'People need a strong voice at work in a space that's evolving rapidly': Athy union official Adrian Kane

THE KILDARE trade union movement is celebrating after Athy native Adrian Kane was elected Deputy General Secretary of SIPTU, Ireland's largest trade union, following what he described as a "long, arduous" election process.

Born and raised in Avondale Drive, Athy, Mr Kane attended Athy CBS before embarking on a career in public service and trade unionism. He served on Athy Town Council during the 1990s and also spent a period as one of the youngest members of Kildare County Council.

Speaking after his election, Mr Kane said he was "delighted" with the result, which was announced this week.

"It was a very long, arduous election process over the last number of months, so getting the result yesterday evening was great," he said.

Although now based in Cork, where he has lived since 2009 after many years working in Dublin, Mr Kane said his roots in Athy remain central to his journey within the labour movement.

His involvement in trade unionism began while working with Bord na Móna in Newbridge and Portlaoise during his late teens. It was there that he became active in the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), the forerunner of SIPTU.

Before becoming a full-time SIPTU official in 1995, Mr Kane also helped establish an unemployment resource centre in Athy in partnership with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions during the late 1980s, supporting local people affected by unemployment.

Over the past three decades, he has represented workers across the public, private, community and semi-state sectors, building a reputation for determined advocacy and effective leadership.

In 2023, he also contributed to the wider debate on the future of organised labour with the publication of his book, Trade Unions, published by Cork University Press. The book examines how trade unions must adapt to remain relevant in a changing world of work, particularly for younger generations.

As Deputy General Secretary, Mr Kane will lead SIPTU's public sector divisions at a time when the union faces significant challenges and opportunities:

"I think we have a huge challenge ahead, but it's also a very dynamic space for trade unionism," he said. "I look forward to growing the union, organising workers, and I think we're as relevant now as we ever were."

He believes rapid technological change and increasingly digital workplaces have left many workers feeling disconnected and in need of stronger collective representation.

"People need a strong voice at work in a space that's evolving rapidly," he said. "Workers are feeling more alienated than ever in a digital workplace. We have to think our way through how we improve worker agency, both individually and collectively, and ensure workers receive a fair share of the benefits that new technologies bring."

Mr Kane also said he is looking forward to leading SIPTU's public sector divisions into forthcoming pay negotiations with Government.

Kildare Trades Council said his experience and vision make him exceptionally well qualified for the role.

Mr Kane now joins a distinguished line of Kildare trade union leaders, including Frank Purcell, General Secretary of the ITGWU, William Norton, General Secretary of the Post Office Workers' Union who later served as Tánaiste, and former SIPTU General President Jack O'Connor.

Kildare Trades Council has warmly welcomed the appointment, describing it as a significant achievement for both SIPTU and the wider Irish labour movement.

Representing ICTU-affiliated trade unions across County Kildare in both the public and private sectors, the Council said Mr Kane's election reflects not only his personal commitment to workers' rights but also the county's long-standing tradition of producing influential trade union leaders.

Speaking on behalf of Kildare Trades Council, Secretary Norman Croke paid tribute to Mr Kane's lifelong dedication to the labour movement.

"I have known Adrian since he was a young man growing up in Athy," Mr Croke said. "He comes from a family with deep roots in the Kildare trade union movement and, from an early age, demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and workers' rights. As an active member of Kildare Labour Youth, he was an articulate advocate for trade union recognition, fair pay and decent working conditions."