From the People’s Movement Newsletter. Social change is home-grown – not a gift from the EU. 0 March 10, 2021 Written by FRANK KEOGHAN There is a general view that all social change has come from the European Union. It is a view that has been promulgated during the various referendums, particularly by certain trade unions and women’s groups and is often cited by our legislators when in a difficult spot concerning the EU. It has served to keep the majority of these key social actors in the unquestioning pro-EU camp – though this is slowly changing as the true nature of […]

Trade union rights are not protected under EU law. March 10, 2021 Written by FRANK KEOGHAN The best way to secure fair wages is through collective bargaining by trade unions and the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively is recognised as a fundamental human right by numerous European and international charters and conventions. And yet union-busting is on the rise in EU. Collective bargaining must be the prerogative of genuine, democratic trade unions, and not arbitrary groups often set up to undermine union strength and impose unacceptable conditions. The “obligation” on the EU and its member states is clear. […]

Trade Unions hailed as the ” end of the road for bogus self employment. Read more here.

by Riccardo De Cristano “Business as usual is killing us” [1] Recent years have seen the rise and expansion of new financial instruments aimed to create a positive impact on society. One peculiar instrument, green bonds, is facing enormous growth, and we can notice how it is becoming a popular type of investment.[2] Through its mechanisms, even if a universal definition of what a green bond does not exist, investors can raise profits and provide positive outcomes for the environment. Market-based solutions to address environmental problems are not new. Robert Coase, in 1960, was the first one to propose a […]

The 8th of March each year has continued to grow in popularity around the world as a day on which to recognise and celebrate women in general. But this increase in popularity stems from a growing disconnection ( See Video) from the radical socialist roots of what was once widely known as International Working Women’s Day. The origins of the day can be traced back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, when women began protesting en masse for equal rights. In 1911 Clara Zetkin was a leading organiser of the first International Working Women’s Day demonstration, which took place on […]

Date Released: 04 March 2021 SIPTU representatives have said that the draft EU Directive on pay transparency, published today (Thursday, 4th March), will effectively lock women into a state of permanent pay inequality. SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for Organising and Membership Development, Ethel Buckley, said: “While this long awaited and overdue Directive contains some fine aspirations, it falls way short in terms of the actions and urgency required to deliver real change for women workers. “While the Directive aims to reduce secrecy on pay, it does not provide the practical tools necessary to negotiate and address the glaring pay inequalities […]

WFTU International Symposium for the Release of all Palestinian child prisoners from Israeli jails (Virtual) 02 Mar 2021   Dear colleagues, The International Campaign for the release of all Palestinian child prisoners from Israeli prisons, launched in January 2021, has been actively supported by militant trade unions in every corner of the planet and every day more and more militant actions are taking place. The WFTU and its members and friends all over the globe, stand by the side of the workers and People of Palestine and demand the release of more than 155 Palestinian child prisoners currently held in […]

The laying-off of all Aer Lingus cabin crew at Shannon Airport today (Monday) is devastating for the staff and for the region. Throughout the Covid crisis Fórsa has always sought to maintain the links between staff and employer, in order that the airline and its crews were ready to resume services as and when it was safe to do so. The Covid crisis has lasted far longer than anyone had envisaged, and this creates additional challenges to maintain the solutions we had previously put in place with the employer. Fórsa has previously warned that thousands of jobs dependent on aviation could […]

Issued : 19 February 2021 PRESS RELEASE 600 Ulster Bank jobs in Northern Ireland must be protected – FSU Friday, 19th February 2021 The Financial Services Union has said that it is deeply disappointed by the confirmation this morning (19.02.21) that Ulster Bank DAC is exiting its operations in the Republic of Ireland. Commenting, general secretary of the FSU, John O’Connell said: “While Ulster Bank’s operations in Northern Ireland are unaffected by today’s news, the work of circa 600 staff in Belfast predominately involves supporting Ulster Bank activities in the Republic. These jobs must be secured and protected. “We are calling […]

Intro: A piece written for Trade Union Left Forum by 14 year old Amhlaoibh Ó Síocháin Ó Beoláin a young socialist from North Cork with a keen interest in the creation of new Economic Systems which support the cause of workers in Ireland.   Worker-Owned Cooperatives:    A Fair Productive Way Forward:   This spring, many low-paid and precarious workers are eking out a living on wages that are insufficient, and in the case of precarious workers, irregular. Meanwhile, sucessful business owners will be comfortable despite the pandemic. This difference of standard of living between business people and the workforce is unacceptable. […]