Workers Solidarity Movement

The Dún Laoghaire 1913 Commemoration Committee has announced details of a workshop/seminar entitled “After the Lockout commemorations - Trade Union Organising in 2014 and beyond” to be held in the Dún Laoghaire Club, Eblana Ave, Dún Laoghaire on Saturday 25^th January from 2:30 – 5:30p.m.

The workshop/seminar is open to all – whether union member or not -  and is intended as a forum in which people who are interested in organising in their workplaces and communities can share ideas and learn from each other.  According to the organisers “The last 6 months have seen many events held to mark the centenary of the 1913 Lockout and the heroic battles waged by Dublin’s workers for union recognition.  As the period of commemoration draws to a close, this workshop/seminar aims to bring together a number of people involved in on-the-ground organising today to look forward rather than back - to share skills, analyse problems and discuss the type of trade unionism that is needed 100 years after the Lockout battles.”

“In the Ireland of today, there is a glaring need for workers, the unemployed and local communities to organise ourselves, to defend our conditions and to work to bring about positive change in our workplaces and our communities.  The trade union movement has a major role to play in facilitating and supporting us in this regard.”

“With this in mind, we have brought together a number of interesting speakers and workshop facilitators, each of whom will bring a unique and practical perspective to the question of what works in terms of trade union organising today.  However, it is not intended that these speakers or facilitators will be the ‘experts’ dispensing knowledge.  Rather it is envisaged that the event will be one at which all participants will come to share knowledge and to learn from each other.”

“So if you are involved in attempting to build trade union organisation among your workmates or if you would like to be; if you consider yourself to know a lot about trade union organising or very little; if you feel that trade unions today are doing a great job or that they could do better – whatever your views you’re welcome along to this event.  As long as you agree on one thing – 100 years after the Lockout the need for trade unions is as strong as ever, and the need for ‘ordinary’ workers and union members to get involved in organising our workplaces and communities is crucial.”

“And if you are not a member of a union, either because your workplace is unorganised or because you are currently unemployed, but are interested in finding out more about what you can do in your workplace or community – or want to share with others the organising skills you have – this seminar is for you too.”

“So please come along. Share your knowledge, learn from others, and hopefully we will all go away from the event enriched with a stronger sense of solidarity and some practical ideas that we can use in our own workplaces, unions and communities.”

The event timetable has been announced as:

2:30p.m. Introduction – Gerry Craughwell, president Teachers Union of Ireland

2:40p.m. Panel discussion – Organising in the workplace – What works?

Eira Gallagher (SIPTU)

Jimmy Kelly (Unite)

Mandate organiser (to be confirmed)

3:30p.m. Workshops - Facing the challenges in workplaces and communities – practical steps in how to organise

4:30p.m. Break

4:40p.m. Panel Discussion – Into the Future

Padraig O Tomhair (Independent Workers Union)

Ethel Buckley (SIPTU)

Migrants Rights Centre speaker tbc

5:25p.m. Concluding remarks

John Douglas (President ICTU)

Further details can be had by ringing David on 086 4089611 or Gregor on 086 1501151

The Dún Laoghaire Club is just a few minutes walk from Dún Laoghaire DART station.  Come out of the station, turn left and turn right immediately onto Marine Rd.  Turn right just before the church onto Eblana Ave.  The Club is on the right hand side towards the far end of Eblana Ave.  Dún Laoghaire is also served by the number 7, 46A , 59, 63 and 75 buses so is very easily accessible.