Community Workers Protest

by Fred Johnston Sun Aug 09, 2009 15:09

The government has, as usual, targeted the less-well off and the financially vulnerable, just as any dictatorial State would. Meanwhile, there is no sign of any haste to bring the rogue bankers to justice and some developers who owe the banks money are now being propped up by them! The Thomas Cook workers led by example.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sun Aug 09, 2009 21:34

Hi !

The report of the 'Special Group on Public Service Number and Expenditure Programme' ('An Bord Snip Nua') has recommended , amongst other such travesties , that the 'RAPID' project (http://www.westcd.ie/index.php/services) be axed , along with the 'Job Initiative' programme (http://www.fas.ie/en/communities/job+initiative/default.htm) and the 'CLÁR' programme (http://www.pobail.ie/en/RAPIDandCLAR/CLAR/) .
Also , welfare entitlements for those on 'Community Employment' programmes (http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment...cheme) will be brought to an end and a range of other vicious attacks against the most vulnerable members of this society are rapidly coming down the pipeline from the millionaire politicians in Leinster House.

I was proud to march with JI / CE etc workers in Dublin on Wednesday June 3rd last and will be doing so again on Wednesday September 30th next - our community centres , local creches and schools etc will not be able to function properly or as safely if their JI / CE workers are let go.
By supporting JI / CE workers we are supporting our communities : let's show those in Leinster House that we won't give up or give in - join the protest march on Wednesday 30th September 2009 , one pm , Parnell Square , Dublin !

Thanks!
Sharon.

Community Sector workers under attack - protest against this injustice on Wednesday 30th September 2009.

by Larry Wed Aug 12, 2009 15:22

not got much faith in the trade unions but i'll be going to this
we should hold a sit down protest in the middle of O'Connell street and really put it up to the govt that we cant survive on the pittance they leave us after hammering us with taxes

by D_D Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:58

At;

http://www.vimeo.com/6609507

by himself Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:25

///////////////////////////////// WHERE WILL YOU BE ON SEPTEMBER 30TH? /////////////////////////////////////

A VIDEO TO PROMOTE THE COMMUNITY SECTOR MARCH ON SEPTEMBER 30TH.

WATCH IT ON YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svgr_5OUQT0
WATCH IT ON VIMEO: http://www.vimeo.com/6609507

SHARE THESE VIDEOS WIDELY!

PLEASE POST THE LINKS TO YOUR FACEBOOK, BEBO, MYSPACE, WEBSITE ETC AND SEND IT OUT OVER EMAIL LISTS.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WHERE WILL YOU BE ON SEPTEMBER 30TH?

This government is already slashing a range of services and programmes. Now, after McCarthy Report, the Community Sector is going to become the focus for their guillotine approach to funding. Already a number of areas have had their budgets reduced.

- Drug Task Force Projects
- CE Scheme Training and material budgets
- Local Partnerships budgets cut up to 16%
- Community Childcare struggling under Subvention
- Overseas Development slashed
- CDPs cut by up to 15%
- Community and voluntary sector cut by 32%
- Older people supports down to €727,000 from €4.3 million

And after on Bord Snip, there's more to come.

- Community Service Programme – €10 million cut
- Community Development Programmes & Partnerships – €44 million cut
- RAPID – Axed
- Job Initiative – Axed
- Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs – Axed
- National Drugs Strategy – €2.6 million cut
- Welfare entitlements for Community Employment – Axed
- Community & Voluntary Sector Supports – €10 million cut
- CLÁR – Axed

We are left wondering is community development a luxury? Is education an optional extra? Is drug rehabilitation an indulgence?

The philosophy that values profits over people is failing, and it is the communities that benefited the least from the Celtic Tiger years that are expected to pay a high price.

But this is not a situation of hopelessness. Communities are coming together in resistance. You can join it too. You won't be alone.

On September 8th 1200 workers and activists marched to the Department of Finance to start the campaign.

At 1pm at Parnell Sq on September 30th 2009, we'll march again. We hope to see you there.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Liberty Hall, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-8586419, Fax: 01-8749654

E-mail: community@siptu.ie
http://www.siptu.ie/community/

by Fred Johnston Sat Sep 19, 2009 16:37

On top of all of these, we read in today's papers that the heads of our universities here in the Republic are all refusing to take a voluntary cut in salary. So why doesn't the government make 'em take the cut? It would be interesting to see how our students feel about this and what they intend to do about it: is there a chance that they will protest? Doubt it. They don't have the mettle any longer of their 'Sixties forebears. But in any case it is one more added arrogant disgrace that these cushioned academics, reduced to being basically CEOs of education companies, should grease their chops while the rest of the country scoops up the crumbs.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sun Sep 27, 2009 18:00

Hi !
Two private buses have been booked for this protest march (Wednesday 30th September 2009) by Clondalkin CDP/JI/CE workers to transport their members and supporters in to Parnell Square on Wednesday morning.
The feedback and support from all concerned in the Dublin 22 area has been massive and , if other areas throughout the State are as well organised and prepared as this one area , then we should witness a huge show of strength through Dublin for the protest march.
If we're going to be axed - or cutback to the extent that we might as well be axed altogether - then it won't be without a fight !
Thanks!
Sharon.

Greedy and wealthy politicians dividing out the money 'saved' by destroying CDP/JI/CE programmes.

by Elsie Wed Sep 30, 2009 14:02

Reports coming via Facebook uploads of about 10,000 people at the March so far (13:00).

More than at the anti-NAMA march

by Trevor - CAD Wed Sep 30, 2009 15:23

Today was a great day for community workers and the people of Ireland. The chairman said that the early estimates for it were up to 15000. This is a reminder of what makes Ireland a great country. Well done to all involved and lets keep up the pressure!

Sfa in terms of coverage though on major news outlets. For shame

by patmurph Wed Sep 30, 2009 19:13

I feel it is despicable the cuts that are proposed however I am dissapointed that many I know in my area on CE and JI went on this protest as part of their work hours ???????

by PBPA - People Before Profit Alliance Wed Sep 30, 2009 19:17

During their work hours?
If people don't get out on the streets...there may be no working hours.

Well done to all those who came out!
It's just the beginning- let the winter of discontent begin!

by Sharon. - Individual. Wed Sep 30, 2009 20:34

Hi !
We had a truly up-lifting day today , on the CDP/CE/JI protest march from the Garden of Remembrance to the gates of Leinster House.
Media reports that we have heard have put the figure on the protest at "about five thousand" , in an apparent attempt to give the impression that even all of those who will be affected by the decision (ie over six thousand workers will be directly affected) could not be 'bothered' to join a protest to save their jobs.
The true attendance , in our estimate , was easily between 10,000 and 15,000 protestors , with hundreds of supporters clapping and cheering us on from the footpaths , buses etc.
We need much more of this , and on a frequent basis.
Well done to all who took part - a day well spent!
Thanks,
Sharon.

RSF on CDP/CE/JI protest march , Wed 30 September 2009 , Dublin.