Tens of thousands of people, some estimates put the crowd at 50,000, joined the ‘Ireland for All Rally’ in Dublin on (Feb 18th) in a day of action against racism.
ICTU-affiliated unions marched with representatives including, Le Chéile, NWCI, MASAI, and political parties representing those working to challenge racism and extremist far-right thinking in Ireland.
General Secretary Owen Reidy said ‘the trade Union movement speaks for workers in Ireland, and he warned against listening to a small group of extremists who are seeking to stoke fears, and division, among working communities’.
He said ‘the huge crowds that marched under banners on Saturday and with the trade union movement showed their solidarity and support for those fleeing war, persecution, and natural disasters’.
Fórsa General Secretary and ICTU President Kevin Callinan said: 'We must speak out and challenge those who are peddling hate speech in our communities and workplaces.
In an interview with RTE News, the President said many people had come to work in the health services here. Without them, the system would collapse, he said https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0218/1357388-diversity-marches/
Many union members turned out to support Ireland for All Rally including Toyosi Atoyebi INMO International Section, who said she and colleagues from around the world worked in the health system: https://twitter.com/i/status/1626956614543589376
Linda O'Sullivan of Fórsa said she attended the march to show solidarity with refugees: https://twitter.com/i/status/1626957623445577732
Rosie Condra a nurse and a member of SIPTU said she celebrates social diversity in Ireland : https://twitter.com/i/status/1626960699535523841
The rally, which moved from Parnell Square to the Custom House, was held in response to recent anti-migrant protests. Musicians including Christy Moore and Maverick Sabre took to the stage to entertain the crowds who had gathered along the river Liffey.
