John Douglas Of MANDATE To Address Éirígí Ard Fheis
The General Secretary of MANDATE, John Douglas, is set to address the Éirígí Ard Fheis this Saturday (Jan 19th). MANDATE is one of the largest unions in the country with a membership of some 40,000 workers. The bulk of that membership work in high profile retail chains including Tesco, Penney’s, M&S, Dunnes Stoers and Lloyds Pharmacies. MANDATE also represents bar workers and administrative staff.
Over the last number of years MANDATE has been to the fore of fighting for justice in the workplace. It has repeatedly gone head to head with major corporations to win better wages and conditions of employment for not only its own workers, but all worker. Just last month legislation was passed in Leinster House to protect workers from ‘Low Hour Contracts’, the culmination of a four year campaign that included a strike of Dunnes Stores workers in 2015.
MANDATE’s fight for justice extends outside of the workplace as well. It was one of the main trade unions in the Right To Water, providing a range of resources to help build one of the most successful mass campaigns of recent years. More recently MANDATE backed Repeal of the 8th Amendment and a number of progressive housing initiatives, including the Campaign For Public Housing.
The afternoon session of Ard Fheis 2019 runs from 2pm to 5pm. Other speakers include Cat Wiener from the London-based Focus E15 housing campaign and Éirígí’s Brian Leeson. Open floor discussions on the organised labour and housing struggles will follow John and Cat’s respective contributions.
The open session of the Ard Fheis is open to Éirígí supporters and other progressives. If you are interested in attending please email Mickey Moran at eirigigeneralsecretary@gmail.com to help us with seating and to avoid disappointment.