Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/688/12933
From The Socialist newspaper, 5 October 2011
Irish trade unionists meet to launch Activists Network
Seventy Irish trade unionists launched the Trade Union Activists Network in Dublin on 1 October. Formed to counter decades of 'social partnership' in Ireland, which held down wages in order to boost the bosses' profits, the idea of a Network gained further credence when the right-wing trade union leaders signed the 'Croke Park agreement' in February. This allowed the bosses and the government in Ireland to try and buy social peace, following the anger and protests around the banking and property collapse and deep recession in Ireland of recent years.
The conference heard speakers from a number of unions, with plenty of discussion from the floor, on the best way forward to build an opposition in the Irish trade unions.
With a tough budget likely in December and attacks on pensions which one teachers' union has called 'larcenous', it is possible that 2012 will be a year in which large sections of workers will have no choice but to fight back, with or without their leaders.
The conference was also addressed by a speaker from the National Shop Stewards Network in Britain who explained how that organisation has built and suggested ideas for strengthening a fightback in Ireland.
Interested trade unionists in Ireland can contact Terry Kelleher on (00353) 872 857665 for further information about the Network.
Kevin Parslow
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In The Socialist 5 October 2011:
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As BAE threatens cuts... Fight for Jobs!
Miliband's fruitless dreams of a 'better capitalism'
Labour Party conference - No way forward given by 'reclaim Labour' speakers
Tory conference farce - Carry on cutting!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Manchester: Thousands say no to cuts
Glasgow: Prepare for 30 November strike
London union leaders call for electoral challenge
Poplar and Liverpool: 'If you fight, you can win'
Socialist Party feature
Socialist Party workplace news
North-west construction electricians meet
Construction electricians invade Kings Cross station
Socialist Party youth and students
Extract from Jarrow Marchers Blog: Day 1 & 2
Danger: young people's futures at risk
Students join the socialists as fury grows over cuts and fees
Socialist Party review
International socialist news and analysis
USA: Occupy Wall Street struggle spreads
Irish trade unionists meet to launch Activists Network
Chilean students in fifth month of protests
Socialist Party events
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