28th April 2025
This week is Trade Union Week, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, running from 28 April to 2 May, and it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight why it’s Better in a Trade Union!
We are encouraging INTO branches and districts to get involved and help us showcase the best of union solidarity during this week.
So, how can you participate?
1. Teach the trade union spirit
Encourage teachers in your branch/district to use our Trade Unions 101 lesson plans for fifth and sixth classes. These resources provide an engaging way to introduce young learners to the importance of unions in our society.
During Union Week, INTO president Anne Horan would love to visit schools teaching these lessons! Schools can request a visit by emailing press@into.ie. Let’s bring the spirit of unions into classrooms across the country!
2. Strengthen membership
Let’s use Union Week to build our membership numbers. It is important that staff reps actively engage in recruitment efforts, especially focusing on newly qualified teachers and substitute teachers, including student substitutes. Branch organisers/secretaries should take the opportunity of Union Week to contact staff reps and ask them to get recruiting. Download and share 10 reasons to be part of the INTO with your colleagues. There is a webinar for staff reps on Tuesday, 29 April, focusing on recruitment activity. Register here.
3. Better in a Trade Union!
Consider how you might promote the benefits of union membership among the members in your branch/district. If your branch or district decides to celebrate it, activities should focus on the benefits of being in a trade union. You could encourage members to hold an event in their workplace to mark the week. We’ve designed a selection of downloadable posters for Union Week. You could encourage staff reps to print it out, rally their colleagues and snap a photo to share! Send your photos to press@into.ie or tag us on Instagram @into_news.
Download a staffroom poster here.
Wishing all our members a great Trade Union Week!