Enabling our members to join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
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PDForra members “are not a bunch of red anarchists bent on bringing down the state at all costs” simply because they applied for membership in the trade union organization, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
This is the view of PDForra’s general secretary, Gérard Guinan, who told delegates attending the association’s annual conference that ordinary workers and trade unionists have shown themselves to be much more responsible in terms of economic affairs. this country only captains of industry and those who claim to know what is best for its members.
Former Chief of Defense Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett has previously said that if PDForra’s wish to join PDForra is granted it could jeopardize state security, even if members of the association have repeatedly declared that they will never go on strike.
Joe Biden’s opinion on unions was even used in the debate when PDForra chairman Mark Keane quoted a speech the US president gave in March.
“Mr. Biden said unions put power in the hands of workers, they give you a stronger voice, for your health, your safety, higher wages, protection against discrimination and sexual harassment. Let’s be clear, it’s not for me to decide whether someone should join a union, nor is it for the employer to decide, â€said Mr. Keane.
Mr Guinan urged Defense Minister Simon Coveney to allow PDForra to affiliate with the ICTU ahead of salary negotiations next year.
He said that despite what others may say, membership was not about being a union member or the right to strike, which his association reassured the military leadership and the minister will not take place; “It’s about being able to influence salary negotiations in one way or another.”
PDForra is also against a salary review body that was set up by Mr Coveney.
“Despite our calls for someone to show us how a salary review body would best serve our members, no one has provided evidence that this would be the case. In fact, a similar type body for the British Armed Forces shows the futility of establishing such a body as it is also linked to public sector pay policy, â€said Mr Guinan.
He added that the government’s refusal to allow PDForra to affiliate “is frustrating for enlisted staff because they think they are not being listened to.”
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