Reid praises trade union movement in NI

The Secretary of State, Dr John Reid has said Northern Ireland’s trade unions have been a significant force in the drive to remove the “scourge of sectarianism” from Northern Ireland’s society.

Addressing the Annual Unison Conference in Bournemouth today, Dr Reid said the trade union movement in Northern Ireland had helped combat decades of division and hatred because they represented the voice of “hundreds of thousands of ordinary, decent people throughout Northern Ireland” who wanted it to end.

“This was clearly demonstrated when they organised the street rallies after the murder of postman Daniel McColgan. No-one who witnessed these could doubt the communities revulsion at sectarian attacks,” Dr Reid said.

Dr Reid also highlighted the effects of sectarianism and hate on children.

“Whether it is as the victims of community violence or as the pawns of the paramilitaries in the violence on the streets - bringing up children to hate is child abuse and the abuse of a new generation.

“Combating this exploitation of children must be a key objective for us all,” he added.

Unison is Britain’s biggest trade union with over 1.3 million members. Their members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and the essential utilities.

The annual conference is Unison’s ninth and runs from 18-21 June 2002.

(AMcE)