Foster hasn’t officially met union chief in four years
ICTU boss says he has many urgent issues to discuss with First Minister
NORTHERN Ireland’s most senior trade union leader has rounded on Arlene Foster for refusing to meet him to discuss workers’ issues for four years.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) assistant general secretary Owen Reidy said the First Minister’s “reluctance to engage” with an official representing over 200,000 workers was “unbelievable” and would not be tolerated in Scotland, Wales or the Republic.
Mr Reidy noted that the First Minister had met the Loyalist Communities Council, which represents the views of loyalist paramilitaries, last month.
“We have no issue with that and agreed with her when she said it was important for her to listen all sections of the community,” he said.
“We just wish she would agree to hear the voices of the representatives of the working people of Northern Ireland, including those low-paid frontline workers who have held society together during this pandemic.
“Many — including DUP supporters in our ranks — are questioning why the First Minister refuses to meaningfully engage with the leadership of the trade union movement. The situation would not arise, nor be tolerated, in Wales or Scotland, so why is it acceptable in Northern Ireland? I think it speaks volumes about the dysfunctionality at the top of government here.”
The ICTU assistant general secretary said he had many urgent issues to discuss with Mrs Foster in light of the pandemic including health service pay and reopening the economy.
He said that he had met deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, Shadow Secretary of State Louise Haigh, and party leaders Naomi Long, Colum Eastwood, and Steve Aiken.
“It’s simple and straightforward. You write to them and request a meeting which then is set up. I’ve been seeking a meeting with Arlene Foster for four years without success. On occasions, she has identified previous diary commitments or offered a meeting with a junior minister instead,” he added.
A DUP spokesman said: “The party leader engages with a wide range of people and bodies including the trade unions.
“It is not always possible for the First Minister to meet every group but one of the team will always hear their views. Indeed, several party colleagues have met with ICTU. Such narrow party political attacks speak volumes about Owen Reidy.”
Mr Reidy said that ICTU represented the interests of over 200,000 workers in Northern Ireland through 25 affiliate unions.
“Our membership is truly cross-community. We have loyalists, republican, unionist, nationalist and none of the above in our ranks. We are a microcosm of the diversity of Northern Ireland society.
“In her position as First Minister, Arlene Foster is obliged to represent the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland. We do not have to agree with the First Minister, nor she with us, but engage we must.”
Mr Reidy wrote to Mrs Foster last month outlining his concerns but has received no reply. “We’re holding a conference in the Waterfront in October, and we hope that Arlene Foster and Michelle O’neill will open and address it. In two decades as a trade union official, I’ve enjoyed robust but respectful engagement with politicians. I would hope for similar engagement with Arlene Foster.”