UNISON representatives met with Irish president Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina in Dublin last week, to commemorate the centenary of the Dublin Lockout.
Head of organising Pamela Dooley said that the occasion was “a marvellous way to celebrate a great historical event”.
Guests at the Aras an Uachtarain were welcomed by President Higgins, who talked of the 1913 Dublin Lockout – an industrial dispute between 20,000 workers, led by trade unionist James Larkin, and 300 employers – before the 1911 Wexford Lockout Choir and indie band The Coronas entertained the audience.
“Events like this, as well as the tributes paid at the recent Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference, show the historical importance of the lockout and emphasise that issues like the right to unionise are still as important as they were 100 years ago.” said Ms Dooley.
