#IrelandForAll
“The trade union movement has a proud history of opposing racism, bigotry and sectarianism. In joining the rally, Fórsa participants are proudly opposing those malign forces.
Racism has no place in Irish society, and we will reinforce that important message on Saturday.”
Fórsa trade union is one of the organisations who have joined up with Le Chéile – a cross-sectoral alliance working together to challenge the far right in Ireland – and the NWCI for the #IrelandForAll rally on Saturday. .
The union’s officers this week formally backed Fórsa joining the alliance, and to support its anti-racism rally taking place in Dublin on Saturday (18th February).
The union’s banner will be among those visible on Saturday at the #IrelandForAll rally, which starts at 1.30pm at Parnell Square, from where it will make its way to the Customs House.
Fórsa activists, members and staff will be rallying to the messages of #DiversityNotDivision and #RefugeesWelcome, and will be joining the rally from all over the country. The union will also have transport available from Galway and Cork for those wishing to attend.
Statement
Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike said Fórsa’s participation in the rally is an important statement to oppose attempts by far-right organisations to spread hate, fear and misinformation about refugees and asylum seekers: “These groups been targeting working-class communities in recent months, stoking unwarranted fear and resentment.
“The trade union movement has a proud history of opposing racism, bigotry and sectarianism. In joining the rally, Fórsa participants are proudly opposing those malign forces. Racism has no place in Irish society, and we will reinforce that important message on Saturday,” he said.
Fórsa organisers Dylan Archbold and Amy Moran said the union stands in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. Dylan, who works with Fórsa’s Education division, said: “The recent protests by the far right have been deliberate attempts to intimidate those in direct provision and emergency accommodation.
“The trade union movement has a central role to play in facing down those attempts to frighten and intimidate people who have come to Ireland seeking sanctuary from hunger, poverty, climate catastrophe and war. We say it clearly, ‘Refugees are Welcome’ and we say it with pride,” he said.
Amy, who works with the union’s Services and Enterprises division, has been volunteering with the East Wall for All group. She said Fórsa’s backing for the rally was a positive pushback against misinformation and intimidation tactics of the far right: “Our message is one of inclusion and hope, and about making sure that refugees know that the vast majority of people welcome them to Ireland,” she said.
Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers said: “Fórsa supports policies to end direct provision and make it easier for refugees to access employment. We support their right to be able to live with dignity, in peace, and free of the type of harassment and intimidation we’ve been seen in recent weeks,” he said.
Steward volunteers
Fórsa needs volunteers to help steward the rally on Saturday. If you would like to volunteer please contact our campaigns director HERE to register your interest.
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