Trade Union slams Mayo councillors' motion as 'populist stunt'

Fórsa trade union members at Mayo County Council have said they are appalled by the “populist opportunism” of a motion calling for the local authority to cease cooperation with the intake of Ukrainian and other international protection asylum seekers.

The motion is due to be debated by the local authority next Friday at a special meeting sought by the three party group whips.

Speaking on behalf of the Fórsa Mayo Local Government branch, chairperson Dwayne Jordan said: “Fórsa stands in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers, and the trade union movement has a proud history of opposing racism, bigotry and sectarianism.

“This motion is a populist stunt designed to stoke unwarranted fear and resentment and exploit people’s fears on immigration.

“It’s also designed to stoke prejudice against asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who has migrated to Ireland to build a new life here,” Mr Jordan said.

He added: “Fórsa opposes any attempt to spread hate, fear and misinformation about refugees and asylum seekers.

“Fórsa’s Mayo local government branch proudly opposes such efforts, including this attempt to hijack the agenda of Mayo County Council.

“This motion is - like protests orchestrated by far-right activists in recent months - a deliberate attempt to stoke indignation against those in direct provision and emergency accommodation,” he said.

Mr. Jordan said the local Fórsa branch opposes any attempts to scapegoat people who have come to Ireland seeking sanctuary from hunger, poverty, climate catastrophe and war.

He added: “We say it clearly, ‘Refugees are Welcome’ and we say it with pride, and we know we speak for the vast majority of Irish people in that respect.”

Fórsa industrial relations officer Michael Kerrigan added: “Fórsa supports policies to end direct provision and make it easier for refugees to access employment.

"We support their right to be able to live with dignity, in peace, and free of attempts by political opportunists to stoke fear and hate against them,” he said.