PSEU - Strike on Here

27th January 2010.

Dear Member,

Today we start into a campaign of industrial action. There can be little argument that this represents the most important action that members of this Union have ever had to take as its objectives are nothing less than the reversal of pay cuts and the protection of pensions and jobs. It is, therefore, vital that every member gives their full support to this campaign as without such support, we cannot succeed and that is an outcome that every member should regard as unthinkable.

We have circulated already, details of the menu of actions to be undertaken. (BS 003/10 refers) It is important to emphasise that, of today, every member is expected to work to rule. While some general guidance was provided in previous circulars as to what this will mean, obviously the exact implementation will vary from role to role. However, the underlying objective is to create inconvenience for our employer. Therefore, the answer to all queries is, if in doubt, do what causes such inconvenience. Your Branch Representative and Head Office Official will be available to provide assistance but, as a general principle, if this course is followed, the action will begin to have an early effect.

The work-to-rule is being supplemented with other actions on the menu and Branches are considering which of these actions are most applicable to their members as a useful addition to our campaign. Clearly, simply implementing a work-to-rule will not of itself, important as it is, win this dispute for us so we need members to take on actions willingly that are designed to maximise effect. Contact with other Unions in order to maximise impact will be maintained throughout this phase of action. Branches can be imaginative in their interpretation of what might work best in their area but they must keep in touch with Union Head Office, at all times.

Members are urged to remember that the success of this dispute rests with them. Your employer has cut your pay twice and has hinted darkly at the possibility of doing so again. Only effective action can change this situation and force the employer back to re-visit the damage done. No member will be left on their own. This action involves over 300,000 people. By maximising the impact, it is intended that Government will be brought to its senses and that it will be possible to avoid the next phase of planned action which will see strikes and considerable impact on the public. Also, if groups of members are to be asked to participate in targeted strikes in the near future then these will be more effective if they are part of a broader campaign that is having an impact on our employer rather than if they are seen as isolated actions. Every member needs, therefore, to give this whole process their wholehearted support and to use their imagination and skills to that end. If they do then we will achieve a fair outcome.

The Executive Committee believes that members want to have an effective campaign. We will do so only if every member accepts personal responsibility for making it work. If 300,000 people do that then we cannot fail. That is, by any standard, self evident.

We will not wish members “Good Luck” because luck has no part in this. We need not rely on luck when we can rely on our membership.



Yours sincerely,

T. Geraghty,
General Secretary.

Get Up Stand Up Campaign The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has launched it's Get Up Stand Up Campaign. Information about the campaign can be found at www.getupstandup.ie. Members are encouraged to log on and sign up to support this campaign. Budget 2010 was anti-family, anti-worker and anti the unemployed. A protest has been organised for Tuesday, December 15 to coincide with the Dáil debate on legislation to give effect to the Budget. Assemble at the Dáil from 6pm. Bring your friends and family. Bring your union banners and flags.
What is the PSEU? The Public Service Executive Union is the Trade Union for Executive Grades in the Civil Service and the wider public sector. The Union was formed in 1890 and has 10,000 members in the Civil Service, Eircom, An Post, the National Lottery, the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Health and Safety Authority, the National Pensions Board and FAS and is the Union recognised for negotiation purposes for the Executive Grades in these employments
Where are our members? PSEU members are located throughout the country (and beyond) working on a wide variety of different jobs. They are to be found managing Computer Systems; working on administration on issues as varied as tax collection, social welfare services, employment, enterprise and education; in the Customs and Excise; in the Diplomatic Service; marketing the services of An Post; running the National Lottery and managing Eircom Services - to name but a few.
How is the Union run? The PSEU is a democratic organisation and there are no barriers to any fully paid up member taking part in all of the Union's affairs. The Union's Board of Management the Executive Committee is elected at the Annual Delegate Conference by delegates appointed by the members. Branch Committees are elected by the membership in their own Branch at Annual General Meetings of Branches.
How much does membership cost? Union subscriptions are currently 0.62% of pay and gives you access to all of the Union services. Members of the Union are entitled to claim tax relief on Trade Union subscriptions. The relief is an annual flat rate allowance of €300 at the standard rate of tax 20% which equates to a Tax Credit of €60. Details of how to claim the relief can be found at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/credits/trade-union-subsciptions.html Among the services available to members are a Death Benefit and a bi-monthly Membership Prize Draw. These are available to members free of charge. The death benefit is €5,000. The conditions for the Death Benefit are that a person is a member of the Union and has been a member for 12 months at the time of death. The Membership Prize Scheme consists of a draw involving all members who have been in membership for 12 months. The draws take place every two months. There are fifteen prizes in each draw, the first prize is €2,000, with five prizes of €1,000, along with four prizes of €750 and five prizes of €500.
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