representatives are sources of information and support in these instances, and that such support should be given regardless of personal opinion. 4. Education and awareness raising Online discussions highlighted the role that unions could play in education and awareness raising – workshops, seminars and education programmes are potential future actions for unions. These are also important in highlighting the amount of misinformation that exists. 5. Trade union lobbying In relation to lobbying on abortion law reform, mixed opinions are evident on the role of unions relating to abortion. However, given that the majority of union members supported legislative reform on the issue and since the issue affects those in the workplace, there is space for trade unions to begin discussing and developing a coordinated response on abortion laws. 6. Range of workplace issues This study has identified a range of workplace issues which affect those seeking abortion. These situations will still exist even if abortion were more widely available. It is imperative that every trade union should address these issues.
5.5 Final Comment What emerged clearly from the survey results and online discussion forum was that this is a crucial issue for contemporary society in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As the trade union movement is the largest civil society organisation in Ireland, North and South, comprising over 700,000 individuals, 52% of whom are women, unions have a responsibility to help inform wider societal views on abortion, abortion access and legal reform.
37