Motion no: 10
Conference notes that a majority of trades union members in the North support progressive reform of abortion law here and Repeal of the 8th amendment to the Irish Constitution so that the Dail can legislate on the question of abortion rights.
Conference urges trades union members in the North, where it’s possible and practicable, to join in the campaign for a Yes vote in the Repeal referendum, if possible by donating a day or days to canvass in border areas or in other Southern constituencies.
Conference is aware that the result of the Constitutional Referendum in the Republic is likely to have a significant effect on the campaign for liberalisation of the law in Northern Ireland; defeat of Repeal would encourage opponents of change here; conversely, passage of the Amendment would boost the morale of supporters of a change in abortion law in the North so as to bring it more closely into alignment with women’s rights.
Conference notes that workers and progressive people generally coming together across the island in common cause can have a significant effect in breaking down barriers between communities.
