IWU Branch sets up in West Cork

cork | worker & community struggles and protests | news report Tuesday September 12, 2006 07:12 by Shipsea

Good news for people who are worried about the direction some unions are going in. Cosy relationships with management are leaving workers and employees in the wilderness. Welcome to the IWU.

How many people have had the experience of approaching their union rep for help only to find that they are made to feel that they and their problem are like a bad smell? NATFHE are a case in point - a useless and spineless union when it comes to challenging the encroachment of attrocious employment practices on academics/lecturers and others, most of whom are coping with some of the most unfair employment practices in the country. They have sold third level education in Ireland down the river in the process. And that's just one union.

At a well attended meeting in O Donovan,s Hotel, Clonakilty, on Friday September 7th September, the Independent Workers Union formally established a West Cork Branch of the organisation.
The Independent Workers Union was founded in 2001, as many Trade Unionists felt completely disillusioned with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and felt more effective change could be brought about by a truly independent general workers union. Prior to last Friday s meeting, West Cork based members were in the Cork General Branch. Due to the size of the region, this was seen as unwieldy and the possibility of establishing a West Cork Branch had been examined in recent months.

The meeting elected a Chairperson and Secretary and discussed ways in which the new branch can bring home the importance of workers rights to people in the West Cork area. Anyone wishing to join the West Cork Branch or who would like further information can contact the Branch Secretary on 087-6221078.