The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) will this week host a European trade union conference on tackling racism.
The European Trade Union Congress (ETUC) learning seminar will be held in Dublin tomorrow and on Wednesday.
The ETUC comprises 93 national trade union confederations in 41 countries, plus 10 European trade union federations.
Organised as part of the 'Trade Unions against Discrimination' project, the event will gather union representatives together from across Ireland and Europe, for a seminar that focuses on what trade unions can do to combat racism and other forms of bigotry in the workplace.
The two-day event will see a number of panel discussions on areas such as EU policies and strategies which may be utilised to promote the rights of migrant workers, and on tackling the growth of the far-right.
Particular attention will be paid to strategies of resistance to this, in light of the forthcoming EU elections.
The conference will be addressed by Minister of State for Integration Joe O’Brien.
"The role of trade unions in helping to challenge discrimination & tackle racism is crucial," Mr O'Brien said.
"Events like this one hosted by ICTU are vital tools in bringing together strong voices to spread the message that racism and discrimination will not be tolerated," he added.
Delegates will hear from a number of experts working in the field of anti-racism and inclusion in the workplace.
In addition, workshops will be held on racism in the workplace, racism and gender, and racism and LGBTQ issues.
"We welcome our colleagues from across Europe and closer to home, for an important gathering of trade union experts, who in coming together will help to ensure that responses to racism and all forms of bigotry are strengthened across our union memberships," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy.
ETUC General Secretary, Esther Lynch said that no matter their religion, nationality or gender, people build bridges through their trade unions by acting together to address issues they share.
"By bargaining collectively to address the real problems of stagnant wages, insecure work, and abusive working conditions we embed acceptance and solidarity across our society," Ms Lynch said.
