A Notice for the Top of the Hill...and Back Down Again

Below is the text in a notice that is being sent to all members of SIPTU. I had just a quick glance and it reads like a sticking plaster. It is well worth debating.

TO: ALL MEMBERS

RE: March for “A Better, Fairer Way” – Saturday 27th November, 11.30 a.m. Wood Quay, Dublin

The country is in the throes of the most serious economic crisis in our history. This is because the Government allowed speculators, bankers and developers run riot. They then included useless institutions in a State Credit Guarantee Scheme, mortgaging all our futures.

Their solution is to promise the most savage budget ever. This is consistent with the course they have followed since the collapse over two years ago. It is completely unfair and it has not worked. Indeed, it is actually making matters worse. We need a fair and credible plan for investment and growth. This is necessary to get our people back to work and to rebuild our economy. It is also what is required to convince the Bond Markets to lend the money needed to run the country. Middle and Lower Income families cannot be expected to endure misery whilst those who caused the problem go on living pretty much as they always have.

We must not stand idly by. ICTU has called a March and Rally in support of the demand for a better, fairer way, on Saturday 27th November in Dublin. There are more ways of influencing budgetary policy than waiting until whenever the Government sees fit to call a General Election. It may be too late by then. A big turnout would force them to re-think their quick fix strategy which clearly is not working. They would have to provide for massive investment from the National Pension Reserve Fund. This would create thousands of jobs. Moreover, they would also have to impose a fair share of the burden on the wealthiest people in our society thus alleviating the impact on working people and those dependent upon public services.

All members are urged to participate.

signatures

Jack O’Connor Patricia King Joe O’Flynn
General President Vice President General Secretary