The Services and Enterprises divisional conference took place last week in Galway, running from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May. 

Delegates from across the division gathered to debate motions and determine the division’s direction for the next two years. Leonard Sheils (An Post) was re-elected as Chair of the division, Daniel Langan (IALPA) was elected as Vice Chair and Jake Allen (Cabin Crew) was elected as the third divisional representative to the national executive committee (NEC).

As well as debating motions, delegates heard addresses from Fórsa President Martin Walsh, Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary, Kevin Callinan, Fórsa general secretary, Dr. Tom McDonnell of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, Liam Berney of ICTU.  
 
An engaging presentation by IALPA brought delegates behind the scenes in last year’s IALPA Aer Lingus pilots dispute which demonstrated what a high-density group in the union can achieve when it is organised. This tied in perfectly with the presentation Organising for Power given by Hazel Nolan, assistant general secretary, which many delegates described as a highlight of conference.

An interesting panel discussion on pensions brought together an overview of the diversity of pension entitlements across the public and private sectors, and how activists should inform themselves of the pension provisions that apply to members in their employment. Panellists included Matt Staunton, Fórsa Deputy General Secretary, Brendan De La Harpe of Cornmarket, Mary Lundy, former divisional chair, and Billy Hannigan, former Fórsa National Secretary.  

 
A fringe meeting was organised by the director of campaigns, Kevin Donoghue, on effective political lobbying. This provided attendees with expert advice on engaging local politicians on the issues that matter to members.  

In what is always a meaningful moment at conference, Distinguished Service Awards were presented to members who have gone above and beyond. They were Willie Doyle and Liam Walsh from the Cultural Institutions branch, Hugh Shiels from State Enterprises No.1, Jillian Mc Andrew from RSA Executive, Niall Mullally from Cabin Crew, John Sullivan from Aviation Safety and Tony Dawson from Fáilte Ireland. 

Gillian White from Cabin Crew and Pierce Dillon from An Bord Pleanála were also recognised for their distinguished service, but will receive their awards separately. 

At the conclusion of conference divisional chair Leonard Sheils thanked delegates for attending conference, and for taking part in setting the division’s direction and strategy for the next two years. He said: “Your active participation at conference has underlined that our division is as determined as it is diverse. It’s really impactful to see long standing members and members who are just beginning to become more active come together and share their experiences, learn from each other and make plans for the future – that’s what union conferences are all about.” 

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