Connectchristmas2014 by Communications Workers' Union

WINTER 2014 VOL: 16

NO. 4

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings to all our Members

Editorial

Dear Colleague, Contents Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-3

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

4-9

Organising Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 On the Road: CWUHA Convoy 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FM Downes Mortgage, Travel or Health Insurance . . . .

The banking bonus culture is on the way back . . . . . . . 16-17 Education Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 Isolated by Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 CWU launches new Conference Centre Website . . . . . . .

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

Right2Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26 An Post Employees’ Credit Union Car Draw . . . . . . . . .

Telecoms Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Youth for Decent Work Awards 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland . . . . . . . . .

Equality Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Health & Safety Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-38 ESCCU Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lest We Forget – Flanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 CWU People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-44 Halligan Insurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

CWU Membership Application Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47-48

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.

At the CWU Biennial Conference in 2010 a motion from the Dublin Postal Delivery Branch which stated; “This conference mindful of the economic burden already placed on our members, instructs the incoming NEC to campaign vigorously against any attempt to introduce water charges” was passed unanimously. The decision by the Irish government to introduce water charges through a new entity commonly known as Irish Water meant that the NEC had to give effect to that motion. At that time, a group called Right2Water came together coordinated by a number of trade unions and supported by many left-wing political parties and broad-based community organisations. The Right2Water has one belief and that is that water is a human right, and one objective which is to have water charges abolished. The Union’s presently involved in Right2Water are the CWU, Mandate, UNITE, Opatsi and the CPSU. It is worthwhile looking at the historical background to the government’s introduction of water charges. One needs to go back to the late ’70’s when an election promise by the former Fianna Fail leader Jack Lynch, to abolish domestic rates, resulted in the biggest single party majority in the history of Ireland. This resulted in the removal of domestic rates from Local County Councils with the finances lost due to be replaced from central taxation. Indeed, there was a Bill passed in the Dáil increasing consumption taxes in order to fund the monies lost through the abolition of those domestic rates. Up to then, Councils through those rates provided many services including Bin Collections and Water services. Of course, it came as no great surprise when the monies paid through the new tax revenues began to be pushed in other directions, leaving many Councils starved of investment. This of course, forced Councils to introduce Bin Charges in order to make up for the shortfall in payments from central government. The massive opposition to bin charges resulted in Councils being forced to privatise those services in many parts of the country, leading us to the ridiculous situation we have today, as evidenced in the Greyhound Dispute. What were once reasonable well-paid pensionable and union jobs, are now non-union jobs, generally being paid the minimum wage with little or no added benefits, such as pensions etc. Of course, the cynics amongst us believe that the abolition of domestic rates was designed to take such jobs from the public sector and

demonstrations have managed to move and change government policy. The change in the water tariffs will save many people approximately €10 per week and the decision to remove the requirement for PPS numbers is another major plus. Indeed, the government have promised to introduce legislation Steve Fitzpatrick, which would mean that General Secretary, CWU a plebiscite would be required before any government could privatise Irish Water. Of course, as welcome as that progress is, it is not sufficient to satisfy our demands. The existing pricing structure with the socalled conservation allowance, can and is, likely to be increased at any time and we all know how easily allowances can be removed by this government. The promised legislation is insufficient in that any future government could change that legislation in the Dáil and do away with the need for a plebiscite. There are also growing concerns that in the future, lack of funding for Irish Water will allow it go into the “red” with the only possible rescue being its sale to some benevolent entrepreneur (possibly even Denis O’Brien). So the campaign must continue and we have very simple demands where we want no Irish citizen to be charged for normal usage of water and we now believe there is a need for a referendum to copper-fasten the ownership of Irish Water into the future into the hands of the people of this country. The next step in the campaign is the so-called People’s Assembly, which will take place on the 10th December outside Dáil Éireann. It has been decided to hold this particular demonstration on that day as it is International Human Rights Day and we are convinced that water is a human right. We realise many people will not be able to attend the demonstration due to work commitments, but I would urge anybody who can make the time to attend. Details in relation to times and gathering etc., will be circulated separately. I wish to take this opportunity to commend all of our members’ and activists who have been an integral part of what I believe is the most successful popular movement in the history of the state. All over the country, CWU members have been involved in Committees and have spoken at many rallies and have always been recognisable in their CWU “blue”, which coincidentally is the colour used by the Right2Water demonstrators. May I take this opportunity as is traditional to wish each and every one of you and your families a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous & Healthy New Year, with the hope that the so-called recovery begins to be reflected in the lives of ordinary working people.

to move them to the private sector to allow the owners of those companies to make massive profits. Therefore, the workers suffer and the customer suffers, but the golden circle profits. Of course, one of the results of the abandonment of domestic rates has been the underinvestment in water infrastructure. Some opponents to Right2Water have attempted to portray the group as being against investment in water infrastructure, but of course, this is nonsense. We all understand the need for that investment and most of us are bemused as to why there was such a lack of investment, particularly during the tiger years, but of course the answer is that underinvestment during times of austerity usually leads to privatisation as private capital comes to the rescue of government and takes this worrisome problem off their hands. It seems to me that it is no surprise that Denis O’Brien’s, Sierra, has the major contract for the installation of water meters and given his previous connections with the Fine Gael Party, it should come as no surprise to anybody else. It also ignores the fact that we already pay for water through general taxation. There is no doubt that the recent tax cuts in the budget could have been diverted to pay for infrastructural development but instead the government decided on a policy which in simple terms will transfer wealth to the better off in society through granting them tax cuts which will be paid for by the less well-off through a water tax which is regressive. If there is one lesson to be learned from the history of Irish Water, it surely is that where possible, we need to maintain jobs in the public sector which are connected to the provision of services that our society so badly needs. The privatisation of those services, whether it’s bins, water, hospitals, schools, the list goes on and on, means poorer services, poor employment pay and conditions with massive profits for the few. Organising the Right2Water group has not been an easy task as there are many opinions about what we should do as there are different groups involved. Therefore, we see it as our role to try and keep the broadest number of people involved, using the common denominator of their opposition to water charges. We are very aware that there are individuals and groups under that umbrella who are no friends of the trade union movement. There are people who would ask us to exhort people to break the law and there are other people who believe we should issue instructions to our members’ not to pay and that we should also organise a national strike. Many of the people pushing that agenda know that trade unions are not in a position to fulfil any of those demands. For example, it would be extremely difficult to deliver a national strike in circumstances where only five of over forty unions in the country are involved in this group. Therefore, at some stage there is the likelihood that many of these people will turn on us, if and when, we believe we have taken this project as far as it can go. It is however, very important to underline the fact that the Right2Water group have to-date been extremely successful. For the first time in Irish history, massive public 3

Postal Update

IO Systems and CWU agreed to attend a Labour Court hearing in respect of a number of issues: • • • • • • •

Shift Restructuring Release of Shop Stewards Annual Leave for former Storeperson CWU Claim for Pay increase Contract Retention Bonus Weekend Working- Reimbursement Meal allowance

Comprehensive written and oral submissions were made by both IO Systems and CWU. The Labour Court having given consideration to these issued a Recommendation for consideration by the parties. The full text of this is shown below. The union accepted the recommendation and at the time of writing further engagement was underway at the LRC

that the required savings can be achieved by measures other than those outlined by management. The Union is also seeking a resolution of other issues which it has raised with management.

CD/14/346 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR20888 (CCC-142852-14) INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 2012 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990

The dispute was not resolved at local level and was the subject of a conciliation conference under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. As agreement was not reached, the matter was referred to the Labour Court on 25th September 2014 in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990 Labour Court hearings took place on the 14th October 2014 and 10th November 2014. The following is the Court's Recommendation:

PARTIES : IO SYSTEMS - AND COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION Division Chairman: Mr Hayes Employer Member: Ms Cryan Worker Member: Mr Shanahan

RECOMMENDATION : The Court notes that the Company has identified a need for structural reduction in its cost base by €100,000 per annum. It has tabled a number of measures that are designed to achieve that objective. The Union side has stated that it is in a position to meet that target but not through the measures proposed by the Company. In the context of the agreement of both sides to bring about a structural reduction in the Company's cost base of €100,000 per annum the Court recommends that with effect from the date of this Recommendation the parties engage in a three week intensive exercise through the LRC, with the support of appropriate financial experts to bring about such a reduction.

SUBJECT: 1. Reduction in annual cost base, Shift Restructuring, Release Of Shop Stewards / Annual Leave For Storeperson / Pay Increase / Contract Retention Bonus / Weekend Working Reimbursement / Meal Allowance BACKGROUND: 2. This case concerns a dispute between the Company and Union in relation to a number of issues. The hearing focused on the issue of proposed reduction in the annual cost base of the Company. The Employer is seeking to implement changes to reduce the cost base of its operations. It has issued proposals to to that end to the Union. The Union, while accepting that the savings are required, does not accept the method by which management is proposing to bring this about. The Union argues that

Signed on behalf of the Labour Court Brendan Hayes 25th November 2014 AH Deputy Chairman 4

Postal Update

Mails Processing •

Standard Ceadúnas is down 8.1% with deferred up only 3.9% • A new deferred service was recently also launched – “Discount Eleven- 2 day deferred” • Absence levels in the Mail Centres continue to be high: ➢ AMC 6.79% ➢ CMC 10.49% ➢ DMC 6.36% ➢ PMC 9.91% • Absence Cover above baseline as follows is required for each Plant ➢ AMC 5 FT 6 APS ➢ CMC 4 FT 17 APS ➢ PMC 8 FT 10 APS ➢ DMC 15 FT 11APS • Surplus following LIT5 is as follows ➢ AMC 4 FT 7 APS ➢ CMC .5 FT 15 APS ➢ PMC 7 FT 10 APS ➢ DMC 20 FT 1 APS • Staffing adjustments are based on April volume against design details and do not take account of negative volume and revenue trends since then: ➢ AMC 2 ➢ CMC 3 ➢ DMC 9 ➢ PMC 4 Based on the foregoing it was agreed to commence LIT6 discussions with assistance of the Partnership Coordinators at the four Mail Centres. At the time of writing discussions were at an advanced stage with a target timescale for implementation of revised staffing in January 2015.

In July 2014 the Automation Joint Steering Group received a presentation from the Company which outlined further mails volume decreases and revenue trends as primary drivers in further staff reductions being sought by the Company in the four Automated Mails Centres. Union concerns regarding retention of surplus staff following LIT 5 subsequently resulted in securing voluntary exit release under the existing exit scheme terms, at AMC and PMC, for some staff. Further detailed analysis of absences and extra hours utilisation followed as part of the CWU side Steering Group consideration of LIT 6 proposals. The Joint Steering Group reconvened on 17th November 2014 and the Company delivered a further presentation, updating data outlined in July. Overall the content can be summarised as follows: •

• •

Processing PWC, Quality measures show overall end to end for 2014 constantly ahead of 94% target, rising steadily from 96.7% in January to 98.4% at present. Outward and Inward processing performance for 2014 is consistently above 98% target. Total Receipts are down 5.4% on 2013 with reductions in key stamped and meter down by 10.7% and 8.1% respectively.

Postal Update

“THREE WISE MEN” Play Role in XMAS 2014 Union Position

The Monitoring Group were requested to assist the Company and the Union in respect of disagreement relating to the Collection & Delivery 2014 Christmas Arrangements. Set out below is a summary of the position of both parties as presented in detailed submissions to the hearing.

The Union outlined that there was a major difficulty with the 2013 arrangements which primarily arose from the additional special posting. The Company had not addressed, at the time, the concerns identified by the Union in its correspondence of the 17th December 2013. There were also difficulties with regard to the operational arrangements in place for Monday the 16th December 2013, which was the heaviest mail volume of the year resulting in some deliveries having no room to prepare all of the mail. The Union set out its requirements for 2014 to the Company on the 22nd September 2014 the following:

Company Position The Company advanced proposals to the Union for Christmas 2014 which set out it should operate broadly in line with that which applied last year. Those arrangements were agreed without requirement for referral to the Monitoring Group between the Union and the Company. As per last year, the Company believe that there should again be local engagement to reach agreement at each office. While local discussions would finalise the detail of the local arrangements, the following arrangements to apply nationwide: • • •

•

• • • •

One 10 hour nationwide delivery on the 20th December Two national weekend collections (13th / 20th December) In midnight offices, leave reserve hours to be utilised against additional inward hours requirement before overtime is incurred. Any remaining leave reserve hours to be utilised against preparation and delivery additional hours requirement before overtime is incurred In non-midnight offices, leave reserve hours to be utilised against the total additional hours requirement before overtime is incurred Full collections to schedule on Christmas Eve

Full nationwide delivery on the 13th and 20th December Restoration of Christmas Casuals No evening Collections on Christmas Eve The suspension of Publicity Post at Christmas

The Union also outlined that, given the Company had not tabled its proposals until the 4th November to the Union, there was now a practical difficulty in commencement at this late stage of discussions on an office-by-office basis. Following consideration of the case advanced by both sides the following determination was issued by the Monitoring Group:

Determination The Monitoring Group is aware the Union and the Company agreed the 2013 Christmas Arrangements, which included local/national engagement. Apart from the additional special posting the agreed arrangements were in the main, satisfactory, in that there is no other outstanding unresolved issue. In such circumstances, there should be no requirement for increased resources, as requested by the Union in respect of the restoration of Christmas Casuals or an additional weekend delivery. In any event both of these issues have been comprehensively dealt with in previous determinations. In respect of the Christmas Eve collections, the Monitoring Group is aware ComReg has conducted a consultation process, which included An Post is seeking a derogation from its USO obligations on Christmas Eve, and which ComReg has stated it is minded to adopt this option. The outcome of this consultation is due to be released shortly. Taking all matters into consideration, the Monitoring

The Company contends that the 2013 arrangements worked very satisfactorily and cited the fact that there was no outstanding issue to be addressed at local/headquarters level, save for the issue identified by the Union in respect of one special posting. The Company has acknowledged there were some difficulties with this posting which was additional to the normal Christmas arrangements. The Company has confirmed that there are no plans for any such posting this year. Furthermore, should any such major postings arise in future, the Company will discuss these separately with the Union. Mail volumes have decreased further in the past year, albeit on a reduced level, therefore the Company cannot countenance a claim by the Union that it should unnecessarily increase its costs for Christmas 2014. 6

Postal Update CWU Regional Officers for their immediate attention. In finalising local arrangements, Branches were further requested to ensure the necessary operational resources are in place to deal with increased volume of flats/packets. Finally, any difficulties not addressed by management during the Christmas pressure period should be documented and referred to Regional Office/HQ for attention. The Monitoring Group, also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the three wise menâ&#x20AC;?, played no role in finalising the 2013 arrangement but returned to play a starring role for 2014.

Group is of the view that the same Christmas Arrangements should apply in 2014, as applied in 2013. The Company and the Union should now take immediate steps to ensure that local communications of the arrangements at each unit are completed as a matter of urgency. The Postal Courier decided to proceed on the basis outlined by the Monitoring Group. Branches were requested to immediately engage at local level to finalising arrangements. Any issues that required further assistance should, in the first instance, be referred to

Retail Branch Office Conversion To Contract Status on Track 4. Listowel Co Kerry

In September 2014 the Company agenda to progress further Branch Office Conversions beyond the 39 completed to date was referred to the Monitoring Group. The Monitoring Group Determined that an additional six offices should be converted using the same mechanisms that applied under the 2002 and 2007 agreements and this was advised by Union Circular with direct correspondence to the Branches concerned when the Union was advised of the specific locations.

5. Dungarvan Co Waterford 6. Skibbereen Co Cork

The options available to staff are those contained in the 2002 and 2007 agreements. Internal interest in Office Contract has been identified at each location and preferred options of permanent staff have been indicated at each office at this stage. Issues progressed related to employment status of some staff; assignment of Clerk Mails dutyholders to C&D; and relocation options. Notwithstanding Company intentions to increase the rate charged to successful contract applicants for seconded hours agreement was reached to maintain the rate at the level that applied in previous conversions. The terms of the voluntary exit schemes are those contained in the existing schemes. Therefore year end is target conversion completion date for each office and a number of staff are choosing to avail of the VER and VS schemes. We wish the new contract holders every success with their new business.

The Union was advised that the following offices were selected by the Company for conversion based primarily on Volume of Business and Staff Profile. Staff Consultations commenced at each affected location and the agreed process is being facilitated by the Coordinators: 1. Athy Co Kildare

2. CarrickonShannon Co Leitrim 3. Loughrea Co Galway

4 Staff including Acting Branch Manager 6 Staff including Branch Manager 6 Staff including Branch Manager

5 Permanent Staff including Acting Branch Manager 4 Permanent Staff including Acting Branch Manager 4 Staff including Branch Manager

Postal Update

Issues referred to Labour Relations Commission The Union and Company have referred a number of issues in dispute to the Labour Relations Commission as follows:

rates and the Company recently proposed these arrangements should be made permanent. The Union believe that these arrangements should be reversed.

1. Registered Locker Allowance

5. Home Garaging of Company Vans

The Union is seeking an increase in the Registered Locker Allowance to reflect both the increased responsibility and also the fact that they are not in receipt of other allowances.

The Company is seeking to cease arrangements for home garaging of CMVs. This matter has been under discussion for some time. As it was not possible to reach agreement the matter was referred by the company to the LRC. The Union has agreed to attend a Conciliation Conference early in the new year.

2. Service Pay The Union is seeking an increase in Service Pay. The Company for its part is seeking to buy out the allowances at 2.5 times its annual value. The Union has rejected this proposal and has instead sought its consolidation into basic pay.

We will of course keep all members informed of developments with regard to the above.

3. Mileage rates The Union is seeking an increase in mileage rates which has been rejected by the Company.

4. Subsistence Payments The Company reduced the subsistence Rates as a result of Revenue Guidelines. These were interim

Cost of living pay claim An Post The main concern for the Executive Council is that the Labour Relations Commission and the Court are unlikely to find in our favour, if those changes do not improve the Company finances to the extent that they believe the Company can afford to grant a pay rise. In relation to point 3 concerning declines in mail volumes, you will also note in the final paragraph that the LRC urges us to examine how we can address that issue and may well be possible to generate some payment through such discussions. Notwithstanding the above, the NEC has accepted the LRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposals and has decided that at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Seminar to dedicate at least half a day to the issue of pay. At that session we will discuss the outcome of the LRC process whether it is positive or not and plan whatever response the Branches and the members deem necessary. It is intended the AGMs would also present the opportunity to consult with members regarding their views as to how we should proceed.

The Labour Relations Commission issued its deliberations regarding discussions between the CWU and An Post in relation to the Group of Unions pay claim. The full text as issued by Mr Foley Director Conciliation Services of the LRC printed adjacent to this article. You will note from the finding, we will reconvene at the LRC in early Spring when the Company and the Commission have, what they believe to be, sufficient time to review the impact of the recently applied price increases. It is quite common when price increases are applied to almost any product that there are reactions from key customers and in this case some key customers have reduced their level of posting or have switched to cheaper products which allow delivery over a longer period of time. It is also normal that people resume habits and it is hoped that this will happen in the case of An Post. There is also some indications that the economy is recovering and traditionally postal business grew with the economy and it will be interesting to see if that is the case once again. 8

Postal Update

Raising Hell and Raising Expectations! On Saturday 15th November, CWU welcomed renowned US Organiser, Jane McAlevey, to William Norton House to conduct a training day for union organisers and community activists. The event was put together thanks to the combined efforts of the CWU, Mandate Trade Union and IBOA – The Finance Union. In what can only be described as a unique training opportunity, Jane was in a position, for the first time in Ireland, to discuss her ground-breaking organising strategies with a large group of Irish trade union organisers, as well as activists and individuals from across the community sector. Jane came to the attention of the CWU via her first book Raising Expectations (and Raising Hell), which was published by Verso Press in 2012 and which describes her fight for (and within) the labour movement in the American healthcare sector. Before writing the book, Jane was a National Deputy Director for Strategic Campaigns in the healthcare division for SEIU, as well as being the Campaign Director for one of the only successful multi-union, multiyear, geographic organising campaigns for the national AFL-CIO (the American equivalent of ICTU). Her innovative organising techniques examine how to build worker power by harnessing the strength of workers and their relationships, not just within the workplace, but US Organiser, Jan McAlevey within their own communities as well. She describes this as “whole worker organising”. The development of worker power comes from a new type of analysis, described as “power structure analysis”, which gives careful consideration to the various stakeholders that can have a positive or negative impact on worker issues and how a union might use its power to influence these forces for the benefit of resolving workplace issues. With almost 100 people in attendance, the event proved to be a huge success and Jane proved to be a thoroughly engaging, information and knowledgeable trainer.

Breaking a leg to attend!

John Douglas, President, ICTU, Jane McAlevey. US Organiser, and Ian McArdle, Head of Organising & Regulatory Affairs, CWU.

Sally Anne Kinahan

One of the many speakers to take part in this informative event.

Jane McAlevey

Ian McArdle, CWU

Berny McMahon,

Cultúr

Michael Taft, Unite

IBOA participants

You’re never too young to organise!

Adam O’Maolagan, IBOA & community group members 11

BT workers get organised Communications Workers’ Union activists working in BT Ireland attended their first union training earlier this month. The training marks the beginning of the CWU’s latest campaign to organise BT’s employees in the Republic of Ireland and fight for collective bargaining. Organisers have been engaging with individual members to listen to their concerns, with our union’s density constantly improving. BT Ireland prides itself in being an All-Ireland company. Despite this, its workers on either side of the border are treated in a markedly different way. While BT staff in the north of Ireland enjoy full trade union rights, the company refuses to extend these rights to its workers in the Republic of Ireland. Earlier this year, staff in the north received a 7% pay rise over three years while the wages of those working in the south have remained stagnant for four years. It’s no accident

that workers in the north who are represented by a trade union enjoy better terms and conditions than those in the south. This shows the positive difference unions make to the lives of working people and the importance of having a strong union in any workplace. It is worth noting that BT Ireland is a successful company. As such, the CWU would like to see our members be given equal recognition for their contribution to this success. Members have expressed their frustration at the huge disparity in the way they are treated in comparison with their colleagues north of the border. Organisers are working to encourage more people in BT to join the CWU. The larger the membership, the more power the workers have. The CWU will continue to help develop our activist base and increase our density in BT Ireland in the New Year.

Retail Rights for O2/Three Workers

representation but gain control of their terms and conditions going forward. Organisers have been supporting, advising and training these members on how they can build a strong unionised workforce. A number of members have become workplace leaders within their own stores, engaging with management at a local level to represent their fellow colleagues to resolve issues as well as encouraging all workers to join their union. Although the company indicated the proposed changes would not take place until January, the O2 store on Patrick St, Cork has already closed. This paints the picture that the company plan to implement these changes without any further engagement with their staff. Members continue to encourage everyone to join as soon as possible to begin engaging with the company on a collective level to ensure all workers get say in their future.

Retail Rights is a campaign launched in July to organise retail workers in Three Ireland. Thanks to the amazing work of existing members with the support of Organisers, the campaign has shown great success. Union membership has tripled over the last couple of months. In July, Three bought Telefonica O2’s Irish operation and announced a number of changes to the retail stores. Redundancies, store closures and the non-renewal of a number of fixed term contracts were announced by the company in August. Since then the company have failed to give the staff any clarity or input in these cuts, leading to huge uncertainty and concern for staff. Many of these workers have made the decision to join the CWU, not only to have union

For more information visit retailrights.com

GET INTO PRINT! 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, William Norton House, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.

Find us under : CWU 12

Ireland

Organisers continue Call Centre Action visits As part of UNI Global Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call Centre Action, Organisers visited Telephone House on 18th November. During a highly successful visit in October, Organisers and Branch officials identified new activists within the centre. These activists, together with existing reps, were keen to keep the momentum going. A stall was set up in the lobby, offering all staff the opportunity to talk about the issues affecting them, and to ask any questions they might have. The stall was busy all day, with Organisers having to send off to head office for more supplies! The fantastic local activists accompanied Organisers in talking to workers throughout the building. Over the course of several hours, it is estimated that around 100 workers were listened to on a one-to-one basis to gauge the feeling in the building and identify any potential issues that might be affecting them. Since the visit, the three new activists that were identified have received Branch Committee training and will be attending further Workplace Leader training shortly. Organisers will return to Telephone House to continue talking to staff until everyone has had the opportunity to have their say. If you are working in Telephone House and would like more information about the initiative, please contact Fionnuala at fnib@cwu.ie.

Abiola Fajimiyo discussing CWU benefits

Laura McKenna, Organiser, with Abiola Fajimiyo

Marukh Zahir talking to staff 13

On the Road: CWUHA Convoy 2014 by Ivor Reynolds As I write this, at the end of November, it seems like a a veteran of previous convoys so I was under his wing, so to lifetime ago that we were on the CWUHA convoy to Romania speak. Our eircom emblazoned truck was accompanied by and Bulgaria. Actually only eight weeks have passed since our Gareth Daly and Brendan Medlar in a truck from An Post. return at the end of September. This was my first time to drive There were long days in the cab, sharing the driving, the odd with the convoy and it is such a unique experience that it takes pot noodle and a smidgen of craic as you go along. Each a good while for it all to, I suppose, sink in. Like any major truck/van has a walkie-talkie to communicate with the rest of event in your life, a certain amount of time has to pass before the convoy. Over this radio you will receive instructions, a you can look at it in the cold light of day and examine it certain amount of abuse and the odd song. Nights are usually objectively. spent in small motorway Every year previhotels that are fairly ously, I have read, with isolated from main interest, in this fine population centres. publication the reports There has been much from the drivers but it’s written in previous years not until I went and exabout the effect on the perienced it myself that volunteers when the dropthe scale, importance offs are reached. It is and emotional depth of something that is very the whole enterprise rehard to put into words and ally hit home. harder still to put down on The basic scenario paper, so I’ll only try to for anyone not aware of give a brief description it, is as follows: union here. Suffice it to say that CWU HA 2014 Convoy Volunteers members from CWU it is something that can Ireland and CWU UK volunteer to raise funds to buy reach you very deeply, something that is so far removed from humanitarian aid for various institutions in less affluent parts the normal grind of daily life here in Ireland that at times it seems of Europe. A pair of volunteers is assigned to each truck or van surreal. It can be uplifting, depressing, rewarding, exhausting, and is given a wish-list of goods required by their assigned confusing, hilarious, sad, draining and touching – sometimes all destinations. This aid is then loaded onto the trucks and driven of these at once! The CWUHA is mainly a charity for children, to each site by the volunteers where it is given over directly to and there is a kind of universal heart-warming feeling that you the recipients, cutting out middle-men and the red tape get when a child, who may not have any personal possessions, associated with a lot of charities. The trucks are sponsored by receives something as simple as a small toy. The glow of eircom and An Post in Ireland and BT, the Royal Mail and a appreciation and thanks that they can give off is something to company called Simpson Millar in the UK, so it is one of the behold. A lot of the goods delivered are of a practical nature but few examples of where the unions and companies really work there is always a lot of fun stuff for the kids too. together for a common aim, without any hidden agendas or I had never met most of the other drivers before setting out, baggage getting in the way. The convoy is an annual event at so I didn’t really know what to expect from the trip. I found this stage and it is open to any member of the union to apply that within a short few days, you can develop a kind of bond to be part of it. Each year that the event continues, the list of with the other drivers, something that, again, is hard to explain trade contacts to buy the aid from increases, and you’ll always unless you’ve experienced it. For the couple of weeks that get a helping hand from previous drivers when it comes down you’re together as a group, you seem to share everything - food to bargaining time. at the side of the road, various gadgets for the cab, fashion tips, This year the Irish contingent was assigned to deliver to the advice on just about anything, and of course the very emotional town of Calafat, Romania and a couple of destinations on the scenes when the aid is being distributed. We were on the road outskirts of the town. To get that far, we had a c. 3000 kilometre for only about seventeen days in all, but looking back on it, it drive across UK, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Hungary. seems like it went on for weeks and weeks on end. This bunch Some of the other loads were going on further into Bulgaria. of (mainly) strangers turned into a group of people that might There generally isn’t anything very exciting happening as have known each other for years by the end of the road. I you’re on the road, apart from what would have been called suppose if you had to put a word on it, it would be camaraderie. some years ago, the odd ‘map-reading’ error. These days, I think That’s not to say that the whole experience was a piece of cake that most unscheduled detours can usually be put down to sat- it wasn’t easy to raise all the money required, there was a lot navs with a mean streak in them. One such detour had us of hard work involved in getting the goods together, and careering around the city centre of Brussels, up and down tunnels having them packed, weighed and documented. However, it and underpasses that were not built for 7.5 tonne trucks. Cameras may be me wearing my rose-tinted glasses, but I feel that the installed in these tunnels kept flashing us on this little diversion. experience was such that the hard bits are far out-weighed by I was expecting to receive some snaps in the post that would the rewarding bits. It is an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed remind you of the ones you get of yourself in theme parks, and is something that I will never forget as long as I live (still screaming and hanging on to the roller coaster for dear life. having the odd nightmare about Brussels!!). I was lucky, in that my partner this year, Rory Duggan, was 14

Call 01 855 6666 or email info@fmdownes.com

THE IRISH TIMES

The banking bonus culture is on the way back Opinion: Why we need to keep control over our banks

by Paul Sweeney banks, b) repaid all their creditors (bondholders) in full and with interest and c) rescued all the building speculators with Nama. If we got some return, it might have been worthwhile. The cost could have paid for a bridge to Europe.

Power of finance The financialisation of economies and societies has continued apace. The power of finance over people’s lives is unprecedented. Financial bodies have moved from lending to business and individuals to complex financial transactions, which add no value other than to themselves. Banks are so dominant that if they collapse once more, the State will have to rescue them again. They know it. But our leaders will not admit it. It is a new economic order. Regulation has greatly improved. It will push the days of the next bank collapses further away. But the return of the obscene bonus culture and dealer riggings are clear indications that banks will collapse again. Therefore regulation must now “interfere” in bank bosses’ remuneration and in detail. It is the least we can demand for the sums we have paid out in rescuing the banks. There are two further steps to be taken. The first is to retain public ownership of key banks. The power of finance is now so big that key banks need to be treated as strategic public utilities and run, efficiently, in the wider public interest. The second step is to hit the pay of top finance executives hard if there is any hint of wrongdoing by their corporations. Earlier this year the bosses of State-owned AIB were pleading to our Department of Finance about paying bigger bonuses and higher salaries to top executives. This demonstrates that this elite cannot wait to get back to the trough.

The huge fines imposed last week on six top banks for the rigging of foreign exchange dealings tells us little has changed in banking. The $4.3 billion fines on six banks, all of which have operations in Ireland, came on top of the $6 billion fine for the Libor rigging last year. At the same time, the bank bosses and dealers in the UK and US are back paying themselves vast bonuses. It is inevitable that when the Irish banks are returned from the State to the private sector, it will be back to business as usual. The bonuses will make those in Irish Water look like a trickle. So far this year fines on banks worldwide amount to $57 billion, the highest since 2007. Earlier this year, Lloyds and other UK banks set aside another £10 billion for mis-selling financial products. And the New York regulator pursued a dozen banks including Barclays, Deutsche, Goldman Sachs and RBS for manipulating foreign exchange rates. Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase’s salary of $1.5 million was augmented with $18.5 million in stock options. Its profits fell last year as it paid out $13 billion in fines for mis-selling securities and manipulating key interest rates. Morgan has a $23 billion war chest to pay fines and legal costs. Most banks have such war chests for fines. This surely tells us where their priorities lie. It seems that the economic system we have is broken. There has been much welcome reform of bank regulation, but the behaviour of the bosses of UK and US banks demonstrates it is back to the old ways. For they know if, or rather when, they screw up again, the taxpayer will pick up the bill. This is the new model of capitalism. Ireland is the poster child of risk-free rewards. For it was the Irish taxpayer who a) bailed out all the private

Remuneration Executive remuneration must be reformed permanently. An executive should be paid a salary for the job. Bonuses should be paid only in exceptional circumstances and should never exceed salary, a stipulation the European Parliament attempted to impose. Share options should be capped at a proportion of salary and cumulatively should 16

Drumm of Anglo Irish having options of €19 million. All Irish banks collapsed shortly after, demonstrating that such “rewards” are no guarantee of success. On the contrary, they drove the bank collapses. The rush to return the banks to the private sector may soon see Ireland with no indigenous banks. Some say this does not matter in a globalised world, and besides, future bank failures will now be paid for by Europe. But the systemic banks have large headquarters, with many skilled employees, and control is vested in Ireland. The increased power of financialisation – the takeover of the real economy by finance – and the regular abuse of that power, means that a small country needs as much control over its own banks as possible. Paul Sweeney has written several books on the economy and on privatisation.

not exceed one year’s salary. The payment of any additional remuneration should be deferred for five years so that the real impact of the executive stewardship can be assessed. Finally, the pay of the CEO should never exceed, say, 20 times that of the lowest paid employee. That has the double effect of keeping down the top pay and encouraging the CEO to maintain an interest in the lowest paid workers. If any bank is fined by the regulator (as JP Morgan Chase has been in US, UK and Switzerland), then the fine should first be levied, not on the bank, but on the bonuses, share options and excessive salaries of the top executives and finally on the institution’s “war chest”. Remember, in 2006, the bosses of the Irish banks had enormous salaries, bonuses and share options, with David

Budget 2015 Facts & Figures

Education Update

Branch Secretary Stage 2 Course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 14th -16th

Pictured Back Row l-r: John Dunleavey NEC, Declan Fitzgerald Bandon Postal, Barry Carr Mullingar Postal and Brian Smyth Navan Postal Pictured Front Row l-r: Michael Gallagher Lifford Inishowen Postal,Gareth Daly Athlone Mails Centre, Noel Murphy eircom Cork District, and Seamus Kenny Roscommon Postal.

DPAB Committee Training

Once again we had a high attendance of the DPAB committee at their training course which was held in union head office on November 7th. In attendance were: Adrian Scanlon, Paula Martin, James Moore, Eric Partridge, George Ellis, Lesley Sheridan, Paula Allen, Tina Tully, Olive Hall, Paul Darcy, Denise Kearney, Jacqueline Gallagher, CiarĂĄn Murphy, James Daniel, Sharon Kelly and Thomas Hayes. 18

Education Update

Treasurer Training – October 22nd

Pictured l-r: Anthony Maher Portlaoise Postal, John Dunleavey NEC, Sean Morrissey Kilkenny Postal, Connie Kelly South Kerry Postal, Eleanor O’Shaughnessy Cork Mails Centre, John Kinsella Cavan Postal, Richard Murphy Enniscorthy Postal and Paul Gallagher Lifford Inishowen Postal.

Committee Training – Portlaoise Mails Centre

The Portlaoise Mails Centre Committee attended a course on October 4th in the Heritage Hotel. In attendance were: David Cole, Tom Prendergast, Anthony Maher, Marion Hughes, Ellen Moore, David Kelly, Mary Burkett, Sadie Fox, John Byrne and Geraldine McManus. 19

ISOLATED BY DEBT

to explain the concept of insolvency. Many people are unable to pay their bills in full when they are due or are trying to pay a little off each bill trying to keep creditors at bay and do not realise that they may be insolvent. Given that this is the case it is difficult to encourage them to come forward and speak to someone about the options and help available. Although there is help available. Speaking at a recent townhall event in Cork, Cathy Clarke, Head of Regulation in the ISI said “It is important that people know that there are debt solutions available for every type of debt problem and that the solutions provided by the ISI will give individuals protection from the people they owe money to, will provide them with a reasonable standard of living and be a permanent, sustainable solution to their debt problems. A debt solution from the ISI means no more phone calls, letters or visits from your creditors.” The ISI has three debt solutions that are alternatives to bankruptcy, and in fact must be explored before someone can seek to be made bankrupt. To administer these schemes the ISI has established a network of qualified professional advisors around the country who are there to provide advice on the options available to individuals. There are two types of professional advisors; Personal Insolvency Practitioners (known as ‘PIPs’) and Approved Intermediaries (known as ‘AIs’). Everyone providing these services have passed exams on personal debt and are regulated by the ISI. Many PIPs are also accountants, solicitors or qualified financial advisors. The benefits of these solutions are that they ensure people have a reasonable standard of living (which is often higher than the amount they were trying to live on before seeking an insolvency solution), one of the terms of the arrangements means that creditors cannot make contact with the debtor during the arrangement, and at the end of the agreed term any money still owed on

The sudden collapse of the economy in 2007 came as a shock to many. Pay cuts and job losses have meant that people who were doing well and who were financially independent quickly found themselves making personal cutbacks and struggling to keep up with their outgoings. The fall-out of the economic collapse has lead to financial uncertainty and stress for many. During the summer the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI), an independent government body under the aegis of the Department of Justice, researched the behaviour and attitudes of people struggling with problem debt and it became clear that people are not aware of the supports that are available to them. People are instead struggling to make ends meet. They are making daily personal sacrifices but these sacrifices are still not sufficient to meet all of their outgoings. So they simply struggle on. In many cases this is as a result of feelings of responsibility towards the debt that they owe. Despite feelings of isolation people are reluctant to come forward to even seek support from family or friends for fear it will be misconstrued as a request for financial assistance. Problem debt is an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland today. More than 90,000 mortgage account holders are in arrears with repayments. Families are overburdened with debt. People without mortgages are also finding themselves with maxed out credit cards; overdrafts and personal loans they simply cannot repay. But few people are coming forward to seek help from the supports that have been put in place by government. Often people are not even aware of the solutions that are available. However, while the number of people coming forward to seek help from the ISI is relatively low, for those who have found a solution the experience has been life changing. One debtor remarked that it was like ‘winning the lottery’. One of the most difficult aspects facing the ISI in increasing awareness of the supports available is trying 20

The main thing to remember is that there is a debt solution for everyone and for every type of personal debt problem. Personal Insolvency Arrangements and Debt Settlement Arrangements are put in place to deal with an individual’s particular set of circumstances with some only lasting a number of weeks while others may run for a number of months. People should not be discouraged from coming forward to seek assistance for any reason, including the possibility of fees being charged. If you or someone you know is struggling with debt, you are not alone. Take the first step to take back control of your finances, make an appointment with one of the growing network of PIPs throughout the country, or if your debt is less than €20,000 and you do not have a mortgage contact an AI. For more information about these solutions and to hear the stories of debtors who have availed of these solutions visit the website www.backontrack.ie or call 0761064200.

unsecured debt like credit card debt and personal loans are completely written off. If the person has secured debt, like a mortgage, the PIP will make sure that the repayments are affordable. One of the main queries people have about these solutions is “why would creditors settle for less than they are owed?” but it is becoming clear that it is also in the creditors’ interest to sort out any backlog of debt. Of the hundreds of cases that have already gone through the ISI’s system, 3 out of 4 proposals are being agreed to and accepted by creditors. For many people, there is great relief at having entered the process and begun the journey out of debt. The phone calls from creditors stop, the demand letters no longer drop through the letterbox. The debts that kept them awake with worry are taken out of their hands and a second chance of a debt-free future opens up ahead of them giving them a fresh start.

Education Update

Committee Training – Union HQ

The Union was pleased to host a committee training course for a variety of committees on November 19th in union head office. Branches from eircom, An Post and HCL were represented on the day. In attendance were: Imelda Devaney eircom Dublin No 3, Alan Beaumont Athlone Postal, Kevin Cody HCL Cork, John Ahern HCL Cork, Kevin Wong HCL Cork, Paul Fitzpatrick eircom Dublin No 2, Eamonn Eames eircom Dublin No 2, Tony Farrelly eircom Dublin No 2, Paul Murphy Cavan Postal, Richard Dreelan eircom Portlaoise, Padraig O’Malley Athlone Postal, Abiola Fajimiyo HCL Dublin, John Maher Dublin Postal Drivers, Asish Bhalla HCL Dublin, Mahrukh Zahir HCL Dublin & Bernard Doyle Tullow Postal. 21

CWU launches new Conference Centre Website

www.williamnortonhouse.ie The CWU is happy to announce the launch of its new dedicated conference centre website for William Norton House. equipment, etc), the various events that can be catered for (such as conferences, exhibitions, evening receptions, etc), as well as a handy tool to check availability in the preferred meeting space. The website also provides a history of William Norton and his involvement with the CWU and the wider labour movement. Finally, the normal location and enquiry functions are also included on the website. The Union is actively promoting the William Norton House Conference Centre as Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest conference & events venue and would appreciate if you could share it with any organisations you are involved in that may require conference/meeting facilities.

The Union moved back to the newly refurbished Headquarters in June 2012. The new building is now equipped to cater for meeting requirements, anywhere from 10 to 200 delegates. There is ample meeting space, with individual meeting rooms capable of holding 20 to 50 delegates and the Conference Hall catering for 200. There is also the facility to hold six individual phone conferencing calls with unlimited numbers of attendees joining the individual calls. The building has been refurbished to the highest spec in relation to energy/heat saving technology, access for disabled persons, induction loops in the reception and meeting rooms for hearing impaired persons, and facilities to cater for all types of meetings and training events. The new William Norton House website (www.williamnortonhouse.ie) provides information on each of the meeting spaces available (layouts,

For further information on the WNH Conference Centre, please contact Imelda Wall: (01) 866 3000 or info@cwu.ie

Draft joint UNI Europa– ETNO declaration on future skills needs dress potential candidates at an early stage and communicate the many varied and interesting roles that exist in the industry. Moreover, and considering that an improved gender balance has positive business impact, ETNO and UNI Europa recommend that specific initiatives be created to attract more women into ICT jobs in general and into leadership positions in particular1.

Skills requirements in the ICT industry are rapidly changing due to constant technological innovations and market developments. Therefore, the European social partners in the telecom sector - the European trade unions federation UNI Europa and the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association ETNO - have jointly undertaken the European project “Filling the ICT skills gap in the Telecommunications Sector of the future – identifying and spreading best practice”. The project’s objective was to identify the main drivers of change and the impact on skills needs in the telecommunication sector, and to identify and share best practice regarding effective solutions to fill the ICT skills gap. A particular focus was given to best practise for training and reskilling (particularly those over 40), recruitment of competent talent and the attraction of more women into ICT employment. Based on the findings of the project research, the European telecom social partners have identified five key recommendations to efficiently address the ICT skills needs of the future. UNI Europa and ETNO are convinced that the European telecommunications industry as a whole could benefit by following these recommendations.

Intercompany cooperation Considering the mutual benefits arising from the organizations efforts on working together and sharing knowledge and skills, the European telecom social partners recommend that consideration be given to the establishment of a formal cross company association or committee dedicated to the development of telecommunication professional skills development across Europe.

Common skills and job profile language Aiming to overcome the use of disparate terminology and working a common understanding on the type of education or skills development required, UNI Europa and ETNO recommend the creation of a specific skills management structure and a shared definition of relevant telecommunication role profiles, similar to the European ICT Professional Profiles2 based upon the e-Competence Framework, as a possible solution. The European telecom social partners call upon all industry stakeholders to consider these recommendations that have been developed on the basis of thorough analysis of the state of play of the sector. There are various good examples for initiatives reflecting these recommendations that should inspire all industry stakeholders to engage in similar activities.3 ETNO and UNI Europa are convinced that sharing best practice examples and enhancing cooperation, communication and commitment of all stakeholders will be mutually beneficial and the best way to address the skills challenge in the sector.

Multi-stakeholder engagement Considering that collaboration between industry, government, social partners and schools/college/ universities sharing different but complementary goals is a proven strategy, UNI Europa and ETNO strongly recommend that multi-stakeholder engagement and cooperation is continued and expanded at European and national levels to maximise the use of shared resources and knowledge bringing benefit to all parties involved.

Social Dialogue Given the social partners’ track record on good skills practices and skills gaps, their potential influence and their experience in partnering skills development initiatives, we recommend to continue and expand the engagement of social partners in skills development initiatives and to initiate such projects based upon agreed business and individual skills needs.

Brussels, 28 November 2014

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1 Compare also the ETNO-UNI Europa Joint Declaration on gender

Young talent engagement and women in

equality of 22nd September 2014. 2 See: www.ecompetences.eu / ICT Proﬁles 3 For best practice examples, see the study report “Filling the ICT skills gap in the Telecommunications sector of the future (FITS)” drafted by Breyer Publico in the framework of the joint UNI Europa – ETNO project on skills.

leadership positions Aiming to employ the best young talent in the telecommunication industry, it is a strong recommendation to ad23

The CWU, along with Unite the Union, Mandate Trade Union, OPATSI and the CPSU, are the Unions that are currently aﬃliated to the Right2Water campaign. The Group has organised the two main na onal demonstra ons against the water charges; the 11th of October in Dublin and the 1st of November when over 100 demonstra ons took place na onwide. As you can see from the “common understanding” (Page 26), Right2Water is an umbrella group of unions, poli cal par es and community groups. Right2Water does not advocate any one approach to oppose the water charges and as long as all groups promote peaceful opposi on to the charges, they are welcome to be part of R2W. There have been fantas c turnouts at all the demonstra ons and CWU members have been very no ceable at many of the protests, and indeed organised and spoke at some. Currently, the focus of Right2Water is the upcoming “People’s Assembly” outside the Dáil at 1pm on Wednesday the 10th December, which is Human Rights Day. We hope to make this a family day out, with a mixture of speakers and entertainers on the day. The CWU is asking any of our members (past and present) that can a end, to go to Molesworth Street and to wear your blue jackets & hats.

Dublin Postal Amalgamated Branch, Tallaght Demo

Cork Postal Outdoor Branch, Cork City Demo

Sligo Postal Branch, Sligo Demo Drimnagh Says No! Barry Carr, Mullingar Postal Branch Steve Fitzpatrick, CWU General Secretary, addresses Blessington Demo Terry Delany, CWU Deputy General Secretary, with DPAB members at Dublin demo

an post employees’ credit union ltd.

BMW must be won!

Photo of car is for information purpose only, actual model and colour may vary.

YES, you heard right! A BMW 318D is one of the prizes in the Christmas Car Draw this year. Join the Car Draw today Join the Credit Union today The weekly subscription to the car draw is €1.27, taken from your credit union shares. A car and 10 cash prizes must be won every two months, with extra prizes in the Christmas draw. All car draw subscriptions go to the prize fund. You must be a member of the credit union to participate in the draw. Cars supplied by Ashley Motors. Terms & conditions apply.

www.anpostcu.ie Email:27 info@anpostcu.ie

Telecoms Update Apprentices

that the vast majority have been highly successful in their pay assessments. Union HQ has commenced discussions with the Company with a view to employing a new group of young people as part of a new Apprentice Programme. I know all the former Apprentices would like to thank the Dublin No. 1 Branch and in particular, John Egan, Branch Secretary, who represented them when they were serving their Apprenticeship. We wish all the new Field Technicians well in their new careers in eircom.

At last we say that the Apprentice Programme in eircom is finished. The final three apprentices have passed their last training module and are now successful Field Technicians. All of the Field Technicians have now been placed in their work locations and are put into their relevant District Branch. At the time of writing it is expected that the vast majority of the new Field Technicians are about to receive their yearly pay review results, initial reports are

Union Secures 2% Pay Increase for Members in HCL Following intensive negotiations between CWU and HCL, it has been agreed to increase pay for members in HCL by 2% with effect from 1st July 2014. This agreement covers in excess of 400 of our members in HCL.

CWU People Gerry Bourke and Damien Tuohy, NEC, with Galway Postal Branch members, present a cheque to Cope Galway.

In past years, Santa & Mrs. Claus have arrived on helicopters and on a reindeer drawn sleigh! A very special Santa’s Grotto is built and every child and their siblings and family members meet Santa together to receive a personally chosen gift. We have lots of entertainment and games, with Christmas music and carols playing. Last year we had choirs sing at the party for both the children and the young people, and our young people even got a Christmas themed Hip Hop dance show! Our Chef makes lots of tasty treats and nibbles for our families to enjoy. This year, Communication Workers Union are sponsoring these very special events for our families – helping us tocreate magical memories to last a lifetime.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice, providing medical care and therapeutic support to families who have a child living with a life-limiting condition. We cater for over 200 families a year. Each year we hold 2 special Christmas Parties in LauraLynn – one for our babies and young children, and one for our teenagers and young adults. It is a day of fun, laughter and activity where our children and all their family come together to meet Santa and celebrate Christmas together. 28

Telecoms Update POETRY CORNER! The following is a poetic exchange between a customer awaiting a phone connection, and my then CTM Mr Dan Dineen, in the aftermath of the storm of 1997. Both correspondence were sent and received in good humour, in a time when such a thing was appreciated, sadly missing today. Submitted by Dermot O’Neill, COT1, Castletownbere, Co Cork

Customer’s Poem

Dan Dineen’s Answer

I see them here, I see them there Your telecom vans are everywhere But at this house upon a wall A telephone on which I cannot call.

I received your fax this morning Of that I was so glad But your long wait for the telephone I really am so sad

It’s almost five months since I applied To get connected I have tried and tried Phone calls, left messages for Dan Dineen But at my gate no white van to be seen.

It’s true we had a storm The likes we’ve never seen And lesser men than we have here Would now be in Skibbereen (psychiatric hospital)

The Christmas storms I knew caused some delay But Easter has past and now I get madder by the day A postcard to give some hope I would appreciate How much longer do you expect me to wait?

The storm is now over Sure it isn’t before time If God spares our health this afternoon We’ll give you a new line

An old sick father, family, friends, none of them can contact me Well now, I have well and truly had enough The time has come to get really tough It’s now mid April 98 If I do nothing you’ll just leave me wait

The days are getting longer And summers on its way I hope you’ll receive glad tidings On this phone you’ll get today Your patience is appreciated We apologise most sincere But for an almighty effort It could be another year

Come on lads, give me a break How much more can I take? Show me that you have a heart Get off your butts and make a start.

All through that Christmas storm You never left my mind It was a constant worry That you were left behind

The phone is here, no pole required Just some action, pull some plugs is what’s desired The ways it’s been going, I could soon be dead Or locked up in Skibby off my head.

When this episode is over And your phone is on the wall Consider yourself lucky To have got this line at all

It’s high time now, please give a date, at least explain Or I shall be forced to write to the “Big Cheese” Kane (Alfie Kane). I’m normally easy going, tis slow to enrage her After all this time, could you not have given that loan of a pager?

When we think of other creatures Who sit home and relax They wouldn’t write a letter Never mind to send a fax

This house is miles out of town And the whole saga has got me down Well lads this is all lads, I can’t think of anymore Except to go mobile or resort to Morse or semaphore.

Now that you have your telephone Its service I hope you enjoy And don’t forget the pressure That’s on a telecom boy

Telecom Customer 14/4/1998

Dan Dineen Overworked telecom employee 29

The ICTU Youth for Decent Work Awards are back!

John Douglas, President, ICTU, pictured with participants. This year we have developed greater resource material for teachers and students to help them with this project including; a free ‘Inequality’ workshop, a teaching resource module ‘An Unequal Society’; and 3 x instructional videos filled with tips on brainstorming, storyboarding, script writing, rehearsals, filming, editing and much more. Over 380 students attended last year's awards where they were treated to FREE popcorn and drinks, a celebrity MC and the opportunity to see some of the fantastic videos created by their peers Once again all nominated teams will have their videos screened at the award ceremony. The important dates to remember are the registration closing date on November 14th; the deadline for submitting videos on January 16th 2015 and the award ceremony which will be held in Dublin at the end of February 2015

The ICTU Youth for Decent Work Awards provide a creative platform for young people to express their views on issues relating to work and society. This year we are asking students to create a 3 minute video in teams of 24 students, based on their research of Income Inequality and how Decent Work can address it. This is an opportunity for young people to highlight their interpretation of the theme and what it means to younger generations today. All participating teams are invited to attend our award ceremony in Dublin. Once again there will be fantastic educational prizes up for grabs in ‘Best Acting’, Best Interpretation, Most Original/Creative, and ‘The People’s Choice Award’. Top prize for ‘Best Overall Video’ is a breathtaking 5 day team trip to New York for team and teacher. This is a great opportunity for students to explore an important topic and develop important skills in media and digital literacy, team work, research, and critical thinking. 30

Go to http://www.youth-connect.ie/ for more information, to register, and to download a copy of the competition terms & conditions. Alternatively contact Cliona O’Connell, Youth Connect Programme Coordinator on 01-8897752, cliona.oconnell@ictu.ie

important aspect of Irish history that we might have otherwise neglected. We expanded our knowledge and our thinking about current social issues, and also had fun making a video! The organizers were extremely helpful with any questions we had, and it was nice that we had lots of good prizes to aim for. That gave us a bit of incentive! It's definitely something I would recommend to take part in, if such a chance ever came around again!” Cian Desmond, Bandon Grammar School

But don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of last year's participants had to say: “I loved doing this project; I had never done anything like this before. I really liked that everyone was invited to the awards, even if we were not nominated. After watching everyone else's videos, the message of decent work has really sunk in. I found the weekly newsletters really useful throughout the competition because when we got stuck, we could always turn to them for help.”

“I feel the students enjoyed a great learning experience. They had to learn and become proficient at new skills such as scripting and editing. Skills which the students had to practice during this experience are certainly not obvious in the curricula which students study at second level. Overall the students thoroughly enjoyed preparing for this competition and if they were given the opportunity to re-enter they certainly would.”

Eirin McKernan, Our Lady’s College, Drogheda

Teacher, John the Baptist CS, Limerick “Taking part in the Youth Connect Short film competition was such a good experience. Throughout the process of writing the script and preparing ideas for the video, I have learnt so many new things. My teammates and I learned so much about the 1913 Lockout and Unions in Ireland while doing research for the video. As part of my research for the script, I went to see the ‘Risen People’ in the Abbey Theatre and I read the book ‘Dublin 1913’. I became much more aware of our country’s history and also our rights as workers and trade union values. It was such a great experience making a short film from start to finish all by ourselves and we had so much fun putting it together. It was amazing seeing our film up on the huge cinema screen in the Savoy. Although a lot of time and effort went into the video, it was definitely worth it.”

“We really enjoyed the award ceremony; the students really appreciated the free refreshments and had a great time. I will be lobbying our Principal to encourage teachers involved in T.Y. next year to take part again. Your short film competition really promotes digital literacy.” Teacher, Mount Mercy College, Cork

Ciana Curley, Maynooth Post Primary “A group of five of us from our year took part in the 1913 Decent Work Student Video Competition. It was really just a great opportunity to learn about an 31

Yo outh h ffo or o Decen e t Workk Awards 2015 Does inequality matter?

Create a 3 minute video about Inequalit y an

d how Decent W

ork can address it! Open to groups of 2-4 second level stu dents The winners of Best Overall Video win a team trip to New York o with their teacher. Fa antastic runner-up prizes for o Best Acting, Most Original Video, and much more!

e info. h-connect.ie for all th youtth Go to www..y lity workshop. ua eq in EE FR ur ou ok and to bo gmail.com twork@g Email youth4decen e ms & conditions l ter ul f st ue eq r d an er t to regis

#youth4decentwork

Facebook.com/youthconnectire Twitterr.com/youthconnectire

THE ROWLAND HILL MEMORIAL FUND OF IRELAND Rowland Hill, a great administrator and reformer of Post office affairs was born in 1792. He is best known as the initiator of the Penny Post. In tribute to his work the Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland was established in Britain in 1882. An independent organisation was founded in Ireland in 1928, under a Deed of Trust approved by the High Court of Justice. Today, the Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland provides financial assistance for serving or retired staff, of An Post and eircom, and their dependants. It also provides financial assistance for retired staff, of the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs and Telecom Ă&#x2030;ireann, and their dependants. Assistance may be given to those who find themselves in need due to age, poverty or infirmity. The Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland is managed by a voluntary committee of Trustees.

The Fund is worthy of your support because: 1. It is administered by an independent and voluntary body of Trustees. 2. Thousands of staff and their dependants have been helped over the years when they were in urgent need of help. 3. Subscriptions may be deducted from your pay. A few cents deducted regularly will mean a lot to someone in need. 4. The suggested subscription is 50 cent per week.

Please fill out the form below and send it to Honorary Secretary, Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland, G.P.O., Dublin 1. You may also contact the Honorary Secretary at email rhillfund@eircom.net

â&#x153;

The Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland I hereby authorise the deduction of ________ per week / fortnight / month from my wages / salary for payment to the R.H.M.F., commencing _________________________________20_________. Name (Block Letters) ___________________________________________________________________________ Staff/Pension No. _____________________________ (An Post/eircom) (Please delete as appropriate)

(Please delete as appropriate)

Signature ________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________________________________________ 33

Equality Update

Equality Training 2014 The Equality Representative is a support role to the Branch Secretary who can provide information on equality related matters and covers various equality and diversity related topics. Once again we had significant interest in the course with a large number of attendees.

Equality training for Branch Representatives was held in Union head office on September 16th & 17th. This two-day course is aimed at Branch Committee Activists who have an interested in equality related issues on behalf of their Branch members.

Pictured front row l-r: Willie Mooney NEC, Celestine Swords Nth Wexford/Sth Wicklow Postal, Paula Martin DMC, Marie Kelly Naas Postal, Tina Tully DMC, Deirdre Reddy Dublin Mails Managers, Niamh O’Sullivan CMC, Pascal Connolly NEC. Back row l-r: John Byrne PMC, Ciaran Murphy DMC, Paul Darcy DMC, Christopher Brigdale Ennis Postal, Sean O’ Donnell Dublin Postal Delivery Branch, Ciaran Smith Cavan Postal, Pat O’Callaghan Athlone Postal and Ollie Butler Navan Postal.

Mental Health and the Workplace Seminar equality rights at work. Ciara Miley from See Change gave a presentation on promoting workplace equality on mental health and Patricia Murray from the Health and Safety Authority gave an informative presentation on reducing exposure to stress at work. Kahlil Thompson Coyle, National office of Suicide Prevention, spoke to delegates about the new National campaign launched in October and finally Sally Anne Kinahan Assistant General Secretary, ICTU gave a Trade Union perspective on the issues. Many Trade Union Officials and Activists from a variety of Unions attended and were advised of the issues arising from mental health in the workplace and what supports were available. All the presentations and the other various useful resources can be downloaded from the ICTU website at the following webpage: http://www.ictu.ie/equality.

Several Representatives of the CWU attended the “Mental Health and the Workplace Seminar” held in the IBOA on October 21st. This half day seminar focused on increasing awareness of mental health issues in the workplace and was arranged as part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work. The seminar was hosted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions with the support of the Health and Safety Authority. Dil Wickremasinghe, Broadcaster & Journalist, chaired proceedings and in her opening comments said that “the workplace is the final frontier in our journey towards breaking down stigma in Ireland”. Brenda O’Brien, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work presented on the European wide campaign on managing stress in the workplace followed by Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission who presented on 34

Equality Update

Families and Work – A Chance for Change who put the current Irish provision into an international context. His research demonstrated that Ireland is behind the rest of Europe when it comes to the provision of family leave with 40 weeks of maternity leave (26 weeks paid at a low flat rate, the rest unpaid), no paternity leave and 18 weeks per parent of parental leave (all unpaid). According to his research Ireland is the only EU member state that provides no period of well-paid leave and the whole policy can be summed up as “maternalist”, premised on the notion that women are still primarily responsible for the care of young children. He advised that some countries are challenging this assumption, offering paternity leave and designing parental leave to promote use by men through well-paid, father-only quotas or bonuses where leave is shared. The Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, addressed the seminar. She supported the call that fathers should have the right to two weeks of paid leave following the birth of their child. She said men should be given the chance to play a more active role in caring for their children. While she said there were economic challenges facing any enhanced right to leave for parents, she would seek support from other members of the Government to improve paternity leave. “Families now have different expectations and changing parenting roles than previous generations. The majority of fathers are keen to play an active role in family life. We should support this better sharing of caring duties.”

A seminar was held on the 25th September 2014 in the European Parliament Offices in Dublin to discuss the above. The seminar was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) and Start Strong – a coalition of organisations and individuals seeking to advance children’s early care and education in Ireland. Balancing work and family life remains an ongoing struggle especially for the many families who cannot afford to take unpaid leave. Following campaigns driven by the Trade Union movement progress has been made in the past 15 years in extending Maternity Benefit to 26 weeks. But once a child is 6 months old, parents in Ireland have little or no support. In addition fathers have no right to paid paternity leave. The Government has committed to publishing a Family Leave Bill and this Bill will offer a real chance for change in how Government policies can help families to balance work and family life. The Seminar was organised in advance of this Bill and its purpose was to open up a public debate on what should be included in the Bill. David Joyce, Equality Officer with the ICTU says, “Working families have been under serious pressure as a result of the economic crisis, made all the worse by the lack of workplace arrangements to help reconcile work and family life. Research shows that workers (both women and men) who experience such a conflict have a significantly lower quality of life; have a higher risk of sleeping and health problems; are more likely to be absent; are less motivated and productive at work. “It is in the common interest of workers and the companies that employ them to ensure a good climate for reconciling caring and work responsibilities. The Family Leave Bill provides an opportunity to improve statutory entitlements in this area and to begin to bring ourselves in line with European norms.” Ms Ciairín de Buis, Director of Start Strong says ““While the duration of Maternity Benefit has improved in the last 15 years, when we look at Ireland’s leave policies as a whole, they offer little support to families with young children and compare poorly to other European countries”. “There is currently no legal entitlement to paternity leave in Ireland.” says Ms de Buis. “Many European countries offer 2 weeks paid paternity leave around the time of birth, allowing partners much needed time to bond with the new baby and give support to the mother”. Mr Peter Moss, chair of the International Network on Leave Policies and Research was the keynote speaker

ICTU, the National Women’s Council of Ireland and Start strong believe that this Bill is a critical opportunity to give families stronger supports through: 1.

Introducing a new entitlement to “Paid Leave for Parents”, to be taken at the end of Maternity Leave, and available to either parent. The duration could be increased incrementally, with the aim of achieving at least 12 months total paid leave. Promoting the sharing of care roles through reserving at least 1 month of the new Paid Leave for Parents fro fathers as a “fathers quota” Introducing 2 weeks paid Paternity Leave available to a partner at the time of the birth of a child, to be taken concurrently with Maternity Leave Extending the right to request flexible working arrangements to all parents with young children (06), with the aim of progressively extending the right to all family carers Extending the length of time after birth when mothers can take breaks at work to breastfeed to at least 12 months

Health & Safety Update

BE WINTER-READY Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions

BÍ ULLAMH DON GHEIMHREADH BE WINTER-READY

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.

RSA Top 10 Tips for Winter Driving www.winterready.ie

1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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 deicer and screen scraper. Do not use boiling water as this can crack the windscreen. 6. 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.

@emergencyIE

Oifig um Pleanáil Éigeandála, An Roinn Cosanta. Glao Áitiúil 1890 251890 / 076 1001608 Office of Emergency Planning, Department of Defence. LoCall 1890 251890 / 076 1001608

The Government recently launched a website as part of their “Be Winter Ready” 2014 – 2015 Information campaign. The dedicated website www.winterready.ie offers advice form a number of different sources including Government Departments, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Local Authorities and the transport providers. The advice has been categorised under various headings including: the Home, Road Safety, Schools, the Farming Community and the Business Sector. A synopsis of the information available has been compiled into a booklet which can be downloaded from the website. The main objectives of the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ campaign are: • • •

To provide practical advice on how best to prepare for the coming winter. To ensure the public are aware of where advice and help can be found, if needed. To reassure the public that preparations are being made and arrangements have been put in place to ensure that there will be a coordinated response to severe weather 36

Health & Safety Update 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:

7. Be prepared. During these winter months it is advised that motorists carry a number of essentials in the boot of their car: a. High visibility vest b. Spare fuel c. Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle e.g. boots d. A hazard warning triangle e. Spare wheel f. Tow Rope g. A shovel h. De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks) i. Spare bulbs j. First aid kit k. A fire extinguisher l. A working torch m. A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water

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. 2. Remember that footpaths 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 3. 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. 4. Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch 5. 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. 6. Snow and ice cause havoc quickly, so use extra caution when crossing roadways, and always cross at pedestrian crossings. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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.

8. 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 telephone. 9. Keep up to date. Listen to local weather and traffic reports. Pay heed to the weather warnings alerting drivers of unsafe and dangerous driving conditions. 10. Check out the RSA’s publication ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ for more detailed advice on what to do if severe weather strikes!

RSA Top 10 Safety Tips To Avoid A Slip or Fall In Ice and Snow 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! 37

Health & Safety Update

Policies to assist workers with breast cancer and other illnesses The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has launched an important new guide on how best to assist workers diagnosed with breast cancer and other serious illnesses, during their treatment, recovery and return to work. The guide was launched by the Tanaiste Joan Burton on the 24th September 2014 in the Head Office of the Irish Nurses and Midwifes Organisation(INMO). In addition the event also heard first hand experiences from Bernice Galvin a staff nurse and breast cancer survivor who has written about her experiences. There was also contributions from Michelle Monagha, a radiographer in Connolly Hospital, Liam Doranthe General Secretary of the INMO and David Begg the General Secretary of Congress. In Ireland more than seven women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer. Trade Unions have been to the forefront in campaigning for access to effective, screening, detection and treatment of breast cancer Speaking ahead of the launch, Congress General Secretary David Begg said: “The publication of this guide illustrates the level of progress made over recent years, in terms of treatment and of better workplace policies. “More than seven women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer and this condition can also affect men, but to a lesser degree. “Even a decade ago, we would not be having conversations about people returning to work after treatment, even less about how we could best adapt their working environment following treatment. There is still a long way to go, but this represents significant success for trade unions, who have long campaigned for better treatment and screening for people affected.” Congress Legal Affairs Officer Esther Lynch – who prepared the guide, with support from the INMO and SIPTU’s health division – said the aim of the publication was to assist workers and their unions to negotiate Time off Work Plans that minimise the financial impact of taking time off for treatment and recovery. “We now know that there is life during and after cancer and the guide will hopefully make that experience a better one for those undergoing treatment. “Help from the union to negotiate the necessary time off can make all the difference. An agreed Time off Work Plan can be of enormous help. Every person’s situation is unique but we know from talking to members that workers want more control and flexibility in how they take time off for treatment and recovery and more can be done to support workers when they return to work.

“People can and do return to a normal life after treatment, hopefully this guide will help in that,” she concluded. The Congress guide aims to ensure that workers undergoing treatment or returning to the workplace after treatment are afforded all the necessary help and support in terms of agreeing time off and adapting work regimes. The guide sets out the key stages in the process covering topics such as informing colleagues, negotiating a “Time Off Work Plan” and what to bear in mind when returning to work. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a traumatic and emotional event in a person’s life. It can cause fear and worry and can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their working life. Breast cancer and its treatment will be a challenge and each person will have a different experience. The positive developments are that most people do get through it and return to a normal life. This guide is available to download on the Union’s website.

Thinking of taking out a loan?

No matter what stage in your life you are at, we say YES to our members. From planning a wedding, renovating your home or buying a new car, talk to us today! Why Choose esccu? • •

• •

No penalty for early repayment We tailor our loans to meet our member’s needs

No hidden charges Free loan protection Insurance

Our loan types are designed to cater for different life stages and needs, we are extremely competitive and cost-effective when compared with what’s on offer from banks and other lenders.

Our Standard loan @ 8.9% (Variable) Our 1 year term loan @ 5.9% (Fixed)

Our 3 year term loan @ 6.5% (Fixed) Our 5 year term loan @ 6.9% (Variable)

Don’t forget our 4.8% Loan secured by Unattached Shares *subject to lending terms and conditions –

by Tom Stapleton This is a piece I wrote after a visit to my grandfather’s grave in Flanders/France with Roscrea photographer, Brian Redmond. Terence Redmond, Brian’s Great Grandfather, was a postman in Graiguenamanagh Co Kilkenny. Tom Stapleton, my Grandfather, was a postman in Roscrea Co Tipperary, where I worked for 37 years until retirement. Both our ancestors died in action.

Everyday at 8 pm, police stop traffic at the Menen Gate to allow uniformed buglers from the local fire brigade sound The Last Post, in memory of those named on the Arch. We joined school-children from England and said a silent prayer while the bugles played. The ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’, situated in the old Cloth Hall at the centre of the town, provides insight into the lives and hardships of ordinary people at the Front and at home during the First World War. For both of us, the Menen Gate was enough to reflect on this day.

Reflections on a visit to Flanders, 2003

Saturday 1st March:

The journey started over a drink in Philly’s. Brian Redmond had attended the dedication of the Round Tower on the Messines Ridge in Belgium. His description of how moving the experience was for him reminded me I had never visited the grave of my grandfather, Tom Stapleton. Friday 28th February, we flew to Brussels, hired a car, and drove to the city of Bruges. The town of Ieper (Ypres) is approximately 45 minutes from Bruges. It was the start of the journey to war for most of the soldiers in that sector. The Menen Gate, an imposing, large arch, dedicated in 1927, commemorates by name, rank and regiment more than 55,000 fallen, whose remains were never identified. Every year, at ploughing time on the Ieper Salient, remains of soldiers still come to the surface with the armour that killed them.

We left Bruges - a beautiful city deserving of a longer visit. Our journey took us back through Ieper and on to the village of Wijtschate, taken by the Germans in November 1914 and recovered by Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Messines June, 1917. It reverted back into German hands once more in April 1918 but was ultimately recovered by Commonwealth forces for the last time on 28 September, 1918. Over the last 3 months of 1917, 500,000 soldiers from both sides lost their lives, gaining ground, then losing it, drowning in this couple of miles of quagmire. Somer Farm Cemetery, Wijtschate, is the final resting place of Private John Howard of the 7th Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, Brian’s grand-uncle. He was killed on 3rd Oct 1918, age 19, just forty days before the Armistace.

Charles Miller, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

—William Orpen, Official War Artist I mean the simple soldier man, who when the Great War first began, just died, stone dead from lumps of lead, in mire.

“As it was, the Ypres battleground just represented one gigantic slough of despond into which floundered battalions, brigades and divisions of infantry without end to be shot to pieces or drowned, until at last and with immeasurable slaughter we had gained a few miles of liquid mud.”

The cemetery contains 91 First World War burials, many of them soldiers with the Australian Rifles Regiment and most with Irish names. One very poignant stone is dedicated to the memory of an Australian, an only son, by his parents. Ten kilometres down the road we arrive at the town of Messines, where the ‘Island of Ireland Peace Park’ memorial with its Round Tower was constructed to honour the dead of Ireland, both North and South. Up to 250,000 men from both parts of Ireland served in the First World War, coming together during the Messines offensive in 1917. Over 50,000 died during the “Great War”. Their names and family details are listed in books housed in bronze tabernacles inside the Tower. This is a place to reflect on the madness of it all. What brought these boys and men from the other side of the world to die here? What brought them from Ireland? Were they seduced by Tom Kettle’s words:

One name engraved on the arch: Lance Corporal Terence Redmond, Royal Irish Regiment, was Brian’s greatgrandfather, who died on 24th May, 1915, during the second battle of Ypres, age 40. His remains were never recovered. I died in hell… (They called it Passchendaele). My wound was slight, And I was hobbling back; and then a shell Burst slick upon the duck boards: so I fell Into the bottomless mud, and lost the light. (Siegfried Sassoon. Collected Poems - Memorial Tablet) 40

“........ know that we fools, now with the foolish dead, died not for Flag, nor King, nor Emperor, but for a dream born in a herdsman’s shed, and for the sacred scripture of the poor.”

Grandfather’s grave – and there it was. Under the insignia of the 5th Irish Lancers the inscription reads: GS/4830 PRIVATE, T.J. STAPLETON 5TH LANCERS died 22ND JUNE 1917 AGE 41

Or Francis Ledwidge’s verse“....A keen edged sword, a soldier’s heart is greater than a poet’s art. And greater than a poet’s fame a little grave that has no name.”

Not much to describe the life of a man who had left his wife and five children to go to war. Did he miss them as he lay dying - the way they were to miss him? Should he have stayed at home and continued drilling with the Irish Volunteers? Was 10 years of the postman job too much after the Boer War? Was it John Redmond’s call to “go and fight for small nations”? Small Nations, mind you, exploiting colonies in Africa and the Far East. What did he think of 1916 in Dublin? He had been home on leave around Easter 1917 and was killed in action a couple of weeks after returning, as were 10 other 5th Lancers on the same day. I mixed some pebbles from my father’s grave in the clay below the headstone and gathered a handful of earth to mix with his back home on All Souls. That graveyard, far from home, is a lonely place. I thought of Patrick MacGill of the London Irish Regiment and his verse back at The Messine Ridge:

The two Irish poets appear to be embracing death—but for what? Where was ‘the dream born in a herdsman’s shed, or the sacred scripture of the poor”in that pit of imperialist hell? As for, ‘And greater than a poet’s fame a little grave that has no name.’ – they got plenty of those – the unfortunates. No— Siegfried Sassoons poem ‘The General’ sees it more realistically: “Good-morning; good-morning!” the General said When we met him last week on our way to the line. Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of ’em dead, And we’re cursing his staff for incompetent swine. “He’s a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to Jack As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

“I wish the sea were not so wide That parts me from my love. I wish the things men do below Were known to God above. I wish that I were back again In the glens of Donegal. They’ll call me a coward if I return. But a hero if I fall.”

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.” We leave the Peace Park and Flanders and head for France, skirting Armentieres, by-passing Lille, Douai and Cambrai, passing the war cemeteries with their little white headstones, beautifully maintained, in honour of those buried there, As map reader, I miss, not one, but two turn-offs for the village of Vendhuille, which is situated approximately half way between Cambrai and St Quentin. Taking stock of where we were at a petrol station in the village of Bellenglise, we inadvertently block a lady exiting with her car. While Brian read the manual on how to restart our car, I tried to placate this very irate Frenchwoman with my oft-admired diplomatic skills. “Do you speak English?” I asked. Well, if she did she didn’t speak it to me! A tirade of words, none of which sounded like “oui oui mon ami”, left me wondering should I have tried Irish. The garage owner extricated her and, still fuming, she drove up the road, Redmond in a knot laughing in the car, the Garage Samaritan grinning to himself, and me speechless for the first time in a long time. If her ancestors had been that angry with the invaders ninety years ago we might not have been visiting the graves of ours!! Too late, there is nothing as bad as thinking of the comeback when your tormentor is gone. Heading back up the road we found Vendhuille and took the road to Lempire. Brian was first to see the two trees that frame the Cross at the Unicorn Cemetery. I found myself strangely agitated as I approached my

When Gavrilo Princip assassinated the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarejevo in June1914 he just as surely killed Terence Redmond, John Howard and Tom Stapleton. It would be less than 6 weeks to the first battle on the Western Front.

Why? David Starret, 9th Royal Irish Rifles, put it very well when it was all over: “So the curtain fell, over that tortured country of unmarked graves and unburied fragments of men: Murder and massacre: The innocent slaughtered for the guilty: The poor man for the sake of the rich: The man of no authority made the victim of the man who had gathered importance and wished to keep it.” It started to rain so we sat into our comfortable car and drove away from that strange place with all its dead- back into our own world where it was about to happen all over again— where other fools who had gathered importance —wished to keep it. Less than a month later the US and Britain invaded Iraq. 41

CWU People

Friends of the Elderly “Postman of the Year” Award The Friends of The Elderly recently organised a competition by supported by the CWU to get their members to pick a “Postman of the Year”. Many hundreds of applications were received and some heartwarming tales were told by the elderly customers of An Post. After much debate and discussion, the panel picked Damien Kinsella, a postman based in Edmonstown Delivery Office in Dublin 16, as the overall winner. Damien had been nominated by an elderly couple on his delivery route in Balally. They chose Damien for his constant good humour and expressions of concerns and care for the elderly in their community. An award ceremony was held in the headquarters of the Friends of the Elderly and a presentation was made to Damien. A fantastic sing-song (Damien even sang a song) was held during the award ceremony, which was attended by many members of the Friends of the Elderly. The CWU would like to congratulate Damien whose family are steeped in Post Office history on his very well deserved award.

Damian Kinsella, Friends of the Elderly Postman of the Year, 2014, is given his award by Maisie Flood who celebrated her 101st birthday on the 22nd, October, 2014.

Eddie Heslin (Boyle DSU) comes to the rescue after one young former guest of Kilronan Castle misplaced a special friend Staff at Kilronan Castle took to social media in an attempt to reunite a monkey with his rightful owner when he was found in a linen bin after weekend guests had left. The monkey, whom they’ve named Oscar, while awaiting collection, enjoyed living it up in the hotel! After failing to find the owner, the hotel contacted Eddie Heslin from the Roscommon Postal Branch to parcel and collect Oscar, and deliver him safely to his new owner, who is awaiting her own little arrival in a few months’ time!

Mr and Mrs Claus (Willie Mooney and Pat Kenny) at the Dublin Postal Clerks function in Branigans on Friday night. 42

CWU People

Ned Pyne Retires

Pictured from l to r: Frank, Noel, Ned and Cormac

Ned Pyne, Branch Rep, Balbriggan DSU, receiving his Union Scroll from Frank Donohoe (Branch Secretary, Dublin Postal Delivery Branch)

A great night was had by all in the Bracken Court Hotel, (Balbriggan) to celebrate Ned's retirement. Ned will be greatly missed by the Branch and all his colleagues in Balbriggan. Ned was the Branch Representative in Balbriggan for over 30 years and retired with 42 years service. He was a regular attendee at Conference for many years, where he was always a great ambassador for the Branch. We wish Ned and his Family the very best of luck for the future.

Cork Mails Centre Retirements

Pictured from l to r: Cork retirees, Dan Leahy (Poc 41 years), Phil Clifford (PS 43 years), Stevie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary (PS 40 years) who have all retired from the Cork Mails Centre. They enjoyed a function held in Old Oak, which was attended by the Vice-President of the branch, P???? and Cormac, on behalf of CWU Headquarters. 43

CWU People

CWU members preparing to bring Santa to the sick children in Crumlin and Temple Street Hospital

CWU CHARITABLE FUND This year, the Union made the following donations totalling €29,000.00 to the various charities on behalf of members paying into the CWU Charitable Fund. Lauralynn Hospice: Supporting their Christmas party this year. Crumlin Hospital, Temple Street, the refuge centres in Rathmines, Coolock and the Inchicore Centre: The Mercy Hospital in Cork: Cope Waterside in Galway:

€4,000.00 €9,000.00 €2,000.00 €2,000.00

MEDISAN MADE A DONATION OF €5,000.00 TOWARDS THE OVERALL COSTS. The Union supplied to the HOMELESS the traditional Hats, Scarves, Gloves and for distribution to the following shelters: Peter Mc Verry Trust, Crosscare, Merchants Quay and Fr Kevin in Bow Street: €12,000.00

CWU Group Life Cover Plan Protecting you and your family

FR EE

CO VE R

Up to:

UN TI L

Âź 'HDWK %HQHÂżW Âź 'HDWK %HQ â&#x201A;Ź15,000 free e child hild cov cover*

20 15

Member - â&#x201A;Ź3.89 per week Spouse - â&#x201A;Ź3.46 per week

From Michael, Brian and all of the staff at Halligan Insurances

Halligan Life & Pensions Ltd t/a Halligan Insurances is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Wishing all CWU Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

NI CA T

Closing date for iPad Air draw Friday 19th December 2014 *children *children covered from age 1 up to 21. T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply. applyy.

To T o request req an application form LoCall: oCall: 1890 12 125 25 100 or download a pdf from: www www.halligan.ie ww w.halligan.ie .

PLUS

E R Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; U N

Books reviewed by Adrienne Power

A STONY ROAD by Patrick J. Coyle

ISBN 9781909154254 Price 12.50 Now available from: choice publishing bookstore, tel. 041 9841551 www.choicepublishing.i.e. and from Amazon.co.uk Telecom, with Telecom and after Telecom. It’s an absorbing, entertaining and lively read, made up as it is of 50 individual stories, so the narrative never lags. Told with humour and insight, you’ll find yourself engaged on every page.

Patrick Coyle’s book ‘A Stoney Road’ having enjoyed excellent reviews is now available in an enlarged and revised second edition. This is the story of a colourful chequered career, before

This is a moving human story you’ll enjoy! Did you know? A growing body of research in the sciences is discovering ... that ... reading is really, really good for you. Besides making you an empathetic, sexy, cultured and all around more interesting human being, reading apparently provides definite benefits to your mental health, sharpening the mind as it ages. With that in mind, go forth and read freely. Your future self, your current self and everyone who has to deal with you on a regular basis will be glad you did! (Source: The Wire online)

Whichever way you decide to go -

njoy eading!!

Deduction at Source Personal Details Surname ........................................................

 Female

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

 Male

Part-time Temporary Agency Worker Contractor

SEPA Direct Debit Mandate

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL THE FIELDS BELOW MARKED ✱ Your Name:

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

City/Postcode:

Your Address:

✱

Account number (IBAN):

✱

Country:

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

✱

Swift BIC:

Communications Workers’ Union William Norton House 575 North Circular Road Dublin 1 Ireland

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: Name: Address line 1: Address line 2: Address line 3:

✱

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

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

✓ ✱

TYPE OF PAYMENT: RECURRENT

Creditors Creditors Creditors Creditors Country:

✱

Any personal information provided by you to this Union will be used for purposes consistent with your membership of this Union. Other than the Company listed by you on the form, your details will not be revealed by the Union to any external body, unless the Union has your permission, or is under a legal obligation to do so.

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 FORMS IN BLOCK CAPITALS

OFFICE USE ONLY CWU NO. .........................

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 Call Centre/Customer Care Retail

   

Current Grade/Job Title ................................................................................... Current Status:  (tick all that apply)   

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

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-ofcharge

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?

Send completed Application Form, together with completed Direct Debit Instruction, to:

•

Please ensure you fill out all the information required

•

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.

• •

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– from my basic pay in respect of my contribution under the Scheme of Deductions and Subscriptions to Staff Associations and pay that amount to the Communications Workers’ Union, William Norton House, 575 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.

Until further notice and commencing on ____________________________, please deduct

INSTRUCTIONS TO PAYROLL

The Membership Department Communications Workers’ Union William Norton House 575 North Circular Road Dublin 1

Please ensure you complete both the Application Form and the Direct Debit Instruction

Please complete both forms in BLOCK CAPITALS

•

Guide for completing Application Form