Ireland’s first Trade Union Week gets under way

Ireland’s first Trade Union week begins today.

It will see thousands of workers across the island taking part in events and activities over the next seven days.

The initiative is part of an Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) campaign to promote trade union membership.

There will be activities in schools, colleges and universities, as well as information stalls, public talks and film screenings.

“This week, 800,000 affiliated members will reach out to colleagues and friends to talk about the benefits of trade union membership,” said Owen Reidy, General Secretary of ICTU.

“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,” Mr Reidy said.

To coincide with the launch of Trade Union Week, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) is encouraging discussions around the role of trade unions in Irish society in primary schools across Ireland.

The INTO has designed a series of lesson plans covering issues such as the history of the trade union movement and the protection of workers’ rights.

“The trade union movement is Ireland’s largest civic society organisation,” said INTO President Carmel Browne.

“I’m encouraging schools to engage with these lesson plans and help us share the work of the union movement far and wide,” Ms Browne said.