Regional Brexit Action Plans are needed

Posted on March 28, 2017

We propose the setting up of a number of regional fora to examine how the regions can prepare for and minimise the impact of Brexit. The Regional Action Plans for Jobs must be updated and revised to respond to Brexit, taking into account the policy initiatives that have been proposed.

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We need to establish a Brexit Early Warning System

Posted on March 27, 2017

The Government should respond positively to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ proposal to bring together trade unions, employers and other stakeholders and establish a ‘Brexit Early Warning System’ to identify sectors and firms at particular risk of Brexit. There are models from other European countries that can provide guidance here.

The Labour Party has also called for the re-establishment of an Employer-Labour Conference which would complement and support the work of Government and current industrial relations institutions, and is aimed at promoting industrial peace and stability. It previously provided a forum for discussion and review of developments and problems in incomes, prices and industrial relations.

With the advent of Brexit such a forum for social dialogue is critical to address issues as they arise.

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#ClockedOut by the gender pay gap

Posted on March 15, 2017

Yesterday our friends in IMPACT launched their #ClockedOut campaign to highlight the gender pay gap in Ireland. Because of the gender pay gap Irish women who work 9-5 work the last 71 minutes of their work day for free. The Labour Party has published legislation that aims to drive efforts towards closing the gender pay gap in Ireland. The Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2017 requires medium to large-sized companies to regularly publish wage transparency surveys that would highlight any difference in pay between their male and female employees

Because of the gender pay gap, Irish women effectively work the last 71 minutes of the day for free. Time to #CloseTheGap #clockedout pic.twitter.com/cnp6EiH6nY

— The Labour Party (@labour) March 14, 2017

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Closing the Gap

Posted on March 10, 2017

The Labour Party has published legislation that aims to drive efforts towards closing the gender pay gap in Ireland. 

The Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2017 requires medium to large-sized companies to regularly publish wage transparency surveys that would highlight any difference in pay between their male and female employees.

As part of International Women’s Week, the Labour Party has also published ‘ Closing the Gap ’, a new policy document to tackle gender inequality in the workplace.

We understands that there is a range of factors, including the issue of unconscious bias, which contributes to gender inequality in the workplace.

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Capital review must be meaningful

Posted on March 05, 2017

Reflecting on the capital review, Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin writes about why the upcoming capital review must be meaningful.

The Lord Giveth and the Lord taketh away. And so it is with Paschal Donohoe.

Three weeks ago, we were treated to an announcement of the Capital Review, the first truly post-crash opportunity to look at our capital funding requirements.

The following week, we were briefed on the contracting fiscal space for 2018 and the need for Ministers to pare back programmes in their Departments.

In need of headlines the Taoiseach recently told the IIEA that the plan would be a 10 year plan. More ambition or spreading the marmite more thinly. Look at the scope not the quantity. Who knows? Contradictions abound.

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When others talk, Labour acts on workers' rights

Posted on February 27, 2017

This week in the Dáil, Labour will yet again be advancing workers' rights.

On Tuesday evening, we will be using our Private Members' Business to advance our Competition (Amendment) Bill. 

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Opposition to Enda Kenny’s visit to Trump chimes with Labour values

Posted on February 08, 2017

In the Irish Times, Brendan Howlin has written about why Labour will continue to oppose Trump.

Five years ago, Fianna Fáil was struggling. They were attracting less support than they had received even in the 2011 election, and they were riven with internal divisions that resulted in Eamon Ó Cuív being sacked from the Fianna Fáil frontbench.

That a party which so spectacularly mismanaged our economy and oversaw the arrival of the troika has once more gain significant public support is encouraging for those of us in the Labour Party who worked to undo that damage, and who believe the the values of social democracy endure.

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Permanent link | Categories: Enterprise Trade & Employment • Equality • Foreign & European Affairs • Social & Family Affairs • Brendan Howlin •

What have we been up to this week?

Posted on February 05, 2017

We've had a busy week - Brendan Howlin has called on Enda Kenny not to attend the White House to visit Donald Trump on Paddy's Day-keep up to date with what Brendan has to say over on Twitter ( www.twitter.com/BrendanHowlin ) We joined Labour Youth and Labour Women at the American Embassy to protest Trump's Muslim Ban. UCD Labour were at UCD Refresher's Day. We joined SIPTU to celebrate the life of James Larkin. Senator Ged Nash 's bill to apologise to and exonerate gay man convicted of homosexuality received cross-party support in the Seanad. Brendan addressed the IIEA on the implications of Brexit on Ireland and the EU (read his full speech here ➡️ ‪ http://labr.ie/2kHtMM1‬ )

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Time to get real on Brexit, Enda

Posted on February 04, 2017

Joan Burton TD held a seminar in the Mansion House on the spring economic outlook. In this very well attended meeting we heard speakers from ESRI, IBEC and UCD. Joan also made the case for Ireland to have a special status in Brexit negotations.

Permanent link | Categories: Consumer Affairs • Education • Finance • Foreign & European Affairs • Northern Ireland • Social & Family Affairs • Brexit • Joan Burton •

Brendan Howlin on the Irish Times podcast

Posted on February 02, 2017

 Listen below to the The Irish Times podcast with Brendan Howlin. In the podcast, Brendan chats to Hugh Linehan and Fiach Kelly about #LabourRebuild, our upcoming party conference and the state of social democracy in these changing times. Have a listen below,

Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Communications • Consumer Affairs • Enterprise Trade & Employment • Environment • Equality • Finance • Foreign & European Affairs • Justice • Northern Ireland • Transport • Brexit • Brendan Howlin •