CWU Delegates Unanimously Back Motion on Cost-of-Living and Collective Bargaining Rights

Delegates at the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) conference in Sligo unanimously backed an emergency motion calling for government action on the cost-of-living crisis and statutory collective bargaining rights for workers. The motion was passed by delegates representing workers across postal, courier, and ecommerce sectors.

CWU General Secretary Seán McDonagh stated that workers are asking for fairness, including a living wage, the right to organize and bargain collectively, and a government that supports them. He warned that if the government continues to neglect its responsibilities, coordinated action across the trade union movement is a commitment, not a threat. The CWU will continue to campaign with SIPTU, Mandate, and the Financial Services Union for changes to employment law, noting that the government's November 2025 National Action Plan to Promote Collective Bargaining has not yet delivered legislative change.

More than 300 delegates attended the conference, representing companies like An Post, eir, Vodafone, DPD, Meta, and TikTok. Tom Sheehan of Mallow, Co Cork, was elected union president for a two-year term, succeeding Frank Donohoe. Sheehan acknowledged the challenges facing workers.

Separately, CWU members at Covalen are scheduled to strike tomorrow in Sandyford Industrial Estate over union recognition and redundancy payments. Further strikes are planned for May 22 and May 29. Over 700 staff at Covalen, which provides services to Meta, face redundancy. Covalen stated it is proactively consulting with and supporting affected teams, following required processes, and providing access to its Employee Assistance Programme.