SIPTU members in areas impacted by the scheduled international football match against Israel on October 4 in Dublin have begun a consultation process amid growing safety and moral concerns about the fixture.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis (pictured above), said: “Discussions are currently taking place with our elected Shop Stewards and activists within the Aviation, Broadcasting, Transport and Hospitality sectors, which include those employed in the FAI, RTÉ and the airports.
“This follows many expressions of concern from workers regarding the proposed Israel game on safety, moral and legal grounds.
“It is clear that the vast majority of SIPTU members, as with the rest of Irish society, are strongly opposed to the playing of these games.
“Our members are also asking questions in relation to their right to refuse to facilitate, through the provision of aviation, transport, accommodation and broadcasting services, this match going ahead.
“For many, this is a matter of conscience, due to the Israeli state committing genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimes in Palestine and Lebanon.
“Others have highlighted their personal safety in the face of likely protests, while others have raised legal issues in relation to facilitating the transport of former IDF members who may be implicated in war crimes.
“Workers should not be placed in this situation.
“Our Union has already committed to SIPTU members that if they feel they cannot support the playing of these fixtures in any way whatsoever, be it on moral, safety or legal grounds, we will fully support them, or any group of them, in this stance.”
He added: “It is not good enough that the Government has decided to disengage from the issue of whether these fixtures should be fulfilled, leaving it up to the FAI.
“The reality surely is that, on a wide range of grounds, these fixtures just cannot go ahead.
“However, our members must plan how to protect their interests, whatever the outcome of the wider political and moral discussions on this issue.
“Once these consultations are completed, we will be issuing, as a Union, advice and instruction to our members in relation to this issue.”