Motion no: 36
Conference rejects the thinking of the Governments in both jurisdictions in Ireland which divides society by artificially creating competition between different component groups. This thinking demands, for example, that the poor and disadvantaged pay for those who are poorer and more disadvantaged by the targeting of benefits and taking money from some benefits to pay a little more for others. It also seeks to create division between the generations, demonising pensioners as receiving benefits at the expense of young people and families. There has been a distasteful suggestion by a selection of politicians, think tanks and media commentators that older people have escaped financial hardship at the expense of younger generations. Not only is this factually incorrect, it is also extremely divisive. That is why there is an urgent need to unite the generations in a campaign to defend public services. Conference calls on the Executive Council of ICTU and all affiliates to join with other organisations that share this approach and publicise the need for all generations to join together to campaign against cuts in public spending to be adopted in both jurisdictions on the Island of Ireland.
