Doolan welcomes Trade Union leadership to Ard Fhéis
Published: 2 March, 2007
This weekend's Sinn Féin Ard Fhéis will see several leading members of the
Irish trade union movement in attendance and addressing the conference. In
welcoming Jack O'Connor, General President of SIPTU, Patricia McKeown
Regional Secretary of UNISON & Mick O'Reilly Regional Secretary of the ATGWU
to the Ard Fhéis, Sinn Féin's Cllr. Daithi Doolan claimed, "this is a major
breakthrough in the building of broad labour movement politics across the
island. We are seeing a real alternative being brought together."
Speaking during the launch of the All-Ireland Workers Right's Policy at the
Ard Fhéis, Cllr. Doolan said, "The title of our policy is Workers Rights for
an Ireland of Equals, and on this the 100th anniversary of the great Belfast
Docks strike it is important to highlight the ongoing need to protect and
promote worker's rights even at a time of economic boom."
Cllr. Doolan continued, "Employers are literally getting away with murder in
today's workplace. People's lives are put under threat by the irresponsible
behaviour of employers. Yet there are little consequences for this
behaviour. In 2005, 88 people lost their lives in work related accidents on
this island, but only 40 employers were prosecuted with fines totalling less
than 500,000 euro being imposed in this state. This is the tragic reality that
Sinn Féin is committed to changing. Our policy document clearly states that
we believe that everyone has the right to work in safe conditions that are
not harmful to health and well-being."
In government Sinn Féin will introduce:
· A state guarantee that workers exposed to hazardous material in the
workplace sill receive immediate medical attention and post hospital care at
no cost to the worker.
· Harmonised Corporate Manslaughter legislation in both states along the
lines recommend by the Law Reform Commission, ICTU, TUC & UCATT.
· A ten year All Ireland Workplace Health Strategy to reduce and remove all
aspects of ill-health arising from unsafe work practises.
Cllr. Doolan concluded by urging, "Sinn Féin to continue its work with trade
unions across this island in promoting and strengthening workers rights and
in opposing the ongoing drive by governments and to privatise our public
services."
|
