Online abuse of union members, the protection of whistleblowers, and prison terms for employers who breach workers' rights are among the issues that will be discussed at the SIPTU Biennial National Delegate Conference which opens in Galway today.
More than 50 motions will be debated over the course of three days covering areas including pay, pensions, housing, outsourcing and the cost of living.
On the issue of online abuse, delegates will hear calls for SIPTU to campaign for greater protections for union members and activists.
"Recent incidents, such as the Dublin riots and the Government's water services transformation have seen our members carrying out their roles as public servants, or union activists, subjected to abusive and threatening behaviour which was either organised or promoted through online platforms," the motion states.
"Such behaviours which, if carried out on the street, would not be tolerated, or indeed legal, continue on social media, primarily because online platforms effectively operate a 'self-regulation’ system, which is completely inadequate and urgently needs to be addressed through Government action," according to the motion.
Another motion on the protection of union members calls on the Government to introduce legislation that provides for significant financial penalties and prison terms for employers who disregard workers’ rights.
On whistleblowing, delegates will hear calls for SIPTU to support a campaign which highlights the importance of whistleblowing in the health service and seeks strong protections for those who step forward.
Also up for discussion and debate will be concerns over the delayed introduction of a living wage, a proposal to give unions a greater say on sale of assets by semi-state bodies, and calls for the reintroduction of tax relief on trade union subscriptions.
