Fresh move to end ATM dispute
The security van dispute which has led to cash shortages at ATMs across the east coast could be brought before the Labour Relations Commission again, it emerged tonight.
SIPTU security service branch secretary Kevin McMahon said the company involved, Brinks Allied, had said it would be prepared to attend another meeting to try to end the row.
He said: “SIPTU is available to attend the LRC tomorrow or at any other time to facilitate Brinks.”
SIPTU served strike notice on Brinks Allied tonight on behalf of cash-in-transit van workers.
The union’s members at Brinks Allied voted by 60 to nine for industrial action earlier today after the company introduced new security measures and vehicles to stop the spate of armed robberies. Mr McMahon said pickets will be in force on Thursday August 19.
He warned that the cash shortages at east coast ATMs would worsen, and said if the strike went ahead the company could face closure.
Mr McMahon said staff were not engaged in unofficial industrial action over the new procedures, which include driving away from the scene of an attempted robbery even if it means leaving a colleague.
“Our members refused to accept this unilateral action by the company on health and safety grounds,” Mr McMahon said.
“They were not prepared to work the vehicles because of the ‘drive away’ policy and the company proceeded to implement the ‘drive away’ policy without going through procedure. In spite of this our members remained available to work normally at all times.”
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