Stepping Up the Campaign to Stop Job Initiative (JI) Cutbacks

29 Aug 2003

Representatives from most of the JI managing agents and partnerships from the regions affected by the current cutbacks in JI met with the INOU yesterday. The meeting was unanimous on calling on the government to withdraw the current termination of notices to JI workers and to reinstate the funding for the JI programme.

Although many of the agents and the JI workers affected are undertaking their own campaigns against these cuts, for instance through the media, 24-hour hunger strike etc., it was agreed to complement this work by undertaking a further campaign. This will include confronting politicians in their constituency offices in the areas most affected by the JI cuts. All social expenditure cutbacks will be highlighted at these meetings (including CE, SE, BTW, Partnerships etc.) It is hoped this will put further pressure on the government in the lead-up to the European and local elections in May 2004.

“There is a need to work collectively to campaign against these cutbacks because it is nonsensical to be cutting JI numbers at this time of constantly rising unemployment”, said Mr. Eric Conroy, General Secretary I.N.O.U. “Where will these newly laid off workers find a job?”

“These cutbacks are part of the savage expenditure cuts across the social sector of government” said Mr. Conroy. “The services provided by those working on JI are being lost and this will get worse in the months ahead. They will send people back to the dole and lead to further desolation in marginalised communities. They will further exacerbate poverty and social exclusion levels in Irish society”.

“Time is needed to properly plan a progression structure for JI workers, who for whatever reason, have worked more than three years on the scheme. The High Supports Process (HSP) has not been properly rolled out at this time, especially in Dublin and there is confusion around what exactly is meant by HSP. The need for a non-progression active labour market programme, especially for older workers, was seen as a realistic option for long term JI workers,” he added.