Death of Inez McCormack

SIPTU pays tribute to Inez McCormack as a fearless champion of working people

Date Released: 21 January 2013
SIPTU President Jack O’Connor has paid tribute to leading trade unionist and human rights campaigner, Inez McCormack, who passed away today (21st January).
“Inez McCormack’s work as a defender of working people and campaigner for peace has helped shape modern Ireland. The level of energy and commitment she brought to the many campaigns and causes she championed acted as an inspiration to others”.

“Her life’s work spanned many fields, including defending workers rights in the face of the onslaught of the 1980s Thatcher governments, to advocating for the travelling community, to a key role in ensuring the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was truly inclusive of all sectors of Northern Ireland’s society.”

Jack O’Connor added: “As a trade unionist and feminist Inez broke the mould. She was the first woman full-time official to be appointed by the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE). She was the first woman to become Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of ICTU, and from 1999 to 2001 the first woman to serve as President of ICTU. In the energy she brought to these positions, and in her leadership of the Northern Ireland branch of her own union UNISON, Inez ensured that the Irish trade union movement truly lived up to its commitment to represent all workers regardless of their gender, creed or ethnicity.”

“It is with sadness but also great pride that I recall Inez’s role as a fearless champion of working people and extend my union’s sympathy to her husband Vincent and her family whose sense of deep loss will be shared by many people throughout Ireland.”

SIPTU signs collective bargaining agreement with Regal Processors

SIPTU members and the management of pet food manufacturer Regal Processors have signed a collective bargaining agreement at the company’s plant in Lurgan, Co. Armagh.   

SIPTU workplace representative, Gerald Devlin, said; “Our members are delighted with this agreement. A good union recognition agreement, such as the one SIPTU has concluded with the management of Regal Processors, is not only beneficial to the workers but also the overall operation of the enterprise.

“Much of the credit for this agreement must go to my colleague, Frank McGinn, and SIPTU Organiser, Martin O'Rourke. Their commitment over the last couple of months has been crucial in securing this agreement.”

Regal Processors Managing Director, George Jordan, said; “In the challenging times that we are all now facing, the benefits of a good working relationship between employers and unions is crucial. I believe that this agreement lays the foundation for such a good relationship.”

The agreement stipulates that SIPTU representatives will meet senior management on a monthly basis to discuss workplace issues. It also provides an opportunity for union representatives to meet with new staff to brief them on the agreement and the union’s activities.  

SIPTU Organiser, Martin O’Rourke, said; “It is hoped that this agreement will assist in developing open and transparent communications so that all stakeholders are aware of the views of the others.”

UNION TO MAKE CASE FOR EXTENSION OF SOCIAL CLAUSE

Activists from SIPTU’s Communities Uniting campaign have secured a meeting with the Social Development Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly as part of their campaign to have a “threshold of decency” clause applied to state funding for Community and Voluntary Sector. This follows the launch of the Programme for Government by the First Minister and Deputy First Ministers Office which included a commitment to insert a social clause into public procurement contracts. 

 Speaking ahead of the meeting which is scheduled for 26^th May next, Community Activist Sean McMonagle said “We welcome the inclusion of a social clause for public procurement contracts and believe the Executive should be applauded for this positive step.  We believe that a “community and voluntary sector social clause” should also be included. This should stipulate minimum employment standards to be applied to any worker delivering services in this sector.  A “minimum standards” or “threshold of decency” social clause could resolve many of the difficult issues faced by community sector organisations and the workers within them.”

The Social Development Committee was established to advise and assist the Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland MLA, on matters within his responsibility as a Minister. The committee undertakes a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role with respect to the Department for Social Development and plays a key role in the consideration and development of legislation.

The variety of services provided by community and voluntary groups across the North of Ireland is extensive – from sporting groups to meals on wheels, health services, peace building, information centres, and childcare services to environmental activities and residents’ associations. 

The positive impact of this sector is not limited to the social fabric of society, as it also plays a vital economic role.  While community and voluntary groups receive on average about 43% of their running costs from the state they generate £4 for the local economy for every £1.00 of state funding. 

However workers within this sector face major challenges. They have little or no job security and rates of pay and conditions of employment vary widely.  Due to funding gaps workers are required to go for frequent and extended periods without any pay.  This situation is further compounded for organisations receiving multi stream funding.  Around 3,000 workers in this sector have lost their jobs over the previous two years, with the remaining 27,000 attempting to fill the void at a time of ever increasing demand for their service.

An analysis of rates of pay, access to a funded pension scheme, sick pay and maternity entitlements between the two sectors illustrate very clearly that community workers providing vital state funded services to the most disadvantaged sectors of society are treated less favourably than public sector colleagues. 

Catherine Pollock who will be representing SIPTU for the engagement with the Social development Committee stated “If we accept that these workers are providing services for the state, then we as citizens have an obligation to ensure the people providing these services are treated in a reasonable manner.  We do this for public sector workers yet the same provision for community sector workers is not yet available.”

Martin O’Rourke from SIPTU concluded “We believe that  minimum standards on pay and conditions should be agreed between all the stakeholders in a tripartite forum; the funders, the employer organisations and trade unions representing workers in the sector.  Such a forum could review these conditions of employment on a periodic basis, and in addition seek resolution to issues arising within the sector. “

Stormont Celebration Event for the C+V Sector

SIPTU is aware that many aspects of vital community and voluntary work are not appreciated by the wider public, and funding  decision makers.  This creates additional difficulties at a time of dwindling budgets resulting from the substantial reduction of the block grant from Westminster.   We believe over 3,000 workers in the sector or approximately 10% of the numbers employed have lost their jobs over the previous two years.  It is vital that we ensure that organisations providing vital services to the community are better protected.

As part of our campaign, SIPTU is hosting a celebration of Community and Voluntary organisations in the Long Gallery in Stormont. The purpose of the event is to allow organisations with SIPTU membership the opportunity to display their professionalism directly with the political representatives.  In addition we wish to provide each organisation attending the opportunity to invite the political representatives to visit the organisations in their own constituencies so that they might engage directly with service users, volunteers and workers.  Each organisation will have a table if required to display information relating to their organisation, and to share with interested parties.  We also believe this event will be an ideal opportunity for organisations to engage with each other and share information.  MLAs from the five main political parties have assisted us in the organisation of the celebration.

We will also be using the event to build support for the introduction of a fair play/ threshold of decency clause into every contract issued by the Government for public procurement contracts issued to the sector.  This campaign hopes to build upon the commitment to introduce Social Clauses in the draft Programme for Government.  We also hope to  have some key speakers at the event to make it as inclusive and informative as possible for all stakeholders in the sector.  SIPTU will be providing greater details of the planned event which is scheduled for the 28^th May 2012 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

If you or your organisation would like to attend contact SIPTU at athompson@siptu.ie or 048 90 314000  

Threat to community services as The Department of Education procrastinates.

As a direct failure of the Department of Education to honour its commitment to pay rent due to An Droichead in Belfast,  14 workers now face a bleak 2012, with serious consequences for the provision of childcare facilities for local children and parents from the South and East Belfast area. The lackadaisical approach of the Department also puts into question the preschool needs of the adjacent school.

An Droichead was founded in 1992 and provides  local playgroup, preschool and after schools service for the local area.  It has received numerous professional awards over the years for its innovative approach and added services to the local area. It has provided hundreds of thousands of pounds in investment to the local school which operates on its land, but now  faces pressure to moveas the Department of Education has refused to allow payment on the leases.

The organisation is owed the rent for the School for the previous 3 years, and have made on-going efforts to have the Departmentengage with them to resolve the matter.   The non payment of the rent due has resulted in the organisation being forced to consider  placing its employees on protective notice, and these jobs are now at a real risk of being lost.  This organisation also funds a bus service for the school , however it expects to be forced to cease this service before the end of March, due to the non payment of the rent.

Sean Hayes, a Spokesperson for the organisation stated ”we have attempted to resolve this issue by dialogue and agreement, but regrettably it would appear that the people we are engaging with are not prepared to protect the interests of the children in their care. While the jobs are obviously a concern what is of greater concern are the interests of local children’s educational needs which the Department is putting in serious jeopardy.  Our plans for the future include the provision of 50 jobs in the social economy, however this plan cannot go ahead unless we receive the long overdue payments.”

Niall McNally from SIPTU added “we are not prepared to allow the loss of 14 jobs and vital services to the Community.  We are calling upon the Sinn Fein Minister for Education, John O’Dowd to ensure this matter is resolved and these vital services are protected.  We have been in contact with and  are seeking an urgent meeting with the Department and will be insisting this issue be resolved to the satisfaction of the group and concerned parents.  We are not aware of any logical reason as to why this rent has not been paid, and it is not acceptable that vital services are now under threat.”

SIPTU responds to the draft PfG

The following response to the Draft Programme for Government 2011-15 submitted by SIPTU.  

http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/draft-pfg-2011-2015.pdf (Link to Draft PfG)

We will not comment upon each commitment, although the vast majority we welcome such as “invest in social enterprise growth to increase sustainability in the board community sector”  however another such as “press for the devolution of corporation tax and reduce it’s level” are not.  However we are limiting our response to one commitment in the PfG and one omission.

Priority 5: Delivering High Quality and Efficient Public Services.

Social Clause “Include Social Clauses in public procurement contracts for suppliers, services and construction”

SIPTU has welcomed the publication by the Northern Ireland Executive of the Draft Programme for Government 2011-15, and in particular its pledge to “include social clauses in public procurement contracts for supplies, services and construction”. While the term social contract covers a multitude of areas, all of which we also welcome, we are limiting our response to the clauses offering protection of people working for companies or organisations who are funded from the public purse.   In this regard we trust that the provision of a social clause into public procurement contracts will ensure these contracts contain ‘a threshold of decency clause’ in relation to terms and conditions of employment for any organisation employing staff and securing government funding. 

We are aware from contact with our membership and organisations in the Community and Voluntary of growing concerns that Government Departments are seeking ever increasing ‘efficiencies’ from the Sector in funding. Some organisations have regrettably addressed this conundrum by reducing the pay or hours of work of the staff they employ.  This, if not adequately addressed will result in a race to the bottom in the terms and conditions of employment in the sector.  It will also result in the loss of experienced, skilled and committed staff.  This will then lead to a reduction in the quality and level of community and voluntary services.

SIPTU believes the insertion of threshold of decency clauses as a Social Clause will provide organisations with a level playing field to compete for Government contracts based upon the solely upon the quality of service they provide.  We believe workers providing  key services deserve the inclusion of a social clause and the Northern Ireland Executive needs to be applauded for this commitment.  We hope that this commitment when implemented into policy will result in appropriate protection for workers and services provided to the public.

We also seek that these clauses be reviewed periodically by representatives of the Government Departments issuing public procurement contracts, the employers organisations and the trade union representatives.

Peace IV

SIPTU notes that policy makers have many competing demands for commitments to be included in the draft PFG.  We are nevertheless disappointed that a commitment to secure Peace 4 funding was not included in the draft PFG.  Noting the valuable work undertaken by Peace 1,2,and 3 Programmes and also aware that our society requires much more assistance as we attempt to resolve the legacy of the troubles.  We hope the Executive shares our understanding in this regard.

SIPTU Members Are Fighting Back

SIPTU members have hailed the support received from the public for the strike action taken by over 200,000 public sector workers in Northern Ireland today (30th November).

Across the North, workers on picket lines reported expressions of public support for their industrial action taken to protest attempts by the London government to cut workers pension entitlements and reduce public services.

Approximately 1,000 SIPTU members from Northern Ireland Railways, Belfast City Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, Southern and Belfast Education and Library Boards and Northern Ireland Water took part in the industrial action.

SIPTU picketed local government offices, railway stations, waste depots, community centres and schools.

Rallies were held in Newry, Omagh, Derry, Magherafelt, Downpatrick and Belfast city centre where public sector workers heard teachers, bin workers and health employees explain what cuts in services would mean to the public.

The main rally was held in Belfast centre, attended by an estimated 20,000 among them SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor.

Addressing the crowd ICTU Assistant General Secretary, Peter Bunting, said; “The real extremists in our society are those who evade and avoid tax, those who have gambled billions with other peoples’ money to sate their greed, and those politicians who have decreed that ordinary people, private sector workers, public sector workers and the most vulnerable of all, the unemployed, the sick, women and children, and senior citizens, will pay for the criminal conduct of the pampered elite.”

Peter Bunting concluded; “Let us fight on and build for the alternative – people, jobs and public services!”

SIPTU Calls for Fairness from DEL

SIPTU have written to the  Minister for responsibility for the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) to seek a reconsideration of the decision to declare funding applications from Derry community groups as late.  The groups had ensured their applications were received in good time.  However, due to a combination of an administrative error and IT problems, the vacancies were not registered by the Departments lead partner the North West Regional College before the closing date.

Sean McMonagle a SIPTU activist from the umbrella group Triax Neighbourhood Partnership stated: “The right and proper thing is for the minister to accept a mistake was made but it was not made by any of the community groups who had their application in on time.”

Step Ahead was introduced by the Department for Employment and Learning in direct response to the economic downturn, giving the voluntary and community sector and social economy businesses an opportunity to assist the long-term unemployed back into work.

The programme was utilised in creating exciting, genuine employment opportunities for those who were long-term unemployed and wished to take the first steps back into employment.   Around 175 people a month had been signing up for the programme, which was set up two years ago.

Overall during the life time of the scheme around 4,000 people were lifted out of social security dependency into temporary posts with voluntary or community sector groups, which improved the job prospects of participants by giving them a recent employment history.  In addition the vital work of the community and voluntary was enhanced.

However as a  cost saving measure the scheme was axed by DEL and a closing date for applications of the 21st October was imposed.  This decision was as a direct result of the reduction in the Block Grant received from Westminster.

SIPTU  have written directly to the Minister of DEL Steven Farry seeking an urgent review of the decision to deem the applications as late.  Martin O’Rourke Lead Organiser for SIPTU stated  “We trust the Minister will accept the groups acted in a professional manner ensuring the completed applications were received in good time by their lead partner, and the circumstances that led to the late receipt were entirely outside of their control”. 

The geographical are covered by these groups is one of the most deprived areas in the local economy and the services which these additional 30 workers could bring to the city are urgently required.

SIPTU Welcomes Commitments in DPG

SIPTU welcomes draft Programme for Government’s commitment to inclusion of social clauses

SIPTU has welcomed the publication by the Northern Ireland Executive of the Draft Programme for Government 2011-15, and in particular its pledge to “include social clauses in public procurement contracts for supplies, services and construction.” 

Social clauses in public procurement procedures refer to social and labour standards that contractors have to fulfil in order to tender for public contracts.  Such clauses require that all bidders respect certain locally established standards so that public contracts do not exert a downward pressure on wages and working conditions.

“We trust that the provision of a social clause into public procurement contracts will ensure they contain ‘a threshold of decency clause’ in relation to terms and conditions of employment for any organisation employing staff and securing a public procurement contract,” said the Chair of the SIPTU North West Community Sector Division, Karen Mullan.

“We are aware from contact with our membership and organisations of growing concerns that Government departments are seeking ever increasing ‘efficiencies’ from the Community and Voluntary Sector in funding applications. Some organisations have regrettably addressed this conundrum by reducing the pay or hours of work of the staff they employ.  This, if not adequately addressed will result in a race to the bottom in relation to terms and conditions of employment in the sector and will also result in the loss of experienced, skilled and committed staff.  This will then lead to a reduction in the quality and level of community and voluntary services,” Karen Mullan added.

Karen Mullan Chair of the North West District Committee

SIPTU believes the insertion of threshold of decency clauses will provide organisations with a level playing field to compete for Government contracts based upon the quality of service they provide.

Chair of the SIPTU Belfast Community District Committee, Pat McCauley, said; “We have written to the Northern Ireland Executive advising itof our position on this issue, and seeking a meeting to explore the introduction of the commitment together. Society relying upon, and the workers providing us with key services deserve the inclusion of a social clause and the Northern Ireland Executive needs to be applauded for this commitment. SIPTU will continue to monitor the situation.”

Pat McCauley Chair of SIPTU Belfast Community District Committee

SIPTU Organise Meeting for all C&V Organisations

SIPTU have organised a meeting for all community and voluntary Sector organisations within the city in the City Hotel, Derry, on Thursday 10^th November at 2.00 p.m. 

A large number of community and voluntary workers have already joined SIPTU and are uniting under SIPTU’s Communities against Cuts Campaign.  There are a range of issues that affect the community and voluntary sector with funding cuts been the most threatening to the sector at this time but other issues are also part of the SIPTU campaign are employment rights and recognition on issues such as long term contracts, pension rights and redundancy pay.

Martin O’Rourke,  Organiser for SIPTU stated “ We have become increasing concerned that organisations providing vital services to the most vulnerable in society who are already operating on a “shoestring” budget are being asked to make further “efficiencies.”   These essential services cannot be provided to our communities unless adequate funding is put in place.  Inflation is currently running at over 5% and even if funding was provided at last year’s level this would result in a reduction in real terms of over 5%.  This meeting is one of several across the local economy to ensure the community and voluntary sector can learn from the experiences of other organisations and speak and act with one collective voice.

According to SIPTU The Community and Voluntary Sector only receive 45% of its operating costs from Government funding and in return for every £1.00 invested delivers £4 to the local economy.  It delivers essential services at a lower cost than government agencies can, and despite this has already seen a 10% reduction in services and jobs over the last two years. 

Karen Mullan, Chairperson of the Western Organising Committee called upon all Community and Voluntary sector organisations whether members of the Union or not to come to the meeting to mobilise together against further cuts.  Karen Mullan added “The community sector is already at a major disadvantage in comparison to the public sector and even many private sector workers in terms of recognition around issues such as pensions, redundancy pay and long term contracts of employment. Over the course of the last two years upwards of 2,000 community development workers have lost their jobs in the delivery of vital services, if this occurs in any other sector there would be major outcry and there has been in the past, but loss in community development jobs, services, and its impact on the local economy as hardly received a mention in local or regional news. But as community development workers and projects we need to organise ourselves into strategic representation in the Union to protect this vital sector which has already received disproportionate cuts  resulting in the most disadvantaged in our society suffering.   It is time to reverse this trend, and to demand recognition from Government and other funding bodies in par with that of the public and private sectors workers, in terms of working conditions outlined. - the first step in doing so is the organisations attendance at this meeting.”

Trade Union Leader calls for workers to unite to fight attacks on pay and services

SIPTU's Jack O'Connor calls for workers to unite to fight attacks on pay and services

Speaking at an event to mark the unveiling of a portrait of Trade Union Leader James Connolly in Belfast City Council this evening SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor called on workers to unite to fight attacks on pay and services.

Thanking Mayor Niall O’Donnghaile and the City Council, he described the initiative as “acknowledging the role of the majority – i.e. Working people, in the history and civic life of the City”.  He said that while his union was founded in Dublin as it ITGWU in 1909 it was conceived in the great Belfast Dock Strike of 1907 when workers of all traditions across the city united to assert their rights.

He went on to cite the parallels between the circumstances at the end of the 19th and early 20th century to those prevailing today.  The economic collapse which precipitated the great London Dock Strike of 1889 and the wave of militancy among workers across Western Europe followed a global expansion of capital not unlike the 30 years before the implosion of 2008.  This has legitimised a new assault on pay,  which parallels the reaction of capital to the collapse that occurred in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Once again it is being done in the name of competitiveness. Once again we are learning that whatever differences exist between those at the top of society in different countries, they are unanimous when it comes to deciding on who is going to bear the lion’s share of the burden for the collapse of capitalism – working people as always.   “The austerity programme being promoted across Europe is mirrored by the approach of the UK government, which will jeopardise 40,000 jobs in this jurisdiction over the next four years.

“The outlook for working people, which only a few short years ago envisaged jobs and prosperity for the young, and reasonable pensions for the elderly increasingly begins to mirror that of an earlier, depressing era. Mass unemployment once again stalks the landscape. Casualisation, now in the form of agency working, mirrors the culture of the gangmaster, rendering the young subject to the volatilities of precarious working without rights.  The combination of public service cuts and collapsing private pension incomes are once again reducing the elderly to a status approaching penury.

“It’s time to apply the other lessons of history once again – working people must stand together and support each other.  Never have we faced a more urgent need to renew our commitment to the ideals of Connolly and Larkin and to their concept of building a fighting trade union movement capable of confronting the architects of austerity on the economic, social and political fronts. 

Ends

An offer Boots’ pensioners can refuse

An offer Boots’ pensioners can refuse

Not many companies try to solve their pension problems by cutting workers’ retirement incomes. Well not blatantly, anyway. But step forward Boots the chemist.

Alliance Boots, as the health and beauty company is now called, was bought by private-equity group KKR for £11bn in 2007. That may explain why the company that used to be known for its squeaky-clean image and girls in white coats is now being more so ruthless.

The trick is to offer pension-fund members an immediate increase in their pensions of nearly 25 per cent. But the price for that is to forfeit future inflationary increases.

Most actuaries would have difficulty working out whether that was a good deal, nevermind Boots’ former staff. But here’s a clue: only 60 per cent of the saving from losing the increase is used to boost the basic income. Then other 40 per cent will be used to offset the fund’s £602m deficit.

So unless you expect to die imminently, have no spouse to inherit your pension, or want to live a life of luxury now and poverty later, you’d end up a loser by swapping the increases for the higher income. At 5 per cent inflation, the rising pension would overtake the enhanced static payments within five years.

But people notoriously under-estimate their longevity. And even without an understanding of discounted cash flow techniques, they place more value on immediate cash than future promises. So many will be tempted to take the money now and ignore the future.

Boots would not have made the offer to more than 25,000 pension members if it did not expect a decent take-up. The pensions regulator does not like this sort of swap but is powerless to stop it. The trustees ought to make their view known. It’s time for them to do their duty and show their independence – even if they are employed by the company.

"We are calling upon all SIPTU Members who have retired from Boots to reject this "offer" and to retain their current pension benefits" stated Martin O'Rourke.

Centenary of James Connolly’s Belfast Arrival to be marked in City Hall

Jack O’Connor, Jackie McDonald, Carál Ní Chuilín, and John Gray will speak at a unique event hosted in Belfast City Hall on Friday 28^th October to mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival of James Connolly in Belfast to organise dockers and mill workers. The evening will begin at 6.30pm with Belfast Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile unveiling a portrait of Connolly painted by Belfast Artist Frank Quigley. The guest panel will follow with their discussion at 7pm.

The historic trade unionist came to Belfast in 1911 following James Larkin’s departure to Dublin. This special event will hear from cross community leaders who are members of the trade union SIPTU articulate the view that now more than ever working people need to be united.

The theme of the event will be ‘The Task Today’ and will focus largely on the modern needs of workers and the people who rely on public services.

John Gray from the Ulster Peoples College will provide the historic context of the City in 1911 and the work undertaken by James Connolly and the hundreds of trade union activists in Belfast to organise workers in the docks and mills.

Jackie McDonald will speak as a SIPTU activist about the needs of today’s poor and disadvantaged and the requirement to work together to lift communities out of multi-generational poverty.

Carál Ní Chuilín MLA who is also a member of SIPTU will focus upon how the trade union movement is able to bridge the cross community divide, to build a stronger and more powerful voice for the disadvantaged in our shared society.

Jack O’Connor General President of SIPTU will provide the union’s analysis of what is planned for workers and the people who rely on public services by the elite in society, and how we must all work together to undermine this neo liberal attack.

Speaking on the event SIPTU organiser Martin O’Rourke said,

“Connolly’s contribution in empowering working people in Belfast was immense; his campaigning played a key role in enhancing working conditions and the lives of the most deprived in society. Connolly was passionate about uniting working people, and breaking down sectarian barriers, his time in Belfast was characterised by his drive to unite communities. SIPTU believe that James Connolly’s actions and thoughts are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago, and we hope by marking this great man of Labour, and exploring his contribution in Belfast, we can further understand the task today for us in the trade union movement.”

Due to limited spaces you must RSVP your attendance by calling SIPTU on 028 90314000

Magherafelt Council Chairperson hosts SIPTU campaigners

The Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council, Ian Milne (Sinn Féin) has today hosted a reception to mark the centenary of the arrival of James Connolly in Belfast to organise the Trade Union movement.

Speaking at the event, SIPTU Organiser Martin O'Rourke said,

"SIPTU were delighted to attend the event to celebrate 100 years of Trade Union activism, building upon the strong foundation laid by Connolly. Many thousands of activists have worked tirelessly since then to ensure that working people receive a fair return on their labour; notwithstanding this fact the challenges which faced working people 100 years ago are equally relevant today. That is why SIPTU is engaged in an organising campaign for the community sector which has faced and is facing disproportionate cuts. It is neither right, fair nor acceptable that people who protect the most disadvantaged in our society should have their work impeded in this way."

(Magherafelt Council Chairperson Ian Milne makes presentation to Martin O'Rourke, SIPTU)

Extending a warm welcome to Martin O'Rourke and Barry McColgan who represented SIPTU, Cllr Milne said:

"The Trade Union movement has been one of the main forces that continues to work towards improving people's lives and ensuring that public services are available, while helping shape a fairer society for all.

"I take this opportunity to commend SIPTU as a campaigning and organising Trade Union committed to fairness at work and justice in society. SIPTU's campaign to enlist the support of all key stakeholders to deliver on the future survival of the Community and Voluntary sector is very important in the fight to maintain vital frontline services to the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society.

"It is estimated that there are 30,000 people employed within the Community and Voluntary sector with a volunteer base close to 100,000. Now is the time to ensure that people are put at the heart of our economy and that our economy serves society, not the other way round.

"We need to ensure the protection of wages and income and fight against the race-to-the-bottom to improve 'competitiveness'. Workers are the heart of an economy and should be treated as such, not just as a means to a profit. We must ensure that everyone has absolute entitlement to join a trade union and collectively bargain.

"This evening's reception is a celebration of organised labour and a tribute to the thousands of activists who over the last hundred years have worked tirelessly to improve terms and conditions for working people."

SIPTU help Art Ability secure interim funding

In June of this year Art Ability – a community organisation assisting children and adults with disabilities -  based in Agnes Street, Belfast, was  given just one week’s notice that it’s funding was to be removed.  A SIPTU organised campaign has been running since then to secure funding to protect this vital cross community organisation from closure, and to ensure its client’s needs were addressed. This campaign resulted in the initial securing of limited funding which did not fully protect the organisations future.

However, as a direct result of the SIPTU campaign we are delighted to be in a position to report that interim funding has been secured to enable the organisation to continue to operate.  Art Ability will now be in a position to apply for further funding for the autumn quarter, and their doors remain open.

(SIPTU facilitate Belfast Mayor Niall O'Donnghaile visit to Art Ability in June)

Richard Long, Project Manager for Art Ability and SIPTU member said,

 “Our project was under very real threat of closure.  If it hadn’t been for SIPTU getting involved with their organised campaign, we would probably have had to close our doors. SIPTU’s campaigning experience and assistance have enabled us to secure this additional funding and I would advise other community sector workers to join SIPTU also”.

SIPTU Organiser Teri Cregan stated,

“We could not have achieved the interim funding without the help and support of activists, the media, political representatives, and civil servants who worked with us on our campaign to protect this vital project. To each person that played their part in this collective campaign we say thank you. We are absolutely delighted that Art Ability have secured this vital funding and we are now working with other organisations who have also either lost vital funding or have had it substantially reduced.  Our analysis is that community sector organisations coming together with SIPTU is the only mechanism where Community Sector workers might be afforded the same protection as that enjoyed by workers in other sectors facing the threat of cut backs.   This analysis is shared by a growing number of community sector workers who are joining our union in ever increasing numbers.”

While this project that has been running for 21 years is “not out of the woods” yet, this interim funding will allow it to continue to provide cross community services to the locality at least in the short term.

Watch the You Tube video filmed before the successful outcome of our campaign, where Richard Long speaks about Art Ability;

SIPTU welcomes Assembly Motion

SIPTU has welcomed the motion put forward in the Assembly in support of the vital work undertaken by the  Community and Voluntary  sector from the following MLA’s Mr M Copeland  (East Belfast, UUP), Mr R Beggs  (East Antrim, UUP) and Mr J  McCallister (South Down, UUP).

The motion states,

“That  this Assembly notes the invaluable contribution made by the community and  voluntary sector, particularly in assisting the most vulnerable people in  society; believes that where the sector provides public services, it is  appropriate that it should be adequately funded for this provision and any  related overhead costs; and calls upon the Minister for Social Development to  ensure that there is an effective working relationship between all Executive  Departments and the community and voluntary sector.”

This motion is to be considered by the Assembly on Tuesday 27^th September 2011 and SIPTU has called upon all MLAs to support it, and all Executive Departments to act upon it when passed.

 “We share the forward thinking of the proposers of this motion and believe that representatives of the Executive Departments, NICVA and the trade unions representing Community and Voluntary workers should engage regularly on a formal basis to ensure best practice in this sector and to ensure the motion is the catalyst to assist the Community and Voluntary organisations and their dedicated workers in their endeavours to lift people, families and communities out of poverty”, stated Martin O’Rourke Lead Organiser, SIPTU.

Community and Voluntary Sector fights back with SIPTU

SIPTU members in the Community and Voluntary Sector have formed a Western Organising Committee and selected local representatives Ms Catherine Pollock and Mr Sean McMonagle to represent them on Derry’s Trade Council. This Committee will add to the work already undertaken by SIPTU’s Belfast Committee.

Various representatives from the City, Strabane and Omagh were also selected to ensure the Committee would act in a cohesive manner over the entire region.

Speaking after the event SIPTU Organiser Martin O’Rourke stated.

“Over the last two years around 3,000 Community workers have lost their jobs through lack of funding for vital projects for the most vulnerable in our society. This has resulted in increased hardship for the community with the loss of vital services and skills. The Department of Social Development intend to further reduce funding by 25% for this vital sector at a time of growing need for this type of service.”

Karen Mullan who was selected as the Chairperson for the group stated,

“The early intervention provided by the Community Sector ensures real savings in both economic and social terms to the state. Cuts to funding for vital projects make neither economic nor social sense, and that is why we are determined to resist the planned cuts” “Our Society deserves better and the SIPTU members in the Community Sector are going to ensure the people they provide services to are protected. The Community and Voluntary Sector which has been seen as the point of least resistance for planned cuts are getting organised with their Trade Union SIPTU to protect the most vulnerable and to build a fairer and better society for us all. We would encourage all community and voluntary workers to join us to build a strong united voice for our sector."

The next meeting of SIPTU’s Voluntary and Community Western Organising Committee is scheduled to take place in Tullyally within the next two weeks.

SIPTU Stand Up for Derry to Coleraine Rail Line

Ireland’s largest Trade Union SIPTU has added its voice to the many who are calling for necessary and immediate investment in the Derry to Coleraine rail line. The very future of the line was put in doubt recently when Translink announced that because of cuts to its budget from the Department of Regional Development, the £75m required to upgrade the line was not available and the work would have to be deferred for three years. They are also downgrading from 9 to 5 services per day.

SIPTU who represent NI Rail workers have said that failure to provide the needed investment for upgrade now, would not only be highly dangerous but also put the long future of the rail line between Derry and Coleraine in doubt.

SIPTU Lead Organiser Martin O’Rourke said,

“The short sighted decision to not provide the needed funds for upgrading the Derry to Coleraine line will not only adversely affect the working people who rely on the service daily, but will also be highly dangerous, and could put the long term future of the line at risk. NI Rail workers are striving to provide a first class service to the public, yet the quality of service they can provide is constantly being hampered by underinvestment.”

“This line is also strategically important for the tourism industry and a reduction in the number of daily services will make the beautiful north west coast less accessible to everyone. The historic lack of investment in the north west needs to be put right.”

Open Invite to SIPTU Community Workers' General Meeting

Dear Colleague,

We have arranged a General Meeting of all SIPTU Community Sector Workers and People working in the Sector who have joined or wish to join the Union.

The meeting will be held in the Gasyard Centre, 128 Lecky Road, Brandywell, BT48 6NP at 1.00 p.m on Thursday 15th September 2011.  Please advise colleagues who have not yet joined the Union to also attend the meeting if they also wish to join.

The Agenda of the meeting is;

·         Overview of Campaign

·         Objectives of Campaign

·         Election of the following Officer Positions of the Western Organising  Committee;

-     Chairperson

-         Deputy Chairperson

-         Communications Officer

-         Trade Council Representatives x 2

-         Campaign Strategists x 4

The elected Committee will meet on a monthly basis, and will develop a local strategy for the Sector.  If you would like to fill one of the above positions we ask that you would also have a proposer and seconder at the meeting.

It is also planned to hold further General Meetings on a three monthly basis to best ensure members are kept informed of the campaign progress and have the opportunity to advise the Committee of any issues.

If you have any queries in relation to the above please do not hesitate to contact our office on 02890314000.  We look forward to seeing you at the meeting and with working with you to secure much needed improvements within the sector.

Yours fraternally,

Martin O'Rourke

Lead Organiser