IMPACT news digest - Friday 20th October 2017

Morning colleagues.

All today's papers cover Ibrahim Halawa's release from prison last night, while most also give space to the chilling conclusions (first carried in the Lancet) on the global impact of pollution, which is responsible for "at least" nine million deaths a year, costs trillions, and is "threatening the survival of human societies."

The HSE has confirmed that health staff who missed work on Monday due to  storm Ophelia are to be paid after IMPACT took up their case. But the Indo reports that some care workers may not.

Speaking of workers being told to go home (or "bugger off" as the Journal has it) the Independent Alliance has taken up the plight of workers forced to retire at age 65.

Lots of outlets predict looming rail strikes after WRC talks broke down "acrimoniously" last night. Let's see.

And, as May's Brexit woes continue the Irish Congress of Trade Unions gave evidence to a Dáil committee on the future of Europe yesterday.

In other news, it looks like you'll be getting your water charges back in time for Christmas. In the meantime, there are EarlyIMPACT meetings scheduled for Sligo and Wexford on Monday (see the calender on our website for details).

Finally, hats off to the Guardian for yesterday's ironic headline of the day.

Tom Petty's passing was ably Zen-marked by my colleague Martina O'Leary while I was laid up. But he would have been 67 today, so I've an excuse to use this clip from the only year I saw him live (over 39 years ago!). Sadly missed.

Enjoy the weekend, despite the weather.

Bernard Harbor


Fórsa – a new union