IMPACT’s central executive committee has approved a €150,000 donation to an international trade union appeal for assistance in the Philippines, which is still reeling from the impact of typhoon Haiyan. The November typhoon, which was the worst ever to hit the country, killed over 6,000 people and left thousands homeless and destitute.

The IMPACT donation, which comes from the union’s developing world fund – made up of 3% of each member’s union subs – went to an emergency appeal established by international trade union federation Public Services International (PSI).

The initiative will contribute to immediate humanitarian aid efforts and will also help establish purpose-built permanent community solidarity centres. Among other things, the centres will enable relief workers to be trained and will store tools and equipment for future emergencies. They will also be used as a medical clinics in a country with relatively poor public services, and be used by local trade unions to help fight for workers’ rights and community development.

PSI general secretary Rosa Pavanelli called IMPACT’s donation an “extraordinary” contribution to the solidarity fund. “IMPACT’s support is truly amazing. We are well aware that the circumstances for your members in Ireland are not easy and that you have struggled for a number of years under difficult conditions. So this contribution is doubly generous,” she said.

IMPACT’s developing world fund was established when the union was formed in the early 1990s and has since contributed over €7 million to trade union and community development projects in countries around the world.

Read about the PSI Philippines appeal HERE.