a warning to fourth anniversary of the Rana million people the hands of cotton farmers, spin- was of equal value to the full-time employers across the economy, Plaza factory collapse in ners, weavers, dyers, and sewers. positions and reported his findings unionised or not, that part-time Bangladesh on 24th April 2013. work to make Some 75 million people work to to the Court. workers can take action to fight A total of 1,138 workers were make our clothes and 80% of them In February 2017, the Labour discrimination against them.” killed and another 2,500 injured are women aged between 18 and in the worst tragedy in the history our clothes 24. of the garment industry. The vic- However, the majority of the tims were mostly young women. and 80% of people who make clothes for the There were five garment facto- global market live in poverty, un- ries in Rana Plaza manufacturing able to afford life’s basic necessi- for the western market, making them are ties. Many are subject to the clothes that we buy every day exploitation, verbal and physical in Ireland. women aged abuse, working in unsafe condi- This tragedy sparked a greater tions, with very little pay. This momentum among campaigners between 18 needs to change. and consumers to demand As consumers, our questions, change. People from across the our voices, our shopping habits world have come together to use and 24. can have the power to help change the power of fashion to force a things for the better. change and begin a fashion revo- We are the driver of trends, and lution. every time we buy something, Yvonne O’Callaghan, Secretary “Everybody should get in- we’re voting with our wallets. of SIPTU Global Solidarity Com- formed because we all have the So act now and get involved in mittee, told Liberty: “SIPTU sup- power to change the industry that asking brands #whomade ported Fashion Revolution Week so desperately needs to be revolu- myclothes. as it not only commemorated tionised. For more information on Fash- those lives lost, it also promoted “It starts simply by asking ion Revolution Week : http://fash- a conversation around fast fash- brands and retailers ‘who made ionrevolution.org/ 14 Liberty MAY 2017 Palestine letter Appeal for recognition of the State of Palestine This letter to Enda Niall Holohan, former Irish Represen- Kenny was signed by the following: tative to the Palestinian Authority Robert Ballagh, Artist John Hume, Nobel Peace Laureate Ursula Barry, UCD Andy Irvine, Singer Pat Bolger, IMPACT Dr Mariya Ivancheva, UCD Pat Boran, Poet Prof Alan Johnson, Nord University, Paul Brady, Singer and Songwriter Norway Prof Cathal Brugha, UCD Prof John Kelly, UCD Peter Bunting, ICTU (retired) Jimmy Kelly, Regional Secretary, Brian Campfield, President, ICTU UNITE Karan Casey, Folk Singer Ailbhe Keogan, Screenwriter James Carroll, former Irish Represen- Freda King, Irish Equity tative to the Palestinian Authority Patricia King, General Secretary, ICTU Seamus Cashman, Poet and Publisher Prof Michael Laffan, UCD Eamonn Ceannt, former Vice- Fintan Lane, Author and Historian President, UCD Donal Lunny, Musician Shay Cody, General Secretary, IMPACT An Taoiseach Joseph Lynch, retired Ambassador Paul Collins, DJ Today FM Dáil Éireann , Former Senator Dr Catherine Conlon, TCD Dublin 2 Prof Dermot MacDonald, RCSI Frank Connolly, Head of 24th April 2017 Prof Patrick Masterson, former Communications, SIPTU President, UCD Mary Coughlan, Singer Prof Dermot McAleese, TCD Catherine Anne Cullen, Poet National Appeal for the Recognition of the State of Palestine Dr Mary McAuliffe, UCD Prof Patrick Cunningham, TCD John McColgan, Riverdance Producer Prof Fergus D’Arcy, Historian Dear Taoiseach, Patrick McGuckian, former Director, Prof Seamus Deane, University of We are writing to you in our capacity as concerned Irish citizens who wish to promote Masstock and Almarai Notre Dame the cause of peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Pauline McLynn, Actress Padraic de Bhaldraithe, Translator Mairead Maguire, Nobel Peace We have all been greatly encouraged by the political and financial support which suc- Finn de Bri, Government Employee Laureate cessive Irish Governments have granted to the Palestinian people; we take pride further- Paula Meehan, Poet Orla de Bri, Sculptor more in the fact that several decades ago, Ireland was the first country in the EU to call for Liam Doran, General Secretary, INMO the creation of a Palestinian state. In this regard, we were particularly pleased that Seanad Christy Moore, Singer Theo Dorgan, Poet Éireann, on 22 October 2014, unanimously passed a motion calling on the Government to Isolde Moylan, former Irish Represen- John Douglas, General Secretary, recognise formally the State of Palestine. Likewise, Dáil Éireann, on 10 December 2014, tative to the Palestinian Authority Mandate agreed a motion to “officially recognise the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 Dr Anne Mulhall, UCD Seamus Doyle, President, Musicians borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, as established in UN resolutions, as a further Dr Bassam Naser, GP Union of Ireland positive contribution to securing a negotiated two-State settlement to the Israeli-Pales- Dr Jim O’Brien, former Director Dr Vincent Durac, UCD, and visiting tinian conflict”. General, Irish EU Office Professor, Bethlehem University With the arrival of a new administration in Washington D.C., it is regrettable that state- Jack O’Connor, General President, Palestine ments have recently been made calling into question this internationally accepted two- SIPTU Felim Egan, Artist State solution. It has become more important than ever therefore that Ireland should now Ruairi O’Cuiv, Arts Administrator Dr Nazih Eldin, HSE join its name to the list of 137 countries that currently grant formal recognition to the Patrick O’ Flynn, Former President, Prof Bryan Fanning, UCD State of Palestine. IFUT Dr Sean Farren, University of Ulster Cormac O’Gráda, Prof Emeritus, UCD It is our belief that the principal international legal criteria for the recognition of a Pales- Dr Jacqui O’Riordan, UCC Dr Maggie Feeley, UCD tinian State have already been met. We hold that further official recognition of Palestine Dr Alice Feldman, UCD by EU member states will strengthen the case for acceptance of the two-state solution and , CEO, Asthma Society of Prof Diarmaid Ferriter, UCD will help in particular to provide parity of status between Palestine and Israel which is es- Ireland Jim Fitzpatrick, Artist sential for any lasting peace settlement. Dr Aideen Quilty, UCD Stephen Rea, Actor Stevie Fitzpatrick, General President, We accordingly call on the Irish Government to take this important step without further CWU Michael Robinson, NIPSA delay. Recognition of the State of Palestine at this opportune time will underline the Eoin Ronayne, General Secretary, Tom Geraghty, General Secretary, strength of Ireland’s continuing commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Pales- CPSU PSEU tinian conflict based on the two-State solution. Prof Robert Gilligan, TCD Maggie Ronayne, NUI Galway Dr Desmond Green, Chair, the Ireland We are firmly of the belief that such recognition would not only help to right an historical Ann Russell, Irish Equity Canada University Foundation injustice but would also contribute to the wider cause of peace in the Middle East. Most Dr Fintan Sheerin, TCD Noirin Greene, AMICUS Regional importantly, we believe that it provides the best means of ensuring the long-term peace Jean Kennedy Smith, former US Officer, TCD and security of both Israel and Palestine. Ambassador to Ireland Pat Harris, Artist Niall Vallely, Musician Liberty 15 Comment MAY 2017 Globalisation for slow learners

By Vic Duggan is one of the biggest threats to global economic health. On the HE IMF recently pub- other hand, however it acknowl- lished its updated edges that ever-greater global eco- outlook for the nomic integration has been global economy. coupled with both rising inequal- T ity and workers’ declining share The good news is that recovery from the crisis seems to be finally in economic activity in the picking up some momentum after form of wages. a decade of sub-par growth. At the least, such cogni- The bad news, as they see it, is tive dissonance is an im- that this momentum could be provement on the market stopped in its tracks if the sword fundamentalism – the so- of Damocles that is the threat of called Washington Con- protectionism – whether ema- sensus – that prevailed nating from Trump’s White in the 1990s. In light of House, May’s Westminister or the Tequila crisis (Mex- elsewhere – falls. ico, 1994-1995), the This could throw the process East Asian crisis (1997), of globalisation into reverse, the global financial cri- they worry, and slow growth in sis (2008-2009), the Eu- the size of the economic pie. rozone crisis (2009-) Alongside their twice-yearly and now the rise of economic forecasts, the IMF also populist demagogues, a publishes its latest thinking on less charitable moniker various themes. In light of in- might be ‘globalisation creased focus on the issue of in- for slow learners’. equality since the global financial Even this tentative crisis, to which the recent rise in progress of the global elites political populism has been attrib- towards an accurate diagno- uted, the IMF provides a timely sis should be welcomed as a chapter on “Understanding the step in the right direction. Un- downward trend in labour income fortunately, their prescribed shares”. treatment still leaves a lot to be It explores the reasons why the desired. share of wages in GDP has declined Certainly, all reasonable people markedly – in advanced, emerging agree on the pivotal importance of and developing economies alike – education and training. This is the in recent decades. path of least resistance, relatively Between the mid-1970s and its uncontroversial. To be fair, the IMF 2006 low, the labour share has de- acknowledges that this is unlikely clined from around 55% of GDP to ...when we to be enough on its own, and that around 50% in advanced more redistribution might also be economies, before recovering only But, there is a scratch below in order. slightly since the financial crisis, need to go much days, for example, but many man- the surface, we see But, there is a need to go much while income inequality has in- ufacturing jobs have become obso- further. Where workers’ bargaining creased significantly over the same further. Where lete due to the rise of the robots. that the ‘average’ power has been undermined in period. Likewise, trade and free-moving improvement hides favour of corporate interests, it Essentially, the IMF identifies workers’ bargain- capital can boost growth, but at the needs to be rebalanced. In Ireland, three main explanatory reasons for ing power has cost of undermining the bargain- a polarisation be- for example, we need to make the this phenomenon, while conced- ing power of labour. As off-shoring minimum wage a living wage. We ing that these are naturally some- been undermined becomes a threat, it allows man- tween high-fliers at need mandatory trade union recog- what inter-linked: 1) technological in favour of agement to drive a harder bargain the top and those nition, an end to low hours con- progress, 2) economic integration with workers. tracts and better protections for (or globalisation), and 3) policies, corporate inter- If we look at the Irish data, we on low-to-modest those who find themselves in the institutions and regulations. ests, it needs to be see that the decline in labour’s incomes who are so-called ‘gig economy’. Notable examples in the latter share in national income was three Overall, globalisation has been category include declining corpo- rebalanced. times the average in advanced struggling to make good for Ireland in terms of im- rate tax rates, falling trade union economies, given that it fell from ends meet proving average living standards membership and weakening em- a high of 69% in 1975 to new low since the 1990s. But, the last ployment protection legislation. of 44% in 2015. decade has shown us how it leaves In fact, the IMF finds that tech- Interestingly, relatively little of the Of course, this has coincided tion rate. If anything, Ireland ap- us more exposed to the vagaries of nological change accounts for decline is attributed to policies, in- with the Celtic Tiger and subse- pears to be a microcosm for a glob- the global economy. Moreover, when we scratch about two-thirds of the declining stitutions or regulations. quent crash, with a significant in- alising economy, magnifiying in a below the surface, we see that the labour income share in advanced Technological progress is there- crease in participation in global small, open, economy trends seen ‘average’ improvement hides a po- economies, with most of the re- fore a double-edged sword: it value chains as production elsewhere (although not univer- larisation between high-fliers at mainder ascribed to globalisation raises living standards, on average, processes become increasingly sally). the top, and those on low-to-mod- (roughly split half and half be- but puts labour at a disadvantage So, on the one hand, the IMF is fractured across borders, and with est incomes who are struggling to tween financial integration and with respect to capital. Nearly a decline in both the average cor- saying that a slowdown or a rever- trade through global value chains). make ends meet. everyone has a mobile phone these porate tax rate and the unionisa- sal in the process of globalisation 16 Liberty MAY 2017 Liberty View

Liberty By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View Addressing the challenges of tomorrow

Later this month, delegates represent- In our analysis, Brexit is not uniquely ongoing alienation of tens of millions of ised workers to face the challenges of ing our members throughout Ireland British, but a manifestation of a wider working people who, for the moment at the future. This despite the fact that will assemble for a Special Delegate process of alienation among working least, are embracing the agendas of their they were adopted virtually unani- Conference. We will be there to discuss people which threatens the very exis- deadliest enemies on the political right mously at the biennial delegate confer- proposals for a plan for the develop- tence of the EU itself. This, of course, is in several countries. Far from the pro- ences of the Irish Congress of Trade ment of the Union, so that we are best the outcome of the vicious one-sided tection the advocates of resurgent xeno- Unions in July 2011 in Killarney and July placed to meet the challenges of to- austerity strategy pursued by those at phobic nationalism are offering, the 2013 in Belfast. Simultaneously, those the top of the European system, (includ- outcome, if they succeed, will be the di- across the entire spectrum of the Left morrow. In this context, we will also be ing the Tory Party in the UK), in re- rect opposite. This is already evident in who articulate the interests of the great deciding on the future of the Union’s sponse to the global economic collapse the core ingredient that is common in all majority of citizens in the political arena political fund. of 2008. However, the problem is still their political programmes from Le Pen remain irretrievably divided and totally more profound. The tension at the heart to the neo-fascists coming to the fore in antagonistic to each other, thus leaving The paradox of these new times is pre- Eastern Europe. Ironically, the one com- the field to the centre right. In these cir- sented by the threat of Brexit, Trump mon demand among all of them is the cumstances, we must do our very best to and the rise of the political right on the commitment to slash corporate tax rates. build the most effective organisation one hand. On the other, here in Ireland, This would enable the global companies if we can manage to navigate a course The net result is the to play one country off against the other. through Brexit and Trump’s protection- ongoing alienation of So much for opposing globalisation! No! ism, we are on the threshold of making The collapse of the EU will serve only to Simultaneously we more progress on building our public tens of millions of exacerbate competitive tensions and the must ensure that we services between now and the cente- working people who, for race to the bottom in the workplace. work with others to nary of the foundation of the State in the moment at least, are build a stronger, 2022 than in any similar such period embracing the agendas One way or the other and unless the Left since the second world war. This is be- can set aside its differences to win a suf- more powerful trade cause there will be more resources avail- of their deadliest ficient degree of power to bring about a union movement able to the next government than since enemies on the political dramatic shift among policy makers at before the economic collapse almost ten right in several countries the top of the European system in the years ago. Moreover, if Brexit plays out direction of the core values which under- as badly for the people in the UK and pinned the establishment of the EU it- possible so as to influence the agenda in Northern Ireland as some of the predic- self, the assault on the gains made by the workplace and in the wider political the working people of Europe in the arena. Simultaneously we must ensure of Europe pre-dates the economic col- post-War years will continue and indeed that we work with others to build a lapse and originates in the period of the intensify. For an ever increasing portion stronger, more powerful trade union The tension at the heart dreadful Barroso presidency of the Euro- of our people, the notion of a decent job movement. Later this month this will be of Europe pre-dates the pean Commission which extended from with a secure contact of employment the focus of our Special Conference economic collapse and 2004 to 2014. During those years, policy upon which one could establish a family which follows a period of consultation makers in Europe embarked on a and aspire to a sustainable future will throughout the Union extending back to originates in the period nakedly free market globalisation strat- become ever more remote. It behoves all September last year. of the dreadful Barroso egy abandoning the essential core com- of us who are committed to economic presidency of the European promise between capital and labour that equality and social justice and the cause The next edition of Liberty will include a Commission which underpinned the post-war European of those who must sell their labour in full report on the outcome. project. order to live, to step up to the mark. extended from 2004 to 2014 Unfortunately, the lessons have not been Tragically, thus far, we have been unable learned. While it appears that the pres- to convince enough of those in leader- ent EU Commission president, Jean- ship of the trade union movement in Ire- tions suggest, the of a new and Claude Juncker, understands the true land to set about the implementation of enormously better relationship between nature of the contradiction, he is not the recommendations of the Commis- the people in both jurisdictions on this succeeding in bringing about any signifi- sion on the Irish Trade Union Movement island is emerging. cant shift in policy. The net result is the which were aimed at equipping organ- Liberty 17 Social Pillar MAY 2017 ‘Battle on’ to keep European Pillar of

Former Clerys shop steward Gerry Markey accepts the Jim Larkin Loraine Mulligan. Thirst for Justice award from Lord Social Rights alive Pictures: Labour Party Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr.

By Loraine Mulligan ON THE announcement of a partners to assess whether existing much-anticipated package on EU legislation can be revised to the European Pillar of Social broaden the scope of information Rights by the European Com- that must be provided to all workers mission last week, the Euro- and to establish a minimum floor of pean Trade Union rights across all types of contract. Confederation has pledged to This is a welcome step in the cam- “mobilise against those who paign against precarious work. want to strangle this at birth”. The first step will involve discus- This is not to say that the plan sions to secure endorsement from can be endorsed wholesale but the and the rather to acknowledge that it Council for the Commission’s rec- offers the potential for gradual ommendation. The recommenda- if not revolutionary progress. tion reinforces existing rights across a range of areas while also pointing The plan has been launched fol- SIPTU General President lowing a lengthy period of consulta- to further legislative action that may Jack O’Connor speaks on a tion with the public and other be required to improve effectiveness. panel on the Future of Work. stakeholders and with member For instance, there is a commitment states last year. The aim is described to fair and equal working conditions “regardless of the type and duration in terms of setting out “20 key prin- of the employment relationship”, in- ciples to support fair and well-func- cluding access to social protection and to training. This is more compre- hensive than what is covered in the current EU treaties and regulations. The Commission’s package also Union values to fore includes a proposal for a directive on work-life balance for parents and car- ers. This would include a new right for fathers to take at least 10 days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child; the guarantee of four months of paid parental leave per at Labour conference The European parent (non-transferrable) up to the Trade Union child reaching 12 years of age; the THE resolute campaign for jus- Over the three days of the confer- to discuss the housing crisis. The right to 5 days of paid carers’ leave tice of the former Clerys work- ence motions were passed calling event featured contributions from Confederation has for all workers and an enhanced ers was celebrated at the 69th for campaigns to strengthen collec- NERI Director, Tom Healy and right to request flexible working annual Labour Party conference tive bargaining laws, to repeal the SIPTU National Campaigns and pledged to arrangements for all working par- in Wexford on Saturday, 22nd Eighth Amendment and for the Equality Organiser, Karan O’Lough- ‘mobilise against ents. Action in this area is much April, as they received the Jim party leadership to reject any elec- lin. needed and will require determined Larkin Thirst for Justice award toral strategy that includes coali- “Our speakers examined how fix- those who want to campaigning to overcome the resist- from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, ing the housing crisis will need strangle this at ance of employers. Brendan Carr. policies rooted in the values of col- The final element of the Commis- Former Clerys shop steward, lectivism and social solidarity and birth’ sion’s initial suite is a document Gerry Markey, accepted the award ‘The Clerys emphasised that these must be the seeking to clarify case law on the on behalf of the campaign. workers certainly values that underpin Labour policy Working Time Directive. This will re- Addressing the approximately development for housing and tioning labour markets and welfare quire detailed analysis but already 800 conference delegates, Markey know the homelessness” said Yvonne O’- systems. The Pillar has been con- the ETUC has expressed reserva- said if there was one lesson to take difference that the Callaghan of SIPTU. ceived as a reference framework to tions. away from the closure of Clerys, it During the weekend, SIPTU Gen- screen the employment and social The European Pillar of Social was the importance of being in a Labour Party made eral President, Jack O’Connor was performance of participating mem- Rights provides welcome ambition union. elected as the new chairperson of ber states, to drive reforms at na- about the principles that should Markey called for the Labour to our campaign the Labour Party replacing SIPTU tional level and, more specifically to guide policy-making in Europe. It Party to continue to support the for justice and for researcher, Loraine Mulligan, serve as a compass for the renewed will not have a big-bang effect but in- Clerys campaign to get the law O’Connor was to the forefront of process of convergence towards bet- stead sets the ground to campaign changed and ban zero hours’ con- workers’ rights’ the debate on the future of work. ter working and living conditions in for legislative and other action to re- tracts. He said: “The Clerys workers He told delegates that as the party Europe, primarily for the euro area store the confidence of workers and certainly know the difference that of , Labour mem- but also for all EU member states citizens in the European project. the Labour Party made to our cam- tion with or Fianna Fáil. bers must effectively challenge the wishing to be part of it”. The chal- SIPTU will review and follow devel- paign for justice and for workers’ Delegates also mandated the spread of precarious work practices. lenge now is to ensure the objectives opments in relation to the proposals rights. We ask you stand with us, Labour leadership to work with O’Connor is joined on the Labour are achieved in a meaningful way. over the coming period in order to shoulder to shoulder so that what other social democratic parties to Party executive by SIPTU officials In order to make this principle provide workers with an under- happened to Clerys workers can build a progressive alliance. and organisers, Adrian Kane, Paddy more concrete, the Commission has standing of the opportunities and never happen to another group of Labour trade unionists also or- Cole and Catherine Walsh. initiated a consultation of the social risks they present. workers.” ganised a fringe event for delegates 18 Liberty MAY 2017 Northern Ireland Unions demand Brexit action that improve our lives and our Gerry McCormack: Brexit can only be communities.” By Bernard dealt with through More than any other sector, jobs Harbor social dialogue and communities supported by the food and agriculture industry are at risk from the fall-out of Brexit. UNIONS will fight to ensure The sector employs more than that workers’ rights are pro- 167,000 people and accounts for al- tected during and after most 10% of employment in the Brexit. That was the main Republic, where it sources almost message from a major event three-quarters of its raw materials organised by SIPTU and IM- and services from local businesses. PACT to explore the impact of More than 40% of its exports are Brexit in the food and agricul- sold in Britain and Northern Ire- ture sector. land. SIPTU’s Divisional Organiser for SIPTU and IMPACT urged the Manufacturing Gerry McCormack Government to seek special finan- told the seminar that workers and cial measures from the EU to pro- business would find it hard to op- tect rural Ireland. They say the EU erate across the border if a hard should be pushed to invoke state Brexit was imposed. Kevin Callinan: aid rules that allow grant aid to in- He said: “I’ve heard of a married European legal couple refused a mortgage by protections must dustries hit with “damage caused be retained banks on both sides of the border by exceptional circumstances.” because they lived in Newry and Blair Horan of the trade union Pictures: Conor Healy Photography worked in Dundalk. ‘Charter Group’ said the Govern- “The impact of workers travel- tial to preserve jobs and employ- It was a nonsense, he added, to tections set down in European law. ment should establish a special ling to construction sites in Dublin ment standards in the face of say Ireland should follow Britain He said: “To panic in this way task force, with employer and and elsewhere, and people doing Brexit. “Aside from jobs, issues like out of the EU in order to remain would be a mistake, not least be- worker representation, to take the their normal day-to-day living freedom of movement of migrants, competitive. cause of advantages that EU mem- message to Brussels. could be severely disrupted. The work permits, social benefits, and This was a theme taken up by bership has bought in areas as He said Ireland should seek sup- freedom of movement and the European Works Councils will IMPACT Deputy General Secretary diverse as food standards, equal port to stabilise employment and right to work, live and do business arise on this island and between Kevin Callinan, who argued that opportunities, health and safety, protect incomes in exposed sectors Britain and Ireland. They can only the Government must ensure that and indeed financial investment. needs to be protected.” such as food. Gerry McCormack told the semi- be dealt with through a structure workers, consumers and communi- We don’t want to follow Britain in Bernard Harbor is IMPACT Head of nar that social dialogue was essen- of social dialogue,” he said. ties continue to benefit from pro- a race to reduce the protections Communications NI workers must not pay price of ‘hard Brexit’ THE Northern Ireland Com- ment. It is bad enough that the mittee of the Irish Congress Owen Reidy: Brexit May government is currently not of Trade Unions (NIC-ICTU) ‘too important to be listening to their concerns, the left to politicians’ has called on representative Scots and Welsh are essentially at groups in civic society to the back of the Brexit bus. Mean- come together to articulate time, we in Northern Ireland have and protect the interests of yet to get on the bus!” Northern Ireland society in He warned that the point had the forthcoming Brexit talks. been reached where it was “essen- The call came during the Brexit- tial” for the trade union movement, themed NIC-ICTU policy confer- the community and voluntary sec- ence held in late March. tor and business to come together to The conference brought together forge “an agreed policy platform worker representatives of the 24 that puts the interests of workers, affiliated trade unions represent- communities and business centre ing more than 200,000 workers stage.” across Northern Ireland. Reidy continued: “We must use Representatives from other civil our collective influence in relation society groups and local politicians also attended the event. to Brexit negotiations as they af- As well as looking at what Brexit fect Northern Ireland. may mean for employment rights, “The people of Northern Ireland the impact on trade and jobs and voted to remain, as did the people the Good Friday Agreement, polit- Picture: NIC-ICTU of Scotland. ical representatives from most of Secretary Owen Reidy said: “The ‘hard Brexit’ as being pursued by lated in a coherent manner. “Whilst accepting that the UK- the Assembly parties outlined issue of Brexit is too important to Theresa May’s government. “The Scottish and Welsh govern- wide vote was for leave, no one can their party’s plans after the trigger- be left only to professional politi- “The ongoing political crisis has ments have developed a policy po- credibly argue that the people ing of Article 50. cians – be they from Brussels, created a vacuum whereby what sition and they did so having voted for this hard Brexit which Speaking at the close of the con- Westminster, Dublin or Stormont, Northern Ireland needs from any engaged with social partners in- has been outlined in recent ference, ICTU Assistant General especially the certain impact of a negotiations has not been articu- cluding the trade union move- weeks.” Liberty 19 Brexit MAY 2017 Tory and Brexit threat to Good Friday Agreement

conflict; and in blocking any 2nd March Assembly election, the The last two phases of talks primacy of the Tories’ unionist ob- progress on dealing with the past, DUP’s ‘Westminster Command’ has showed no evidence they are seri- jectives, and there is influential op- By Declan as well as core equality issues. been in control of the party’s polit- ous about resolving the issues at position from the most senior ical agenda. Kearney MLA When the Tory party came into the heart of the political crisis. echelons in Britain’s Ministry of government in 2010 those on the However, a Rubicon was crossed They both want the political in- Defence and security services extremes of political unionism stitutions back up again but they against dealing with the legacy of seized the opportunity to push back don’t want to have to tackle institu- THIS TIME 20 years ago the the past. against the progress of the peace tionalised bigotry, sectarianism or These factors dovetail with the fledgling Irish peace process process, by attempting to systemat- The decision by intolerance within the North. was in deep trouble and on Tories’ motivation in calling the ically hollow out the GFA. In recent weeks they and others election, which is driven by a right- the verge of complete col- That backlash has defined the di- Theresa May to call the have been maliciously saying pub- lapse. wing power grab, designed to cop- rection of the political process in Westminster general licly and privately, that in the ab- perfasten a hard Brexit, and an Two decades later the political sence of Martin McGuinness, Sinn the North over the last seven years. ideological project to reshape process, which became the architec- A significant and influential sec- election is the clearest Féin does not want a deal which re- Britain as a neo-Thatcherite society. ture of the peace process is now in tion of the DUP have always op- establishes the political institu- Is the Irish government now pre- serious trouble and in a deepening posed the GFA. indication that the Tory tions, is seeking to humiliate the pared to live up to its international crisis. It is not coincidental that a That has found expression in government has now DUP and is “weaponising” the Irish Tory government is back in power. their opposition to sharing power language. They have instead at- obligations by standing up to the The collapse of the power-sharing with Sinn Féin, and hostility to formally disengaged tempted to deflect away from their Tories and standing up for the Executive and failure of the talks equality for republicans, the Irish joint opposition against rights- equality agenda? since the Assembly election on 2nd identity, ethnic minorities, women, from the political based government and society in And is it prepared to act in the na- March constitute the most serious tional interest and in defence of the and the LGB&T community. These process in Ireland the North. political crisis in the peace process are the people who forced Ian Pais- The decision by Theresa May to GFA, on the basis of the representa- since before the Good Friday Agree- ley out of the DUP leadership after call the Westminster general elec- tions it has received from civic so- ment (GFA) was signed. The origins he led that party into coalition with tion is the clearest indication that ciety and progressive parties, of this crisis go back to the election Sinn Féin in 2007. the Tory government has now for- including Sinn Féin? of the Tory-led coalition in 2010. They haven’t gone away. Their with the result of the Assembly mally disengaged from the political The role of progressives and de- Since it returned to power this regressive mind-set still dominates election. The clear message deliv- process in Ireland and has made a mocrats must be to stand together Tory government has adopted an within the DUP. It is most sharply ered by the electorate was that strategic decision that its policy to- on the common ground of support- explicitly pro-unionist and partisan pronounced within the party’s there should be no return to the wards the North does not include ing the GFA, rights, equality and op- policy towards the North. It has po- Westminster parliamentary group. status quo. re-establishing the political institu- position to Brexit. litically aligned itself with both the Since the Renewable Heat Initia- But the DUP and British govern- tions on the basis of equality, re- Declan Kearney is an MLA and Chair- DUP and UUP in joint support for tive scandal tipping point last year ment are in denial that the political spect and integrity. person of Sinn Fein. austerity policies; Brexit; a single and in particular from Martin landscape has changed. They both British state obligations under unionist narrative of the political McGuinness’ resignation and the refuse to ‘get it.’ the GFA are now subordinate to the

eland Northern Ir

A new SIPTU Services Division Safety is Union Business sticker campaign was launched at a successful health and safety seminar in the Oak Room of the Mansion House in Dublin on Workers Memorial Day, Friday 28th April. The seminar brought together over 60 Services Division activists from across the country. Pictured are (back row, L to R) SIPTU Services Division

Vice-President, Gary Smith, SIPTU Health and Safety Adviser, Sylvester Cronin, and SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, (front row, L to R) SIPTU Services Division President, Margaret Coffey, Senior Inspector Health and Safety Authority, Marie McCarthy, ICTU nominee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority, Chris Rowland, and Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley. 20 Liberty MAY 2017 Health

CUBANCUBAN Health members make voices UILLEANNPIPERSUILLEANNUILLEANNPIPERSUILLEANN PIPERSPIPERS heard on international stage FUNDRAISINGCONCERTFUNDRAISINGFUNDRAISINGCONCERTFUNDRAISING CONCERTCONCERT

Featuring: LIAM Ó MAONLAI NOELHILLNOEL HILL (Concertina),(Concertina) LIAMLIAMO’CONNOR O’CONNOR (Fiddle), SEÁNMSEÁN MccKEONKEON (Pipes) and JOHNJOHNBLAKE BLAKE (Guitar) JIMMY KELLY and PAT GOODE (Songs) THEDUBLINLASSESTHE DUBLIN LASSES – AOIFE O’CONNOR (Concertina), SIPTU delegation at ‘Improving MAJELLAO’BEIRNEMAJELLA O’BEIRNE (Flute) and MARYMARYCORCORAN CORCORAN (Piano) Employment and Working Conditions in Health Services’ tripartite meeting at the ILO headquarters in Geneva. THEGRANDSOCIAL,LIFFEYSTREET,DUBLINTHE GRAND SOCIAL, LIFFEY STREET, DUBLIN Thursday June 1st 2017 meet changes in global demograph- care workers. He also stressed the A DELEGATION of SIPTU Doors open at 7.30pm. Adm: €20 Health members took part in a ics, we need more investment for need for additional education sup- meeting on ‘Improving Em- better working conditions and bet- ports and state registration for Tickets available from: cubanpipers.eventbrite.ie or (01) 8730093 ployment and Working Condi- ter planning for the entire sector healthcare assistants. @socialgrand tions in Health Services’ at the now. Healthcare has the potential “Irish homecare workers are ex- St Patrick’s Mental Health Services to provide for decent lives for work- posed to precarious working condi- International Labor Organisa- ers and communities but only if tions in different parts of the care workers vote for strike action tion (ILO) headquarters in there is proper investment. sector including ‘if-and-when’ con- SIPTU members working in St shows their commitment and deter- Geneva from 24th-28th April. “We took our campaign to the ILO tracts, expanding working hours, Patrick's Mental Health Services, mination to achieve justice.” SIPTU Health Division Organiser, to make our case for the need for and unpaid travel time,” he said. James’s Street, Dublin 8, voted In March, members of the St Paul Bell, said taking part in such state funding to provide Continuing SIPTU Shop Steward, Deirdre overwhelmingly in favour of strike Patrick's Mental Health Services staff tripartite meetings with unions, Professional Development (CPD) for Fagan, told delegates that unions, action on 26th April, in a dispute defined benefit pension scheme employers and Government repre- support and professional grades and employers and the Government resulting from a management de- were advised that the employer sentatives is vital if healthcare to build alliances with our interna- must also confront the real issue of cision to cease employer contribu- workers in Ireland are to have their would be ceasing contributions and tional comrades.” exploitation of healthcare assis- tions to a staff defined benefit would transfer its funds to a defined voices heard on the international Speaking at the meeting, SIPTU tants and related grades by securing pension scheme. contribution scheme. There was no stage. National Executive Council mem- accredited qualifications, regula- SIPTU Organiser, Aideen Carberry discussion with the workers’ unions He added: “With up to 40 million ber, Broc Delaney, emphasised the tion and registration. said: “The fact that 98% of our mem- new health jobs required by 2030 to concerning this closure. serious challenges faced by home- bers are willing to take strike action

Introductory Courses during May Programmes at SIPTU College COLLEGE To help members who can’t secure • TUS – Trade Union Studies Certificate release, SIPTU is piloting a night-time Programme version of 1-day Introductory course. • EtO – Educate to Organise The first of these will be in Carlow and run over • Jump Start – a pilot return-to-learn Book Exchange four nights, including the 18th and 25th of May, programme for health workers Don’t forget – we’re still looking for donations with a further two nights to be confirmed in • 1-day Introductory – suitable for newly of books to kickstart our Book Exchange – we June. elected reps and/or newly-organised need books on politically sound industrial Members in the area who could avail of this activists relations, political economy, labour law, programme – please contact Margaret • Introductory Night – a 3 or 4 night sociology, labour history as well as also good DeCourcey. version of our 1-Day Introductory literature – The Ragged-Trousered (Basic + Advanced + Health & Safety) Philanthropist etc There will also be a 1-day Introductory Course in Dublin on Friday 26th May – please contact Sincere thanks to all who have already Eira Gallagher. donated and/or promised! Liberty 21 Climate Change MAY 2017 A just transition to a greener world

reduce its greenhouse emissions ers, social protection for workers by 40% of its 1990 levels by 2030. and communities as well as social By The Energy White Paper, published justice and recognition for commu- Adrian Kane in December 2015, committed Ire- nities impacted by the transition land to essentially phasing out the away from fossil fuels. use of fossil fuels in the energy In an Irish context, we are partic- THE ICTU Energy and Natural sector. It aspires to an energy sec- Resources Sector is to hold a ularly concerned about the future tor which will be 80% to 95% car- of Bord na Móna and communities one day conference on bon free by 2050. Wednesday, 10th May in the in the Midlands that have been So, what it meant by the term, dependent on it and the ESB to CWU offices, North Circular ‘just transition’? Road, Dublin on ‘Climate generate decent jobs over a long Our concern, as trade unionists, number of decades. Change and the implications is that if you de-carbonise the for the Energy Sector’. The ICTU Energy Committee has economy without any regard for a number of key demands: The trade union movement has the workers and the communities The setting up of a tripartite been late in the day in seriously l who are highly dependent on fos- body, comprising trade unions, engaging with the subject of sil fuels, you will condemn these employers and government to climate change. The International workers and communities to the ensure there is a just transition to Trade Union Congress (ITUC) 2015 same fate that has befallen the a low carbon economy; pamphlet, There are No Jobs on a working-class communities that The establishment of a just Dead Planet, was an important live in the rust-belts of the North l contribution to the debate on cli- transition fund, both at European mate change and emphasised the and national level, to assist com- need for a ‘just transition’ to a low munities and workers in the tran- carbon economy. A just transition sition to a low carbon economy; The ITUC, along with the NGO l A study of the impact meeting sector, was successful in ensuring to a carbon-free our goals under the Paris agree- that the principle of a ‘just transi- economy ment will have on fossil fuel-de- tion’ was included in the preamble pendent communities in Ireland; to the Paris Climate Agreement in would ensure and 2015. that unions and l Legislation ensuring that The Paris agreement was the ‘just transition’ principles are culmination of 21 years of tense workers are enshrined in Irish law. negotiations between 193 coun- The May conference will be tries under the United Nation the key chaired by ICTU Vice-President Framework Convention on drivers in the Sheila Nunan and will be Climate Change (UNFCCC). addressed by an interesting mix of The treaty seeks to limit the dan- decisions made speakers, including ICTU General gers of climate change and equi- about them Secretary Patricia King, Denis tably share the burden of reducing Naughten, who is Minister for global emissions. It commits the Communications, Climate Action signatories to phasing out fossil and the Environment; Friends of fuels and limit global warming to of England and the North Eastern the Earth Director Oisin Coghlan, below 1.5 degrees Celsius. USA. Brian Kohler from Industriall All signatories are legally bound Global Union, and Maeve to commit their emission reduc- A just transition to a carbon-free economy would ensure that McElwee, Director of Employer tion contributions (INDCs) to a Relations with IBEC. transparent, independent review unions and workers are the key drivers in the decisions made For more information in relation process that ratchets up targets to this event you can contact, about them. It would involve the every five years. Adrian Kane via email at up-skilling and re-training of work- Ireland, as part of the EU, must Illustration: Xoan Baltar (CC BY 2.0) [email protected] Census highlights need for action on state pensions By Loraine Mulligan NEWLY-released Census 2016 2014, thereby effectively raising new claimants in the new 20-29 spective within the Department of on a mandatory basis (other than figures show that Ireland’s the pension age from 65 to 66. It band. At the time SIPTU produced Social Protection to align contribu- for those workers and employers population is ageing with the has also been signalled that enti- a policy document, titled Making tions and benefits to a greater ex- who are already in a work pension number of men aged 65 and tlement to the state pension will Caring Count, and campaigned tent. scheme). The design of any new over up by 22% to 296,837 rise to 67 by 2021 and to 68 by over the pension reform measures. Minister for Social Welfare, Leo system has yet to be fleshed out. and females aged 65 and over 2028. Age Action Ireland was also Varadkar, has proposed the devel- Given Ireland’s demographics it up by 16.7% to 340,730 since Further changes were intro- active on the issue and recently opment of a universal retirement is essential to take positive action April 2011. duced to the state pension in 2012, published a report which high- savings scheme. The Irish Con- sooner rather than later to ensure This shift should again put the increasing the number of PRSI (Pay lights that 35,930 people, 62% of gress of Trade Union also favours people have adequate pension pro- spotlight on pension provision and Related Social Insurance) contribu- whom are female, received lower the development of a mandatory vision in their old age. the situation faced by many older tory bands from two to four which state pension payments since 2012 second tier pension system to sup- For both the state pension and at people in retirement who rely on involved new payment levels for due to changes to the PRSI bands. port the basic state provision. This occupational level, the rules the state pension. those with fewer contributions. The measures came in at a time would involve a new Superannua- should be gender sensitive and The abolition of the state pen- For example, this resulted in a loss of budgetary constraint but are tion Fund with contributions from support a decent standard of living sion (transition) took effect in of as much as €30 per week for also underpinned by a policy per- employers, workers and the state for all. 22 Liberty MAY 2017 Know Your Rights

l A minimum rate for apprentices. By Tom l Rates for shift work, piece O’Driscoll work, overtime, unsocial hours worked, Sunday working, travel- ling time (when working away SECTORAL Employment from base). Orders (SEOs) were part of a Requirements as to pension package in the Industrial Shining a light on l schemes, including daily rates of Relations (Amendment) Act, contribution. 2015 brought in by the last Government which also l Requirements as to sick pay. included Collective Bargaining l The recommendation must legislation and revamped pro- contain dispute resolution proce- cedures for Registered Em- Sectoral Employment dures. ployment Agreements (REAs). An SEO is distinct from an REA What are the powers in that it is an order that covers a of the Minister? defined economic sector and can Within six weeks of having re- be applied for unilaterally by a ceived a recommendation from the trade union whereas an REA is a Orders... Court, the Minister shall make an registered agreement usually be- order confirming the recommenda- tween a single employer and a tion provided he or she is satisfied trade union. that conditions specified in the Act Though the legislation has been have been complied with. The around since late 2015, the SEO Minister can refuse to make an has yet to be fully appreciated or SEO if he or she is not satisfied utilised in the battle to organise that the conditions within the Act and improve the terms and condi- are met. tions of workers in some fallow economic sectors. The following What can a worker FAQ format will hopefully shine do if s/he believes there is a some light into this dark corner: contravention of an SEO? Individual contracts of employ- What is a Sectoral ments must be adapted to reflect Employment Order? at least the bottom line require- It is an order by the Minister for ments of the SEO. If a worker feels Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that there has been a contraven- acting on the recommendation of tion of an SEO, s/he can make a the Labour Court, fixing rates of Price €1 complaint to an Adjudication Offi- pay, sick pay and pension entitle- ments of a class, type or group of cer and on appeal to the Labour Court. workers in an economic sector. An nomic sector. been judicially held that the word on all workers and employers in Penalisation of a worker for tak- example might well be the domes- “substantial” is equivalent to con- the sector. ing a claim is prohibited under sec- tic refuse industry. What conditions must siderable, solid or big. It can also l That the order will promote be in existence before an mean something more than the harmonious relations and assist in tion 19 of the Act. What is an application for an SEO ‘normal’ or ‘average’. avoiding disputes. “economic sector”? can be made? Can an employer seek It is defined in section 13a as “a The trade union must be “sub- What are the principles What may be included an exemption from the sector of the economy concerned stantially representative” of the and policies to which the in a Labour Court terms of an SEO? with specific economic activity re- workers to whom the order will Court must have regard recommendation? Yes, but the Court must be satis- quiring specific qualifications, apply and likewise, the organisa- when making an order? A recommendation may provide fied: skills or knowledge.” tion of employers must be “sub- l Potential impact on employ- for all or any of the following: l The majority of workers or stantially representative” of ment in the sector. l Minimum rates of pay more their representatives have con- Who can apply employers to whom the order will l Any national agreement relat- than the National Minimum Wage. sented to the application; for the Order? apply. ing to pay and conditions of em- l Not more than two higher l The employer is in severe fi- An application may be made uni- ployment. rates based on: nancial difficulty. laterally, or jointly, by a trade What is the meaning l Impact on competitiveness. I. Length of service; union of workers, a trade union of of “substantially l Level of remuneration in II. Recognised skills or standards. The above is just a brief outline employers, or an organisation of representative”? other economic sectors in which l Lower rates may be provided of the legislation but the Legal employers, to examine the condi- There is no clear quantitative workers of the same class, type or for in circumstances like those set Rights Unit of SIPTU will gladly ad- tions relating to pay, sick pay and measure of what “substantially group are employed. out in sections 15 and 16 of the vise members further in this area, pensions of workers in an eco- representative” means but it has l That the SEO will be binding National Minimum Wage Act 2000. if required. Liberty 23 commemorations MAY 2017 ICA descendants in City Hall tribute

A member of the ICA Re-enactment Piper leads colour Group presents a wreath at City Hall party at the event

Capt Sean Connolly

MORE than a century after at Dublin Castle’s Upper Castle at with us today to mark this special Molony, general secretary of the Irish Citizens’ Army (ICA) 11.45 a.m. before proceeding to occasion. I especially want to wel- Irish Women Workers’ Union, and Dr Kathleen Lynn volunteers occupied Dublin City Hall in an event organised by come the descendants of Capt Sean Dr Kathleen Lynn, who took over City Hall, a group of their the ICA City Hall Garrison Relatives Connolly who was in command of command when Capt Connolly was He added: “Those values remain descendants assembled on Group. the garrison at the time and who killed. the values of SIPTU today.” Monday, 24th April at the The Lord Mayor of Dublin, gave his life for the cause.” McGann continued: “The partic- Eanna Connolly said: “As descen- same spot their forebears Brendan Carr, and Eanna Con- SIPTU’s Head of Organisational ipation of women in the ICA was a dants of those who fought in the stood 101 years earlier to lay nolly – a grandson of Sean Con- Development Brian McGann said commitment to an Irish Republic City Hall garrison, it is with great a wreath in their memory. nolly – were part of the group. his union was delighted to be part that would cherish all forms of pride that we commemorate the On the same day in 1916, an ICA Speaking at the event, Carr said: of the commemoration “given that equality as one of its central values. events that took place here in 1916. unit of 44 men and women led by “It is fitting that we commemorate the ITGWU founded the Irish Citi- Larkin and Connolly were commit- “The men and women of the Captain Sean Connolly, garrisoned this group of Irish Citizen Army zen Army and in view of its pivotal ted to the principles of social soli- Irish Citizen Army fought for a vi- the building during the Easter Ris- members who took part in the Ris- role in the 1916 Rising”. darity and the right of working sion of a better Ireland that was ing. ing of 1916 here in City Hall. I want He pointed out that the City Hall people to organise in order to ad- born out of a shared experience. It The descendants, led by a piper to welcome all the descendants of garrison contained a high propor- vance the cause of labour and op- is important that we continue to and an ICA colour party, assembled the original garrison who are here tion of women, including Helena pose exploitation.” honour their memory“. Book and new tapestry remembers Thomas Ashe THE centenary of Thomas Mary Enright displayed her newly Ashe, a founding member of embroidered portrait of Ashe. the Irish Volunteers, was cel- Brendan Byrne said he was de- ebrated at Liberty Hall re- lighted that a participant in both cently when a newly tapestries had been inspired to do further work based on the SIPTU republished book about his project. life was presented to histori- Mary Enright said: “I had the ans Padraig Yeates and Bren- Robert Ballagh design at home and dan Byrne. it was begging me to give it a go The book, Tomás Ághas by again. Just when I was set up with Michael O Moráin, was presented all the threads, I fell, and I dislo- by Mary Enright, who was a key cated my shoulder. contributor to the SIPTU's 1913 “It was marvellous that I was Lockout tapestry and the Easter still able to sew, even though I Rising tapestry. could not hold a newspaper prop- First published in 1985, the erly or turn the pages of a book, book had been out of print for for three months. many years. It outlines his per- “This piece took 35 completed sonal and political life, and his skeins of thread. The figure stitch death by forced feeding in Moun- is cross-stitch, on 12-count Aida. tjoy Prison in September 1917. Padraig Yeates, The background stitch is alternat- The book is available from Alan Mary Enright and ing whipped running. Hanna’s, Rathmines, Dublin for Brendan Byrne Picture: Paddy Cole “There are 10 grey tones €12.95. All profits go to the achieved by mixing four shades. It fundraising campaign to erect a took five months or 600 hours to bust of Ashe in his home village of erected later this year in Lusk, Co of Corduff National School. They Darcy. complete; a lovely way to get Kinard. A full-size statue will be Dublin, where Ashe was principal are both the work of sculptor Paul At the recent Liberty Hall event, through the winter”. 24 Liberty MAY 2017 Global Solidarity

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SERVICESS SECIVERS Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike On 16th April, more than 1,000 leaders into solitary confinement Palestinian prisoners began a and blocking visits by families and hunger strike. Their primary de- lawyers. mands include more frequent Throughout the occupied West LOOKING FOR and lengthy family visits, better Bank, including East Jerusalem, Is- prison conditions such as im- raeli forces have attacked gather- AN ALTERNATIVE proved medical care, and an end ings and demonstrations in to solitary confinement and ad- solidarity with hunger striking ministrative detention - deten- prisoners. The Israeli military used TO YOUR EXISTING tion without charge or trial. violent force against a co-ordi- As Palestinian prisoners en- nated “day of rage” across the West HOME INSURANCE tered day 16 of their mass hunger Bank on the 29th April. 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ON 2nd APRIL SIPTU joined sure of independent and Kurdish members of the Kurdish com- language media as well as the mass munity in Ireland to cele- suspension of judges and prosecu- brate the Newroz (New Year) tors have also severely weakened festival and to discuss their checks and balances and human struggle for liberation and rights protections. peace and the erosion of their As Liberty goes to press, 186 pris- human rights. oners in 21 prisons are on hunger The Kurdish struggle for free- strike. The protest was launched dom is greater than ever. The con- by 13 Kurdish prisoners in Izmir’s flict in Syria has been the trigger Sakran prison on 15th February to for an onslaught against the Kur- demand an end to human rights vi- dish people, who are defending olations, including the arbitrary their autonomy and their rights. use of solitary confinement for On the one hand, Kurds are en- punitive control and the isolation gaged in a fearless fight against of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Daesh – otherwise known as ISIS – Recep Erodgan: Mags O’Brien speaks at and other reactionary forces in the beefed up powers the Newroz celebration The original 13 hunger strikers Middle East and on the other hand were later joined by many dozens subjected to oppression by the of other inmates in prisons across Turkish government. Flying the flag at the Turkey. This oppression is set to inten- Newroz festivities The Turkish state has impris- sify following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s narrow vic- A recent UN report tory in the April referendum which detailed massive grants him sweeping new powers. It was reported that election ob- destruction of servers from the OSCE found sig- property, killings and nificant shortcomings in the voting process and claimed the ref- numerous other rights erendum took place on “an unlevel violations between playing field”. At present, 10 Kurdish MPs of July 2015 and the HDP party, including co-chairs December 2016 in Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuk- sekdag, are imprisoned in Turkey south-east Turkey, and threatened with prison sen- mainly populated by tences of 225 years. Kurdish people Some 5,000 mayors, politicians, journalists, academics teachers and other public servants are impris- oned Ocalan since 1999 and for oned for opposing the government over a decade he has been the sole and for representing the Kurds and Pictures: Graham Seeley; Presidencia de la Republica? Mexicana (CC BY 2.0) prisoner at the infamous Imrali Is- democracy. of emergency following the at- land prison. His face and name is a A recent UN Human Rights re- tempted coup in July 2016, includ- symbol for the Kurdish movement. port detailed massive destruction ing the dismissal of more than Growing solidarity action has of property, killings and numerous 100,000 people from public or pri- spread around Europe for the other human rights violations com- vate sector jobs, have also deeply Kurdish people including calls for mitted between July 2015 and affected the human rights situa- any negotiated settlement of the December 2016 in south-east Syrian conflict to include peace Turkey, which is mainly populated tion. and justice for the Kurds, including by the Kurdish community. Some 10,000 teachers were re- In that period, Turkish govern- portedly dismissed without due in Turkey. ment security operations affected process on suspicion of having Trade unions are also joining more than 30 towns and neigh- links with the Kurdistan Workers these actions and are calling for bourhoods, displacing between Party. The removal of democrati- the Turkish government as a mat- 335,000 and half a million people, Gesture of support for jailed cally elected officials of Kurdish ter of urgency to restart the peace mostly of Kurdish origin. PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan origin, the severe harassment of process with the Kurds and respect Measures taken under the state independent journalists, the clo- the rights of all its people. Coca Cola slammed over Spanish action but hopes rise for EWC agreement COLA Cola has been con- with dismissed workers at the Involving workers from across SIPTU to participate in the setting develop the councils into another demned for its “aggressive at- Fuenlabrada plant in Spain – who the EU, the meeting was facilitated up of an EWC agreement “in such support and tool to assist trade have been at the centre of a long- by EFFAT, the federation coordi- a high-profile employment”. unionists in Ireland with our daily tack” on jobs and workers’ running dispute with the soft nating European trade unions in He told Liberty: “Much of our in- work.” rights in Europe in a resolu- drinks manufacturer. the food, drink and tourism sec- volvement in EWCs is almost as Jones added: “To date we have tion passed at a recent meet- However, the principal reason tors, of which SIPTU is a member. passengers with a few notable ex- identified close to 30 SIPTU reps ing in Berlin of the Coca Cola for the meeting was to make Frank Jones, the coordinator of ceptions. As we become more in- currently sitting on EWCs. We progress on the wording of a new the European works councils in volved in EWCs, the real benefits continue to develop our database European Partners (EP). European Works Council agree- the manufacturing division and of these councils should become and our intention is to run a train- At the 8th and 9th March meet- ment that should come into effect who attended the event, described apparent to the membership and ing course this June.” ing, EP also expressed solidarity later this year. it as a “fantastic opportunity” for in turn we can build on this and 26 Liberty MAY 2017 News Around the union

Looking for new wheels? Car Finance - Preferential Rate for (L to R) SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, President Michael D Higgins, and SIPTU members SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn, flanked by members of the Irish Citizen Army Re-enactment Group, following a wreath laying ceremony on If you are thinking about upgrading your car and need to get finance, then 22nd March, to commemorate the ratification of the constitution of the Irish we have some good news from you. Post Insurance, a wholly owned sub- Citizen Army in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, on 22nd March 1914. sidiary of An Post, can now offer SIPTU members a special low rate of Picture: Dan O’Neill just 7.5% APR* on their car finance. So those hoping to change their car in 2017 can take the first step by contacting Post Insurance on 1890 22 22 22 or logging on to postinsurance.ie. Post Insurance will process your application quickly and efficiently and you can expect a decision on your application typically within 4 business hours. Don’t forget to mention you are a SIPTU member and quote your SIPTU Group Scheme number [10055] to avail of the preferential rate of 7.5% APR*. This Car Finance product is available to SIPTU members once they satisfy some qualifying criteria. Applicants must be: • Aged 18 or over and a resident of the Republic of Ireland. • Employed or retired and hold a bank account suitable for direct debit payments. • Looking to purchase a car that is 5 years old or younger from an approved SIMI/Franchised Motor Dealer. Odran Mulholland, with the shop stewards and workplace committee in Glen • Looking to finance ¤4,000 or more over a period of 1 to 5 years. Electric, Newry, Co. Down on the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of • Have a suitable credit rating as determined by Post Insurance employment and of being a union member. We wish you well in your retirement. Car Finance. This finance is provided by way of a Hire Purchase agreement which is arranged and administered by First Citizen Finance DAC, trading as Post Insurance Car Finance.

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IT’S the smoking you first no- tice, then the white shirts and the fact that it’s mostly men in less-than-grainy TV footage. It’s the 1960s. But it’s the sheer intelligence of American writer James Bald- win (1924-87) that really gets your attention. This hour-and-a-half documen- tary directed by Haitian Raoul Peck is inspired, impelled even, by an unfinished manuscript of Bald- James Baldwin: sheer win’s, intended to be his own tale intelligence on display of the lives and impact of three Pictures courtesy of Magnolia Pictures friends and civil rights activists: of Baldwin and leaves the viewer sports and in television commer- falling about the place in Harlem at the period it’s a magic one hour 95 Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Mar- questioning many of the more cials,” Cavett says. that one, similarly noting that minutes. For those who believe tin Luther King Jr. “comfortable” assumptions around Even for its day, it was insuffer- from where they stood, Kennedy they know something about the Evers and King were assassi- progress for African-Americans ably cringe-worthy and Baldwin had only just arrived in America, period and its legacy – watch and nated by white racists in 1963 and since the 1960s. should have received the Congres- while they as a people had been think again. To understand a place 1968 respectively, while Malcolm X sional Medal of Honor for his re- there 400 years. As the film opens, the legendary (the US), founded on slavery, was murdered by members of the straint. Equally risible was the As a documentary, with voice- “Black Muslim” Nation of Islam. (and, no doubt liberal) 1960s TV condescending but nevertheless over by Samuel L. Jackson, this is a where the “crime” of “black while Contemporary black and white chat show host, Dick Cavett, ques- accurate prediction by Bobby work of art and easily worth its driving” is still no joke and where footage of the civil rights struggle, tions Baldwin: “But it’s getting so Kennedy that in 40 years’ time Academy nomination and almost Black Lives have to matter, this is including TV studio discussion, is much better. There are Negro (sic) there might be a Negro president. universal five star recommenda- a must. skilfully threaded with the words mayors; there are Negroes in Baldwin relates how they were tions. For those who know little of Michael Halpenny Notes from a small island Nothing is Written in Mountains he was brought down, prominence. The election of that and the Republic’s own state ter- Stone – the Notebook literally and metaphorically, to the year, which also witnessed the ar- rorism at the hands of the Garda of Justin Keating reality of schooling, firstly with the rival in Leinster House of other “Heavy Gang” while he was in gov- Edited by Barbara Hussey Loreto nuns in Rathfarnham and Labour “talents” such as former ernment – a period of which he is and Anna Kealy later, in the rarefied and decidedly diplomat, Conor Cruise O’Brien “deeply ashamed”. Published by less Catholic environment of Sand- and journalist, David Thornley, Though he maintained a lengthy Lilliput Press, 2017 ford Park School in Ranelagh, was meant to usher in a decade public silence on the Dublin and where he boarded with boys from when the “‘70s would be socialist”. Monaghan Bombings of 1974 in A JOKE used to be told about Protestant, Jewish or, like him, It wasn’t, and the wags were soon which 34 civilians died, he broke the late Justin Keating when “non-believing” backgrounds. opining that, instead, “the social- that silence in his book to support he was a Minister in the Fine Though the Keatings had republi- ists would be 70”. the findings of the Barron Report Gael/Labour Coalition of the can connections, from an early age This book, compiled posthu- and believed the British security 1970s. “What is the differ- he developed a lifelong abhorrence mously from his notes, is remark- forces were involved with Loyalist ence between God and Justin of physical force republicanism, ably frank in his regarding the bombers. Keating? – God is every- spurred particularly by witnessing decision to enter politics as a mis- For his own government’s where. Justin Keating is the killing by the IRA of neighbour take. However, this did not deter egregious inaction on the issue he everywhere else.” and friend, Special Branch Detective him from accepting a post as min- gives a heartfelt apology. The irony of course is that any Sergeant Denis “Dinny” O’Brien in ister in the coalition of 1973-77 There is little mention here of comparison with a Supreme Deity 1942. where one of the major issues of trade unions or the political issues was no doubt odious to this self- As well as being connected into the day was the North and here his facing workers today, 40 years on – proclaimed atheist and humanist. the “revolutionary aristocracy”, approach appears to have been not housing, unemployment, health such as the MacSwineys, his family untypically simplistic. provision and education. Yet Keat- But he was much more in his life His early life was hardly “main- than that. also had more exotic personal and He recognised only unionists ing’s take, for example, on the fu- stream”. His father, the painter, Though little spoken of nowa- political friends than most. and nationalists, with little under- ture of the planet and the role of Sean Keating, was a “sceptic” and days he was a vet, farmer, scientist, It could have been no surprise standing of the more than nuanced women in society, a “battle hardly influential journalist in both print his mother, May, an avowed social- then when he joined the local divisions between republicans and begun” is refreshing and instruc- and television, Labour TD, Senator ist and later active supporter of the branch of the Irish Labour Party in SDLP or Ulster Unionists and the tive. and Minister for Industry and Republican cause in Spain. the 1940s followed by a consider- DUP, to say nothing of Alliance. Above all he speaks from the Commerce. With such a start, he was des- able spell in the communist cause There is scant mention of the grave with a voice which, though At a broader level he was also an tined for a collision with “Mother in Ireland and Britain where he Civil Rights movement of the late sometimes tinged with regret, is internationalist and, long before it Church” and the stifling world of was also associated with Desmond 1960s but there is little doubting both direct and entertaining. And was popular (whatever about prof- counter-revolutionary Ireland. Greaves’ Connolly Association. his anti-republicanism. his message and epitaph? “Nothing itable), a champion of the green After early years spent in the However, it was not until 1969 To be fair, he is critical of both is written in stone.” movement. He was that busy. natural freedom of the Dublin that he came to political and public British state terrorism in Ireland Michael Halpenny 28 Liberty MAY 2017 Review Worms’ tale shows kids how to fight for rights

A NEW children’s book is set home. The worms attempt to tell that. It is also about the environ- to refocus attention on a bat- the new owners about their con- ment and the need to stand up for tle over access to a landmark cerns but they are dismissed. In your rights while celebrating com- site on the Wild Atlantic Way. response they organise and join munity and solidarity in our lives. Written by Kevin Doyle and with the other birds and animals It’s a feel-good book that kids and illustrated by artist Spark Dee- on the headland and eventually parents together can enjoy and ley, The Worms That Saved reclaim the headland for every- learn from.” The World offers an alterna- one. Illustrator Spark Deeley said: tive ending of sorts to the saga This is a book for children and “The expressions on the faces of over the scenic Old Head of grown-ups – one such grown-up is the worms change throughout the Kinsale. poet and publisher Theo Dorgan, book, showing confusion, sur- Access to Old Head has been re- who gave it this endorsement: prise, fear, outrage, concentration, stricted since 2003 when the "The mighty, the arrogant and the questioning, determination, com- Supreme Court ruled in favour of swaggering brought low by the passion and pure joy. That is what a golf course which had applied humble worm – what's not to like this story is all about.” for exclusive rights to control who in this charming tale of working The Worms That Saved The could walk on the headland. together for what's right and World is published by Chispa Pub- In The Worms That Saved The good? Up the worms!" lishing, Cork and will retail at World a group of earthworms liv- The book's author Kevin Doyle €10. It will be available from ing on an imaginary headland said: “The book was inspired by selected bookstores from 5th May begin to suffer when a golf course the Free The Old Head campaign, or by emailing Kevin Doyle at takes up residence around their but it is about a lot more than just [email protected]. Remembering Impossible idea? Maybe not?

Utopia for Realists: that we need to embrace some Friedman. the ‘Mollies’ And How We Can Get collective ambition to avoid a This revolutionary idea is There dystopian future. often met with doubts but the IT IS remembered as “The Day By Rutger Bregman Bergman examines the basic various trials of the distribution income, sometimes referred to of the Rope”, when, on 21st Published by Bloomsbury of a free basic income examined June 1877, 10 Irishmen were as the citizen dividend – or, in in this book present the evi- hanged in Pennsylvania. Be- CAN poverty be resolved by dence that when people were tween that date and over the a free basic income for given ‘free money’, their stress next two years, 20 Irish immi- everyone? levels were reduced, inequality grants were executed for their Rutger Bergman, an historian, diminished, crime levels abated, alleged role in the deaths of believes it is and his book Utopia disease and illness levels mine owners, foremen and po- for Realists And How We Can Get dropped significantly – which, in lice in the Pennsylvania coal- There, puts a strong argument turn, saved money in the health fields. forward for the concept as the sector – and money was pumped For the first time, their story most efficient and civilised way back into the economy and soci- will be told on an Irish stage. As societies and land war violence. to combat poverty. ety enjoyed greater social out- part of MayFest 2017 at Dublin’s The tactics of groups such as the Bergman uses history to give comes. Liberty Hall Theatre, Sons of Molly Ribbonmen and the Whiteboys the reader some perspective And if you don’t think this Maguire by John Kearns will re- were once more adopted – intimi- with the objective of making one utopia will come true, Bergman ceive its Irish premiere on 10th dation, threats, assaults and assas- a little more optimistic about looks at the forgotten moment and 11th May. sinations that had targeted where we are right now in his- in US history when conservative In the mid to late 1800s, thou- landlords, land agents and bailiffs tory. Republican US president Richard sands of Irish immigrants arrived were just as effective against mine This new young thinker Nixon almost implemented a in America. They left their home- owners, foremen and the police. believes that rather than econo- basic income to solve increasing land to escape famine, land The origin of the name Molly mists talking about the future, poverty in America. seizures, and religious and politi- Maguires is uncertain. Legend says history itself can show us the The free basic income may cal oppression. The Pennsylvanian Molly Maguire was a victim of lessons learned and the mistakes seem like a utopian fantasy but coalfields were booming as Irish eviction in Ireland who had sought that should not be repeated in this book reminds us that immigrants arrived. Conditions revenge. The expression “That’s forging a future for society, the his words, “free money for utopias have a tendency to come were appalling, with the compa- from a Son of Molly” was suppos- world of work and – indeed – everyone” – as an idea that can true. It reminds us that impossi- edly shouted before a killing in a nies using immigrant labour to tackling the welfare mess. unite politicians from the left to ble ideas have a moment in his- revenge attack. force down wages. The mining The book starts with the prem- the right and one that will give tory but they are often realised bosses often owned the housing The mine owners employed a ise that right now we are living dignity to millions while also ac- through progress, however slow where the workers lived, and food Pinkerton detective, James McPar- in the utopia that was dreamed complishing the eradication of and erratic it may be. and other essentials were sourced land, who utilised his Co Armagh of in the Middle Ages. It looks at poverty. And that is the whole point of from the overpriced company birthplace to integrate himself levels of poverty, hunger, wealth, Indeed, in reflecting on utopia – it is to dream what is store. into the Irish community. His in- homelessness and unemploy- history the book shows that it is possible and that it’s worth The Irish also faced racism and vestigation and testimony led di- ment and uses history to evalu- an idea that has been around for fighting for to make a reality religious discrimination. Being rectly to the trial and execution of ate how far we’ve come. more than two centuries, one Yvonne O’Callaghan rural, Catholic and gaelic speaking 20 alleged “Mollies”. Information He goes further and shakes us which has been flirted with by they stood out among other immi- provided by McParland was also into the reality that it is not so the greatest thinkers of our Yvonne O’Callaghan is an grant communities. used by vigilantes to identify tar- much that we don’t have it good, times who have often been of advocate at the Workers Rights The coalfield Irish had come gets for murder. Many of those ex- but that we have no vision of opposing ideologies, including Centre, Liberty Hall, Dublin mainly from north-western coun- ecuted proclaimed their innocence where we want to go next and Martin Luther King and Milton ties associated with agrarian secret until the end. Liberty 29 Obituary MAY 2017

OBITUARY Jack Dempsey A man of courage who improved lives of many

Funeral oration by SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise, on Wednesday We have lost a 15th March, 2017 great trade T IS my privilege to re- flect on the life and con- union and tribution of our comrade Jack Dempsey, a lifelong political activist, Itrade unionist and member of the republican movement, a man of who passed away on 12th March after a long illness. determination, Jack hailed from Portlaoise and was very proud of his home town. passion and Though he lived in Dublin for many years, he still regarded him- courage who self as a Laois man and, I believe, many of the locals thought so too helped improve as he spent so much time here. His lifelong involvement with the lives of so the trade union movement devel- oped from a young age when he affected and their families. It is through SIPTU College. He success- he remained loyal and true and many whom he started work as a storeman in Road- ironic and very sad that Jack’s ill- fully completed his trade union never engaged in populism. stone in 1971. He soon became in- ness has stolen that prize of a de- exams in the National College of Jack had a great presence and was felt he had the volved with AGEMOU, a union of cent pension he fought so hard to Ireland. a wonderful colleague to spend which he was enormously proud secure for many years. It was another great moment for time with, both at official level and privilege to and whose rich heritage and tradi- He became a Branch member of Jack when he was elected to the on social occasions. His endearing tion he carried forward. He went on the AGEMOU in 1977 and joined SIPTU National Executive Council gait and accent – along with his serve to develop a lasting friendship with the NEC in 1979. In 1990, Jack was in 2010 and late last year he was propensity to wear his political then General Secretary Larry Doyle. elected President of AGEMOU, an unanimously re-elected for a sec- leanings on his T-shirts – were al- Jack was profoundly and positively honour so richly deserved and so ond term. He was highly respected ways a source of joy and he was influenced by Larry from the time proudly carried. He was President for his forthright contributions and highly popular with the wide circle he became a shop steward in 1975. until 1997 when AGEMOU merged while he didn’t always agree, he of friends he built up over many the privilege of having Jack as a col- Jack took a lot of pride in his with SIPTU and he continued to held the collective line, never wish- years. league, a comrade and a friend – achievements as a shop steward, Jack’s courage and convictions all one of us. We were lucky to have helping to secure pay increases, im- his life were finally reflected in the shared in Jack’s wonderful life and proved conditions such as sick pay manner in which he so valiantly his outstanding contribution to im- schemes and decent pension enti- fought his illness. For six years he proving and protecting the lives of tlements for his members. Unlike many, Jack realised pensions battled, never giving up hope and so many. He loved the trade union Unlike many, Jack realised that bearing the struggle with great dig- movement because he knew it was pensions were a highly important were a highly important condition of nity. the best vehicle for workers to se- condition of employment and he His overarching consideration cure their rights at work and a de- had the vision to see that, for most, employment and he had the vision to was for his beloved partner, Una, cent living in a fair and just society. a decent income in retirement was and family and it was with great The passing of such a decent and as important as a decent income see that for most a decent income in humility he managed his illness committed man has left a void while at work. In that regard, he and treatment. The family have which will not be easily filled. served as a Trustee of the Road- retirement was as important as a asked that we acknowledge the On behalf of my colleague offi- stone Pension Scheme for over 20 kindness and care of the doctors, cers, Jack O’Connor and Gene years and was also a National Exec- decent income while at work nurses and support staff of St Vin- Mealy, members of the NEC, ac- utive representative on the SIPTU cent’s Hospital in Dublin. tivists, members and staff of SIPTU Pension Scheme where he played a We have lost a great trade union and his wide circle of friends in the constructive and positive role. play a pivotal role in the new set ing to damage the voice of workers and political activist, a man of trade union and political move- In more recent times, it pained up. and their organisation. determination, passion and ments, I want to offer our deepest him to see so many decent pension He undertook trade union studies A man of few words, Jack would courage who helped to improve the sympathy to Jack’s partner, Una, schemes being destroyed by greed in the mid-1980s initially through sometimes say what he had to say lives of so many whom he felt he sisters Ann and Mary, brother Ger, and he knew only too well the ulti- the People’s College of Ireland and and then the look was enough to had the privilege to serve. nieces, relatives and friends. mate consequences for the workers then – with the SIPTU merger – know you were offside. However, In truth, it was all of us who had Ar ais Dé go raibh a ainm. 30 Liberty MAY 2017 Sport

Republic of Ireland Women's National Squad Training. Picture: Courtesy Irish Examiner ‘Lovely phone call from Roy’

of operating a system where a From the man at the centre of and bringing it to extra time which hop by Tipp. Connacht will be in- small number prosper while the the last great showdown between would most likely have suited teresting as Galway is improving, By majority involved in the sport, in- the FAI suits and a player, current Dublin more as they were finish- beat Mayo last year and Mayo have Matt Treacy cluding its own premier league national team assistant manager, ing strongly. clearly been upset by all the inter- teams, struggle. There has also Roy Keane, there was nothing pub- It was not to be. Kerry’s pride nal wrangling. Even so, you would One of the measures of the long been criticism of the organisa- lic. However, in the wake of the was somewhat replenished and fancy them to negotiate their way poverty of a sports club in Ire- tion for paying its chief executive dispute being settled and the some would argue that being to at least another semi-final what- land is that they get “togged a salary which is a multiple of the women winning their friendly in- beaten lifted a burden off Dublin’s ever the route. out in ditches.” Apparently, prize for winning the country’s ternational against Slovakia 1-0, shoulders that will benefit them in Ulster remains the imponder- highest domestic trophy. captain Emma Byrne, tweeted; the championship. Dublin also able. There are stories that Mickey the Irish women’s’ soccer However, the women stoically “After a really tough week it was a won the under 21 All Ireland final, Harte used not to have Tyrone team are a step slightly above did not involve themselves in any sweet ending with a lovely phone beating Galway, which establishes fully in gear for Ulster as they were that. They get togged out in of these wider issues stating call from Roy Keane himself!” another record of a county win- confident enough in their pomp to toilets and share their track- clearly that it was merely for the What he said will probably have to ning either senior or under 21s for come through the qualifiers. I’m suits with underage teams. good of their game, now and into await one their future autobiogra- eight years in succession. But, in- not certain that this Tyrone team All of that led recently to a face- the future, that they took action. phies. terestingly, never in the same year would survive being beaten by down that almost initiated a strike What did the rest of the Irish in- which has caused some of the Donegal or Monaghan so Ulster by the women. With the interven- ternational set up make of it? Well more superstitious of the Dublin could be a right battle. The winner tion of SIPTU and the PFAI repre- there was a Facebook post from Meanwhile, on the playing fields Fancy to brood. is more than likely going to face senting the players, a settlement James McClean in which he de- of Banba, Dublin’s remarkable un- Dublin is unlikely to be beaten Dublin in a semi-final and there was agreed involving match pay- clared the women’s demands were defeated run was brought to an in Leinster. Actually, lets face it, may also a battle between an Ul- ments and the provision of playing “not outrageous” adding “it’s stan- end by their old nemesis from the there is not a chance of them being ster team and the champions in gear. dard and bare minimum of what Kingdom in the league final. Only beaten by any Leinster team. Cork the quarter final. It was all pretty humiliating for should be included anyway at in- the width of a goal post prevented seem as bad they ever have been It will not be easy as they say. the FAI which some have accused ternational level.” Dean Rock from levelling the game and Kerry won’t be caught on the Liberty 31 Liberty Crossword MAY 2017 PRIZE DRAW To win €200 in Arnotts vouchers Liberty courtesy of JLT Insurance Crossword (see back cover) ACROSS DOWN 1122 3453 4 5 6

7 8 7 Detroit sounds (6) 1 Distinctive quality (4) 8 Mideast capital (6) 2 Achieving little (13) 9 Rope material (4) 3 Asking for information (7) 9 10 10 Laid out (8) 4 Employees (5) 11 Ski resort and state (7) 5 Study of fundamental knowledge (13) 11 12 13 13 Winter Palace residents (5) 6 Easy-going (8)

14 15 Freshwater fish (5) 12 Not unusual (8) 16 Famous boxing champion, Jack (7) 14 Football team uniform (7) 15 16 18 Restaurant worker (8) 17 German empire (5) 17 19 What comes to mind (4) 18 19 20 21 Eastern European culture (6) 22 Annual (6)

21 22

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