ICTU organise the largest protest of workers in Ireland in three decades - February 21st 2009.

In the grips of a recession, undervalued and underpaid, facing redundancy and lay offs, factory closures and wage cuts, the workers of Ireland struck back on February 21st with the largest demonstration the country has seen in decades in Dublin City.

Up to 150000 people assembled to protest the criminal mismanagement of the economy which has led to the brink of depression. And ultimately its the working people, who built the vibrant economy that the Dublin government and ruthless bankers have squandered, who are getting it in the neck.

The protest was organised by the Irish congress of Trade Unions, of which UNISON is a member, in reaction to the attempts by the Irish government to blame low and middle income earners for the current economic crisis - thus ignoring their own responsibility and that of the recently shamed big banks.

The theme of the rally was 'there is a better fairer way' (click to download) and the Irish congress of Trade Unions has published draft plans for such a fairer way. As workers face cut backs, job losses, wage reductions and a massive impact on everyday life, trade unions are mobilising in force for the coming times.

Now more than ever it is essential for people to be involved in the Union movement, as governments can only ignore 150 000 people for so long.