Challenges ahead as Patricia King takes helm of Irish trade union movement

Patricia King takes the helm of the Irish trade union movement at a time when it is emerging from one of the most difficult periods in its 121 -year history. But the years ahead will present their own significant challenges.

During the recession many workers saw terms and conditions, negotiated over generations, whittled away as unions were forced to resort to bargaining with employers to protect jobs.

Even in the public service, the largest unionised labour force in the country, unprecedented pay cuts and more onerous working conditions were put in place.

Expectations

However with economic recovery comes expectation. Unions with members in both the public and private sectors will come under pressure to try to make up lost ground.

Meeting the expectations of members at the negotiating table with the Government may be challenging.

The trade union movement has also found itself cut off from access to the corridors of power and the influence it enjoyed under the social partnership process.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions also has to tackle its own structural problems. It is generally agreed that the number of unions is excessive with about 50 affiliated to the congress. A plan was agreed 18 months ago to put in place a slimmed-down structure organised on a sectoral basis. This new structure could evolve over time into half a dozen or so larger bodies representing workers in particular sectors of the economy. However the challenge will be in implementing this new blueprint.

Experience

King will bring to her new role a wealth of experience. She began as a shopfloor activist and ultimately became a senior trade union leader.

A native of Wicklow, she has been a full-time official with Siptu for more than 25 years, representing members in the public and private sectors. She became the first woman to serve as a national officer of Siptu when she was appointed vice-president in May 2010.

She was a lead negotiator in the talks with the Government that led to both the Croke Park and the Haddington Road agreements.

She has also been involved in some of the more difficult disputes in recent times including with Irish Ferries in 2006.

She has also served as a member of the RTÉ Authority and the National Roads Authority and is currently on the board of the the Dublin Airport Authority and Pobal.