Podcasts about irish congress

Europe stands at a turning point. In her address to the IIEA, Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the ETUC, argues that Europe's competitiveness renewal lies not in deregulation and decline, but in combining investment and social justice. The next Social Contract needs to deliver a Quality Jobs Agenda to boost collective bargaining, drive fair transitions, deliver fair wages, end exploitation, increase investment for a European Industrial Policy. She calls for all public investment to deliver social conditionalities ensuring every euro creates quality jobs and ends the race to the bottom. The next Social Contract must be something all workers can rely on not just something they read about, every job should be a quality job, and all workers should be free from fear about tomorrow. About the Speaker: Esther Lynch is the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation. Previously, Ms Lynch was Deputy General Secretary at the ETUC from 2019 to 2022, following four years as Confederal Secretary. Esther led on social dialogue, collective bargaining and wage policy, trade union rights, gender equality. She has extensive trade union experience at Irish, European and international levels, starting with her election as a shop steward in the 1980s. Before coming to the ETUC, she was the Legislation and Social Affairs Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), where she took part in negotiations on Ireland's National Social Partner Agreements. As Deputy General Secretary and as Confederal Secretary she led successful actions aimed at improving workers and trade union rights in legislative initiatives such as the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, the Transparent and Predicable Working Conditions Directive and the Whistleblowing Directive, she also ran a successful campaign that mobilised support for the European Pillar of Social Rights and the ETUC's ‘Europe Needs a Pay Rise' campaign. In addition to securing the adoption of 15 legally binding occupational exposure limits to protect workers from exposure to carcinogens, as well as concluding social partners' agreements on digitalisation and on reprotoxins. A lifelong feminist, Esther is pushing for measures to end the undervaluing of work predominantly done by women.

Budget 2026 is set to be announced later today, but before any official decisions, there is already debate over whether it will help enough people deal with the cost of living. All to discuss with Economics Commentator with The Sunday Times, Cormac Lucey and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Owen Reidy.

Budget 2026 is set to be announced later today, but before any official decisions, there is already debate over whether it will help enough people deal with the cost of living. All to discuss with Economics Commentator with The Sunday Times, Cormac Lucey and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Owen Reidy.

Chief Executive at the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins and Social Policy Officer at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Laura Bambrick join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what chnagess could be made for the hospitality sector in Budget 2026A VAT reduction and more is on the table.Hit Play on this page to listen now

The government looks set to reduce the hospitality VAT rate from 13.5% down to 9% in the upcoming budget. But, is this a good idea, and does it make financial sense?Joining Kieran to discuss is Restauranteur, Anthony Gray and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy.

Ireland has one of the highest and most valuable minimum wages in the world, according to a study by HR company Moorepay. It found that the €13.50-an-hour basic legal pay rate ranks as the sixth most valuable globally. So is this rate too high to sustain? All to discuss with Dr Laura Bambrick Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Karl Deeter Financial Advisor and Analyst.

Ireland has one of the highest and most valuable minimum wages in the world, according to a study by HR company Moorepay. It found that the €13.50-an-hour basic legal pay rate ranks as the sixth most valuable globally. So is this rate too high to sustain? All to discuss with Dr Laura Bambrick Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Karl Deeter Financial Advisor and Analyst.

Childcare availability figures show up to 40,000 children are on crèche waiting lists nationwide. New research published today shows majority of parents say childcare accessibility impacts their ability to work. Reporter Una Kelly spoke to some parents. We also hear from Laura Bambrick, head of social policy at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

It's rare that we get such good weather in the summer, but that has been happening recently!But, do we get the chance to make the most of them?Should we get time off work when it's sunny so that we can go out and enjoy it?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Sinead Dalton, Content Editor of Evoke.ie and Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather.

Work and Technology Correspondent, Brian O'Donovan reports from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Conference which opened in Belfast today.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today launched a "New Economic Model" designed to reshape Ireland's economic future in response to mounting global challenges. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Owen Reidy the General secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today launched a "New Economic Model" designed to reshape Ireland's economic future in response to mounting global challenges. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Owen Reidy the General secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

 Today unions, opposition parties and housing charities will take to Leinster House, demanding the Government take emergency action on the housing crisis. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

 Today unions, opposition parties and housing charities will take to Leinster House, demanding the Government take emergency action on the housing crisis. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, warns the Government's over-reliance on corporation tax receipts leaves the country dangerously exposed to global shocks.

As the National Economic Dialogue took place in Dublin Castle, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe warned of ‘dark clouds' on Ireland's economic horizon.Daniel McConnell, editor, Business Post and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions discussed concerns raised over Ireland's reliance on corporation tax and the threats ahead to economic security.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play' button on this page.

Businessman Denis O'Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland's reputation as a place to do business is at risk, and working from home is now a threat to the economy, because it has caused a loss of competitiveness, energy, creativity and ideas.What do you think? Should we all be returning to the office?Joining Andrea to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Larissa Feeney, CEO of Kinore.

Owen Reidy, Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary, responds to confirmation from the Government that increases in the minimum wage may be delayed over a longer period.

With growing concern over global economic uncertainty and Trump's trade tariffs. The government is now considering delaying the rollout of the living wage. But is this a necessary move to protect business, or a step back on promised worker protections? To discuss this further was Dr Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and also Finbarr Filan, Centra owner in Sligo and incoming chair of ISME.

With growing concern over global economic uncertainty and Trump's trade tariffs. The government is now considering delaying the rollout of the living wage. But is this a necessary move to protect business, or a step back on promised worker protections? To discuss this further was Dr Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and also Finbarr Filan, Centra owner in Sligo and incoming chair of ISME.

Dr. Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Alan Dillon, Minister for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy; Cathy Bennett, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan–Monaghan; Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central

Owen Reidy, the General Secretary of The Irish Congress of Trade, and Joe Mag Raollaigh, RTÉ Political Coverage Editor, join the show to discuss the Labour-Employer economic forum, and the likely impact of American tariffs on Irish and EU economies.

There are calls for a new pay-related social welfare scheme to be extended to maternity and paternity leave. From this week, jobseekers benefit will pay up to a maximum of 450 euro per week - depending on previous earnings and PRSI contributions for the first three months of someone losing their job. Welcoming the move, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions says it should now be extended to parents of newborn children. ICTU's Social Policy Advisor Laura Bambrick, says this should include parents leave. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Crusheen-based mother, Deborah Kett. Photo (c) jordan_rusev from Getty via Canva.com

Dr. Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, explains what a new bill will change for private sector workers contractually required to retire at 65.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, discusses the ongoing uncertainty prompted by Donald Trump's threat to levy tariffs on imports from the EU.

Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Neil McDonnell, CEO of the ISME, who represents Small and Medium businesses

With a spike of flu cases across the country, is it time to increase paid sick leave. But in a time where remote working has become the norm, should people just opt to work from home. We discuss with Brenda Power, Columnist for Sunday Times and Irish Daily Mail and also Dr Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and Julie Galbraith, Head of Employment Law, Eversheds Sutherland discuss hybrid working in Ireland and the legislation around the right to request remote working.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Owen Reidy, ICTU, discusses why private sector workers need pay rises in 2025.

Should the private sector increase salaries by 7%? We hear from the Irish Congress of Trade Union. Speaking to Pat this morning was Owen Reidy General Secretary of ICTU.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of ICTU, discusses the representative organisation's concerns over the 1.4 billion euro package of tax cuts signalled for Budget 2025.

Hospitality groups are calling on the Government to reinstate the 9% reduced VAT charge for food services to help them manage increasing costs.Pat Crotty, chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, and Owen Reidy, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, join The Last Word to debate whether hospitality businesses should be on a lower VAT rate.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

New research shows European workers prefer more time off, prompting governments to encourage a return to work. Are Irish workers following this trend? Dr. Laura Bambrick from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions joins us to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris recently asked The Low Pay Commission not look at the minimum wage “in isolation” when making its recommendation in July. Is this signaling a government U-Turn in delivering its promised national living wage? Joining Shane to discuss Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Tony Foley, Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics with the DCU Business School.

Kevin Callinan, General Secretary of the FÓRSA Trade Union and former President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus to highlight his upcoming talk in Clare. Kevin, who has strong Clare roots, will be back in the Banner County this coming weekend; he will be in Corofin to both launch and speak at the Festival of Finn.

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions // Maeve McElwee, Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) Executive Director of Employer Relations

Nearly 2 in 3 Employees Feel Underpaid, according to Irish Jobs Salary and Benefits Survey. But are Irish workers actually underpaid? Ciara spoke to Kevin Callinan, Former President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. 

Kevin Callinan, Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

Employers group Ibec's chef executive Danny McCoy sent an open letter to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Monday calling for a pause on labour policy measures to avoid ‘uncoordinated and cumulative' costs to businesses. Those measures include upping the national minimum wage and increases in employer Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI). In response, Owen Reidy, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, labelled Mr McCoy's proposals as “short termist”. They joined host Ciarán Hancock to discuss the measures. And Irish Times Work Correspondent Emmet Malone brings us up to speed on the public sector pay talks impasse. We hear what the main points of contention are for both sides after discussions stalled last week.Produced by John Casey. JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Government needs to take action on the spiralling cost of doing business in Ireland. That's the call from Ibec in a letter to government who have asked government to suspend further increases to the minimum wage and other government scheme while the issue is addressed. Kieran was joined by Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, on today's industrial action by around 170,000 public servants in Northern Ireland over pay.

Dr. Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive at ISME joined The Last Word to discuss new changes being introduced to the social welfare system.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Kevin Callinan, Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Lower paid workers are set to benefit most as the number of paid sick leave days is increased. It'll rise from 3 to 5 days a year from the 1st of January, at a rate of 70 per cent of gross earnings, with a cap of 110 euro. Paid sick leave is to increase from 3 to 5 days from January 1st.Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with Special Responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail and Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.Junior Minister Neale Richmond also discussed the Fine Gael special conference on Rural Ireland, taking place tomorrow...

Damien English, Fine Gael TD for Meath West; Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central; Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil Senator; Ged Nash, Labour Party TD for Louth; Dr Laura Bambrick, Social Policy & Legislative Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Seán Keyes, Finance Correspondent with The Currency

We speak to Maeve McElwee, Executive Director of Employer Relations Ibec, and get reaction from Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Kevin Callinan, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, on their biennial conference.

Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy & Employment Affairs in the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, discusses the introduction of new employment rights for parents.

From today, new laws governing the practice of tipping come into force, providing a boost to workers' rights. Fiona Dunne from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, who has been involved in the tipping campaign since 2018, spoke with the programme.

Kevin Callinan, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, looks ahead to the ratification of a new public sector pay deal by the ICTU Public Services Committee.