Trade Unions

The Role of Trade Unions

Every employee has a legal right to join a trade union. Employees pay a monthly subscription fee to be part of a trade union.

Example: The INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) represents nurses in Ireland.

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Benefits of Trade Unions

For employees, trade unions have the following benefits

1. Protect employment rights

2. Provide information

3. Represent members in negotiations

4. Support in disputes

5. Protect employment rights Trade unions defend members facing disciplinary action or dismissal and ensure fair treatment under employment law.

Example: A union may represent a worker at a hearing about alleged unfair treatment.

6. Provide expert advice and information Unions give members guidance on employment contracts, health and safety regulations, and workplace procedures.

7. Represent members in negotiations Trade unions negotiate with employers through collective bargaining to secure better pay, working hours, and benefits.

8. Support in disputes Unions may organise industrial action, such as strikes or work-to-rule, if negotiations fail.

For employers, trade unions have the following benefits

1. Facilitate bargaining

2. Simplify communication

3. Provide services

4. Promote industrial peace

5. Facilitate structured bargaining Collective bargaining allows employers to negotiate with one body rather than with individual workers, saving time and resources.

6. Simplify communication Employers can communicate efficiently with large groups of employees via the shop steward.

7. Promote industrial peace When good union–management relations exist, trade unions help to resolve conflict internally, reducing the likelihood of strikes.

8. Provide services Unions offer services like insurance and savings schemes, which can improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.

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Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

The ICTU is an interest group representing almost all of the Trade Unions in Ireland. It is an 'umbrella body' which speaks on behalf of the majority of the Irish trade union movement.

They:

9. Provide training to union members
10. Influence government policy
11. Support and advise affiliated unions
12. Promote workers' rights

Functions of the ICTU:

9. Train union representatives ICTU provides training for shop stewards and officials in areas like negotiation, conflict resolution and employment law.

10. Influence government policy It makes submissions to government ministers, particularly the Minister for Finance, to influence budget decisions and labour legislation in favour of workers.

11. Support and advise affiliated unions ICTU supports unions in negotiations and mediates in disputes between employers and member unions.

12. Promote workers' rights ICTU campaigns on issues such as equal pay, workplace safety, and social protection.

Example: ICTU supported the campaign for statutory sick pay, which was introduced in Ireland in 2023.

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Irish Trade Unions

SIPTU (Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union)

SIPTU is Ireland's largest trade union, representing workers in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, cleaning, and transport. It negotiates better pay and working conditions for its members and supports them in industrial disputes.

Example: In 2022, SIPTU health workers voted for strike action due to delays in job evaluations and pay agreements.

TUI (Teachers' Union of Ireland)

The TUI represents teachers and lecturers at second and third level. It campaigns for fair pay, job security, and education policy reform.

Example: In 2023, the TUI publicly opposed proposed changes to Leaving Certificate assessment, raising concerns about teacher workload and fairness.

Fórsa

Fórsa represents public service workers across education, healthcare, local government, and state agencies. It negotiates on issues such as pay, pensions, remote work, and redeployment.

Example: Fórsa supported the introduction of the Right to Request Remote Work Bill by highlighting employee concerns during the pandemic.

ASTI (Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland)

ASTI represents second-level teachers in voluntary secondary schools. It advocates for pay parity, reduced workload, and job security for newly qualified teachers.

Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASTI warned it would withdraw from remote teaching unless schools provided proper supports.