Equality News
2010: European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
RUHAMA ASSIST 196 WOMEN IN 2009
In its Annual Statistics Report for 2009, published today (23/08/2010), Ruhama confirmed that it had assisted 196 women affected by prostitution throughout the year. This included a significant number of women who had been trafficked into this country for the purposes of sexual exploitation and also shows a 22% increase on 2008 figures (161 women assisted in 2008). Sarah Benson, CEO of Ruhama said today, "A significant proportion of the women Ruhama worked with through casework in 2009 are victims of sex trafficking and their experience is one of literal enslavement and sexual exploitation by individuals who profit from the misery of women and children. In two cases the women were children at the time of being trafficked. In total we assisted 66 women who had been trafficked during the year, 26 of which were new cases". Read more here
SIPTU member wins €100,000 award at Equality Tribunal
During her employment as General Manager at the hotel between 2003 and 2007, Denise Batt was told she was the preferred candidate for a new job as joint manager of the Parnell Square hotel and a new Comfort Inn Hotel to be opened nearby. Soon before her return to work after maternity leave, in February 2007, she was informed that she was to be given a less important management role. When she objected she was promised she would retain the position as general manager. When she returned to work in March 2007 she discovered that another employee was also working as general manager and had been appointed to the same role in the new hotel. Denise Batt complained to the Equality Tribunal that she had not been given the opportunity to apply for the new position. Read more Full Equality Tribunal Decision available here
Increase in people who perceive inequality
Almost 9 in 10 people think there is economic inequality in Ireland, which is a marked increase since the recession began. The result was contained in a survey of 1,000 people which was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of equality think tank, Tasc. It found that 87 per cent of respondents believed wealth was unfairly distributed, an increase of 60 per cent on a 2008 survey. The research found the number of people willing to pay for improved public services has decreased since the recession began. Over one-third (35 per cent) of people across the State were willing to pay higher taxes to achieve public services "that countries like Sweden have". This was a fall from 41 per cent in 2008. Most respondents believed the Government should actively take steps to reduce wealth inequality.
Unemployment Update
The most recent unemployment figures suggest that more women are now losing jobs and that non-Irish nationals are leaving Ireland seeking opportunities elsewhere. The CSO Live Register figures July 2010 show that the seasonally adjusted Live Register total increased from 444,000 in June to 452,500 in July, an increase of 8,500. In the year to July 2010 there was an unadjusted increase in the Live Register of 34,403 (+8.0%). This compares with an increase of 37,420 (+9.0%) in the year to June 2010. The standardised unemployment rate in July was 13.7%.
NICICTU Equality Training Leaflet
Congress Equality Department in N.Ireland have published PETAL - PROGRESSIVE EQUALITY TRAINING AND LEARNING - a new Equality Training Programme for trade unions for 2010/2011. NICICTU have put together a very comprehensive and exciting programme and additional copies of the Programme can be obtained by contacting Jacqui McGonagle. The Programme is also available here
Second ITUC World Congress elects its first female General Secretary
The second International Trade Union Confederation Congress concluded in June with the election of Sharan Burrow as General Secretary of the ITUC. The Congress in Vancouver was attended by delegates from all over the world and also adopted resolutions on gender equality , migrant workers and on promoting and defending fundamental workers' rights. Congress was represented at the Conference by Treasurer, Joe O'Flynn.
Trade Union TV of Belfast Pride 2010
Thousands recently marched through the streets of Belfast in support of LGBTQ rights. The Trade Union movement along with many others turned out to demonstrate their commitment to fight for equality in the workplace. Click here to see a short video of the day filmed for trade union TV by Paula Geraghty.
UK Equality Act 2010 - TUC Briefing
The Equality Bill was published on 27 April 2009. A number of (mainly positive) amendments were made to the Equality Bill during its passage through Parliament. Some of the more controversial clauses (positive action, gender pay reporting and the socio-economic duty) had been at risk of being sacrificed in the final 'wash up' stage of the Parliamentary process, but remained on the face of the Bill when, on 8 April 2010, it received Royal Assent and entered the statute books as the Equality Act 2010. Full TUC briefing available here.
Information booklet on access to employment and education for migrant
AkiDwA has published its information booklet on access to employment and education for migrants. The booklet provides information with regard to the role of FÁS and the Local Employment Service, options for those dependent on social welfare who wish to move to employment, self employment, volunteering and employment rights. In relation to education it covers the National Framework of Qualifications, qualifications recognition and further and higher education. AkiDwA feels that the availability of this migrant-specific informational resource will help migrant women to assess their options in a more complete way and gain better access to suitable and meaningful employment and education in Ireland.
Cuts in public service jobs and wages - what does it mean for women?
"How do the EU-wide imposed austerity plans affect women?" This is the question EPSU has raised with several members of the European Commission in an open letter. If there are negative impacts EPSU wants to know what the Commission will do about them? On behalf of 8 million public service workers, 68% of whom are women, 7 questions are posed to EU Commissioners Reding, Andor and Rehn, charged with Fundamental Human Rights, including gender equality, Employment and Economic and Financial affairs respectively. EPSU's starting point is that EU-wide austerity measures, as a policy option to reduce public deficits, will, in addition to reducing jobs and growth, impact disproportionately on women who make up a large part of the public sector workforce.
Equality Authority Annual Report for 2009 Launched
The Equality Authority's Annual Report for 2009 was launched today (12th July 2010) at Dublin castle by Mr Pat Carey, TD, Minister for Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. To view the Annual Report, Press Release, Speaking Notes Minister Pat Carey TD, speaking notes Angela Kerins, Chairperson, Speaking Notes Renee Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer, click here.
Equality Authority and Newstalk's Global Village Radio Programme to collaborate
Global Village on Newstalk 106-108 fm have announced that the Equality Authority will appear regularly on the programme addressing equality related issues and bringing Equality Authority case studies to listeners through a new regular feature on the programme.
Trade Unions welcome Civil Partnership
The Dáil has completed its work on the Civil Partnership Bill, which is expected to be signed into law in the autumn. Congress welcomes the passing of this historic legislation which will extend marriage-like benefits to gay and lesbian couples across a range of areas such as property, social welfare, succession, maintenance, pensions and tax. The civil partnership legislation does not represent full marriage equality however - a key omission is the fact that it does not provide any right for same-sex couples with children to be legally recognised as joint parents (read Obmudsman for Children, Emily Logan's opinion on this) . Congress will be producing guidance for lgbt workers and trade unions in the autumn. Kieran Rose, Chair of GLEN called it "a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society." The Bill is being finalised in the Seanad on 7th and 8th July
Trade Unions Support 'People with Disabilities Say No More Cuts!' March
Inclusion Ireland today (7 July 2010) co-coordinated a national protest march under the banner 'People with Disabilities Say No More Cuts!'. 
People with a disability and their families and supporters marched from the Garden of Remembrance down O'Connell Street, before assembling outside Leinster House. More info here
Make a commitment that the poor can't pay
The Poor Can't Pay is looking for a recognition that those on the lowest incomes in Irish society have already been asked to carry more than their fair share of the burden and their incomes should not be cut further. The Poor Can't Pay argues that the same commitment that the Government has offered to civil servants - no more income cuts through 2011 - can and must be made to those who depend upon the social welfare system. They are asking people to sign up to the following commitment: 'I make a personal commitment to do everything in my power to ensure families and individuals on the lowest incomes do not suffer from further income cuts' This campaign site is hosted by Focus Ireland, a member of The Poor Can't Pay Coalition. Why not add your voice?