Representing the interests of Irish writers
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Representing the interests of Irish writers
Every person – writers included – should be valued, encouraged, and supported. The IWU believes in equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has zero tolerance for any form of harassment or abuse within the writing and publishing industries. The Union condemns harassment, intimidation, coercion, or discrimination, whether based on race, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, religion, class, body size, marital/domestic partnership status, citizenship, or any other marginalised identity.
Harassment is any form of unwanted and intrusive attention or behaviour. It can also take the form of exclusion. Harassment can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct, all with the purpose or end effect of violating another person’s comfort and dignity. This may include creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a particular person or group of people. The unwanted behaviour may consist of overt or covert acts, unwelcome conversation, deliberate exclusion, words or gestures aimed at a specific target, or the public display of words, pictures, or other material meant to harass or intimidate. For example, derogatory comments, verbal abuse, threats or intimidating gestures, physical contact like pushing or shoving, or ostracising someone at a workplace, school, or other gathering place. Harassers may base such behaviour on the target’s family or marital status, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or lack of belief, disabilities, race, colour, nationality, and/or ethnic or national origins.
Repeated direct or indirect inappropriate social behaviour conducted by one or more people against others, in a workplace or other public or private venue. It may take the form of verbal or physical assaults designed to undermine a person’s ability to work, interact, or spend time in such environments as workplaces, schools, and other public or private venues. To actually be considered bullying, the behaviour must consist of repeated offences rather than a one-time (and possibly inadvertent) incident.
The Irish Writers’ Union is a professional organisation and, as such, expects a certain level of conduct from its members. Participants in IWU events and activities, and all IWU members are required to sign up to our Code of Conduct and to refrain from engaging in the following types of behaviour at all times:
Harassment does not include respectful disagreement on issues or topics, or reasonable critiques made in good faith. As writers, we should welcome – or at the very least, tolerate – the discussion or presentation of controversial ideas, free speech and creative literary expression. We encourage all IWU members to take the perspectives of others seriously whenever a disagreement may arise – while at the same time respecting and holding one another accountable to our Code of Conduct.
The IWU does not have the resources to investigate a claim, or provide medical services, psychological counselling, or legal representation, or to confront an offender directly. However, at the end of this post you will find contact information for organisations and other groups which provide such support.
If you believe an IWU member has violated our Code of Conduct, you may report the details to the Union by sending a notice to this email address:
The IWU’s anti-harassment policy also prohibits retaliation for reporting harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or bullying, or for participating in an investigation relating to any such complaint.
The IWU takes breaches of our Code of Conduct very seriously indeed and strongly condemns such behaviour by any writer, journalist, agent, editor, publisher, or other person in the industry. An IWU member alleged to have harassed, bullied, intimidated, stalked, coerced, or abused another person may be temporarily suspended from the Union and any person deemed guilty of such an offence or offences may be denied participation in or entrance to official IWU events. A member who is found guilty by way of an official investigative process such as (but not confined to) a court or tribunal may be expelled from the IWU.
Other possible sanctions may include:
Though the IWU cannot conduct its own investigations into an allegation of a Code of Conduct breach it will take all reasonable measures to support and protect the confidentiality of any and all parties who contact us, and display discretion and respect for the reputations of all parties involved.
IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND
Rape Crisis Help offers support and counselling, both in person, by telephone and online. You may want to call, email or drop into a local service for information and support. You can call the 24-Hour Helpline on 1-800-778888
UNITED KINGDOM
Rape Crisis Help offers support and counselling, both in person, by telephone and online. You may want to call, email or drop into a local service for information and support. You can call the 24-Hour Helpline on 1-800-778888
A clearing-house of links to support and helplines for anyone in the UK who has experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Official website for information, hotlines, and to report workplace bullying and harassment.
UNITED KINGDOM
This international sexual assault hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, worldwide, including for Americans traveling or living abroad. Call 800/656-HOPE.
To report sexual or other harassment in the workplace.
The Irish Writers Union offers a model contract for guidance to members and assists in disputes if one should arise. Thanks to the union, there is now a disputes procedure for writers who feel publishers of their work have treated them unprofessionally. The union acts as a watchdog for members, on contracts, royalty payments and festival remuneration.
The union negotiates on behalf of writers with bodies such as the Irish government, the Arts Councils north and south, Bord na Leabhar and Publishing Ireland.
We are currently working on a code of conduct for the Irish publishing industry in the light of the #wakeupirishpoetry movement.
The union provides information to published authors on registration for UK and Irish Public Lending Rights.
The union hosts various events to assist writers in the development of their careers. For instance, our past events have included short story competitions for members only; readings; provision of information on the Novel Fair; workshops on relevant topics; a pitching session with the Screen Directors Guild and expert speakers on copyright, contracts and publishing. We encourage exhibition and sales of members’ publications at our AGM.
The union has a monthly newsletter, Final Draft, which is edited by a member of the IWU Committee and is sent out to union members by email. Members are encouraged to send in short articles and pictures on their current activities, general writing news and information on competitions they have won as well as forthcoming publications and launches.
Fraternal links are maintained with the European Writers Congress and similar writers’ organisations throughout the world.
The Irish Writers Union represents the interests of Irish writers, whether they were born in Ireland or elsewhere.
