Northern organiser speaks on relevance of James Connolly

On Monday 26th July 2010, an event organised by the Free Derry Collective was held to mark the centenary of James Connolly’s return to Ireland. A very successful and well attended event, which was part of this year’s Gasyard Feile, saw a panel of three guest speakers, Bernadette McAliskey, Tommy McKearney and Dr Emmet O’Connor address the audience.

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IWU join debate on Public Assemblies Bill

Public Assemblies Bill debate in Enniskillen

Above L-R Tommy McKearney (IWU), Cllr Bernice Swift & Paddy Mackel(NIPSA)

Co Fermanagh group Democracy Now, under the guidance of local councillor Bernice Swift, organised a public debate about the Public Assemblies Bill in Enniskillen’s Clinton Centre on Thursday 8th July. Platform speakers included Tommy McKearney of the Independent Workers Union and Paddy Mackel of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA).  Tommy McKearney outlined the broad threat to democracy posed by this Bill if enacted while Mr. Mackel delivered a careful and incisive analysis of the details of the proposed legislation and the detrimental impact it would have on trade unionism in particular and on the public in general.

Among those present at the meeting were local MLA Gerry McHugh, Councillor Stephen Hugget and representatives of the Newtownbutler Residents Association. Speaking after the meeting Ms. Swift said that the event had helped enlighten the people of Fermanagh on the impact of the proposed Bill and suggested that strenuous efforts should be made to have the Bill defeated in its entirety.

For report by Fermanagh newspaper ‘Impartial Reporter’ see:

Row over Proposed law

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Ireland’s first Left Unity Table Quiz

An Spailpin Fanach

The Independent Workers Union organised, what we believe to be Ireland’s first Left Unity Table Quiz in Cork on 23^rd June 2010.

The appropriately named venue for this event was the Pub “An Spailpín Fánach” meaning the Journeyman Labourer, saw teams representing, the Communist Party, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, Sinn Féin, The Socialist Party, the Workers Party, the Socialist Workers Party, Workers Solidarity Movement, Eirigí and Ogra Shinn Féin.

In addition to the IWU and overtly political groups, teams also represented those who styled themselves, the Left Outside and the Left Overs.

A net profit of €239 was made from the event, which goes to the Cork May Day Committee fund.

The IWU hopes to host similar Left Unity events in the future.

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IWU protest against Public Assemblies Bill

IWU introduced the concept of the flying picket to Tyrone as they carried our a series of lightening meetings across the county on Saturday 12 June to protest the blockade of Gaza and the proposed Public Assemblies Bill in the North. The union was supported by Councillor Barry Monteith in this campaign.

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IWU protest in Newtownards Co Down

IWU protest in Newtownards

The Independent Workers Union staged a very successful protest in Newtownards, Co Down to protest at conditions prevailing  in a local place of employment. Already management of the company has agreed to talk with the union. Congratulations to all involved.

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Statement

IWU National Executive welcomes release of Fintan Lane

The National Executive of the Independent Workers Union welcomes the release of its member Fintan Lane and sends its best wishes to all those attempting still to bring aid to the stricken people of Gaza

Statement ends

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Join the union

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IWU on Mayday parade in Belfast (also see Gallery)