Joan Burton elected Deputy Leader

Joan Burton was elected Deputy Leader of the Labour Party last night.  I campaigned with Joan during the General Election, and she’s a politician of intelligence, determination and genuine campaigning ability.

I congratulate her on her victory, and commiserate with Jan O’Sullivan who ensured we had a close-fought contest.

Time for compulsory union recognition?

A couple of stories in Ireland and the UK have come to light over the last couple of weeks, which to me have underlined the need for compulsory union recognition.

The first such case was in the Eye Cinema in Galway, where one worker was dismissed after being active in promoting union membership, and a group of workers were suspended. They had not been receiving their legal entitlements (paid public holidays, increased pay for working Sundays and after midnight). The last update I received was that there was still a battle ongoing over their right to have SIPTU recognised as their union.

This situation came as quite a surprise to SIPTU, particularly given Eye Cinema’s courting of a ‘good company’ reputation, including winning two O2 ability awards for commitment to people with diverse needs.

Meanwhile, the Guardian have been reporting an equally disturbing story from Norwich this week. UNITE the union have been attempting to organise workers in the Kettle Foods factory (manufacturers of the posh Kettle Crisps!). They are a company which even UNITE have been at pains to point out are “a good company with a decent record”.

However, the threat of union organisation has led them to employ a US union-busting company, to try and prevent the 340 workers from joining UNITE.

These are two ‘good companies’ – the type of companies so often heralded by many of our own members as examples of how capitalism could develop a heart. But when even these companies are actively blocking unions from organising, and are refusing to recognise unions which have organised workers, where do we look to next?

I believe it is now time for compulsory union recognition in Ireland, as private sector unions are far too often left powerless by the refusal of companies to recognise them. I’ve long since argued that the Trade Unions need to adapt, and to make themselves more attractive to workers who have been fooled into believing they don’t need union protection. But we also need legislative change that supports the work of the unions in these areas.

In the meantime, strikes continued outside offices of the parent-company of Eye Cinema over the weekend, while chatter is beginning about a potential boycott of Kettle Chips if the union busters are successful.

Dear friend

I believe passionately in the future of the Labour Party. Our society needs a strong centre-left party which can articulate our unique vision that puts people back at the heart of politics. As a young, active member of the Party, I believe I can make a significant contribution to the NEC during this challenging and exciting time for Labour.

In order for us to maximise our number of seats and to have to have a real impact on politics, I believe that Labour should become a campaigning party. During my time as Vice-Chair & Campaigns Officer of Labour Youth, I have run campaigns on a wide range of issues including workers’ rights and providing a decent living wage to all. I have campaigned and worked with Eamon Gilmore, Ruairi Quinn, Joan Burton, Derek McDowell, Joanna Tuffy and Eric Byrne.

I have consistently lobbied within the party for a greater level of dialogue between members and the leadership of the party, and was the principle organiser of the recent 22nd September meeting for Dublin members on the future of the party.

The next NEC has an important job to do, to rebuild and organise Labour for the local and European elections in 2009, and I want to bring the voice of members to that debate.

I’m asking for your support, and your No. 1 vote in the NEC Elections.

Yours Fraternally

Neil Ward

My 5 priorities for the NEC

1. I will circulate reports on all NEC meetings to all party members who wish to receive them, as I believe in complete NEC transparency and accountability.

2. We must improve youth and women’s participation and representation at all levels of the party.

3. We need to improve membership participation levels in the development of policy and organisation, and ensure that the will of the party membership is respected.

4. We must focus on building strong campaigning organisations in constituencies that are currently without Dáil representatives.

5. I will continue campaigning to narrow the distance between leadership and membership of the party, by ensuring an ongoing dialogue is maintained at all times.