Laois events to celebrate Trade Union Week

Local events to mark Trade Union Week will take place in Laois between April 29 and May 6.

The first of its kind event is being organised by The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and will include information stalls and social events, activities in schools, public talks, table quizzes and film screenings.

ICTU said the week of coordinated events will be “the largest mobilisation of trade union members in decades”, with an open invitation extended to all workers in Laois to take part.

Trade Union Week will mark the culmination of ICTU’s Better in a Trade Union campaign, which was launched this month to promote the values and benefits of trade union membership.

Speaking at the launch this week, ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy said union members benefit from higher wages than non-unionised workers, and there is a growing awareness among young workers, in particular, of the benefits of trade unions.

“We know that everyone is better in a trade union, and there’s a cohort of younger workers, in particular, who recognise the need to have someone in their corner, fighting for employment protections, better pay and working conditions,” he said. 

“They understand that these rights are only achieved through collective action, so Trade Union Week is our call to everyone in Laois to get involved.

“For young people, trade unions provide hope in helping them navigate the mounting socio-economic challenges for their generation – such as the housing and climate crises. They also recognise the power of collective bargaining, and how it leads to better rates of pay."