Union leaders gather for ICTU conference

The controversial suspension of the ATGWU's Irish Secretary, Mr Michael O’Reilly, is due to come into the spotlight again when…

The controversial suspension of the ATGWU's Irish Secretary, Mr Michael O’Reilly, is due to come into the spotlight again when union leaders gather at the Congress of Trade Union's (ICTU) conference today.

The deputy of Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), Mr Ben Kearney, has been nominated by the union’s headquarters in London to replace Mr O’Reilly at the conference. But it is expected the nomination will be rejected as it was made after a deadline.

Some ATGWU delegates have said they will attend the conference but will refuse to register in protest at O’Reilly’s suspension.

The Irish regional executive of the ATGWU condemned the suspension of Mr O'Reilly and Northern Ireland organiser, Mr Eugene McGloin last week.

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Mr O'Reilly can not attend the conference because of his suspension, on full pay, from union duties. He will also lose his seat on the ICTU executive as he must be present to run for office.

The ICTU's biennial conference is taking place at in Bundoran Co Donegal.