Workers at a manufacturing plant in Gort have begun a campaign of industrial action today.
SIPTU members employed in LISK Ireland Ltd say they were left with no option due to management’s refusal to respect a Labour Court recommendation that the company engage in negotiations with their union.
The union says several invitations to discuss and resolve concerns relating to terms and conditions of employment have been ignored by management.
Pickets were put in place at 8am this morning and will conclude at midnight tonight and union representatives say they remain willing and available to meet with management to resolve the dispute.
SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “This is the beginning of a campaign of industrial action which will continue until the company respects the right of our members to be represented by their union representatives for the purposes of collective bargaining.
“The need to negotiate reasonable pay and terms and conditions of employment is a huge issue for these workers and their colleagues across Ireland. Rises in the cost of basic necessities due to a record rate of inflation, as well as other issues, are causing extreme hardship for many of our members and their families employed across the economy.”
He added: “SIPTU representatives remain willing and available to meet with management in order to resolve this dispute. However, if it continues to display intransigence, there will be further industrial action by our members employed at its electronic component manufacturing plant.”
