INN journalists win backing from ICTU

TRADES UNIONISTS in Dublin protested outside the radio company Independent Network News on Wednesday in solidarity with 17 journalists who are facing the axe.
The demonstration was called to coincide with a board meeting discussing the closure of the firm.
Last Friday, the INN chapel voted in favour of industrial action over the cuts, and on Saturday they were given a standing ovation at the NUJ Irish Delegate Conference.
The campaign to save INN has been backed by Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary David Begg, who described the proposed closure as “a major threat to media diversity in Ireland”. Speaking at the NUJ delegate conference, he pledged the full support of Congress for attempts to challenge the actions of the board.
NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: “The whole union is behind the chapel at INN.”
Hundreds of people have signed up for the ‘I Support INN Journalists’ Facebook group.
Supporters are also asked to send a protest to the company.

Dublin Docks strikers face Celtic boss

SUPPORTERS of the Dublin Port strikers, in dispute with Marine Terminals Ltd and new owners Peel Ports after being sacked, leafleted the Ireland v Italy World Cup qualifier at Croke Park on Saturday to draw attention what they call “The Celtic Connection” with Peel Ports.
Saturday was the 100th day of this official strike.
Tom E. Allison is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee for Celtic FC... he is also chair of Peel Ports.
The strikers’ website (http://www.mtldockers.com) says, “No doubt, Celtic fans will be appalled to know that a prominent member of their club is involved in this attack on Irish workers,” and it asks people to send messages of protest to [email protected], and mark them for the attention of Mr John Reid, Chair, Celtic FC.

SIPTU condemns call for Child Benefit cut

SIPTU has condemned the Economic and Research Institute’s suggestion that Child Benefit payments be cut by 20% as part of efforts to restore balance to the public finances.
The union’s president, Jack O’Connor, says the cut would impact most severely on middle-and lower-income families, while the wealthy would remain insulated.
The SIPTU leader said the issue should be dealt with through a tax on Children’s Allowance payments which go to the wealthier sections of society.