The Unionise Podcast

From the boardroom to the shop floor, women in Ireland's workforce face a unique set of challenges and knowing your rights can make all the difference.In this episode of the Unionise podcast, recorded for Trade Union Week, SIPTU Health Communications Officer, Niamh Cavanagh sits down with Claire O'Connor, Advocate at SIPTU's Workers' Rights Centre and take us through the evolving landscape of employment law as it affects women in Ireland today.Claire explores some of the most significant recent developments including the new Domestic Violence Leave entitlement, updated breastfeeding regulations, and the protections available to working mothers under the Maternity Protection Acts. She also shines a light on the gaps that still exist the absence of statutory menopause or menstrual leave, the ongoing burden of unpaid caring responsibilities, and the very real impact these gaps have on women in low-paid sectors.Whether you're navigating pregnancy in the workplace, returning from maternity leave, or simply trying to understand what you're entitled to this episode is for you. Because when women know their rights, and when they stand together in a Union real change becomes possible. Remember, know your rights. Join your union and Happy May Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, SIPTU Health Division held 2026 AGMs across our six sectors, which are representative of 42,000 SIPTU members in health.  In this episode we catch up with SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis to discuss members priorities ahead of any potential public service pay talks and why a strong successor to the current Public Service Agreement means delivering real pay progression. Throughout the episode, we shine a light on the challenges facing workers in the wider public service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an era defined by digital misinformation, a functioning democracy relies on more than just "content" it requires a trusted space for reasoned, fact-based debate. SIPTU is leading the charge to protect Public Service Broadcasting as a vital national pillar.In this episode of Unionise, SIPTU’s Adrian Kane and Dr Eileen Culloty join us to discuss why the future of RTÉ cannot be built on a foundation of downsizing and outsourcing. The fight for our national broadcaster is a fight for the quality of our public discourse. Join us as we articulate an alternative vision for a media landscape that serves the people, not the bottom line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our new Unionise season we mark International Women’s Day with a show dedicated to the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of women in the labour and trade union movement. The episode features contributions SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, Honorary Vice President Annette Donlon, Head of SIPTU Legal Dept. Rachael Ryan, Head of SIPTU College Eira Gallagher, SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson and Labour Party Spokesperson for Health, Marie Sherlock. The episode opens with moment of profound reflection with the hauntingly beautiful rendition of Palestinian Mother, performed by MUI President Niamh Parsons.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first Unionise podcast of 2026, we share highlights from the annual commemoration of the legendary trade union leader, Jim Larkin. This event provided a sense of renewed inspiration as we continue to face the challenges of the modern workplace. It serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for dignity and justice never ends. The episode features a contribution from Marie Sherlock TD and a keynote speech from the new SIPTU General Secretary, John King. The episode includes a moving lament for Larkin performed by the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band, SIPTU Organiser and Labour Party Councillor Peter O'Brien performing Roll Away the Stone, a song popularised by our late comrade Manus O’Riordan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An evening of music, film, discussion and reflection celebrating the 60th anniversary of Liberty Hall on Culture Night recorded live in the Liberty Hall Auditorium.  Hosted by SIPTU Honorary President this special event features contributions from SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley, former SIPTUGeneral President Des Geraghty, and other guests from across the labour and trade union movement.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we cover the recent The Cork Council of Trade Unions event marking the unveiling of a new banner on Connolly Hall which calls on the Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill. Contributions in this episode include SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, Ahmad Kazz from Palestinian, Honorary President of the Cork Council of Trade Unions, Joe Kelly and mother of Kanan, Kholood Ershied who was presented with a bowl of shamrock as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Music is from singer songwriter, Martin Leahy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s trade union movement is a force for change, fighting for workers' rights, equality, and social justice. Behind every campaign, every protest, and every win, there are countless women who have been the backbone of our movement. Their stories, struggles, and successes have shaped the Ireland we know today—and continue to inspire the fight for a fairer future. In this episode of the Unionise podcast, we’re shining a light on these incredible women with Labour Historian Therese Moriarty. The women of Liberty Hall. Join us, this International Women’s Day, as we explore their journeys, celebrate their contributions and learn how their work continues to shape the fight for fairness at work and justice in society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kevin McMahon Memorial LectureUS radical political economist, David M. Kotz, spoke on the occasion of the centenary of the Russian Revolution. David is Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Distinguished Professor of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. He is the author of Russia's Path from Gorbachev to Putin: The Demise of the Soviet System and the New Russia (2007), and The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism (2015).A short book entitled, Organiser: Aspects of the life and work of Kevin McMahon, edited by Scott Millar and Cian McMahon is available in Liberty Hall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lockout remains the seminal event for the Irish working class and ranks as one of the great battles in the history of the workers’ movement internationally. The episode opens with 'Who fears to wear the blood red badge?' sung by Francy Devine, a brief history from trade unionist Michael Halpenny and dramatic audio re-enactments from the streets of 1913. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.