SIPTU General Secretary warns cost-of-living crisis will impact wage negotiations SIPTU General Secretary, John King, has warned that the added cost-of-living increases, resulting from the crisis in the Middle East, will mean additional pressure for wage increases in negotiations with employers across the public and private sectors of the economy. SIPTU General Secretary, John King, said: “In its recent cost of living announcements, the Government has failed to provide meaningful support for the low-paid and average income households who are currently facing the sharp end of spiralling energy costs and general price inflation. The impact of the global situation on Ireland has been made clear, with the ERSI announcement that it is revising its headline inflation rate to an average of 3.2% this year, up from a previous forecast of 2.1%. “While the Government’s additional support for those reliant on social protection payments is welcomed, the reality is that the majority of workers will see limited benefit from the measures it has announced.” He added: “Workers cannot be expected to carry the burden of this crisis alone. The Government needs to start preparing a follow-up series of supports immediately but this time the focus must be firmly on the low-paid and average income earners who have been ignored. Otherwise, the only course of action for workers to protect their livelihoods is through their unions’ engagement with employers.” SIPTU Researcher, Michael Taft, said: “The Government’s failure to adequately assist workers during the current crisis comes as no surprise to our Union. It has been a consistent pattern of this Government to prioritise corporate interests over the welfare of workers. While the implementation of the Living Wage and the extension of statutory sick pay have been postponed, the Government has moved to provide VAT cuts for the hospitality sector and property developers, alongside new subsidies for owners in the haulage sector. “It is deeply disappointing to see excise duty cuts that disproportionately benefit higher income groups while tax credits remain frozen for the average worker. At the same time, the Government has failed to establish a robust price monitoring mechanism to identify opportunistic pricing by energy companies. He added: “The current increases in the cost of home heating oil are baffling; we need a system that requires energy companies to justify price hikes and prevents blatant profit margin inflation Share on Social Media xfacebookemailwhatsapp

www.siptu.ie/siptu-general-secretary-...

#IEpol #EnergyCrisis #CostofLivingCrisis #SIPTU #TradeUnionism

53% of #UCD Research Staff have no dedicated funding for conference travel outside of their PI's budget. Time to organise, contact us rsa@ucd.ie #postdoc #research #precarity #siptu

#SIPTU #IrishTradeUnion #Dublin

Thanks to the more than 20 colleagues who took a break with us on lunch walk day. Great conversations and even better company! ✨ See you at the next one! #UCD #Siptu #PostdocLife"

Sunday Read: You need your Union in this crazy world “The whole world is in a terrible state of chassis”, is Captain Jack Boyle’s famous declaration at the end of _Juno and the Paycock_ , written by the famous playwright and early member of our Union, Seán O’Casey. Capt. Boyle’s declaration of dismay was made as he saw his tenement community impacted by a worsening Civil War, which pitted once friends against each other. However, it is also a view that speaks to our own era, as the world seeks to deal with a rogue USA under the leadership of Donald J Trump. Whether it is threats to seize Greenland, or his roulette wheel approach to economically crucial tariff regimes, to kidnapping heads of state in night-time raids, the world is certainly a highly volatile place. Thankfully, the impact of the theatrical threats of the Trump regime has not hit Ireland too severely economically, yet. With our scale of US multinational investment, the open nature of our economy and the obvious cultural links we share with the US, it is unlikely that it will remain this way. At times of global instability, workers are often the first to feel the consequences, through job insecurity, rising costs of living, and pressure on wages and conditions. When international tensions translate into economic shocks, it is ordinary working people who are asked to absorb the impact. This is precisely why being part of a strong, collective organisation such as SIPTU is more important than ever. A union provides not only protection in the workplace, but also a collective voice in shaping how employers and governments respond to uncertainty. Through solidarity, organisation and collective bargaining, workers are far better placed to defend their livelihoods, protect hard-won rights, and ensure that the burden of global instability is not unfairly placed on those least able to carry it. In uncertain times, union membership is not just advisable, it is essential. Share on Social Media xfacebookemailwhatsapp

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#IEpol #SIPTU #TradeUnionism

🌿 Postdocs & Research Staff — Let’s Take a Walk!
Join us for a relaxed Lunch Walk to connect with fellow postdocs and research staff
🗓 26th February 2026
⏰ 13:00–14:00
📍 Meet at the Chess Garden
We look forward to seeing you there! ✨
#UCD #PostdocLife #Siptu

Our latest survey reveals key issues that UCD Research Staff - including postdocs - are facing. 🫵We want to take these issues further and raise them to #UCD with the support of SIPTU reps, but we can’t do it alone – join RSA-SIPTU to make our voices heard. #postdoc #ireland #siptu www.ucd.ie/rsa/

Hi everyone,

Just a friendly reminder about our upcoming Bachata Dance for Beginners class today!

Date: 12 February 2026

Time: 17:00–18:30

Location: The Harmony Studio, Student Center #ucd #postdoc #siptu

Join us for Social Bachata Dance – Volume 2 (for Postdocs)!
We’re bringing it back after the great response to the first event.
📅 12 February 2026 17:00–18:30
📍 The Harmony Studio
Hosted by the #UCD Research Staff Association (RSA #SIPTU)
👉 Register via the QR code or this link:
tinyurl.com/9vbxhc5z

The RSA-SIPTU is working to make sure you and other PhD holders have transparent, fair rights and recognition, regardless of the title attached to your contract. #ucd #postdoc #siptu Reach out www.ucd.ie/rsa/committee/

SIPTU Set For Talks Over Westmeath Job Losses On Tuesday SIPTU reps will discuss with Ericsson's Athlone plant the details of their redundancy package.

Up to 35 jobs are set to be cut across Ericsson's bases in Ireland, including Athlone.
#Midlands103News #Athlone #Cornamaddy #SIPTU www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

National protocol and fair pay for extreme weather work needed As Storm Chandra continues to batter Ireland with heavy rain, high winds, and flooding, resulting in travel disruption and power outages, SIPTU has renewed its call for a binding national protocol to govern how Local Authority and State Agency workers are deployed, protected, and paid in response to extreme weather events. SIPTU is demanding fair and additional remuneration for work directly associated with extreme weather emergencies, including extended hours, emergency callouts, standby duties, redeployment, and high-risk tasks carried out during weather alerts. SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “Local Authority and State Agency workers are at the forefront of the State’s response to events like Storm Chandra, which has led to widespread disruption across the island of Ireland today. “Our members in Local Authorities and State Agencies are out there dealing with flooding, fallen trees, travel disruption, and damage to infrastructure. They are keeping roads clear, restoring services, and protecting communities. This is emergency work, carried out under very difficult conditions, and it must be recognised and fairly compensated. “SIPTU’s Local Authority Sector members are already campaigning for a comprehensive review of their terms and conditions. This broader campaign seeks recognition of the wide range of additional duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills now required of members across Local Authorities and State Agencies, beyond what historic terms and conditions reflect.” He added: “The nature of Local Authority work has changed dramatically over time. Members now take on a far broader range of duties, higher levels of responsibility and qualification, and complex tasks that go well beyond what their terms and conditions cover.” SIPTU Local Authority Sector Organiser, Con Casey, said: “We are calling for a clear, sector-wide protocol that guarantees fair pay for extreme weather work and removes the current reliance on ad hoc local arrangements. We are also calling on the Government to formally recognise Local Authorities as the central coordinators of the State’s response to extreme weather, with responsibility for cross-departmental cooperation, resource sharing, and the deployment of skilled public sector personnel.” He added: “Workers deserve certainty and respect. They must know in advance how pay, health and safety protections, rest periods, and recovery time apply when they are asked to respond to emergencies.” Share on Social Media xfacebookemailwhatsapp

www.siptu.ie/siptu-calls-for-a-nation...

#IEpol #Mastodaoine #StormChandra #SIPTU #TradeUnionism

Thanks to everyone who came along to our Social Bachata Dance for Beginners on 20th Jan and helped build our community! More community events coming soon! #UCD #RSA #SIPTU

Dublin MetroLink project must respect workers’ rights Absolute guarantees that every worker engaged on the MetroLink construction project will receive, at a minimum, the full terms of the Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction industry, and all other statutory protections, have been demanded by SIPTU. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has indicated that no Irish construction firm possesses the specific expertise and scale required for a project of this magnitude, which involves significant tunnel boring and metro construction. As a result, the main contract will likely be awarded to a major international consortium. The overall project is estimated to require a workforce of about 8,000 people during the construction phase, which is projected to last approximately seven years, with international workers supplementing the Irish workforce. SIPTU Organiser, Andrew McGuinness, said: “Our Union wants to make clear that no contractor, agency or subcontractor should be allowed to bypass legally binding standards on pay, pensions, working time or conditions of employment for the construction sector. The scale and cost of the MetroLink project require that the highest standards of employment practice are strictly adhered to. “MetroLink is being described as a once-in-a-generation national investment. If that’s the case, then it must also set the benchmark for workers’ rights. Every worker must be covered under the Construction SEO from day one. There can be no loopholes, no undercutting, and no attempts to import labour on inferior terms. These standards are the law, and we expect them to be upheld.” SIPTU also warned that the State must plan now for accommodation for the thousands of workers who will be required. With rents at record levels and availability at historic lows, the Union said the project could deepen the accommodation crisis unless proper planning is put in place. McGuinness added: “You cannot bring a major workforce into Dublin without addressing where they will live. If there is no accommodation strategy, workers will be pushed into overcrowded or unsuitable conditions, and that is unacceptable. Housing these workers must be treated as essential infrastructure.” Share on Social Media x facebook emailwhatsapp

www.siptu.ie/dublin-metrolink-project...

#IEPol #Dublin #Metrolink #SIPTU #TradeUnionism

In a room that is lit purple, 5 people stand: 3 members of Irish Equity's Executive (Vice President Jessica Freed, Trustee Ann Russell, President Gerry O'Brien), stand next to SIPTU organiser Robbie Purfield & #PurpleLights founder Gary Kearney. They are holding an assortment of #PurpleLights Props.

In a room that is lit purple, 5 people stand: 3 members of Irish Equity's Executive (Vice President Jessica Freed, Trustee Ann Russell, President Gerry O'Brien), stand next to SIPTU organiser Robbie Purfield & #PurpleLights founder Gary Kearney. They are holding an assortment of #PurpleLights Props.

In 2021 #IrishEquity applied to our sister org. #SIPTU & got their promise that every #InternationalDisabledPeoplesDay from then on, the pagoda roof of liberty hall will be lit purple in support of the #PurpleLights campaign.

We are proud to be able to support #PurpleLights25 again tonight.

1/4

The logos of UCD and SIPTU

Advisory clinic for SIPTU members re workplace issues (BOOKING REQUIRED) siptu@ucd.ie - Thursday, 27 November 2025, 2:30 – 3:30pmhttps://tinyurl.com/2d2j3y6 #Dublin #UCD #SIPTU #Research #employee

SIPTU President Pledges Focus On Housing Alan Lindley was recently made an Honourary SIPTU President.

300,000 new homes by 2030 is the target set by the government.
#Midlands103News #Offaly #Rahan #SIPTU
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

Reminder - Join us for a Social Cinema Event on Thursday organised by the UCD RSA-SIPTU. All welcome! #Solidarity #UCDResearch #SIPTU 20 Nov 2025, 19:00, Trapdoor Theatre. Sign up forms.gle/wpi9XmHm8NMv... #ucd

Further work stoppages at Carroll’s Cuisine following failure to engage with Union SIPTU members employed at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, will undertake two additional 12-hour work stoppages on Friday (21st November) and Saturday (22nd November), following the failure of management to engage in discussions on pay, working conditions and union recognition at the meat processing plant. The announcement comes after SIPTU members undertook initial 12-hour stoppages yesterday (Sunday, 16th November) and today (Monday, 17th November), with pickets placed at the facility in Tullamore. SIPTU Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, said the decision to escalate industrial action follows weeks of management delays and an abrupt refusal to continue talks. “Workers in Carroll’s Cuisine voted last month in favour of industrial and strike action but agreed to suspend planned stoppages to allow for negotiations. At our meeting on Friday, 31st October, SIPTU representatives presented a constructive proposal aimed at ensuring the company’s financial stability while also addressing pay improvements and securing union recognition for collective bargaining,” McGowan said. “Management requested time to consider this proposal before stating it was not prepared to engage further on the outstanding matters with the workers’ chosen SIPTU representatives. Management has chosen confrontation rather than compromise. Our members will not be denied their basic right to fair pay and to be represented by their Union. This left them with no option but to escalate the industrial action at the plant.” He added: “The workers have been heartened with the support from the local community for their action. It is in the interest of all workers in Ireland that union recognition is respected and people earn a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.” McGowan added that Carroll’s Cuisine’s parent company, Sofina Foods, has publicly acknowledged shortcomings in how it has engaged with staff, yet has failed to address the core issues at the heart of the dispute. “This conflict fundamentally stems from the company’s refusal to respect workers’ right to collectively bargain through their Union. Ireland remains an outlier in Western Europe in this regard. Working people, like those in Carroll’s, should not be forced into industrial action simply to secure fair treatment,” he said. SIPTU members will maintain pickets during all stoppages, including the two additional 12-hour actions scheduled for next Friday and Saturday, both commencing at 7.00 am. Share on Social Media x facebook emailwhatsapp

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#SIPTU #TradeUnionism #CarrollsCuisine #IEpol

Your voice, your community, Don't miss Social Cinema Event! The UCD RSA-SIPTU invite you to connect with a special screening of Pride (2014). All welcome! #Solidarity #UCDResearch #SIPTU 20 Nov 2025, 19:00, Trapdoor Theatre. Sign up forms.gle/wpi9XmHm8NMv... #ucd

SIPTU Renews Industrial Action Plans At Offaly Food Plant Two work stoppages will begin at the end of this week.

Work stoppages are planned this Sunday and next Monday.
#Midlands103News #Offaly #Tullamore #Carrolls #SIPTU
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

Offaly Food Workers Launch Industrial Action SIPTU members at Carroll's Cuisine in Tullamore have voted to take striking action.

Work stoppages will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, 31st October, and Saturday, 1st November.
#Midlands103News #Offaly #Tullamore #SIPTU
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

SIPTU Demands Transparency Over Bord Na Mona 'Grossing Up' Payments The calls follows reports of a near €60k benefit in kind tax bonus for the company's CEO.

Controversy over Bord Na Móna's CEO's bonus scheme comes at a time when the company's recycling operations are set to be sold on to a private company.
#Midlands103News #SIPTU #Recycling
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

Environment Minister's Silence On BNM Recycling Talks Very Alarming - SIPTU The Union still hold concerns over the state company's privatisation.

The Union still hold concerns over the state company's privatisation and have reached out to Darragh O Brien's office to discuss the issue with him.
#midlands103news #offaly #siptu #bnm

www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

Union Calls Off BNM Recycling Strike Workers emerged from talk yesterday with a 'significantly improved' deal.

Workers at the waste recycling company have unanimously agreed to take what's being described as an improved offer.
#Midlands103News #BNM #Recycling #SIPTU
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

BNM and SIPTU To Meet Ahead Of Strike Tomorrow The meeting takes place in Portlaoise later.

It's ahead of a planned day of strike action tomorrow by recycling workers.

#Midlands103News #BNM #Portlaoise #SIPTU

www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

SIPTU Says WRC Deal Not Being Upheld They say the Tara Deep project still needs to start as part of the deal that reopened the mines last year.

The Tara Deep project was agreed under a WRC deal to reopen the mines last year.

#Midlands103News #mines #siptu

www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

SIPTU Willing To Negotiate Ahead Of Strike Action 61% of Bord Na Mona recycling workers rejected a WRC deal yesterday and are planning a strike for next week.

Bord Na Mona say they remain committed to reaching a resolution ahead of the planned strike by workers next week.

#Midlands103News #Bordnamona #siptu #strike

www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

SIPTU Campaigning Against Offaly Medical Plant's Union Policy Workers at the plant are calling for the right to collective representation.

SIPTU says Steris engage with collective representation at their Westport plant, but are vetoing the same approach in Tullamore.
#Midlands103News #Offaly #Tullamore #SIPTU #Union
www.midlands103.com/news/midland...

SIPTU Members Bord Na Mona Recycling Strike Called Off The action was scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The strike was scheduled to take place this week and has been called off.
#midlands103news #bordnamona #siptu #Striker

www.midlands103.com/news/news-bu...