Workers in the cleaning, security and catering sectors will hold a rally in Dublin to demand better working conditions and wages to mark the first day of Ireland’s EU presidency.
SIPTU and UNI Europa, the European federation of service sector trade unions, will organise a demonstration outside the Office of Government Procurement on Mayor Street, Dublin.
The unions said that the EU presidency will place the Irish Government at the helm of negotiations on public procurement reform.
“SIPTU is calling on the Government to ensure Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy, currently being developed by the Office of Government Procurement, includes strong protections for workers and puts collective bargaining and fair employment standards at the heart of how public contracts are awarded,” said SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane.
“Public procurement policy has a direct impact on the wages, conditions and job security of thousands of workers in essential contract services. Too often, contracts are awarded based on lowest cost, with little regard for the workers delivering these vital services,” Mr O’Kane said.
UNI Europa Head of Property Services, Michala Lafferty said the upcoming revision of procurement rules is an opportunity for EU leaders to make a real difference in the lives of workers amid the current cost-of-living crisis.
“It is the most effective tool to promote collective bargaining so that workers get a real say, fair pay and good conditions,” Ms Lafferty said.
