SIPTU has called on the Government to implement stronger measures to safeguard workers from online harassment.
Delegates at the union’s biennial conference, which is being held in Galway this week, have passed a motion addressing the issue, reports RTE.
“Recent incidents, such as the Dublin riots and the Government’s water services transformation have seen our members carrying out their roles as public servants, or union activists, subjected to abusive and threatening behaviour which was either organised or promoted through online platforms,” the motion states, reports RTE.
“Such behaviours which, if carried out on the street, would not be tolerated, or indeed legal, continue on social media, primarily because online platforms effectively operate a ‘self-regulation’ system, which is completely inadequate and urgently needs to be addressed through Government action,” according to the motion, reports RTE.
Another motion focusing on the protection of union members urges the Government to introduce laws imposing substantial fines and potential prison sentences for employers who breach workers’ rights.
On the issue of whistleblowing, delegates heard appeals for SIPTU to launch a campaign promoting awareness of its importance within the health sector and ensuring strong safeguards for those who come forward, reports RTE.
More than fifty motions are being debated throughout the conference, covering a wide range of topics such as pay, pensions, housing, outsourcing, and the cost of living.
Also under discussion are delays in implementing a living wage, proposals to give unions a greater role in the sale of semi-state assets, and calls to reinstate tax relief on trade union subscriptions, reports RTE.
Delegates at the event have welcomed a ruling by the European Court of Justice that upholds key aspects of an EU directive on workers’ rights.
The court has confirmed the validity of several core elements of the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, including the requirement for member states to promote collective bargaining, reports RTE.
Collective bargaining refers to the process of negotiation between employers and employee representatives, such as trade unions.
“This is a key moment for workers across Europe, as the court has confirmed our fight for fair wages can continue on firm legal ground,” said SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley, reports RTE.
“The legal certainty is here, the time for delivery is now,” Ms Buckley said, reports RTE.
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