The Unionise Podcast

One hundred and ten years ago, on the 12th of May 1916, James Connolly, trade union organiser, socialist thinker, and revolutionary leader was executed, silencing one of the most powerful voices the Irish labour movement has ever known. But his ideas? They never died. Today, as Ireland grapples with rising inequality, a punishing cost-of-living crisis, and growing frustration among working pe...

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 emp...

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 progressi...

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 R...

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 Ei...

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 Ma...

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 SIPTU General President Des Geraghty, and other guests from across the labour and trade...

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...

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 Kevin McMahon Memorial Lecture US 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 Sys...

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...