There is Still a Better, Fairer Way

From the outset, it is important that there is clarity about the course of action upon which Congress has embarked. This campaign is based on the very clear principles of equity and fairness and is concerned not with isolated or discrete sectors of the workforce, but with the great majority of Irish society.

It bears repeating that Congress is the largest civil society body on this island with some 850,000 members and their families. Sheer weight of numbers gives the trade union movement a presence in virtually every town and community, north and south. And this brings with it a responsibility to demonstrate leadership at this time and the imperative to make a genuine contribution to the resolution of this crisis.

This will be informed by the ideals and values on which the trade union movement was founded and continues to be organised. It will also draw on the great wealth of our collective experience. Trade union members did not cause this crisis, but we are determined to be part of the solution.

Consequently, it is our strong conviction that a successful resolution must ensure that the society which emerges from this troubled period will be one which is based on equality, justice and inclusion. Above all it must be based on a complete disavowal of the failed policies that have brought is to this sorry pass.