'Working poverty the cause of huge societal problems'

The successful fight by Tara Mines trade unionists to secure pay related job seekers benefit was recalled as the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Meath branch of ITGWU/SIPTU on Friday.

The celebrations began in at the Dan Shaw Centre where members were presented with scrolls and badges for long service.

Francis Devine, SIPTU historian and retired SIPTU college tutor, reflected on the days of the ITGWU and SIPTU Meath Branch.

Greg Ennis, deputy general secretary, SIPTU said; "Today we have almost 3,500 SIPTU Members in Meath across 157 employment sections including the OPW, Tara Mines, Meath County Council, Navan Hospital, HSE Home Care, Largo Foods, Saica Packaging, and Kilsaran.

"Tara Mines has endured and it has not been easy for our members, who fought tooth and nail during their most recent protracted lay-off, to bring about long overdue pay related job seekers benefit, which will commence on 31st March 2025, and will be to the benefit of tens of thousands of workers in the future by way of the accrual of 60 per cent of earnings to a maximum of €450 for the first three months, and reducing thereafter, while on lay-off. No mining pun intended – but that campaign was truly ground breaking."

Mr Ennis recalled the work of many local members and officials over the years including Dan Shaw, Andy Connolly, Christy McQuillan, Marcella O'Brien, Gerry McCormack, Anton McCabe, Oliver McDonagh, Robbie Purfield, Maria Gray, Ann Rochford, Tommy Grimes Sean Murray, Noeleen Donoghue, Lidia Peppered and Marie O’Connell.

"Celebrating 50 years is a special moment for an organisation that supports working people against all the challenge that it faces from business, many employers, Government and those that do not wish to see worker generated wealth distributed in a fair and equal fashion. Our view is clear, in that we must have an ‘economy for the people’, and not a ‘people for the economy’," concluded Mr Ennis.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy, paid tribute to the now deceased friends of his, SIPTU former branch secretary, Andy Connolly and Joe Reilly, former Mayor of Navan.

"On the run into last week’s general election, candidates from all party’s and none were asked by the trade union movement to pledge their support for the EU Directive on Workers’ Rights.

“This is a critical piece of legislation, which promotes collective bargaining, protects workplace representatives and ensures the right to access a trade union at work," said Cllr Fennessy.

"A new administration will be elected over the coming weeks. It is vitally important that this legislation is included in their programme for government and that it is enacted, without delay. Because working poverty, is the cause of huge societal problems in this state, it is incumbent upon all of us gathered here today to use whatever means we have at our disposal to get this legislation over the line. Collective bargaining is the only mechanism that will improve living conditions and reduce the cost of living that impoverishes so many workers today."

SIPTU sector organiser, John Regan thanked all the activists that supported and attended the celebrations. The event concluded with a lunch in the Ardboyne Hotel.