Employees at Clare County Council are beginning industrial action today, over what they claim is the management’s failure to comply with agreed national dispute resolution procedures.
SIPTU members working with the local authority are engaging in a work to rule after grievances were raised over two telematics policies outlined last year.
SIPTU Industrial Organiser, Arek Muszynski, claims both policies have been implemented too hastily while also labelling them as ‘intrusive’.
He says it’s a dispute that should have been easily resolved.
Listen to the full interview here
Statement from Clare County Council
Clare County Council vehicles have been parked at council depots overnight since 31 March, 2025, following the implementation of the Vehicle Usage and Vehicle Telematics Policies
As part of the implementation of the new policies, Clare County Council undertook a 12-month engagement process with all trade unions, including SIPTU.
Clare County Council strongly refutes the assertion that it has failed to meaningfully engage or comply with agreed dispute resolution procedures. The Council has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and comprehensively addressed all issues raised regarding these policies.
These policies are being implemented for reasons of climate change, insurance and health and safety, among others. The core issue is that the practice of employees commuting to and from work in council vehicles, including velocity patchers, articulated trucks and litter vehicles, is not permitted.
Clare County Council remains open to engaging further with SIPTU on this matter and would welcome clarity from the union on its current issues referred to in its media release, which remain vague.
