SIPTU delegates have been told that solidarity is needed to tackle increased hostility towards unions and lack of union recognition.
Vice-president of SIPTU, Mr Jack O'Connor, speaking at SIPTU's Dublin Biennial Delegate Conference at the Burlington Hotel, said there was increased hostility to unions of organised workers "exemplified by the growing frequency of megaphone diplomacy from the employers organisation in Baggot Street (IBEC).
"We must prepare to resist the onslaught and defend that which has been hard won. Ultimately the only effective weapon in our arsenal is worker and social solidarity. Over the period which lies ahead I expect the old slogan that - 'an injury to one is the concern of all' - will become increasingly relevant, for if we fail to rebuild solidarity then workers living standards and our public services will fall as easy prey," said Mr O'Connor.
Mr O'Connor also saluted the Cityjet baggage handlers for their efforts to obtain trade union recognition.
He also outlined SIPTU's priority agenda for a new national wage agreement.
- Pay increases to protect living standards and afford workers a share in the prosperity of profitable employments
- Pay levels for public service workers no less favourable than they would expect for equivalent qualifications and commitment in the private sector
- Effective statutory protection for the right to organise and be represented by a trade union
- Improved statutory redundancy entitlements for workers losing their jobs in this economy in transition
- Continuing tax reform