The continuing transfer of the Irish Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, from CHC to Bristow Ireland Ltd (BIL) made news headlines last week.

P&O Maritime workers have overwhelmingly accepted a new pay deal, following a ballot that closed on Wednesday, 19th February. The deal, which includes fully pensionable pay rises for the next three years, was approved by 67% of members with a 95% turnout. 

Fórsa’s newly established LGBTQIA+ network was born from an overwhelming vote at the union’s 2024 conference. The network is already making an impact—amplifying voices, confronting discrimination, and aiming to ensure LGBTQIA+ members have support in the union.

As the invasion of Ukraine enters its third bloody year, a group of activists—who have maintained a daily peaceful protest outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin—will gather once more to mark this somber anniversary on Monday, 24th February. 

Coming up this month ICTU’s anti-racism project is offering training free of charge for trade union members, which will cover migrant worker leadership, how trade unions and civil society can work together to combat racism, and a focus on training the trainers.