Archive for
A Short-Time Work Scheme would help us battle the worst effects of Brexit
Posted on October 07, 2019
Dr Tom McDonnell, Senior Economist, Nevin Economic Research Institute
Every economic downturn is unique but often involve some form of demand-side or supply-side shock.
A ‘demand-side’ shock occurs when businesses and households collectively reduce their spending in the economy. Good examples include stock market or property crashes that lead to a general loss of confidence in future economic prospects. Supply-side shocks tend to be more damaging to the economy over the long-run. This is because they can affect a country’s long-run productive potential and its ability to grow into the future. Good examples include increases in energy prices or in the cost of trade, or political turmoil and prolonged uncertainty, that chokes-off investment in capital goods and new technology.
Permanent link | Categories:
Centenary Conference of the International Labour Organisation
Posted on September 25, 2019
Dublin Castle was the setting for a recent conference celebrating the centenary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) themed around the 1944 Declaration of Philadelphia. The principal author of the Declaration was Irishman Edward J Phelan who had a distinguished career with the ILO and was credited with shaping its values.
Congress was represented by General Secretary Patricia King, Liam Berney Industrial Officer and David Joyce, Policy Officer and Deirdre O’Connor member of the Executive Council of ICTU.
The opening address was given by President Michael D Higgins, who expressed his concern at “new emerging trends in work, and his belief that “we are now witnessing increases in precarious employment, contract working, and ongoing casualisation of labour”.
Permanent link | Categories:
High drama in the House of Commons - but Boris Johnston is not the first PM to confront rebel Tories.
Posted on September 04, 2019
Last night saw extraordinary events in Westminister, 21 Tory rebels taking a stand, one of them even crossing the floor in front of Prime Minister Boris Johnston to join the Liberal Democrats, and a crushing defeat for the British Government.
In a few hours of high drama, MP’s voted by 328 to 301 to seize control of the parliamentary agenda in an effort to avoid a no-deal Brexit. In a night of historic proportions, even Charles Stewart Parnell was invoked by pro-Brexit MP Jacob Rees-Mogg during a fractious debate.
Permanent link | Categories:
Partnership between ICTU and NUI Galway to explore Labour Movement’s Revolutionary role in the struggle for Irish Independence
Posted on August 08, 2019
The ICTU has established a partnership with NUIG this year to mark the Labour Movement’s role in the Struggle for Independence. A number of satellite events will be held in Athy, Belfast, Cork and Dublin. These are being organised in conjunction with local trades councils and other organisations, including University College Cork and Ulster University.
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is part funding events and promoting them as part of its Decade of Centenaries programme.
Permanent link | Categories:
My new life as a young Syrian refugee in Ireland
Posted on May 08, 2019
My name is Taqwa Alhariry. I am a 27-year-old student, who escaped the savage war in Syria to live in Ireland with my mother and sisters.
I came here with my two sisters, Sarra (19), Maisa (22) and my mother Fatima. We were later joined by my third sister Amira (17), who came from Turkey, and we now live together in Enniscorthy, County Wexford. A fourth sister, Shaima is living in Belgium. We are originally from Daraa city in Syria and I am currently studying Cambridge English in Dublin so as I can enter a university in Ireland.
I originally came from Syria and used to live with my family in Daraa city.
Permanent link | Categories: Human Rights
Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2019 - What does it all mean?
Posted on April 10, 2019
Earlier this week, the Government published the long awaited Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2019. The Act will amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 to require regulations to be made that will require certain employers to publish information in relation to the gender pay gap in their organisations.
The issue of mandatory reporting of gender pay gaps within organisations has been on the Congress agenda for a number of years now:
Permanent link | Categories:
10th Global Solidarity Summer School
Posted on July 23, 2018
Building our Power – Organising for Global Solidarity
10th Annual Global Solidarity Summer School
Congress looks forward to welcoming everyone to Derry for our 10th annual Global Solidarity Summer School – Building our Power – Organising for Global Solidarity
Over 80 trade union delegates from right across the island, North and South will gather to discuss the movement’s global solidarity work and to hear from a range of national and international speakers. Kevin Callinan, Congress Vice President, will welcome people to Derry and give the Opening Address.
Permanent link | Categories: solidarity
Address by Michael D.Higgins, President of Ireland - At the World of Work Summit held at the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference
Posted on June 14, 2018
'The International Labour Orgainsation - its noble origins, its new challenges, and its potential global role as catalyst'
Address by Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland - At the World of Work Summit held at the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference Geneva, Switerland
7th June, 2018
Please see the version of the speech given by President Higgins here
Permanent link | Categories:
Workers' Rights in Ireland under Scrutiny at International Labour Forum
Posted on May 25, 2018
International Labour Organisation
David Joyce outlines the key issues that Congress will be raising at the forthcoming 107th Session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). David will represent Congress at the ILO’s annual gathering
Some reflections from the 107th International Labour Conference (ILC) (added 12 June)
Permanent link | Categories: ILO • Decent Work
‘Remember the Dead, Fight Like Hell for the Living’
Posted on April 10, 2018
Frank Vaughan of Congress reflects on the importance of Workers’ Memorial Day and what unions can do to help mark the event this year
It was the passing of the Occupational Safety & Health Act in the United States more than 45 years ago that paved the way for what we now know as Workers’ Memorial Day.
The ground-breaking legislation sought to ensure that employers provided workers with an environment free from recognised hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions.
Permanent link | Categories: Workers Memorial Day 2018