Ambulance drivers union recognition
Deputy Mattie McGrath asked why ambulance drivers in Tipperary could not leave SIPTU and join another union, linking it to promised legislation on freedom of expression. The Taoiseach said workers were free to join any union, but the dispute was really about union recognition and wage-deduction arrangements.
There is no favouritism from the Chair. I call the leader of the Rural Independent Group.
Comment on this
The programme for Government gives explicit recognition to the right of employees, especially State employees, to freedom of expression. Yesterday, I met ambulance drivers striking in Tipperary. They want to change union. They want to leave SIPTU and join the Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Comment on this
It is promised legislation. Why, in this day and age, is SIPTU allowed to block this? What is going on? Big Jim Larkin and James Connolly would turn in their graves over this. The ambulance drivers are entitled to freedom of expression and to join the Psychiatric Nurses Association. They are entitled to do what they want. They provide front-line services and respond to all calls, as they did yesterday during strike time. Why are they not allowed to determine what union represents them?
Comment on this
People are free to join any union they wish to join. I understand this dispute is of a different nature. It involves union recognition. The HSE already recognises three unions representing the National Ambulance Service staff and paramedics. It also relates to the fact that the HSE is not willing to deduct, from wages, dues for the union in question. No employer, either public or private, should be required to collect union dues directly from somebody's wages. It is a decision for the staff member if he or she wants to pay them.