Work stoppages announced at leading Offaly company as industrial action set to start

Work stoppages have been announced at a leading Offaly company as members of staff are set to take industrial action.

SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore will commence a campaign of industrial action with two 12-hour work stoppages, on Sunday, November 16 and Monday, November 17 both commencing at 7.00am.

SIPTU says the industrial action is being taken following management’s withdrawal from talks concerning pay and conditions at the meat processing plant.

SIPTU Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, said, “workers in Carroll’s Cuisine voted last month in favour of industrial and strike action but suspended planned action to allow for talks.

“Union representatives met with management on Friday, October 31. At this meeting SIPTU representatives outlined a proposal based on ensuring financial stability at the company but also including pay improvements for workers and union recognition for the purposes of collective bargaining.

READ NEXT: Demolition work at large Offaly factory could pave way for major expansion →

“Management asked for time to consider this proposal. Earlier this week, management informed the Union that it would not be prepared to engage any further on the outstanding matters. It is clear that management has chosen conflict with its workforce rather than compromise and agree a fair, negotiated settlement.”

He added, “this dispute fundamentally stems from a failure by the company to respect workers’ right to collectively bargain through their union. Ireland remains an outlier in Western Europe in terms of collective bargaining rights. Working people, like those in Carroll’s, should not be left with no other option than taking industrial action to secure fair pay and union recognition.”

SIPTU members will place pickets on all entrances to the Tullamore plant for the duration of the work stoppages.