Latest news with #IrishCongressofTradeUnions
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Workers to observe nationwide moment of reflection for Gaza
Workers across Ireland are expected to participate in a moment of reflection at lunchtime today amid the going violence in Gaza. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has asked that at 1:05pm, participating workers mark a moment of respectful reflection, as a simple act of solidarity and remembrance for the loss of life over the past eighteen months. Today is the International UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. "As the appalling violence in Gaza continues, our members asked that the trade union movement lead in reflecting on this terrible loss of life," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy. "Since announcing the moment of reflection last week, we have been heartened by the response from the 800,000 union members across the island." "The UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on these tragic events and their devastating impact on the people of Gaza, particularly the children who have suffered so greatly," Mr Reidy said. Workers who wish to participate are encouraged to observe the moment of reflection respectfully, whether in their workplace, at home, or wherever they may be. ICTU said the moment of reflection is not a work stoppage, and is encouraging participating workers to coordinate with their employers where possible. SIPTU staff and members will stage a solidarity action at 1.05pm, on Butt Bridge in Dublin across from the 'Ceasefire Now' banner on the side of Liberty Hall.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish Congress of Trade Unions warns of industrial unrest if there is ‘further backsliding' on workers' rights
Owen Reidy, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, was speaking following a meeting with opposition parties today. He said the meeting was convened to discuss concerns about the Government's 'continued erosion of workers' rights'. Senior union officials including Mr Reidy met with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Social Democrat acting leader Cian O'Callaghan and Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik. Mr Reidy listed a number of planned worker entitlements that have been delayed. He said last month the Government announced it would delay the introduction of a living wage until 2029. Mr Reidy said proposals to abolish wage rates for young people that are below the minimum wage were also postponed, sick pay was not extended and the introduction of pension auto-enrolment was delayed. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said in a statement that it has re-iterated that any further backsliding on workers' rights could result in industrial unrest, and urged opposition parties to support workers during economic turbulence. "We were pleased to meet with opposition leaders today and share the clear message from union members and low paid workers nationwide: by breaking their promises, and rowing back on basic protections, the Government has plunged thousands of low paid workers into economic uncertainty,' said Mr Reidy. He said global economic turbulence should not be used as an excuse to 'short-change' workers. Mr Reidy said he was heartened to hear strong support for these workers from opposition politicians. 'We believe that political pressure is critical in ensuring government lives up to its commitments, and I look forward to working closely with all parties to make this happen,' he said. A living wage worth 60pc of national median wages had been due to be introduced next year.
The Journal
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Denis O'Brien says remote working is a 'load of nonsense' - do you agree?
REMOTE WORK HAS compromised Ireland's work ethic, according to Denis O'Brien. 'This lark of people saying, 'I'll come into the office on Tuesday and Wednesday; otherwise I'm going to be working at home', is a load of nonsense,' the businessman said at the Irish Investor Awards, as reported in The Currency. Advertisement 'I don't employ those kinds of people, and to be honest with you, I never will'. However, Laura Bambrick of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) argued that it should be a 'red flag' for workers if an employer insists on five days in the office. She suggested that this shows disregard for work-life balance. So tell us: Do you think that remote working is a 'load of nonsense'? Poll Results: No (215) Yes (69) Unsure/I have mixed feelings (30) Yes No Unsure/I have mixed feelings Vote
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Government faces demands for State payments of over €450 per week for workers hit by US tariffs
Owen Reidy, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said the maximum level of a new jobseekers benefit would not 'cut it' for staff in the pharma and food and drinks sector. He was speaking after Ictu and Ibec sent a letter to Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary seeking a 'higher new scheme rate' for those facing temporary lay-off or short time working. The new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit (JPRB) is capped at €450 a week. 'If we want to protect high skilled jobs, we need to keep people connected to employment, as close enough to the rate of pay as possible,' said Mr Reidy. 'If we don't do that, these people will move to other industries and sectors and those skill sets will be lost.' He said a 'bespoke' benefit is necessary for staff in the pharma and food and drinks sector. An Ibec spokesperson said the new JPRB scheme should be amended to support those experiencing short-time working at a higher new scheme rate. She said training should also be facilitated from day one of unemployment. However, she said the business organisation is not seeking an increase in the €450 cap for the new JPRB scheme for individuals who are made redundant. 'However, for employees who are placed on short-time working the social protection payment has remained as a flat rate payment irrespective of earnings,' she said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Meanwhile, a senior Siptu official said Donald Trump's tariff threat will have an impact on future film productions by US companies in Ireland even if he does not carry through on it. He called for an Irish film industry stakeholder meeting in light of the US president's threat to implement major tariffs on foreign films. Siptu sector organiser, Robbie Purfield, said the film and TV industry supports a large number of jobs in Ireland. He said stakeholders within the industry must discuss a unified approach to what is a threat to 'all our livelihoods'. Mr Purfield said the US market is perhaps more important to the industry in Ireland than it is to any other country due to our 'cultural affinity and shared language'. 'As the union which organises film crew throughout Ireland, Siptu wishes to discuss with producers, government agencies and others in the artistic sector how best we can protect our world renowned industry from what will hopefully just be a short term shock,' he said. Irish Equity president, Gerry O'Brien, said the industry is a global one and US productions need international markets and revenues to survive. 'This will affect the livelihoods of thousands of performers and crew across the globe and lead to a slowdown in production here,' he said.
Belfast Telegraph
03-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Large crowds attend annual May Day rally in Belfast
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd May 2025 General view the annual May Day rally in Belfast city centre organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. This years' annual May Day rally met in Writers' Square before completing a colourful parade through the city centre celebrating trade union unity, resilience and diversity before returning to Donegall Street. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 1st May 2025 General view the annual May Day rally in Belfast city centre organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. This years' annual May Day rally met in Writers' Square before completing a colourful parade through the city centre celebrating trade union unity, resilience and diversity before returning to Donegall Street. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
