Irish Congress Of Trade Unions Conference Begins

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference opens today in Belfast, which will see over 700 delegates debate the economic crisis and the reform of trade union structures.

The Biennial Delgate Conference (BDC) is adopting the theme of 'Decent Work, Better Future'.

It will run from 2-4 July in the Assembly Rooms, Belfast.

This year, the conference will mark the centenary year of the 1913 Lockout; a protest led by workers' rights campaigner James Larkin against anti-trade union policies in Ireland.

Delegates will debate key motions on the economic crisis that call for "an end to the failed deflationary policies which for five years have depressed domestic demand and prevented growth."

Also debated will be motions on the restructuring of the trade union movement across Ireland and "the necessity for Ireland to meet its international legal and human rights obligations by honouring the Government commitment on trade union rights and the right to collective bargaining."

The conference will hear from An Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

(IT/CD)