Motion no: 8
Conference rejects the austerity measures imposed by Governments on working people in both parts of the island to pay for a debt that workers did not create. Conference also rejects claims that 'we are all in this together' as working people did not cause the crisis, did not receive their fair share of the wealth during the boom years and will not get their fair share following any recovery. The rich continue to increase their wealth and many big businesses still do not pay their fair share in taxes. Conference recognises that attempts to focus the blame for the economic crisis on greedy financiers and business leaders or on incompetent politicians ignores the fact that this crisis is global. Conference also recognises that Governments in a number of countries, including Ireland and the UK are using this crisis to further the neo-liberal agenda. Conference believes there are alternative measures to tackle the economic crisis that places the burdens on those who can best afford it, without working people's conditions and rights being affected. Conference calls on ICTU to produce such an alternative economic strategy for both parts of the island and mount effective campaigns North and South, working with organisations such as the Centre for Progressive Economics, on developing this alternative economic strategy. This should include engaging with women and young people, who will be disproportionately impacted by the proposed cuts. Conference also calls on ICTU to develop education programmes to educate activists and ordinary members on both the real causes of the economic crisis and the trade union alternative for dealing with it.
