Dublin workers set to celebrate Ireland’s inaugural Trade Union Week

Workers in Dublin will take part in events and activities this week (Monday, April 29, to Monday, May 6) as part of the inaugural Trade Union Week, an initiative as part of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) ‘Better in a Trade Union’ campaign to promote the benefits of trade union membership.

Members and representatives from across 44 trade unions affiliated to ICTU, including from Dublin, will hold Trade Union Week events in workplaces, schools, further and higher education institutes, and retail outlets, focused on issues such as enhanced job security, advice and supports for workers, improved terms and conditions of employment, and better pay.

Commenting at the launch of Trade Union Week, Owen Reidy, General Secretary of ICTU, said this week provides an opportunity for workers to find out about the benefits of joining a trade union.

“This week, 800,000 affiliated members will reach out to colleagues and friends to talk about the benefits of trade union membership.

“Together with members and representatives from Dublin, we celebrate a collective movement that has secured better pay and conditions for workers.

“Our aim for Trade Union Week is to show those yet to join a union the huge benefits that exist in collective action and bargaining.

“Every worker is better in a trade union.”

Speaking on the benefits of joining a union, Lusk clerical officer and member of Fórsa Trade Union, Chris Crowley said, “For me, being a part of the union, I’ve always said it’s like being part of a family.

“Being in a trade union has made such a difference to my life and not just my working life, but the benefits that I have in my workplace.

“They come into my life outside of work as well.

“Everything that has happened to me and work and everything that goes on, the good, the bad, the indifferent, it’s all knowing that that level of support is there. It means so much to me.”

Trade Union Week Highlights

Trade Union Week is taking place as part of the ‘Better in a Trade Union’ campaign, which features workers’ voices from the public and private sectors across the island of Ireland. Local events include:

Fórsa will hold coffee mornings for local Special Needs Assistants and teaching staff.

Financial Services Union will run information stalls and events for 16-to-24-year-olds on their right to join a trade union and organise in the workplace.

Mandate and the Communications Workers’ Union will collaborate with other unions to hold information stalls in local colleges and universities.