The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is supporting a Yes vote in the Civil Marriage Equality referendum.
At a meeting of the Executive Council of Congress today (May 20) President John Douglas called on all members and their families to exercise their right to vote and 'to help make Ireland a true Republic of equals", when voting in Friday's referendum.
Mr Douglas said the strong support of the trade union movement for the Yes Equality campaign was a reflection of the deep commitment of Irish workers to the concept of solidarity.
He added: 'trade union members and their families have been to the fore in this campaign in towns and villages throughout Ireland. Individual unions have supported the nationwide Marriage Equality campaign and undertaken a variety of initiatives, from hosting meetings to phone banks, advertising and fund raising events."
Congress General Secretary Patricia King paid tribute to the Congress Centres Network for their active involvement in the campaign.
'the welcome accorded to the Yes Equality bus by the Centres has been widely commented upon. This referendum is about extending civil marriage equality to all citizens and it's entirely fitting that the trade union members should embrace equality. The trade union family has never recognised barriers and has always opposed exclusion and the support of the Congress Executive for civil marriage equality is consistent with our traditions and core values,"
