SIPTU call for Yes vote on Lisbon

marco_polo

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0903/eulisbon.html

The country's largest trade union, SIPTU, has come out in support of the Lisbon Treaty, although it still has a number of reservations about it.

In a detailed statement published on its website, the union said it ratification of Lisbon would not make matters worse for workers, and has the potential to improve them.

Therefore, it says, the balance of advantage for working people and their families rests with ratification of the Treaty.

During the first Lisbon referendum, SIPTU did not endorse the Treaty, a position which was seen as very influential on the result.

The Union statement said it would not be sharing platforms with representatives of the Government parties, as their agenda was not the same as SIPTU's on workers' rights.

Not quite ringing endorcement but I think it is a fair recognition of the positive aspects of the Lisbon Treaty, with regard to social rights. And a recognition that some of the issues that are of real concern to Unions such as the Services, Posting of Workers Directive are unrelated to Lisbon despite effort by other campaigns others to link the two.

summer09

marco_polo wrote: »

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0903/eulisbon.html



Not quite ringing endorcement but I think it is a fair recognition of the positive aspects of the Lisbon Treaty, with regard to social rights. And a recognition that some of the issues that are of real concern to Unions such as the Services, Posting of Workers Directive are unrelated to Lisbon despite effort by other campaigns others to link the two.

If they still have some reservations, what the hell are they asking people to vote yes for.

marco_polo

summer09 wrote: »

If they still have some reservations, what the hell are they asking people to vote yes for.

Because there were somethings that they wanted that are not included mainly a Social Progress Protocol, nothing they find overtly objectional in there and but plenty of other positives in the treaty especially with regard to the COFR.
I believe the expression is not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

oscarBravo

summer09 wrote: »

If they still have some reservations, what the hell are they asking people to vote yes for.

Because it's possible to have reservations about something, and still think on balance that it's a good thing.

If I won a prize of a million euro but could only claim it on condition that I went public about having won it, I'd have reservations. But I'd still claim my million lids.

K-9

Jaysus, they sound pissed of over the pension levy and the partnership talks, but great to see they can take a balanced approach to not get one up on FF.

WooPeeA

I've seen Ryanair's ad in one of the daily tabloids (The Sun I think) calling to "Vote YES to Europe".