Mandate among four Irish Unions to win UNI Europa’s first-ever “Forward Through Collective Bargaining” Award

Friday 28 March 2025

During the 6th UNI Europa Conference, four Irish unions and UNI affiliates won the first-ever “Forward Through Collective Bargaining” Award designed to recognise and celebrate groundbreaking union efforts that strengthen collective bargaining.

The “Respect at Work” campaign successfully united four Irish unions – Mandate, FSU, SIPTU and CWU – and put collective bargaining high on the political agenda in the Republic of Ireland.

Mandate President Martin Mahony, Vice President Joe Quinn, Treasurer Joan Gaffney and Jim Fuery Interim Assistant General Secretary received the award on behalf of Mandate Trade Union in Belfast for their work as part of the Respect at Work Campaign.

Over 600 Union leaders from 50 countries gathered in Belfast on 25-27 March under the conference slogan “Forward Through Collective Bargaining – Real Say, More Pay” to build a stronger labour movement and set UNI Europa’s course for the next five years.

The Forward Through Collective Bargaining Award signals UNI Europa’s continued commitment to driving forward workers’ rights through dynamic, coordinated and strategic union action.

On 24 March Mandate Treasurer Joan Gaffney addressed women trade unionists from across Europe gathered in Belfast for the 7th UNI Europa Women’s Conference. Under the theme “Collective Women’s Voices, Common Future”, the conference focused on gender equality in the workplace, pay transparency, occupational health and safety, and the ongoing fight against violence and harassment at work.