Connect December 2013

WINTER 2013 VOL: 15

NO. 4

Season’s Greetings to all our Members

Editorial

Dear Colleague,

Contents Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-3

Telecoms Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-7

Postal Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8-11

Health & Safety Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Organising Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17 ESCCU Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

UNI Global Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Youth Committee Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-31 Equality Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Education Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 CWU Charitable Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 CWU Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 An Post Employees’ Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40

FM Downes Insurance & Mortgage Brokers . . . . . . . . .

41

CWU People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-52 Orphans’ Pensions Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

53

Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

54

CWU Membership Application Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55-56

Editor: Steve Fitzpatrick Sub-Editor: Imelda Wall Issued by: Communications Workers’ Union, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.

Telephone: 8663000 and Fax: 8663099 E-mail: info@cwu.ie Incorporating the PTWU Journal, THE RELAY and THE COMMUNICATIONS WORKER The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the CWU. Photographs: John Chaney Printed by Mahons Printing Works, Dublin.

2

On behalf of the National Executive Council of the Communications Workers’ Union, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours Seasons Greetings and very best wishes for the coming year.

Your Union faces into the New Year having lost many members across all sectors to voluntary redundancy and early retirement schemes. In particular, there has been a massive exodus from eircom and it seems likely that by the year-end over 1,000 members will have left through voluntary schemes. It has long been the policy of this Union that we deal with reductions of employment for whatever reasons only on a voluntary basis and in the main we have managed to continue to fulfil that policy. It is, however, of little consolation to us as a Union as our membership and activist base will be severely impacted. I am happy that you will join with me in wishing all of those members the very, very best in the future for both them and their families and we hope that they will remain active within the Union through the Retired Members Section. There is always an on-going debate as to how trade unions should deal with redundancy situations, but there is no doubt that in almost every case our members have received packages that are over and above the norm. There is also no doubt that the reason for those packages is the very existence of our Union, as we have seen ample evidence as to how

workers without those protections are treated in this society. Early in the New Year, we will begin rebuilding the Branches and Sections that have been damaged through this process and we must now ensure that all remaining members in eircom are placed in meaningful long-term work and that all work contracted out, is only contracted out to trade union members.

These momentous events happened to coincide with the publication of the first part of the CWU History “Connecting Communities�, which has been written by Francis Devine (the foremost Labour Historian in the country) assisted by John Chaney, our own photographer. A much larger book will follow this pictorial history sometime next year, which will be the main work on the Union’s history. It is important that as a Union we recognise the efforts and the work of our forefathers who planted the seeds of this Union and negotiated terms and conditions for members many of which still apply to this day. A copy of the History of the Union will be sent out to each Branch and Section Secretary and copies of course will be made available at a much reduced rate to members who wish to purchase it.

In recent weeks, Head Office hosted a UNI Global World Executive Board Meeting in our recently refurbished Headquarters. Almost 150 delegates representing in excess of 20 million workers from service industries across the world, gathered here for their annual meeting. The delegates stayed for over a week and were booked into Hotels who are members of the Fair Hotel Group, generating much needed revenue for the city.

In preparation for that meeting, our PR Company in conjunction with the UNI PR Department in Nyon bombarded all media outlets outlining what was a key event in international industrial relations. It is interesting to note that not one media outlet gave any mention whatsoever to this massive event in what almost amounts to

Steve Fitzpatrick, General Secretary, CWU

censorship of a key international trade union event. This is against the background where the opening of a fast food restaurant with 20 precarious jobs got headline mention from the same media. The result of this type of censorship is that the issues being discussed on a worldwide basis are being denied coverage and therefore, ordinary citizens are not aware of those issues or of the alternative policies developed by Unions internationally in their opposition to the present policies on austerity. It also underlines the fact that many of the media outlets owned by industry moguls peddle what can best be called their version of the truth in order to further their own ends resulting in a view from society that has little basis on fact. Indeed, it was for that very reason that we commissioned our documentary in relation to the CWU Humanitarian Aid Convoy and a lesson to be learned for us is that if we want a message delivered, we have to find some method of delivering it ourselves.

We face into the New Year with hope and determination and believe it is now past time to deal with the stagnation of wage rates across the economy. Workers have made sufficient sacrifices and it is now time for employers to play their part.

3

Telecoms Update

Networks flexibility and changes measures improve the effectiveness of the design process delivering efficiency; and

1. Context This document is a collective agreement between eircom’s Networks Business Unit and the Communications’ Workers Union (The Parties) which sets out how circa 830 employees will be granted early release under the current incentivised exit scheme.

The context of this agreement is that the current scheme had been designed to allow for a series of phased exits over a twelve month period. However the profiles of the applications are focussed to an exit date in December 2013 to facilitate employees claiming of Top Slicing Relief which is to be abolished from 31 51 December 2013 under the Finance Bill.

The parties in response to this challenge have agreed that it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that flexibility measures be put in place to enable the maximum number of early exits.

•

3. Future engagement between the parties The parties will engage in January 2014 on a reorganisation of Networks post the release of the incentivised exit applicants to deliver the following: • • •

2. Agreed flexibility and change measures The following flexibility and change measures are agreed: •

The provider of service provision activities i.e.

PSTN, e Fibre, TV and Broad band products will be external contractor resources, other than periods of reduced FAST workloads in which circumstances the provision work will default to FAST team members as appropriate. Workflow to the contractor will be via the Works Management Centres (WMCs).eircom resources will be utilised on this activity also in order to maintain and drive productivity and efficiencies.

•

External contractor resources will also be utilised as a response capability to peak faults and storm situations;

•

Core Field Engineering will be focussed in the first instance on service assurance activity. In line with current practices resources will be reassigned from Core delivery (including build) and Core Network integration to sustain the assurance capability. Thereafter any shortfall in the delivery and build capacity will be met from external contract resources which will be communicated to the union on a regular basis.

•

•

The standard Network Build work management methodology where by work that cannot be delivered by internal resource to meet the required due date will be assigned to external contractor resources will continue. This methodology will be applied across the full programme range of access and NGA to best utilise the resource skills, effectiveness and efficiency.

Span of Control in line with agreed parameters An appropriate operating structure Streamline of work flows

The key principle of the reorganisation will be that business and customer requirements will be the primary driver and guide for all resourcing and assignment decisions for the new organisation.

As part of this engagement the parties note the objective of the Union side is to maximise the number of employees assigned to the FAST teams while meeting the needs of the business and ensuring that the remaining organisations e.g. Build are maintained at a critical mass in order to be sustainable into the future.

1.1 Scope of the reorganisation The scope of the reorganisation will include the following: • • • • •

Fixed Access Operations Access FAST teams Fixed Access Build teams Access Design Core Field Engineering

1.2 Design criteria for Fixed Access Operations The design criteria for Access Operations will include the following:

Immediate discussions for full implementation of the Access National Support Centres strategy plan;

• •

Immediate discussions for the Deployment of the new GIS system known as “Small World” to 4

Apply a span of control of 1 : 18 Assign available resources having consideration for • Business and Service level requirements

Telecoms Update • • • • • •

Preserving normal customer repair capability Existing geographic location Existing discipline Recorded skill set Efficient and effective utilisation of all available resources Align Operational Support Systems (OSS) with new structure

• • • •

4. Employee Training and development Training and development programmes will be put in place to meet the needs of the business and ensure all product skillsets are maintained.

1.3 Design criteria for Access Design The design criterion for Access Design will include the following: • •

Preserving normal assurance and repair capability Existing geographic location Skill Set Existing discipline

5. Governance This collective agreement was signed by

Apply the existing agreed span of control.

Assign available resources having consideration for • Business requirements • Existing location

On behalf of eircom Una Stafford Briah Walsh

On behalf of CWU Jimmy O Connor Jim Browne

1.4 Design criteria for Core field Engineering The design criteria for Core Field Engineering will include the following • •

Apply a span of control of 1:25 Assign available resources having consideration for • Business and Service Level Requirements

131h November 2013

Agreement has been reach with KNN management to restore 2% pay to people who had it deducted; this restoration is to take place for the December payroll run.

Discussions are taking place with KNN management as a result of KNN being the new provider of service provision activities i.e. PSTN, e Fibre, TV and Broad band.

It is hoped to conclude these discussions in advance of them taking up these new functions.

Get into print!

Wear your Union Badge

Anyone wishing to submit articles or photos to appear in the Connect journal, please, either: email to imelda@cwu.ie or post to Imelda Wall,

Communications Workers’ Union, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.

55

Telecoms Update

UNION SECURES PAY DEAL AT FIRSTSOURCE In June/July of this year, the Union engaged in negotiations with Firstsource at local level with a view to securing pay increases for our members and some progress was made. However, the situation changed in September when the UK based Firstsource Management informed the Union there would be no increases in pay and furthermore, they were dissatisfied with the levels of productivity at centres in Dublin and Cork and intended to introduce changes with a view to increasing productivity. The Union organised meetings of members in Dublin and Cork. It became evident that not alone were members dissatisfied with the Company’s failure to increase pay, but also with their working conditions and numerous examples were given of the types of pressure members are working under. Following these meetings, the Union conducted a ballot for industrial action and an indication of the level of anger felt by members is borne out in the ballot result.

The Union organised a plan for industrial action, which included a 24-hour work stoppage at the Centres. Following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission, a number of meetings took place attended by the Union and Firstsource and the Commission issued settlement proposals, which were accepted by the members.

In the Journal is an article from one of the members involved which gives a good insight into the dispute. We take this opportunity to salute the members concerned, the majority of whom have never been involved in any type of industrial action and it is to their credit that they were prepared to stand up to the Company and act in solidarity.

6

Telecoms Update

CWU Firstsource Members voting on the recent ballot

Padraic Jennings

Praise Chinwego

Felicia Ogunrinde

Lorraine Barkley

7

Postal Update

Ballina Branch Office gets a lick of paint as Retail lights up for Christmas C&D Phibsboro

Complete and occupied 25/11/2013

Cavan

Complete, heating upgrade complete and new canopy installed.

Ballyhaunis

Alternative premises identified.Commercial terms agreed. Architect appointed.

Ballymote

Alternative premises identifies.Commercial terms agreed. Architect appointed.

Bray/Greystones

Planning FC/DAC received.Contractor agreed.Legal’s to be completed.

Caherciveen

New building complete.

Clonakilty

Architect preparing feasibility study to extend existing office.

Enfield

Planning permission DAC/FC received.Tenders received. Legals to be completed.

Fermoy

Premises identified.Commercial terms agreed subject to contract.

Architect working on fit out.

Kilmallock

Construction complete and building occupied

Kinsale Listowel Roscommon Roscrea

Potential premises identified.Layout approved. Architect working on planning issues. Commercial terms agreed subject to contract.

Planning DAC/FC received.Landlord to do certain works. Leases now complete.

Contractor appointed.

Premises identified.Scope of works being developed by architect and engineer.

Commercial terms to be formally agreed.

Potential property identified.Architect working on plan to fit out and due diligence. Commercial terms to be formally agreed.

Thurles

Construction complete.

Westport

Fit out almost complete.

The following C&D offices are being currently assessed.

Athenry, Bantry, Cashel, Castleblaney, Clifden, Dungarvan, Skibbereen and Youghal.

RETAIL

Arklow

Most likely a new premises.

Athy

Relocation to relocate to premises across from existing office

New Ross

Plan to relocate subject to discussion with local branch.

New counter positions in Loughrea and Letterkenny.

Feasibilty study ongoing in 10 retail offices into providing an extended retail space.

Ballina Branch Office gets a lick of paint as Retail lights up for Xmas 8

Postal Update

Update on JCC Issues New Claims

However, there are many other areas where staff would like to avail of the flu vaccination but unfortunately it is not available. The Staff Side is seeking the extension of the vaccination to all areas. We have discussed this on and off at the Health and Safety Committee without any progress.

The Company stated that the flu vaccinations have been scaled down over the last number of years due to limited interest from the staff. The company has only recently supplied the information for 2012 as follows:

• Study Leave The Union has raised concerns about the manner in which study and exam leave is handled within the Company and has sought a review of this. Currently in order to qualify for Study & Exam Leave employees must either be engaged in: • • •

A third level course approved by the Company’s Educational Support Scheme A Second level course approved by the Dept of Education Other specified courses of study approved and funded by the Company

• • •

Given the Company decision to cease the Educational Support Scheme and not to fund courses this, in reality, means that the Company has ceased paid study and exam leave for third level and other specified courses. As a result Union has sought a review of paid study and exam leave with a view to providing study and exam leave to staff availing of all third level courses and courses run by professional bodies. As part of this review the Union has highlighted particular difficulties being experienced by members.

The figures for 2013 are similar and we are currently reviewing the operation of this with the Company

Review of Materinity-Related Issues On a regular basis the Union receives queries from members with regard to Maternity Leave and how it should be handled. In addition it is our view that not all Managers understand their role. As a result the Union has sought a review as to how maternity related issues are dealt with in the Company andlt this issue is under discussion at the Diversity Sub Committee of the JCC. It is the intention that the outcome of any review to issue a comprehensive guide for both employees and managers.

This guide should cover areas such as :

Other Issues Sun Cream For some time this issues has been the subject of discussion at the JCC Health and Safety Sub Committee but unfortunately we have been unable to resolve it and for a considerable period of time we were unable to get a response from them. The Company response when we eventually received was in our view unacceptable. The Company position is that: •

•

DMC 300 GPO 300 Others 24 (Company Doctors in Tralee, Cork, Cavan, Tallaght and Wexford)

• • • • • • • • •

The provision of sunscreen at DSU’s may seem simple to undertake. It would be extremely difficult or almost impossible to enforce compliance The level of supervision required would be excessive

Confidentiality Risk assessment Protective or preventative measures Health and Safety Leave Night and shift work Possible hazards Sick Leave Doctor check ups Ante Natal Classes

Discussions are ongoing.

The Union has responded to the Company and advised them that we are not seeking that Sun Cream be treated as an item of PPE. We have requested the Company to provide a bottle of high factor sun cream in each office and this could be utilised by staff on a voluntary basis and replenished when it is empty.

Acting Up Arrangments A Sub Committee has been established to examine Acting Up Arrangements in the Company with a view to agreeing one circular which would cover all aspects of Acting Up. Our discussions cover the following issues: • The Lead in Qualification period for payment of Acting Allowance • Rotation of actors to cover the following: • Calculation of Acting Allowance • Overtime

Flu Vaccinations The Staff Side recognises that the Company provide staff in some of the larger locations with the flu vaccinations.

9

Postal Update tactics by members of the IB e.g. refusing breaks, intimidation etc.

The Union expects to conclude a Code of Practice shortly which will be included as an appendix to the New Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures. Once that is completed this will issue to all staff.

It is expected that discussions will be finalised early in the New Year.

IB Policy and Procedure The Union has for some time had difficulties with the manner in which the IB has operated where they appear to operate with impunity and believe that are above the law. We are in discussions with the company on this issue as we believe at times the IB are involved in investigations that should be more appropriate to HR/IR personnel.

Equally the Union is concerned at reports of bully boy

Under Discussion • • •

Extension of Drug Refund Scheme Review of Mileage Rates Review of subsistence

Pay in An Post Pay Claim

Change Allowance into basic pay. A hearing took place on the 23rd September 2013.

The Union outlined that members had co-operated fully with the implementation of the various change agreements. In April 2012, the Union sought consolidation of the Change Allowance, which in almost all cases is 12.5% (83.67 of which is pensionable).

Furthermore approximately 40% of An Post employees are obliged to co-operate with major changes predominantly in the Mails Processing and the Collection and Delivery Areas although they are not in receipt of the allowance.

The Union further advised that the success of the Change Agreements, coupled with the huge level of cooperation has resulted in significant savings together with improved service levels, mainly achieved in joint working:

At the last Joint Conciliation Council Meeting the Union lodged a claim for a pay increase within An Post. In support of its claim the Union highlighted the fact that Postal staff had not received a pay increase since the 1st August 2008 and throughout this period there has been a significant reduction in the level of overtime and allowances, which in real terms is a reduction in take home pay.

The CWU recognises that An Post faces significant threats the biggest of which is Comreg as well as Reduction in Mail Volumes, Pricing and Funding of the USO. However, all of these are outside the control of the Union. The cost to An Post to maintain the USO equates to €60 million. The staff in An Post should not be held accountable for such shortfalls as they have contributed immeasurably to the Company.

Given all of these and the fact that the review of the 2016 Agreement did provide for pay rises of 6% the Union is seeking a 6% pay increase for all members with effect from the 1st January 2014 The Company is considering this claim and will formally respond to the Union’s claim at the next meeting of the JCC in December.

• • • • • • •

Consolidation of Change Allowance – An Post

A reduction of 1284 FTEs 110 delivery service units have been resigned (some on a number of occasions.).

Company Automation Programme 2011-2013 fully implemented Parcels Reengineered Quality of Service all time high of 94. % Absenteeism rate has significantly reduced Industrial peace since 2005

Unfortunately we were unable to resolve the matter at the LRC and as a consequence issue has been referred to the Labour Court with a hearing expected in January.

The CWU referred to the Labour Relations Commission its claim for the Consolidation of the

10

Postal Update

Royal Mail Sold Off!

existing agreements. This was carried with a 78% vote for strike action on a 63% turnout. At the time of writing, negotiations are continuing with it being unclear whether a deal can be reached or whether there will be strike action.

In a parallel dispute, CWU members working in the local Post Office counters branches, (POL), are about to conduct their 13th day of strike action. This is in a campaign to secure a wage rise, and oppose the downgrading of Crown Office branches, which currently directly employ labour.

POL is to remain publicly owned, and has been completely separated from Royal Mail. It is subject to a large government subsidy, and is losing money. Royal Mail is becoming very profitable with £403 million profit in the most recent financial year. As so often in neo-liberal policy, we see the losses being placed upon the state, while the profits are privatised.

Securing a settlement for Royal Mail workers, and an agreement from POL workers, is the immediate priority of the union.

But we also need to develop policies to protect the universal services currently being provided by Royal Mail.

We know that the Coalition government is not interested in the service. So we are concentrating on securing commitments from the Labour leadership for the anticipated Labour government in 2015.

These include a commitment to place in legislation an extended protection for the universal service; an extended contract between Royal Mail and POL; and a commitment to regulate prices to protect customers.

The union won a unanimous vote at the Labour Party conference to support the re-nationalisation of Royal Mail.

The Labour leadership said it cannot give a commitment on this, as it is refusing to make un-costed spending commitments whilst in opposition.

We do not accept this rationale here, and the union will keep pressing for an incoming Labour government to renationalise. We regard this as the most cost-effective way for the government to guarantee a service to the public, and value for the taxpayer.

The CWU has been supported from many quarters. The commitment of our comrades in CWU Ireland is one that we have particularly valued. Our two unions have a shared history in many respects. Problems facing postal workers concern us, wherever they work, and especially for our nearest allies. We enjoy a common bond of friendship and struggle. Go raibh maith agaibh.

In early October, the British government sold a majority of shares in Royal Mail, on the London Stock Exchange. This brought to an end the public ownership of an industry dating back to the seventeenth century.

The sale was massively oversubscribed. This will was not surprising, as the government had guaranteed a two year dividend of 7% - despite the fact that Royal Mail’s current profit margin is around 3%.

In addition, the price of shares was dramatically under valued. At the time of writing the shares are trading at 70% over the flotation price.

Taken together, the guaranteed dividend and the under valued price meant that the government were, in the words of Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, “selling £10 notes for £5”.

The CWU has no doubt about the impact of privatisation.

It will lead to higher prices, particularly for domestic customers and small businesses. It will lead to the new owners lobbying for a reduction in the universal service obligation - currently with 6 day deliveries at a uniform tariff. Postal workers are likely to face efforts to cut and worsen existing terms and conditions, as the new owners are bound to want to push up profits.

All of which explains why the CWU has campaigned so hard against this measure, over a period of 30 years. There have been four previous attempts to sell the company in the last 20 years. On two occasions, the CWU put together a coalition strong enough to defeat 2 Parliamentary Bills. On one other occasion, the union defeated a three-year lobbying campaign of government by Royal Mail management. There were also secret negotiations in 2001 to sell the company to the privatised Dutch post office, which simply fell through.

Over these years, the CWU has utilised many different tactics. We organised meetings and lobbies inside all the three major parties. We did the same for the nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales, and we worked closely with all the parties from both communities in Northern Ireland.

We organised countless local and national events meetings, pickets, petitions, demonstrations, street stalls, lobbies of MPs surgeries, and so on. The public remained on our side. The last opinion poll before privatisation showed that 70% of the public opposed privatisation. But, as was evident by the terms of the sale, it was never about serving public views or interests. Rather it was a benefits boost to the Coalition’s government’s rich friends in the UK, and abroad.

The CWU is now facing a number of serious questions.

The most pressing has to be how to guarantee the existing agreements that the union has with the employers.

The union balloted its members for strike action in pursuit of a claim to improve wages, and to guarantee 11

Health & Safety Update

Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions During periods of adverse weather the hazards that are associated with driving for work increase greatly. This is particularly true in winter especially during the darker and shorter days. Bad weather such as hail, rain for and snow can reduce visibility and high winds, slush and ice can make vehicle control more difficult. In addition winter sun tends to be low and can cause glare.

The Union on a regular basis issues advice to members on how they should approach adverse weather conditions. The Road Safety Authority is an invaluable source of information with regard to driving in the winter. It is important that you do not get caught out if bad weather strikes. By taking a number of precautions now you can ensure safety on Irish Roads during the winter.

R Make sure you can clearly see. All too

often motorists do not de-fog or de-ice windows and mirrors which can compromise visibility. This winter ensure windows and mirrors are clear, and carry a de-icer and screen scraper. Do not use boiling water as this can crack the windscreen.

R Beware of “Black Ice”. Black Ice is one of winter’s biggest hazards as it is difficult to see. Watch out for sheltered/ shaded areas on roads, under trees and near high walls.

R Be prepared. During these winter months it is advised that motorists carry a number of essentials in the boot of their car.

• High visibility vest • Spare fuel • Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle e.g. boots • A hazard warning triangle • Spare wheel • Tow Rope • A shovel • De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks) • Spare bulbs • First aid kit • A fire extinguisher • A working torch • A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water R In the event of a breakdown. Drivers need to ensure their vehicle is well in off the road so as not to obstruct other vehicles. The driver should also put on their hazard warning lights. If the vehicle breaks down on the motorway pull in as far as you can, alerting traffic behind you with hazard lights. The driver should leave their vehicle, get behind the barrier (on the embankment) and call the Gardaí, on their mobile phone or roadside

RSA TOP 10 TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

R Check your tyres…they are your only

contact with the road. Tyres should be at least the minimum legal thread depth of 1.6mm but need to be changed before they get this worn. Tyres need to be to the correct tyre pressure to give the motorist the best chance in extreme conditions.

R Use your lights. As we come into the winter months, motorists are advised to use dipped head lights during the day so you are easily seen. Headlights and taillights should be in working order.

R Understand your brakes. Check your car manual and find out if your vehicle has safety assist technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti Lock Braking System (ABS). Learn how these technologies can assist your driving in harsh weather conditions.

R Safe Distance. It takes longer to stop a car during the winter weather so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front.

12

Health & Safety Update

telephone.

Keep up to date.

R Listen to local weather and traffic reports. Pay heed to the weather warnings alerting drivers of unsafe and dangerous driving conditions.

R Check out the RSA’s publication ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ for more detailed advice on what to do if severe weather strikes!

R Remember that footpaths

RSA TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID A SLIP OR FALL IN ICE AND SNOW

R

While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of snow and ice.

Each winter slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution.

Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car.

If you are out walking in snow or icy conditions wear appropriate footwear, don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, walk with your hands out and wear gloves so you can break your fall if you do slip. It’s better to have a broken wrist than a cracked skull!

The RSA has the following “Top 10 Safety Tips for Pedestrians” to help avoid the possibility of a broken bone that could easily lead to an operation and a long recovery:

R

R If a journey cannot be avoided walk on a

footpath, not in the street. If there are no footpaths walk on the right hand side of the road (towards oncoming traffic). Be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.

R

R R

R

R

R

13

may not be treated so walk with extreme care, make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and in extreme conditions consider an appropriate walking stick or walking pole Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.

Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision. Stay warm, but DO NOT impair your vision with hoodies, ski masks, scarves, hats, etc. This type of clothing could prevent you from spotting icy conditions that may lead to a fall or not enable you to see a car that is spinning out of control.

Snow and ice cause havoc quickly, so use extra caution when crossing roadways, and always cross at pedestrian crossings.

Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls.

If you can’t avoid the ice and snow, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall and an injury.

If forced to use the steps at someone’s home, apartment, or other public building, walk slow and take shorter steps when descending. The same is true of driveways and other hilly terrain; these areas can be very dangerous when they become slippery with ice or snow. Steps especially can be hard to clear and build up ice easily.

Be aware of overhead hazards!Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk. In extreme cold weather icicles can build up in size very quickly and are lethal.

Their size and dagger-like formation are extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Be aware of what’s happening above you, and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

One Direct Activists enjoy Workplace Leader Training

Members’ Meetings Held

Activists from One Direct recently took part in Workplace Leader Training in Athlone.

Some members of the Committee had already completed the course and with this session completed, the entire Committee has now received the training. The day began with a discussion on what being a union representative means. Activists were encouraged to explore what the role entails and look beyond the basic functions of a shop steward to consider their role as organisers in their workplace. The session then moved on to practical guidance on dealing with members’ issues, how to deal with management and negotiating skills, including a step by step guide to handling cases. Finally the members were brought through the process of talking to their colleagues about joining the union and the common objections that are often given.

The day was designed to allow the maximum amount of participation and debate to encourage members to think about their workplace and what changes might be made to improve the working lives of their colleagues and themselves. The day was very positive and enjoyable and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the future.

Would you like to find out more about Workplace Leader Training? If you would like to become more active in your union and learn about the benefits of taking part in Workplace Leader Training contact Fionnuala at fnib@cwu.ie.

Meetings have been held in Dublin and Limerick for O2 staff to discuss workers’ concerns surrounding the upcoming sale of Teléfonica’s Irish O2 operation to 3.

These meetings were open to members and nonmembers. Both meetings were well attended and a broad range of topics were discussed. Among the issues raised were general redundancy queries, questions around terms and conditions after the sale and team-specific issues relating to duties and processes. The discussions were very open, with contributions from across various areas of the business.

Members have expressed deep concerns about the impact of the sale on their working lives and agreed that it is vitally important for O2 staff to organise themselves and invite their colleagues to join the union.

In a very positive step, some members have volunteered to act as points of contact in the coming months and those who did will be hearing from us shortly.

So what can you do to encourage your colleagues to join with you?

Helping your union in the workplace doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. You could help in several small ways that ensure that there is vital communication between the union and its members. You could do this by: * Distributing union circulars and membership forms * Encouraging non-members to join * Telling members about union events and campaigns * Making sure members’ views are heard

One Direct Pay Discussions Referred to LRC

One area of the business of concern is the network of mobile retail stores. Due to the fact that O2 and 3 both have retail stores, often in the same shopping centre or street, it raises the question of how these duplications will be dealt with when the sale goes through. The Union will be engaging with staff in the retail stores to ensure that workers in these vulnerable areas are giving the opportunity to prepare for the potential impact on each store and individual.

We will continue to engage with the company on behalf of members in O2 and will keep you updated on any developments. If you would like to take a more active role in your union please feel free to contact Marie Dante in Limerick or Fionnuala Ní Bhrógáin in Head Office.

And remember - Strong membership numbers mean more influence and strength at the negotiating table and for this reason it is vitally important that as many of your colleagues as possible are members of the union.

The CWU Branch Committee in One Direct submitted a pay claim on behalf of their colleagues late last year with a view to, among other things, securing an increase in the basic pay of our members in line with increases in the cost of living.

In conjunction with the claim, which was initially rejected without any meaningful discussions, the staff submitted a petition signed by the vast majority of staff asking the management team to recognise the merit of their claim. Subsequent meetings failed to make any progress on the claim with the company steadfastly refusing to make any concessions at all.

Realising that further discussion at a local level were futile the Committee decided to refer the matter to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for conciliation. At the time of writing no date had been set for a meeting.

14

Industrial Action likely at UPS Depots in London company that we will take strike action, if our members’ legitimate grievances are not addressed.

“The company’s action in suspending our rep is a clear case of victimisation. This is the true face of UPS parcels – forget the smiley faces in the adverts.

“Profits come first. If that is achieved by bullying and stopping our members having a decent work-life balance with their families, then that is clearly a price that UPS thinks is worth paying. We will not stand by and allow our members to be treated in this appalling way.

“During the ballot period, UPS used every trick in the book to try and get members to vote ‘no’ to a strike. This included threats of dismissal, but threats combined with bribes, such as breakfasts on selected mornings when the employer wanted to put its propaganda across, didn’t work – they still voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

Last ditch discussions are expected in an attempt to avert further strike action in the run up to Christmas.

Parcel deliveries in London could be severely hit in the run-up to Christmas, after staff at UPS Parcels voted overwhelmingly to strike in a dispute over unreasonable workloads and alleged bullying.

Approximately 120 drivers and loaders, who work at the Camden depot – the biggest UPS depot in Europe – have voted by a massive 91 per cent to take strike action.

The drivers and loaders are protesting about excessive workloads, forced overtime and bullying. The dispute has now escalated following the suspension of a Union Shop Steward after the notice of ballot was issued to the employer.

An initial 24 hour strike took place on Friday 22nd November with further stoppages expected.

Union reps in depots across London -Barking, Croydon, Dartford and Feltham -have asked for their union to ballot members on the same issues.

The Union representing the workers stated “Our members have sent a message, loud and clear, to the

Use of Seatbelts and Mobile Phones in Company Vehicles the vehicle. The Union for its part believes that the safety of our members is of paramount importance and we place this above the inconvenience of wearing a seatbelt.

In addition it is an offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand or support it with another part of your body e.g. between your head and shoulders, when you are driving. This will result in a fine and the imposition of penalty points.

Members who drive company vehicles should understand that there are no exemptions to UPS drivers from the requirement to wear seatbelts nor can individuals use a mobile phone while driving. The Union is supportive of the Company in its efforts to raise awareness on these issues. The Union is also anxious to have individuals avoid having themselves embroiled in the company disciplinary procedures because of any deliberate decision to circumvent the seatbelt wearing policy or to use a mobile phone while driving and in that regard we are issuing this advice.

UPS and the Communications Workers’ Union are committed to working together on all Health and Safety issues with a view that in so far as is possible employees of UPS can work in an environment that is safe, healthy and free from accidents.

The Union continues to work with UPS to improve the awareness of Health & Safety in the workplace. In that regard UPS Management has made the Union aware of breaches of Health and Safety regulations with regard to the use of mobile phones in Company vehicles and the non wearing of seat belts.

The Company has advised the Union that these practices are completely unacceptable and that the Company would regard the above to be a conscious decision by an individual to deliberately circumvent the Company health and safety policy in addition to breaking the law of the land. Apart obviously from the most serious matter of placing the driver and others at risk, the failure to wear a seatbelt and comply with the law potentially voids the company insurance on

15 15

ESCCU Staff Secure Pay Rise

The wage increase will be applied from 1st October 2013 to run for a 12 month period until September 2014.

Whilst the Union reserves the right to seek to enter discussions with the ESCCU in relation to pay before September 2014, it is understood that no further concessions in relation to pay will be made in the 12 month period from October 1st 2013.

For their part the staff have agreed to co-operate with any potential future mergers or strategic plans as well as facilitate the introduction of staff appraisals. The CWU anticipates that there will be discussions on productivity and cost control measures in the future.

The pay rise that has been agreed is proof once again that there is power in a union. When staff come together to represent their interests in the workplace they give themselves the best chance to improve their working lives. ESCCU shop steward, Emma Lusk, who led the discussions on behalf of the staff described the outcome a great result for all concerned and thanked her colleagues for their support through out the discussions.

The staff at the E-service and Communications Credit Union (ESCCU) who organised themselves into a union in recent years in order to get recognition for the CWU as their union to represent them in the workplace have gone one step further and secured a pay rise for themselves.

After several months of discussion the board of management accepted that there was merit in the pay claim lodged by the CWU on behalf of the members. The agreed terms of the deal are as follows: • • •

2.5% increase in basic pay 1 additional day of annual leave €250 One for All voucher at Christmas

1HSQ visit a great success The organisers visited 1HSQ On Thursday 28th November to set up a stall and distribute a communications survey.

Leading up to this visit, as part of an overall strategy to improve communications, in the last few months we have been engaging with our members in eircom’s 1HSQ building to examine ways to better help staff communicate with each other and with their Union. Members’ feedback was extremely constructive and it was agreed that a communications survey should be conducted in the building.

It was decided that it was important for the organisers to visit the building and set up a stall to give staff the opportunity to talk, in person, about their ideas for improving communications. Both members and nonmembers were invited to visit the stall, have a cupcake and a chat and to take the survey. Anyone completing the survey was automatically included in a draw to win a Samsung Galaxy 8” tablet.

The survey (and the cupcakes!) were a big hit and the stall was crowded all day with members catching up, people filling out surveys and non-members enquiring about joining the union. Lots of other goodies were also given away including mints, stress balls and pens. The local 1HSQ activists were on hand all day to offer insight and lend a helping hand. There was a real buzz about the

stall with friends catching up telling stories, questions being asked and membership forms being filled out!

The organisers would like to sincerely thank the local activists and their branches for being so welcoming and helpful throughout the day. Without them the visit could not have been such a great success. The plan is that these visits will be repeated to increase the Union’s visibility on site and to look at ways to continually improve our presence in the building.

The information assembled from the survey will be compiled into a report on the communications infrastructure of the union in general and in 1HSQ in particular. Look out for the results of this survey in future issues of Connect. The closing date for returning surveys is the 12th of December and the winner of the Samsung Galaxy tablet will be announced then. Good luck to everyone who entered!

If you would like more information about this survey, or the visit to 1HSQ, please contact Fionnuala on fnib@cwu.ie.

16

Over 30 Waterford workers seek to join CWU! Organising Campaign commences in Rigney Dolphin, Waterford

Rigney Workers attend workplace leader training

Union organisers have initiated a campaign in the Rigney Dolphin contact centre in Waterford. Workers at Rigney raised concerns with CWU organisers regarding terms and conditions of their employment. Workers were particulary concerned that they had been informed by management that they would not be allowed to avail of union representation at grievance and disciplinary meetings.

Initially, workers were nervous about meeting organisers but attendances grew at each meeting and now over 30 workers have sought information about joining the union. Furthermore, reps from the CWU have represented a number of workers at disciplinary meetings at the company. The message is clear although there are statutory provisions relating to employees’ rights in the workplace, it is up to workers themselves to assert their rights and ensure the compliance of their employer. The only way for workers to do this is by organising themselves collectively into a union. The workers at Rigney Dolphin have just taken their first steps on this journey. The support, assistance and dedication of organisers matched with the courage and commitment of Rigney workers will ensure a successful campaign.

A key element of our organising strategy is to identify workplace leaders. Once potential workplace leaders are discovered organisers, in conjunction with the education committee, deliver training. The Workplace Leader programme is divided into a number of modules which can be interchanged in order to suit the specific needs of each training group, thus recognising that different groups of workers have different needs and developing appropriate training. In November, a number of workers from the Rigney Dolphin Waterford centre attended training.

At this session, the Organisers covered a number of topics including the role of the union in the workplace, the Anger-Hope-Action framework and objection handling. These are some of the issues that are targeted at workplaces where there is currently no relationship agreement between the union and the company. The feedback received from participants enables Organisers to improve concepts and at the same time ensure that our Union offers activists high quality training, encouraging the development of an organising union which supports your representatives.

Two lucky CWU members win prizes!

Yvonne Duffy wins €300 to spend on CWU Groupschemes members website

Your CWU GroupScheme website is provided for you as a member benefit. The CWU has teamed up with Groupschemes to provide hundreds of discounts to CWU members and their families, which means you have access to a wide range of savings on day-to-day items as well as great savings on products and services.

Additionally, there are occasional competitions that are exclusive to CWU members. Most recently a €300 voucher was up for grabs, just in time for Christmas. All members that have signed up at www.cwu.groupscheme.com were included in the draw.

This splendid prize was won by Yvonne Duffy.

Congratulations to Yvonne, the winner of a €300 voucher to spend on your members added benefits website www.cwu.groupscheme.com. Any member of the CWU can sign up to the dedicated members’ website, visit www.cwu.ie for details.

CWU members recently had the opportunity to enter two fantastic competitions. The first competition was for a €500 voucher to be used at any “Fair Hotel” which was kindly provided by one of our insurance partners, FM Downes. This wonderful Prize was won by PJ Consindine from Clarinbridge in Galway. PJ is a member of the union for over 30 years. He joined the union back in 1980 when he commenced working as a trainee installer at the then Department of Posts and Telegraphs. A committed Union member, PJ previously was a local CWU section secretary. PJ is currently working as a centre manager in Galway. Congratulations again, PJ, and we send a special thanks to Frank Downes & co. for providing the prize.

17

Early Retirement & Voluntary Severance Schemes

Members who are leaving employment are advised to contact the credit union to discuss the most suitable option for both themselves and the credit union for repaying their loan. Members may clear their loan fully or may partially clear their loan and set up a direct debit to pay the balance.

We wish to advise you that members availing of voluntary severance or early retirement schemes are entitled to remain members of the credit union and may continue to avail of our services. We value your loyal and long service membership to the credit union.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Avril or Pauline at the credit union ofďŹ ce on 01-6792344 to discuss the most suitable option for you.

55 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Phone: 01-6792344

Fax: 01-6790802

Email: info@esccu.ie Web: www.esccu.ie

e-services & communications credit union ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

18

UNI Global Union campaigns on rights to organise and union recognition at its Executive Board meeting in Dublin

160 delegates representing 20 million workers attended UNI’s World Executive Board meeting at the CWU Conference Centre from 11 - 13 November, 2013. International trade union, UNI Global Union, is strengthening its campaign to ensure workers have the right to organise and be represented by a union of their choice with employers.

CWU is hugely proud to host this meeting of UNI’s global executive. This group represents over 20 million workers throughout the world and we are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the delegates to Ireland and wish them every success in their deliberations. Their agenda reflects the fact that the challenges the union movement faces in Ireland are echoed throughout the world and is a stark reminder of the need for solidarity in these tough times.”

UNI Global Union has developed a “Breaking Through” strategy among its affiliates to grow unions and convince employers to respect the right to organise. This strategy employs capital strategies, “soft-law” tools such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, customers and the supply chain, linking business expansion to responsible conduct and social media to convince multinationals to respect workers’ rights to organise. UNI Global Union’s capital strategies include engaging with Socially Responsible Investors who incorporate responsibility criteria into their portfolio management and with an estimated $32 trillion in assets now managed by signatories to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment.

Commenting at the meeting UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings, said: “The case for unions has never been more clear. A growing body of economic opinion is linking the decline in union density to the dramatic increase in income inequality across the globe, posing the biggest threat to social stability and a sustainable economy. This is driving down economic demand and sapping the chance of an economic upturn.

Without representation through the trade union movement, an increasing number of workers have and will be left out of any improvements to economic conditions. It has become a world of wealth and advantage for the 1%.”

Mr. Jennings said: “Corporations around the world continue to frustrate and deny workers the right to organise and negotiate on pay and working conditions. In fact, the financial and economic destruction of the last five years, and the orthodox austerity policies prescribed to fix it, are seen as an opportunity to roll back on many of the hard fought improvements to pay and conditions secured by workers and their unions down through the decades.”

CWU General Secretary, Steve Fitzpatrick said, “The 19

Youth Committee Update The CWU Youth Committee have been extremely active over the last few months and have organised, and taken part in, several high profile events. Just some of these events are reported below: On the 5th October, the Youth Committee participated in a protest at the extension of the JobBridge scheme from 9 to 18 months. This protest took place outside the FÁS offices in D’Olier Street and was supported by other groups including ICTU Youth, Scambridge, Unfinished Business 1913 (now We’re Not Leaving), the Young Workers Network and Unite Youth.

JobBridge Protest Pre-Budget Demonstration

Post-Budget Demonstration

On 12th October, the Youth Committee formed a sizeable part of the ‘Youth Bloc’ at the DCTU pre-budget demonstration from Parnell Square to Kildare Street.

Following the budget announcement that social welfare payments were to be cut for people under 26, a protest was organised for the 16th October outside Leinster House. A letter campaign and online petition were also organised as part of this campaign.

ICTU Youth Conference 2013

Photos l to r: ICTU President, John Douglas, opens ICTU Youth Conference.

Dave Gibney and Derek Keenan at the Conference; Youth members have their say.

20

Youth Committee Update

P U B L I C I T Y S T U N T S

P U B L I C I T Y WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON? ON THE Dﾃ！L QUEUE

On 23rd October the Committee jointly organised and participated in a publicity stunt at the Dﾃ｡il where young workers were pictured queuing at doors to represent the numbers of young people both on the dole and emigrating.

Another publicity stunt was held on 1st November following comments that young people sit around on couches watching flat-screen TVs 21 21

S T U N T S

Youth Committee Update

P U B L I C I T Y S T U N T S

EMIGRATION LETTERS

Letters from the Department of Social Protection advertising jobs abroad were torn up in a stunt outside the Dรกil on the 8th November. This attracted great media attention and members of the CWU Youth Committee were interviewed by RTE News, The Financial Times, Newstalk, FM104, 98fm, Spin103 and many more. Chair Derek Keenan was a guest that evening on the Last Word with Matt Cooper and was interviewed by various regional stations including Castlebar Radio.

P U B L I C I T Y S T U N T S

ICTU Youth Conference On Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th November, the CWU Youth Committee were involved in organising an ICTU Youth Conference, held in CWU Head Office attended by approximately 60 young people including trade unionists, students and unemployed.

The conference was opened by Derek Keenan, who also introduced ICTU president John Douglas, and covered topics such as Co-ops, discussions on austerity measures and building the youth movement.

22

Youth Committee Update

International events Youth Committee member Barry Gorman attended the ETUC European Youth Forum in Paris (11th – 13th November) in his capacity as delegate from the ICTU Youth Committee. He has previously attended a Youth Conference in Berlin organised by the DGB union in Germany.

Young People’s Assembly On Saturday 9th November, members of the CWU Youth Committee attended the Young People’s Assembly in Liberty Hall - day-long open meeting for young people to create a young peoples’ charter. The event was organised by the “We’re not Leaving” campaign, a group supported by youth committees of several trade unions including CWU Youth, the Union of Students in Ireland and organisations such as SpunOut. Around 200 young people turned up to the event and the #werenotleaving hashtag was trending in Ireland for nearly 3 days as a result.

A draft Charter has since been published and can be found on the CWU website under Activists/Youth Committee.

Regional assemblies were also held and Vice-Chair Barry Gorman was a speaker at the Galway event.

The day started at 11am and finished at 6:30pm. The aim of the day was to discuss the many different economic policies affecting young people in Ireland that ultimately lead to people having to emigrate. Some of the issues discussed looked at the impact of fee increases and grant cuts as well as the problems of housing, mental health and unemployment benefit.

Laura McKenna of the Young Workers’ Network, along with Shane Fitzgerald and Moira Murphy from We’re not Leaving gave opening speeches to the crowd where they called upon young people to become organised in order to fight back.

Shane Fitzgerald said in his opening speech “Forced emigration is not a lifestyle choice, it’s a Government policy”. This became more apparent when we broke into workshops and people discussed their own stories, including receiving letters from the Department of Social Protection advising them of job opportunities abroad in places like Canada and England.

After the opening speeches we broke into smaller groups where we were tasked with making a list of demands that we would put to the state, employers, representative groups and societies. The demands we came up with were brought back to the main hall and voted on along with the other groups’ demands. This

information then led to the creation of a charter that was voted upon by all the people in attendance.

One of the most impressive parts of the day was how committed everybody was to organising the various different groups that represent young people including trade unions, student unions , mental health groups, women’s groups and youth workers to name a few. There was strong solidarity shown amongst all the groups to come together to support each other’s various campaigns and try to make a difference for young people across Ireland.

By the end of the day we left with a draft Charter and a new found sense of optimism. The group is growing, gaining momentum and getting a lot of high profile media attention including articles in national newspapers and even having members of the group on a panel for debate on national television. The hope is that by organising and standing in solidarity with each other that young people will become a group that Government look to for support, rather than being an easy target for cuts.

The draft Charter that the Young People’s Assembly collectively agreed on and produced on the day was

•

PRECARIOUS WORK & CORPORATE INTERNSHIP CULTURE

We demand: 1. That companies be barred from displacing current paid workers with internship positions.

23

Youth Committee Update 2.

3.

4.

5.

•

That a day’s work should equal a day’s pay – a living wage.

An end to the institutional normalisation of internship culture and the commencement of independent monitoring of internship schemes.

Stability and security in the workplace in terms of hours, income and location.

That the concept of “experience” should not replace paid work.

2.

3.

MENTAL HEALTH

•

We demand: 1. Universal access to free, local and high-quality public mental health services.

2. A collective and social approach to the destigmatisation of mental health issues and that positive mental health be promoted in the community, workplace and education system.

3. Recognition of the impact of precarious work, internship culture, unemployment and poverty on the mental heath of young people in Ireland.

•

FEE HIKES & GRANT CUTS

We demand: 1. A third-level education system that is truly free at the first point of entry, that is funded by a system of progressive taxation.

2. A grant system be put in place for all stages of further and higher education, which enables access to education for everyone in society and reflects the cost of living.

3. The recognition of the broader non-economic benefits of education, as well as the recognition of the economic and social role that the students of today will play in the society of tomorrow.

4. Solidarity between all student representative bodies and the encouragement of political learning and engagement at all levels of education.

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT & FORCED EMIGRATION

We demand: 1. That young people who have been forced to emigrate must have the right to vote in elections in Ireland.

2. An end to the recruitment embargo within the public sector.

3. The recognition of our status as adults in society.

4. That our trade unions be recognised and be allowed to collectively bargain on our behalf.

5. Real job creation from the government instead of token measures.

•

universal social right – free from discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, age and/or ethnicity – and that this right is guaranteed by the state.

Strong regulation of landlords and developers in order to control housing costs and ensure access to adequate housing.

That the state utilise the existing social-housing stock, as well as properties belonging to NAMA and the bailed out banks, in the interest of the public.

This opening draft will be further developed in the coming weeks and months, but we hope this inclusive charter by and for young people will help us to finally come together in solidarity to organise and fight for an alternative Ireland for young people – for a profoundly different vision of social justice for this society If you are interested in supporting the campaign, you can contact the CWU Youth Committee via the Youth Committee facebook or twitter page.

HOUSING

James Moore C.W.U Youth Committee

We demand: 1. That quality, accessible housing be recognised as a

24

Youth Committee Update

Emigration is Not a Jobs Policy!

by Derek Keenan, Chair CWU Youth Committee and member of the Dublin Postal Drivers Branch

Derek Keenan and James Moore, CWU Youth Committee, outside Dáil Éireann.

justifying spin employed to explain why it was necessary to cut the rate of Jobseekers’ Allowance applicable to those under 26. This, the Government argued, would encourage young people to get “off the couch” and get back into work, education or training.

The message from the Government was clear, if you were unemployed and not engaged in any of the above it was because you were staying on the Dole as a lifestyle choice. What made this assertion particularly galling was the fact that few in government actually believed that this was true. They knew well that it was patently untrue.

They knew well that, before the economic crisis, Ireland enjoyed one of the highest youth employment rates across the Eurozone. They knew well that there were now 32 unemployed people for every 1 job vacancy and they were acutely aware that there was nowhere near enough relevant training or education places for the unemployed to avail of. Furthermore, by acting as an unofficial recruitment agent for international employers, the Government implicitly recognised that, despite the rhetoric, they had nothing to offer young people and yet they still cut their dole.

The government showed that they may have been bereft of ideas but certainly not of scapegoats. Unfortunately, politics in Ireland has always been a cynical game and a whole generation of young people are now learning that the hard way.

On November the 9th the Youth Committees of the CWU and the TEEU held a protest outside the gates of the Dáil in order to draw attention to the fact that the Department of Social Protection had sent correspondence to unemployed workers relating to job opportunities abroad.

Innocuous enough some might say, but when one considers the letters within the context of the recent budgetary decisions taken by the government a far more insidious picture begins to emerge.

In the weeks leading up to the budget it was clear that young people were going to be in the firing line. The kiteflying had begun early and the ideological groundwork prepared, as the government sought to justify an attack on those who had no hand, act or part in creating the current economic mess.

But someone needed to be blamed for the stubbornly high rate of youth unemployment and political expedience on the part of the government dictated that blame was to be placed solely at the door of the unemployed themselves.

Unemployment was de-politicised, presented as an individual problem and not a structural problem Our young were vilified, crudely depicted as layabouts who couldn’t be dragged away from their flat screen TVs for long enough to notice the line of employers who were beating at their doors offering them jobs.

‘Incentivisation’ became the new buzzword in debates about youth unemployment and formed part of the 25

Youth Committee Update

Youth Summit for Quality Jobs, Paris

by Barry Gorman, CWU Youth Committee

in the room. One of the more intriguing things said in the room came from the woman from Eurofound, an agency based in Dublin which provides information on European social and work related policies. She stated that Ireland’s youth unemployment had decreased, although when I

O

n November 11-13, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Youth Committee, along with the European Youth Forum, held a youth summit for quality jobs in the OECD in Paris. I was invited to attend as a representative of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Youth Committee, along with the ICTU Youth vicechairperson, Teresa Walsh. The aim of this event was to gather together young trade unionists and young activists from all EU member countries to discuss the issues facing young people across Europe and in particular the creation of quality jobs.

In what was a rather hectic first day, we went immediately from the plane to the OECD just in time to attend the first group discussion. There were two to choose from, so Teresa and I chose one each. I joined the room hosting a seminar and Q&A session on monitoring national plans on youth unemployment. It was an extremely provocative discussion, and there was some lively debate between the hosts and the young activists

asked her whether this was due to job creation or the forced emigration of Irish youth, she was unable to answer. Another interesting fact came from a French trade union colleague, who said that the countries which have been most viciously attacked by austerity - Ireland, Spain and Greece - are also the countries with the highest rates of youth unemployment, youth emigration and cuts to youth services. When they were asked if there was a correlation between these facts, none of the people hosting the seminar could answer. We ended the day by going to a reception in the French Ministry of Employment, where we met the French Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Affairs, Michel Sapin, and presented him with a joint report from EYF and ETUC on youth unemployment.

26

Youth Committee Update protests are historically known worldwide for their passion, size and, most importantly, steadfast solidarity.

And this one was no different! As we converged on Place Chassaigne Goyon, we were met by the sounds of a French jazz band and the chants of “Stop talking, act now!” from the young trade unionists from across France and Germany who had come to join us in solidarity. I was lucky enough to be interviewed (again!) by French trade union television, and was asked to take part in the centrepiece of the protest, the laying of a wreath, along with a colleague from Portugal, to ‘les chômeurs inconnu’, or the unknown unemployed of Europe.

This was truly the highlight of the three days for me, as it was a protest with true solidarity and unity from all its members, as well as the joyous, almost carnival atmosphere of the action, which makes a great change from the sometimes sombre protests we have in Ireland.

Even the rain didn’t dampen our spirits, and we chanted and danced along to the band for almost two hours.

Activists of all ages in Ireland could take great inspiration from this event for their future actions. We finished the day with a working dinner…with a twist! This was on a boat cruise through Paris, and in between talking and listening to young activists from across Europe during the dinner, I was able to see a lot of the sights of Paris, albeit from an extremely wonderful perspective!

Day 2 Day 2 started with an extremely interesting panel discussion on the issues facing young Europeans. Chaired

by Shiv Malik, a Guardian journalist and author of ‘Jilted Generation’, the panel was made up of young trade unionists, European politicians, OECD members and business leaders. Once again, there was some heated discourse between the young activists present and the panel, particularly in regard to the role of internships in creating youth employment. All panel members agreed that the focus needs to be taken away from training an already highly trained young workforce, and instead to target the 14,000,000 young people not in education,

Day 3 Day 3 saw the conclusion of the summit, and we briefly discussed what had happened over the past two days, as well as what steps need to be taken in the future, especially in regard to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee, something which has yet to be seen in many of the European countries it was promised to. It was agreed that pressure needed to be put on our respective Governments regarding the swift and correct implementation of youth employment and training schemes using the funds from the Youth Guarantee, and that the summit would meet again in the near future to see how this issue has progressed. Then it was with genuine sadness that we said goodbye to our European colleagues, and headed to the airport and home.

All in all, the summit was a fantastic event, a spectacle in solidarity among young European activists, something I enjoyed immensely, and I can’t wait to see all these new colleagues again in the near future.

employment or training (NEETS). I argued that this focus on internships by European governments leads to the very real danger of job displacement, and that the focus should instead be on the creation of real, quality employment for young people. The panel agreed that this is something which should seriously be considered, with one member saying “Years ago, if I wanted to be a baker, I went and got a job as a baker. Now, I have to go to college to study how to be a baker. Then, once I’ve learned how to bake, I must go get an internship in baking, something I’ve already learned all about.” This statement was met with rapturous applause by the room, as it nicely summed up an issue which faces all young people - that internships are being exploited by companies as a way of recruiting a highly trained young workforce at little or no cost to the employer.

Following this highly enjoyable panel debate, the 250 young activists present went to the heart of Paris for an action to highlight the need for quality jobs for young people across Europe. As a young activist, this was something I was hugely looking forward to, as French 27

Youth Committee Update

y a w l a G As we entered the small room rented for the meeting, the first thing that struck me was how full it was. Every seat was taken, and people were standing against the walls.

Obviously, these issues are extremely important to Irelands’ youth, and they are becoming swiftly and increasingly disgruntled at the way the Government has ignored or caused these problems in its crusade as cheerleaders of austerity.

After everyone had settled down, the meeting got underway. It was kicked off by Joseph Loughnane, one of the organisers of the meeting and a recent graduate from NUI Galway. He talked briefly about his own situation, how he is unemployed and the only job he could find was with a precarious work contract, which earned him less per week than he would get through Social Welfare payments. Obviously, an unliveable wage and situation for any person.

Joe O’Connor then spoke about the issues affecting students in Ireland, namely the huge rise in university fees, and the cut in grants payments to students. One of the most alarming points he made was how rapidly the university fees had risen, from €150 when introduced in 1996 to €800 in 2006 and then sharply rose to €2,500 this year. Meanwhile, grants have not only been cut in monetary value, but in volume as well, meaning that fewer and fewer young people can go on to third level education and are instead forced into situations like precarious work, zero-hour contracts, exploitative internship schemes like JobBridge, forced emigration in hope of a job, or forced to join the ever-expanding Irish dole queue. For many of those lucky enough to get to third level education, this escalation of fees and slashing of grants puts more financial pressure on families already struggling under stringent budgets.

Sarah Simkin then spoke about her organisation, Jigsaw, and the mental health issues affecting young people in general. Jigsaw was created as a response to the challenge of making sure young people have access to support where and when they need it. Jigsaw is a network of projects across Ireland, working with 10 communities to better support young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Sarah talked about how the lack of quality job prospects for young people in Ireland, coupled with a severe lack of financial and personal independence, and the loss of friends and family to forced emigration, have

by Barry Gorman, CWU Youth Committee Most of the time, when you’re asked to speak to a room of young people, one of your main roles is to leave the group riled up, to galvanise their interest in the issues effecting them, to coerce the future activists from the group. Basically, to make sure the people leave the room excited about the meeting and any future outcome from the meeting. It’s not often as a speaker, that you’re the one leaving the room riled up and excited by the group!

This is what happened when I was asked to speak at the inaugural meeting of the Galway branch of the “We’re Not Leaving” movement, on November 7th in Galway city centre. For those who haven’t heard about “We’re Not Leaving” (WNL), I’ll give you a brief description.

“We’re Not Leaving” are a group of young workers, trade union activists, unemployed and students from around Ireland who have come together to voice their shared dissent over the various issues being imposed on young people living in Ireland, by an Irish Government more invested in capitalism and businesses than in its people. Problems like forced emigration, youth unemployment, cuts to Social Welfare payments for people under 26, precarious work, mental health, housing, student fee hikes, grant cuts and the growth of internship culture in Ireland have all been raised in the public eye by the group, often through mainstream media outlets like the Irish Times, RTE News, Primetime and Today FM. Started by just a handful of young people 5 short months ago, it currently stands at over 200 members, with myself proud to be one of those members.

Anyway, back to the meeting! I was asked to join a panel of speakers which included Joe O’Connor, the President of Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Sarah Simkin from Jigsaw, Karina Timothy from Threshold and John Farrell from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU). Obviously some heady company!

28

Youth Committee Update caused a rise in mental health issues among young Irish, and how the Governments response to this so far has been to severely cut funding to mental health services, and the HSE in general. A prime example of this, Sarah said, was the suicide of a young man who was turned away from Roscommon General Hospital in June, due to a lack of psychiatric nurses in the hospital.

Karina Timothy from Threshold then spoke about the problems facing young people when they are looking for accommodation. From landlords advertising for “professionals only”, to the law allowing landlords refuse applicants using rent allowance. Basically, if you’re young and unemployed, you’re inflexibly limited to living at home. Not exactly an enticing prospect for a young adult during an age when they assert their independence.

John Farrell from the INOU followed by speaking about his organisation and the issues facing young unemployed in Ireland. The INOU was formed in 1987 as a way of responding to the unemployment crisis in Ireland during the 80s, and what was then the highest unemployment rate ever seen in Ireland. He wryly noted that, 25 years on, our Government’s program of austerity over job investment has produced an unemployment rate which eclipses that of the 80s, with over 409,000 on the Live Register in October. He also pointed out that none of this takes into account the 500,000 who have been forced to emigrate to look for a job and living wage abroad.

Finally, it was my turn to speak, and I really had some hard acts to follow. My topic was the growth of an internship culture in Ireland, and specifically the Government’s JobBridge exploitation scheme. Using the CWU Youth Committee’s recent report on the scheme, JobBridge to Nowhere, as the basis for my speech, I explained how none of the figures given by the Department of Social Protection to support this scheme quite add up under scrutiny. A prime example is the Government’s assertion that 61.4% of JobBridge participants have progressed to paid employment. The truth is quite different. This figure relates to anyone who has ever participated in JobBridge and who has at any time since secured employment of any type or duration.

In reality, only 28.6% of interns progressed to employment with their host organisation, which significantly tallies with the 29% of host organisations who said they would have been fairly likely to offer paid employment in the absence of JobBridge. Not quite the progressive employment incentive scheme lauded by the Government. If you couple this with the fact that companies who participate in the scheme donate nothing towards the payment of these interns, the reality of JobBridge shines through that this is a free labour pool for businesses to take advantage of.

After all the talks, it was time for the room to split into groups, with each ‘expert’ to chair a quick group

discussion around the topics they’d discussed, and to come up with alternatives to these problems and issues.

This was where the meeting really reached its peak. The excitement of the young people present was palpable, and the ideas being generated across the room were refreshing, welcome and viable alternatives to the imposed austerity measures we live under. A few examples from my group were the formation of an independent monitoring and complaints board for JobBridge, and a harsher level of punishment as a way of deterring exploitative companies from taking advantage of the scheme (currently companies found guilty of exploitation are only removed and barred from using the scheme, and are not punished in any other way). But my personal favourite was when another group stood up and said they’d changed their stance regarding JobBridge, and now wanted it abolished. Obviously whatever I’d said had done the trick!

These discussions, and the sharing of ideas was so engrossing and invigorating, that no-one in the room wanted it to finish, but unfortunately, and too soon in my opinion, finish it did. As we all filed out of the room, many of us still discussing the issues brought up in the meeting, I thought about a quote I’d used in my speech.

A hundred years ago, as part of his famous speech to the workers of Dublin, James Larkin bellowed “The great appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise”.

While certainly appropriate for the situation, it struck me that the young people of Ireland are already rising, and instead I was reminded of what Padraig Pearse said in his 1916 essay, Ghosts: “There has been nothing more terrible in Irish history than the failure of the last generation. Other generations have failed in Ireland, but they have failed nobly; or, failing ignobly, some man among them has redeemed them from infamy by the splendour of his protest.” After this meeting, and with the work being done by We’re Not Leaving, the CWU Youth Committee and other emerging youth groups in Ireland, I don’t think Pearse has anything to worry about with this generation.

If you are interested in joining the CWU Youth Committee, or becoming part of the “We’re Not Leaving” youth network, contact me at

BarryF.Gorman@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at

CWU Youth Committee Ireland and on Twitter

@YouthCWU A copy of the CWU Youth Committee report, ‘JobBridge To Nowhere’ is available to download from www.CWU.ie

29

Youth Committee Update

Firstsource Members Secure Pay Increase Catriona McCarthy has worked in Firstsource in the 11811 department since 2008 and joined the Union in 2008. She has recently moved to Mobile Care, since August this year. She has been increasingly involved in Union activity and has been a member of the Youth Committee since the beginning. This is her experience of the ballot. ballot was conducted and the members decided to go ahead with industrial action. Two weeks’ notice was given to the company that a two hour work stoppage would take place. Within 2 weeks, however, both parties had agreed to meet with the Labour Relations Commission to try and work the issue out.

The first meeting didn’t go smoothly and, in line with the overwhelming mandate from members, notice was issued that a 24hr strike would take place. Firstsource were still claiming that they could not give a pay increase and they felt that the productivity was not sufficient.

Firstsource and the CWU returned to the Labour Relations Commission where they eventually agreed on a proposal amounting to a 2% pay increase, 1% to be backdated from July 2013 and a further 1%, payable from July 2014. While a 2% increase in pay might not sound dramatic, it was only made possible because of members’ commitment, conviction and determination. Had members decided not to stand firm, there would have been no increase at all. In relation to the working conditions, the Commission put forward a suggestion that working groups be set up in Cork and Dublin to resolve problems with current working conditions and to deal with any future proposed changes in the call centres. This group will consist of union nominees and management.

A ballot was conducted to get the members feeling about this and the vote came back in favour to agree to this proposal. This result is a clear example of what can be achieved when members hold their ground and stand up for their entitlements.

In September 2013, members in Firstsource opted to take industrial action in opposition to the company’s decision not to implement a pay increase.

As far back as the beginning of 2012, Firstsource had promised to conduct a pay review by July 2013. However the time came and went and there was little progress. The next we heard of this subject was early September 2013 when the staff were informed that there would be no pay increase.

This didn’t go down well with members, especially since it had been 5 years since some of them had received a pay increase. Terry Delany (Deputy General Secretary) and Ray Lawlor (National Executive) held group meetings to get feedback first-hand from the staff to see how they felt. They were concerned with the feedback they received and it was brought to their attention that working conditions are deplorable. The staff felt that the high-pressure working environment was causing stress and anxiety.

The CWU went back to Firstsource with this feedback and held meetings to discuss these issues.

No progress was made. Firstsource listed a number of issues they felt needed to be addressed including a requirement to increase productivity.

The members were left with two options - to just accept this or to fight it and not back down.

Members were aware that if they didn’t want to back down it would more than likely result in industrial action. For the vast majority of members this was our first time to engage in industrial action and while we were concerned, we were determined to support the Union and stand up for our rights. A

30

Youth Committee Update

31 31

Equality Update

Equality Representative Training September 2013

Back row, pictured l-r: Diarmuid O’Connell Dublin Postal Delivery Branch, Larry Ojelade Dublin C&A, Tommy Kelly Tullamore Postal, Duncan Curran Dublin Postal Drivers Branch, Shay Russell eircom Central Regional Managers, Seamus McAnaw eircom Sligo District, Alan Beaumont Athlone Postal, Gillian Earley Waterford Postal, Breege Mulroe eircom Sligo District, Mal McDonnell Mullingar Postal and Carol Scott Portlaoise Postal.

Front row, pictured l-r: Breeda McGuinness Athlone Tels, Miriam O’Brien Ennis Postal, Susan Murtagh DPAB, Paula Allen DPAB, Denis McCarthy Cork Postal Drivers, Sean McKenna Dundalk Postaland Geraldine Counihan Tralee Tels.

Equality Mainstreaming Conference, October 22nd, Dublin Castle The Union project focused on the production of a Dignity at Work Charter, An Equality Representative Guide, a three-day equality training programme and a number of equality briefing sessions. In attendance from the Union were Carol Scheffer, Margaret Jenkins, Steve Fitzpatrick, Cormac O’Dalaigh and Paul Torsney. Further information on the conference is available on the Equality Authority website www.equality.ie “Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the European Social Fund 2007 - 2013 and by the Equality Authority”.

The Equality Authority held its annual Equality Mainstreaming Conference in Dublin Castle and the Union in conjunction with Mandate and IBOA was very pleased to be invited to make a joint presentation on our work under this initiative.

The conference was opened by Mr Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice and Equality and Ms Sunniva McDonagh, Acting Chairperson, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The aim of the conference was to showcase good practice in equality mainstreaming through funded projects and various initiatives.

32

Equality Update

Women’s Trade Union Council of the Isles November 7th & 8th Fifty Trade Union women gathered in the CWU on 7/8 November for the Women’s Trade Union Council of the Isles. Presentations were given and discussed by the 5 Trade Union Centres represented: • • • • •

Wales Trade Union Congress presented on the Wales Domestic Violence Bill The TUC on older women in the workplace NIC ICTU did a presentation on the impact of austerity on women’s health and wellbeing STUC presentation focused on childcare and economic growth (and report from Scotland on progress on Women and Work) Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ROI) on Family Leaves – what can be achieved in these difficult economic times through collective bargaining?

Delegates also visited the National Library for 1913 Dublin Lockout Centenary Exhibition where Padraig Yates from the 1913 Committee acted as guide.

The conference pledged to ensure that the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland will reappear as a priority on the agendas of the respective Congresses and consequent pressure will be brought to bear on Government and Opposition in all 5 jurisdictions.

Delegates also pledged to pay particular attention to the issue of Violence against Women and to coordinate activities for the 16 Days of Action Campaign (25th November, UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day) and to request male trade union leaders to add their voices.

The conference presented itself as a good networking opportunity so that we can learn what the key equality issues are for the other trade unions and to hear about best practice in their areas.

Joint actions on Childcare are also being planned and we are looking forward to the 2014 Council of the Isles in London.

CWU Representatives at the Council of the Isles Pictured l-r: Pauline Rourke, CWU UK and STUC General Council, Joyce Stevenson, CWU UK, Vivienne Holding, CWU Northern Ireland and Carol Scheffer, CWU Irl. For further information on the meeting please visit www.ictu.ie/equality Twitter: #WTUCOI13

33 33

Education Update

Committee Training Sligo Area

A training course took place on November 8th & 9th, 2013, for Sligo Area Committe Training.

Pictured front row (l to r): Geraldine Helly Ballina Postal, Declan Murray Ballina Postal, John Bourke Ballina Postal, John Armstrong Ballina Postal, Ger McGing Westport Postal, Cathy Scanlon Westport Postal.

Back row (l to r): John Tansey Trainer, Kieran Shannon Ballymote Postal, Ivor Reynolds Trainer, Joseph Brennan eircom Letterkenny, Gerry Goldrick Carrick on Shannon Postal, Eddie Heslin Boyle Postal, John Kilcullen eircom Letterkenny & John Fealty eircom Letterkenny.

Committee Training Course, Cork

Committee Training Course, Athlone

A training course was held in the Imperial Hotel in Cork on June 7th and 8th to cover branches from the Cork area. Again this was a very well-attended training course with Representatives attending as follows:

A training course was held for the Athlone Postal Branch in the Sheraton Hotel on June 14th & 15th. In attendance were: Breda Bradley, Ollie Sammon, Gareth Daly, Pat Greene, Paul Rafferty, Thomas Finlass, Alan Beaumont, David Kelly, Brian Kiernan and Pat O’Callaghan. Our thanks to the Branch for facilitating the course.

Stephen Byrd Meteor, Joe Healy Cork Drivers, Geraldine Isherwood CMC, Gerry Butler eircom Cork District, Maria Terry CMC, Tony Carroll CMC, Cheryl Lucey Cork Outdoor, Liam O’Callaghan Cork Clerks, Diarmuid Cogan Cork Drivers, Michael Byrne CMC, Jason O’Halloran CMC, Denis McCarthy Cork Drivers, James A O’Mahoney eircom Cork District, Anthony Buckley Cork Outdoor, Tadgh Linehan Cork Drivers, John O’Connell Cork Drivers, John Hickey CMC, Tim McCarthy CMC, Niamh O’Sullivan CMC, Tony Thompson Cork Outdoor, Ger Frahill Cork Drivers, Garry Kenny Cork Drivers and Trevor O’Brien Cork Drivers.

Committee Training Course, First Source The Union was very pleased to deliver a committee training course to our very active First Source Branch in Cork. In attendance were: Catriona McCarthy, Diarmuid Murphy, John Declan Jones, Colette Healy and Kevin Cody.

34

Education Update

Branch Secretary Stage 2 Training Course September 15th, 16th & 17th In attendance were: Terry Moorehouse eircom Central Regional Managers, Liam Masterson Westport Postal, Adrian Scanlon DPAB, Leonard Coote Ennis Postal, Danny Roche North Kerry Postal, Tony Andrews eircom Bantry Section, Kevin Molloy North Wexford/South Wicklow Postal and Jer Harnett Tipperary Postal.

Committee Training Course, Mullingar Postal

The following participated in the committee training course held in Mullingar: Barry Carr, Pat Freeman, Enda Montgomery, Margaret Brennan, Christy Martin and Robert O Connor

Committee Training Course, Ennis Postal A training course was held for the Ennis Postal Branch on November 8th and 9th. The course was well attended as follows: Leonard Coote, Christy Brigdale, Anne M. McNamara, Ann Murphy, Patrick McNamara, Gareth Smyth, Damien Roche, Joe O’Loughlin and Miriam O’Brien. Our thanks to the Branch and all those who attended.

Pictured from l to r standing: Pat McNamara, Christy Brigdale, Gareth Smyth, Leonard Coote, Joe O’Loughlin Seated: Ann Murphy, Miriam O'Brien and Anne McNamara (Missing from photo is Damian Roche).

35

Members and supporters helping with the packing at CWU HQ

CWU Charitable Fund - Homeless

A special Thank you to the CWU Volunteers who offered up their spare time on Saturday the 23rd November, 2013 helping to bag over 8000 items. We also extend a big thank you to Finnuala Law Xit Shop who bagged 500 childrens items for the homeless and not forgetting Paul O’Neill who transported the goods to Union Headquarters. Well done and many thanks to all for your good work.

A donation of €11,1000 was made towards providing Hats, Scarfs, Gloves and socks for the homeless.

Distribution will be made to 4 centres, Merchants Quay, Bow Street, Fr Peter Mc Verry and Crosscare.

CWU make €10,000 donation to Philippines Typhoon Disaster Fund

Pictured l to r: Monica Hempenstall, Fr Rene Esoy of the Philippines and Ray Lawlor.

A Presentation of €10,000.00 was made to Fr Rene Esoy of the Philippines.

Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon in the world this year, affected 4 million families and caused major damages to lives and properties in 29 Provinces, mostly in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It caused an unprecedented level of destruction. The number of

casualties is expected to rise as retrieval operations continue.

On behalf of the Filipino Community, we wish to express their deepest appreciation for your generous donation given towards their community for food and water during this devastating disaster, the effects of which will continue to be felt for a long time to come.

36

CWU Intellectual Disability Housing Fund presentation

‘A Life Changing Opportunity in Naas’ Pictured l to r: Frank Joyce, Sheila Byrne, Geraldine Cross, Monica Hempenstall, Damien Tuohy, Anne Coffey, and Emmanual Cassidy in the apartments has been instantly recognisable.

These changes have enabled one Lady to live in a one bedroom apartment on her own; this has always been a dream for her. She sees this apartment as her own home where she has her own privacy, space and her own possessions around her.

The three people who live in the other apartment share similar interests and have increased opportunities to have more independence and live a life of their choice.

Without the grant we received from the C.W.U we would have struggled to improve the living arrangements for these individuals, this funding has not only impacted on the lives of the individuals who live in Morrell but it has also alleviated the worry and anxiety for parents and staff who support these individuals. For this on behalf of all the people whose lives have changed because of this money, we say Thank You to the members of the C.W.U.

Four Individuals with intellectual disabilities have lived in the KARE community house in Morrell Drive in Naas for the past number of years. Like anyone else who shares a home, at times it was hard for the Individuals who lived there to have their own independence and personal space.

Within the allocated budget available to KARE due to budget restrictions it was impossible to change the living space in this house to address these issues which lead to frustrations and unhappiness for the individuals that lived there.

In 2013 we applied to the Communication Workers Union in the hope that we could secure some funding to make alterations to our house in Morrell. The plan was to divide the house into two separate apartments.

We are very happy to say that the funding we have received from the C.W.U has ensured that we could make these alterations. The positive impact for the people living

CWU Charitable Fund and Medisan A Donation of €13,000.00 was made to three Hospitals (Medisan contributed €5000.00 towards the toys) for Temple Street, Crumlin Hospital and Cork Regional Hospital.

This year we are working with social services covering a wish list for families within Crumlin and Temple Street Hospital for Christmas. We are also providing toys for St Annes Wards (the burns Unit) and the Surgical Day ward in Crumlin Hospital.

Once again we thank you sincerely for contributing to this Fund and we commend you for your continued financial support. The impact on helping these families was overwhelming, for which you should be very proud. We also thank the volunteers Rory Duggan, Pat Broderick, and Jim Ryan, for helping with the purchasing and transportation of the toys back to Union Headquarters. Many Thanks.

37

CWU Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Bulgaria 2013

by Jim Ryan wealth of Germany and Austria behind, and cross into Romania and Bulgaria how poor the countryside begins to look, hundreds of kilometre of fields of maize and sunflowers and very little else, the land looks poor and neglected. Some of the villages are crumbling and half deserted, you see old men and women hunched over in the fields looking after a few goats or an occasional cow. Carts laden with maize stalks, pulled by cows or horses are a common sight, with very few tractors or farm machinery anywhere.

Up until the morning Pat and I actually arrived at our orphanage, our main concerns had been around organising the fundraising, sourcing and transporting the aid ,so we never really thought about what would happen when we got there. As we saw the orphanage appear at the end of dusty road we were both filled with trepidation about what we were about to see and hope that everything would go well.

As it turned out the Orphanage in Gorski Senovets was a pleasant surprise. It was situated in a quiet area near a small rural village. The building and grounds were in an enclosed area of about two acres surrounded by a wall and some fencing. The House itself was old and a little run down but it was brightly painted inside, the rooms were clean and bright although the bedrooms were small and contained many beds. Nonetheless the children who lived there seemed well cared for and happy. The grounds comprised of a large play area with swings, slides and a sand pit there was also a garden with a chicken coop. One of the rooms had a small gas kiln in it where the staff and children made small animal shaped fridge magnets to sell to help raise money for the orphanage; they also made birthday cards. The Home cares for over fifty children, both boys and girls whose physical and intellectual disabilities ranged from mild to severe. It is very difficult to enter a place like this and not be affected by what you see, it was at times very sad and distressing to meet the children and wonder what life holds for them, but to see the smiles on their faces and hear them laugh as they saw their new toys and clothes (not to mention sweets and crisps) being unloaded made us realise how worthwhile our journey was and how the people in Ireland who donated to the CWUHA Charity had made this possible.

Unfortunately this orphanage was to be the best we visited while in Bulgaria, over the next four days we helped to deliver aid to other Homes and Institutions that were much more depressing and bleak. Even entering these places can fill you with a sense of despair. The staffs do as much as they can, but life there must be grim for everyone.

The buildings were old and dismal and the conditions were a throwback to a time that we had thought were long past.

This is when you realize how poor parts of Bulgaria are and how extreme the social divide can be. It is only when you

The Delivery Team

It has taken me a few weeks to be able to write this, mainly because it is hard to find the words to best describe everything we saw and encountered along the way. The one thing I can say, speaking for both the An Post and Eircom drivers, is that without a doubt that the Aid Convoy, from start to finish, was a totally different experience, good and bad, rewarding and at times distressing.

The driving itself was tiring but enjoyable, some days we would be on the road at 7.30am and due to tailbacks or delays at border crossings we wouldn’t finish until 8 or 9 that evening. That said, driving almost 7,000 kilometres in total across France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria was the trip a lifetime.

Trying to keep 9 trucks in convoy for that distance proved difficult on occasion and sometimes we had 3 mini convoys heading in different directions but we always managed to meet up again by evening. The other drivers were great travelling companions and had many stories to help pass the miles, most lunchtimes consisted of soup or stew heated on camping stoves on the tailgates of the trucks with bread rolls liberated from the hotels at breakfast time. While crossing Europe, we all remarked how as you leave the obvious

The unloading begins 38

lives of these unfortunate children is very rewarding. This is only possible because of the generosity of the people who donated and the on-going work of the CWUHA, and I would urge as many people as possible to get involved with this Charity or others.

Finally I would also like to thank and pay tribute to the other Irish drivers on the convoy, from An Post, Marie, Trevor, Declan and Paul, from Eircom my co driver, roommate and buddy for over two and a half weeks Pat Lombard.

Happy faces greet the convoy

see some of these places that you fully appreciate how much more aid is needed, how they lack any proper funding and support and also the how necessary and life saving the work of the Charities are. The food, clothes, bedding, toys and building materials we bring do help and will make their lives better, but a lot more help is needed.

We were asked not to photograph any on the children in the Orphanages while we were there out of respect for them and their privacy, which is understandable. However another request, and a more difficult one, was when we were also asked not to give the children too much attention or physical contact as they could become very upset when we had to leave. This was not easy as when the children saw us all they wanted was to be picked up and hugged.

When we returned to the hotel on these evenings the talk was mainly about the sad things we had seen that day. The other drivers, who had done these trips before were more positive, they spoke about how things had been much worse only a couple of years before but due of the work done by the CWUHA they could now see major improvements and this is what kept them fundraising and coming back year after year.

Lunch break!

Pat and Jim start unloading the lorry

Pictured below, the entrance to the Orphanage

Orphanage in Gorski Senovets

I do not want to paint too bleak a picture of conditions in these Homes as there are positive aspects as well. The people who work there, as well as the other Charities who work in Bulgaria, are committed to making things better, and things are improving. The aid that we bring over is greatly appreciated and is fully used by, and of direct benefit to the children. However there is a long way to go.

As I said at the start this has been an experience, sometimes difficult, but overall a very positive one. It is something I would undertake again. To be part of something worthwhile, something that makes such big difference to the

Outside the Orphanage

The garden at the Orphanage

39

an post employees’ credit union

YOUR CREDIT UNION CHECKL IST

Great va lue loan * s

Good re turn on savings

Payroll deducti on Insuran

ce bene fits, no cost *

Car draw

Membe r owned

JOIN TODAY! 12/14 The Anchorage, Ringsend Road, Dublin 4

www.anpostcu.ie *terms and conditions apply 40

FM Downes & Co.

INSURANCE & MORTGAGE BROKERS

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014 to all C W U members and your families Providing Value Insurance Products & Independent Financial Advice for CWU Members Scan this to your phone to visit our website

Tel 01 855 6666 info@fmdownes.com www.fmdownes.com

Download i-nigma free app

41 Francis M Downes t/a FM Downes & Co is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

CWU People

Brendan O’Donoghue Represents Ireland! titles and is currently second on the Irish all-time winning list with fourteen senior Irish snooker titles.

Brendan has represented his country on a number of occasions, most recently when runner up in the European senior amateur championship in 2012.

Hopefully he can go one better in Latvia and bring back a world title to Ireland.

The CWU wishes him every success!

Brendan O’Donoghue retail clerk and active member of the C.W.U. Nenagh postal branch will represent Ireland in the world amateur snooker championship in Daugavipils Latvia between the 26th November and 8th December 2013.

Brendan, who hails from the New Institute snooker club in Nenagh, boasts thirty-seven maximum 147 breaks at competitive level. He has won numerous under age

15-18 Ceili band winners!

Congratulations to the Under 18 Ceili Band winners 2013 from the All-Ireland Fleadh held in Derry.

Pictured from l to r: Rory Corbett, Paul Meaney (eMobile,Ennis), Erika McGann, Marie Garry, Christina Doohan, Orna Lynch, Caoimhe Morrissey, Conor Harnett, Zara Hill, Padraic O'Reilly (mentor).

(Missing from this photo is Conor Arkins.)

42

CWU People

Mullingar Marathon Men! Mullingar Postal Branch Members finishing the Dublin City Marathon. Congratulations, lads!

Pictured l to r: Barry Carr (Secretary, Mullingar Postal) and Robert O’Conner (Vice Chairman, Mullingar Postal)

Senan O’Brien Retires Senan O’Brien of Kilrush DSU, recently retired after ten years’ service with An Post.

With a brand new future to look forward to, he now intends to travel to Australlia to visit friends and family during his retirement.

Members of the Ennis Postal Branch would like to wish him all the best for the future.

Senan is pictured receiving his Union Scroll from Ennis Branch Secretary, Leonard Coote, Treasurer, Tommy Soffe and all his colleagues at Kilrush DSU.

Paddy Gavigan Retires Paddy Gavigan retired from Ballymore Post Office after 19 years’ service. Paddy worked in Mullingar for a number of years and then transferred to Ballymore.

Best wishes Paddy on your retirement from all your colleagues in Streamstown, Ballymore and Mullingar!

Pictured l to r: Barry Carr, Branch Secretary Mullingar Postal and Paddy Gavigan receiving his Union Scroll.

43

CWU People

Dublin Postal Delivery Branch Retirements Charlie Sheehan Retires Charlie Sheehan retired from Ballsbridge DSU recently. He will be greatly missed by the Branch and his work colleagues in Ballsbridge.

We wish him the best of luck for the future. A function has been organised in January 2014 to celebrate his retirement.

Charlie Sheehan (Branch Rep, Ballsbridge DSU) receives his Union Scroll from Frank Donohoe, Branch Secretary, DPDB.

Five Members Retire from Blackrock DSU

Noel Adamson (Asst. Branch Secretary, DPDB) presents Union Scrolls to five members, who recently retired in Blackrock DSU. Pictured above are Dave Clinton, Seรกn Berigan, Frank Russell and Hughie Kane.

(Not pictured, Shay Ward). A great night was had by all at the Graduate Pub in Killiney.

44

CWU People

Carmel Coyne Retires Pictured in the centre is Carmel Coyne receiving her Union Scroll from Barry Carr, Branch Secretary, with the staff of Mullingar DSU and Transport Office.

Carmel was a cleaner in Mullingar for the last 12 years and was Mammy to all of us in that time and she will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues in the

DSU and Transport offices in Mullingar.

We would all like to wish Carmel a healthy and happy retirement.

Galway Postal Branch Begin Fundraising

Some Members of the CWU in An Post in Galway DSU have commenced a round of fundraising for Pieta House. This is being done in memory two of our former colleagues.

They began with a coffee morning in the staff canteen on the 19th of September, followed by a climb up Croagh Patrick on the 5th Oct last. A Sky Dive also took place at the end of October.

We are asking for support from our colleagues around the country and you can donate by logging on to the following website:

www.donate.ie/posties4pieta The following Facebook page has also been set up:

www.facebook.com/pages/Fundraising-for-Pieta-House/194017877443904

45

CWU People

Launch of the CWU Pictorial History Book

The CWU launched a pictorial history book on Tuesday 26th November 2013, written by Francis Devine and photographs sourced by John Chaney.

David Begg was on hand to officially launch the book which was attended by members of the NEC and invited guests. The full history of the CWU will follow early in the New Year.

Pictured l to r: John Chaney, David Begg, Cormac O’Dalaigh, Steve Fitzpatrick and author Francy Devine.

Castlebar Postal Retirements Pictured at the retirement function for Tommy Walsh Postal Operative Castlebar Post Office are: Back Row l to r: Claire Walsh, Stephen Lynch, Bernie Walsh, Sean Skeffington, Sean Corley and Damien Walsh.

Front Row, l to r: Nuala and Tommy Walsh.

Pictured is Tommy Walsh Postal Operative Castlebar Post Office receiving his Union Scroll from Stephen Lynch Branch Secretary CWU Castlebar on the occasion of his retirement from the company after 36 years’ service.

46

CWU People

Dublin Postal Drivers Retirement Function The Dublin Postal Drivers held a retirement function in Clery’s Lounge, Amiens Street, on Saturday 24th Aug. It was held on behalf of seven members who had recently retired. They were: George Strutt, Fran Bryan, Kevin Quirke, Brendan Cumminskey, Jimmy Coughlin, Padraig Connolly and Paddy Malone. We wish them all the best for a long and happy Retirement!

Retired members of the Drivers Branch

Terry Delany, George Strutt and his partner, & Tony Hardiman

Terry presents to Kevin Quirke & Partner with Tony

Fran Bryan and his partner, with Terry & Tony

Padraig Connolly & partner and Family members

Paddy Malone with Terry & Tony

Jimmy Coughlin & partner with Terry & Tony

Benny Cuninskey & partner

Barbara & Kevin Mulligan

Georgina O’Neill & Tony & Margaret Hardiman

and George Strutt Tommy Walsh, Paddy Malone

47

Paula & Willie Jackson

CWU People

Bandon Section Retirement Party

Pictured back row, l to r: Finbarr Mc Carthy, Joe Downing and Jimmy Gabriel Front row, l to r: Oliver Coomey, Michael Whelton, Secretary of Bandon Social Club and Jerry O'Mahony

Tom O'Brien, Chairman of Bandon Social Club, makes a presentation to Finbarr McCarthy, who retired after 37 years’ service.

William Kelly, Bandon Branch Section Secretary makes a presentation to Jerry O' Mahony, who has retired following 37 years’ service.

48

Dermot Hayes, section Chairman, Bandon Branch, makes a presentation Jimmy Gabriel on his retirement after nearly 47 years’ service.

Greg Mc Kenna makes a presentation Joe Downing on his retirement after 38 years’ service with Bandon Section

CWU People

Jnr (Andrew) McConnellogue & Joe Faulkner Retire

Pictured receiving their Union Scrolls and Cú Chulainn statues on their last day of service are, l to r: Paul Harkin (Cluster Manager), Jnr McConnellogue, Joe Faulkner and Michael Gallagher (Branch Secretary).

Jnr McConnellogue and Joe Faulkner both retired on Friday 11th October 2013 after 30 years’ service each.

Jnr delivered the post in the Muff area of Inishowen, while Joe delivered the Quigleys Point area.

Both worked out of Muff DSO which is on the border with Derry and were loyal members of the Union all their working life with An Post. Jnr was an active member of

the Lifford/Inishowen Branch for several years. Joe Faulkner had the added distinction of having no sick leave taken for all of his thirty years’ service with An Post.

The Lifford/Inishowen Branch of the CWU would like to wish Jnr and Joe and their families best wishes for the future and to both a long and happy retirement.

Gerald McErlean Retires Gerald McErlean receiving his retirement scroll and badge from Union Headquarters on his last day of service. Gerald retired from An Post on the 18th Sept.

2013 after 35 years loyal service to both the CWU and An Post. Gerald was a former active member of the Branch serving as Branch Chairman for a number of years in the mid 90’s and attended conference on occasion. He delivered mail in the Clonmany area of Inishowen all of his working life with An Post.

The Lifford/Inishowen Branch would like to extend best wishes to Gerald, his wife Anne and family.

Pictured l to r: Seamus McLaughlin (Branch Chairman), Gerald McErlean and Michael Gallagher (Branch Secretary).

49 49

CWU People

Willie Leahy Retires Willie Leahy retired from Kilkenny Postal Branch on September 12th 2013, following 30 years’ service.

Pictured l to r: Thomas Deegan Branch Secretary and Willie Leahy, receiving his Union Scroll from Paddy Barry, Chairperson.

Eight Galway District Branch Members Retire

Pictured are members and their union scrolls from NEC in recognition of life long service to the Union.

Back Row l to r: P.J. Connolly, Mattie Lydon, Martin Murphy and Tom Shally Front Row l to r: Sean Healy, Michael John Raftery, Jimmy Meehan and Chtisty Kilkenny.

A retirement function was held at the Ard Ri House hotel Tuam, formally the eircom Headquarters Tuam. The

Galway District branch recently lost eight members recently to retirement.

50

CWU People

A letter of thanks from the parents of James Gill RIP Dear Members,

football pitches on which to play. James learned so much from them and he always said how lucky the kids of Ireland are and how we take things for granted.

It was Christmas 2010, during the bad snow, when James became unwell. We thought he was coming down with the swine flu, having pains in his back. When we brought him to Tallaght Hospital, they took tests and, over the following days, he became more flu-like. Sadly, however, it wasn’t the flu – it was cancer. James was the first person in Ireland to get this particular form of cancer.

Over the next few months, at the age of 17 /18, James had to undergo 2 very large operations: one to remove his gallbladder and lymph glands and then, a few months later when he was 18, he had over 65% of his liver removed, as well as other smaller operations, including removing more lymph glands .

For everything James went through at such a young age, he never gave out about his illness and would never talk about it because his motto was, “it’s my life and I have to get on with it because life is to short to sit and worry”. As his parents, we knew he was scared but he would always have a smile on his face, even if it was just to hide his pain.

James was under the care of Tallaght Hospital, where he had to have months and months of chemo and plenty of blood transfusions. He stayed weeks on end in Tallaght Hospital. He was also was under the care of St. Vincent’s Hospital, where they removed over 65% of his liver.

Sadly, there was only so much treatment they could give James here in Ireland, but because his cancer was so rare and they had never treated it here before in Ireland, the doctors had to work in conjunction with the doctors in New York, so that they could give James the best chance of beating this deadly fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma cancer.

James was asked to go to New York to meet the doctors there and he was so happy to be asked, as the doctors there had done a trial on other patients which had worked.

So, we began to put all the paperwork in place. Sadly, the H.S.E turned James down with the funding because it was

My name is Declan Gill. I am a post office worker in the Churchtown Postal Sorting Office.

The reason why I am writing to you is because a few months ago, the CWU members sent us a cheque for the money you all raised for our son James. James was a 20year-old lad who had a very rare form of liver cancer and we had to raise lots of money to send him to New York for treatment that wasn’t available here in Ireland. Sadly James never got to go to New York, because on the 18th of May this year, James lost his battle with cancer.

One of James’ wishes was to open up a chillout room in Tallaght Hospital, for all the teenagers to chill-out and mix with other people their own age.

So, with the money we have raised, we are going to put it towards the room, which we will name after James, in his memory.

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank everyone who showed us such great support and kindness over the last few months.

Here is a little background information about James’ cancer. It may help others and it tells how strong-minded James was towards his illness. The photo of James shown here, was taken on his last family holiday, only less then a year before his death.

On May 18th, 2013, our brave young son, James, age 20, lost his two-and-a-half year battle with a rare form of liver cancer. Some of you may have heard about James on the radio, or when he was on “Ireland AM” with his mother, or read about him in the papers.

In the beginning of 2011, James and ourselves were told he had a very rare liver cancer called fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. James was a young lad who was very sporty. An ardent Arsenal fan, James loved football, G.A.A., snooker and anything to do with sport.

He played football with his local football club since the age of 5 until the age of 17.

When James was 14, he went to Bosnia to help out and joined Ireland with Sari, to take part in a soccer tournament called “Street Football”. Over there the kids only play football on the streets because they don’t have

51

CWU People still a trial treatment, so with heavy hearts, we had to tell James of this decision. It upset him hugely.

To give James a chance, we said we would try and raise the 80,000 ourselves to send him to New York, knowing, however, that it would delay his trip by months and knowing that, the longer we waited, the sicker he would become, but we just couldn’t sit around and do nothing.

With the help of many people and various fundraising events, we finally had enough money to send James to New York. Sadly James became very weak and too unwell to travel and we realised we would have to build his strength up again before he could do the trip.

Inevitably, as time went on his cancer spread and on the 18th of May, James lost his battle.

Before James passed away, he always said that if there was any money left over, he wanted to open up a chill-out room for young teenagers in Tallaght Hospital, because once you turn 17, there is nothing for the young people .

James said he was very lucky he had family and friends to visit him in hospital all the time. Some teenagers could go days before they saw any visitors, so by having this room in place, they could go there with their family and friends when they came to visit and could also meet friends from other wards. James missed not having a room like that to go to, because some nights James couldn’t sleep and the nights felt long. That would always make you think about your illness. If there had been a room there, he could have kept his mind busy by playing XBox, reading a book or doing a puzzle etc.

Sadly, James never got to see New York or his room in the hospital and so, as his parents, we are carrying out his

last wish for him: With the money we have raised, we are opening a chill-out room in Tallaght Hospital which will be named after James. At the moment it’s in the planning stage. We also would like to open up a chill-out room in St. Vincent’s Hospital, once we have completed the room in Tallaght.

James loved helping other people and people loved him in return. It showed: Everyone was so taken aback by his braveness and willpower during his illness, that even Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers players came to visit him in hospital. He even got to hold the Airtricity Cup, which was a big talking point with his mates!

Thank you to everyone who gave money or maybe came to one of the fundraising events for James. James may be gone from us, but he will never be forgotten. We want to continue to fulfill his last wish by opening up his chill-out rooms in both hospitals. To do this, we need to apply to continue fundraising, so that we can help other teenagers to chill-out for a hour or two in a room where there is the comfort of a home and not a hospital ward.

People can still give to James’ fundraising account at: jamesgillcancerfund.com or Bank Of Ireland Dundrum, Account Number: 20212078, Sort Code: 9010-95

Yours faithfully Declan and Geraldine Gill.

Frank Higgins RIP grandchildren and he would visit Townaghmore on a regular basis always with a big smile on his face. Frank enjoyed his pint of Guinness and having the craic, popular with everyone the large crowds which attended his funeral was testimony to which Frank was held by all who knew him. On both days of the funeral his coffin was flanked by friend's neighbours work colleagues and members of eastern harps GM club.

Frank will be sadly missed by his mother Margaret daughters Laura, Tara, sons Jason, Keith and David, grandchildren Matthew, Madison, Conor/ sister Catherine twin brother John (Eircom Sligo) brother Stephen and all his friends colleagues and neighbours.

Adheis de go raibh a namain.

It was on Sunday 19th May when news broke of the tragic death of 51 year old Frank Higgins of Rathmullen Co Sligo.

Frank joined the company on 28th September 1981 and worked in various locations around the country, which included Sligo, Donegal, Castlebar, the BT contract and more recently on the local NGA team.

Frank was born in Towanaghmore, went to Culfadda NS and on to Summerhill Collage in Sligo town, he was very much involved in his local GM club Eastern Harps and was a great supporter of the team, in 1983 he won club player of the year the same year as he was goalkeeper when they won the championship and league.

His family was priority to Frank especially his three

52 52

53

Books reviewed by Adrienne Power

HIDING UGLY CHILDREN

by Hugh Flanagan

Hugh Flanagan is a Postman in Mullingar.

“Hiding Ugly Children” is his first novel.

Hugh Flanagan is a Postman in Mullingar. “Hiding Ugly Children” is his first novel.

Joggy Jackson, the main character, is asked by his good friend, Luke, to clear his name.

Luke is in Portmand Prison, convicted for the murder of John “the Horse” Canavan. Luke swears he did not do it. Joggy owes Luke a debt and when Luke dies in prison, he resolves to clear his friend’s name. But as Joggy sets off on his crusade to prove his friend did not kill “the Horse” and to help alleviate his own guilt, he opens up old, but still open, wounds within the small village of Kilpatrick.

The evil that is lurking in the village is a series of buried secrets which is described in a particularly beautiful metaphor by the author: “secrets were like ugly children hidden in the dark…and until I started this thing I had no idea how many of them were hiding.”

There is a great anti-hero in the story: McNeill, a local sergeant, morally bankrupt, a disgraced Garda who wishes to once again enjoy being held in high regard, also joins in the quest to clear Luke, all in his own interests. Then there are the wonderful quirky characters like Tomato Flynn and Spit and Squeak, who keep the seats warm in the local bar.

I particularly liked the characters of Joggy’s family, with his wife Alice telling their daughter, Helen, “Because that’s the why” and Joggy explaining to his son Danny, why he shouldn’t work Sundays, and the whole back-story to that.

This is a thriller that will keep you turning the pages. It starts off with an exciting opening scene in a slurry pit. It is full of twists and turns with themes of revenge, prejudice and of course lots of buried secrets.

I look forward to Hugh’s next book.

This is a thriller that will keep you turning the pages!

Whichever way you decide to go -

njoy eading!!

54 54

Deduction at Source

Female

❏

❏ Part-time ❏ Temporary

SEPA Direct Debit Mandate

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL THE FIELDS BELOW MARKED ✱

✱

City/Postcode:

Your Address:

Your Name:

✱

Account number (IBAN):

Line 1 ................................................................................

✱

Swift BIC:

Country:

Communications Workers’ Union 575 North Circular Road Dublin 1 Ireland

✱

Date of Signing: .............................................................................................

Signature(s): ...................................................................................................

✓

✱

TYPE OF PAYMENT: RECURRENT

Creditors Name: Creditors Address line 1: Creditors Address line 2: Country:

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:

✱

Line 2 ................................................................................

✱

✱

As part of your rights, you are entitled to a refund from your bank under the terms and conditions of your agreement with your bank. A refund must be claimed within 8 weeks, starting from the date on which your account was debited. Your rights are explained in a statement that you can obtain from your bank.

LEGAL TEXT: By signing this mandate form, you authorise (A) COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS’ UNION to send instructions to your bank to debit your account and (B) your bank to debit your account in accordance with the instruction from COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS’ UNION.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM IN BLACK CAPITALS

Creditor Identifier: IE82ZZZ304979

Unique Mandate Reference

PLEASE COMPLETE BOTH FORMS IN BLOCK CAPITALS

CWU NO. .............................

OFFICE USE ONLY

PLEASE FILL OUT FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS

Personal Details Surname .........................................................

❏

Forename(s) ...................................................

Male Date of Birth ......................................................................................................

Staff No. ............................................................................................................

Contact Details Home Address .................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................ ............................................................ Home Tel. ............................................

Work Tel. ........................................... Mobile ..................................................

Email ..................................................................................................................

Employment Details Name of Company ...........................................................................................

And Agency (if applicable) ..............................................................................

Employer’s Address .......................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................

Your work location (if different) ......................................................................

Branch Name ....................................................................................................

Date of Commencement with current employer ............./............./.............

❏ Managerial ❏ Non-Managerial

Current Grade/Job Title ....................................................................................

CURRENT STATUS: (tick all that apply)

Branch Branch Secretary .................................................... Name ........................................ (where applicable)

55

Negotiate with your employer on your behalf on all matters.

Provide you with a personal service ranging from confidential, work-related information advice, to legal advice

Assist you in your training and development needs and offer you a number of training courses free-of-charge

Advise you on all issues related to Health and Safety

Give you access to information on all aspects of your employment

Keep you up-to-date and informed on developments in your sector via Union magazines, bulletins, your own section on the CWU website and a local presence in your workplace

Include you in the bigger picture, as the CWU works on a national level with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

What can We Do for You?

Please ensure you complete both the Application Form and the Direct Debit Instruction Please ensure you fill out all the information required Send completed Application Form, together with completed Direct Debit Instruction, to:

• • •

__________________________ from my basic pay in respect of my contribution under the Scheme of deductions of Subscriptions to Staff Associations and pay that amount to the Communications Worker’ Union, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin, 1.

• I recognise that these deductions, being made solely as a measure of convenience to me, may be terminated at any time.

• I also recognise that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the deductions have, in fact, been made from my pay rest with myself, and that beyond making remittances on foot of sums deducted for credit to the account of my Union, the Company accepts no responsibility of any kind in this matter.

• Until further notice and commencing on __________________________, please deduct

INSTRUCTIONS TO PAYROLL

The Membership Department, Communications Workers’ Union, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.

Please complete both forms in BLOCK CAPITALS

•

Guide for completing Application Form