Over 150 delegates from trade unions across the island gathered in Dundalk for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) seminar to mark International Women's Day.

A wide range of speakers under the broad theme of ‘Women Demanding a better deal’ contributed to the event, including ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy, who outlined his priorities for the movement into the future.

The event also heard from a range of speakers such as Ethel Buckley (SIPTU) on the challenges of converting positive attitudes to unions into membership and taking advantage of upcoming changes in the legal framework governing collective bargaining.

Other speakers were Taryn Trainor on UNITE's Regina Coeli campaign, Sorcha Tunney from the Irish Coalition on Business and Human Rights, Vanessa Paszkowska, Peer Researcher and Jenny Liston, Roma Programme Coordinator, Pavee Point on the experience of Roma in the labour market, as well as Councilor Alison Gilliland on gender and climate action.

The seminar also marked the Work Life Balance Bill passing the final stages in the Oireachtas, but noted that the leave must go farther than its current form to truly support survivors of domestic abuse.

Responding to the passing of the Work-Life Balance Bill by both Houses of the Oireachtas, Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Owen Reidy said: “This important legislation delivers a suite of measures to make it easier for workers to combine their professional and personal lives.

Mr. Reidy said Ireland was leading the way in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence.

“However, if this new law is to do what is intended, workers must be paid their full wages during absences. Anything less risks putting them in further danger,” he said.

“It is disappointing that the leave is for only 5 days. Unions will continue to collectively bargain workplace agreements – all of which provide for 10 days paid leave,” he added.

Also at the Seminar, the cross-union ‘Make Remote Work!’ campaigning group welcomed the Government delivering on its commitment to a new workers’ right to request remote work, after a previous false dawn.

“The campaign to win full flexibility for all workers continues,” Mr. Reidy said.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.