Grassroots Unite - Get out on the streets

national | worker & community struggles and protests | event notice Monday May 04, 2009 21:38 by Peter Kenealy - Grassroots Unite gruireland@gmail.com

Fight the Crisis: Put People First

On 16th May, a day of action has been called by the European Trade Union Congress under the banner ‘Fight The Crisis. Put People First.’

Grassroots Unite are calling on everyone - trade unionist or not, public AND private sector workers and the unemployed to get out on the streets and protest against the bailout of the banks, socially unjust taxes, pension and income levies, cuts in jobs, pay, hours, pension benefits, medical services, education and social welfare.

Let’s unite with workers across Europe and use the opportunity to begin to build a fightback in Ireland. Assemble at the Central Bank, Dame St., Dublin - 2.30pm on May 16th.

Grassroots Unite is an alliance of trade unionists from several unions which was formed on Monday, 27th April, at an open meeting held to discuss grassroots mobilisation against the pension levy and budget cuts etc.

The meeting was also aimed at providing a forum for discussion on the current situation and the poor response of the ICTU. About 50 trade unionists from different unions gathered and impassioned discussions ensued. Points of action and progression were agreed to show dissatisfaction at the current situation and how it has been handled by union leaders, beginning with a protest on 16th May.