Patricia King has been named as the general secretary designate of ICTU and will succeed the current general secretary David Begg when he steps down in March. The announcement was made at a press conference (video) at IMPACT’s Dublin office last week.

Patricia is to be the first woman to take up the post, although Patricia said “I do not intend to carry that honour onerously.”

Patricia explained that there are three principles that underpin her work. “Every worker is entitled to enjoy fair pay and decent conditions; all workers should be entitled to negotiate collectively with their employer without fear, and every worker is entitled to be treated with respect.”

IMPACT general secretary, Shay Cody, welcomed Patricia’s appointment. “I have known and worked with Patricia for many years. She is an excellent negotiator, a strong leader, and a fantastic role model for the movement” he said.

Shay and Patricia worked closely during the negotiations to establish both the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements. Shay said “Patricia is deeply driven by the desire to ensure that workers get a fair deal and she has the experience, skills and knowhow to affect positive change.”    

Shay said that there are challenging times ahead for the trade union movement. “Pay recovery across all sectors of the Irish economy is vital for sustained growth, and that is the goal for all trade unions as Ireland gets on to a path of economic recovery. We are fortunate to have someone of Patricia’s strength and ability to lead the trade union movement in Ireland at this time.”