PDFORRA takes fight for union recognition to Europe

The organisation which represents rank-and-file members of the army, navy, and air corps has lodged a case for official union recognition in Europe and expects to have a positive decision on it within a year.

PDFORRA (Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks’ Representative Association) has lodged the case under the European Social Charter because it has been excluded from national wage negotiations as it is not recognised as being a member of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

Gerry Rooney, PDFORRA general secretary, said being sidelined from previous national wage negotiations had put his near 7,000 members at a disadvantage and it was time to right that wrong.