ICTU push by defence union

PDFORRA has called on the Government to allow it to join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

Speaking at the group’s annual conference, general secretary Gerry Rooney said there was no reason why PDFORRA should not be allowed to join ICTU.

“There is no reason whatever why PDFORRA is not allowed to join ICTU. We have raised this issue with successive ministers and, despite some positive indications, we have had no firm decision. It is impossible for PDFORRA to fully represent its members on a range of pay-related issues unless our voice can be heard directly at congress,” he said.

Mr Rooney said that PDFORRA was already a member of an EU public service union and it had caused no difficulty.

“I urge the present minister to open the ICTU door for PDFORRA and its members. This is not a covert attempt to subvert the State, but to maximise our capacity to support our members. PDFORRA is already a member of EUROFEDOP, an umbrella EU public service union, and this caused no difficulties for anyone,” he said.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea also confirmed to delegates that progress would be made on the agreed 5% increase in the overseas peace support allowance.

“In the financial climate that now prevails, finding the additional funding is going to be difficult. However, I hope to be in a position to make progress on this claim very shortly,” he said.

Meanwhile, president of PDFORRA Willie Webb called for a recruitment drive to address current personnel shortages and urged the Government to honour its recruiting commitment made in the programme for government.