Dairygold workers threaten action
A strike could be on the cards for more than 1,100 Dairygold workers who are planning to take industrial action against their employers in the coming days.
In an attempt to rouse the company from what it sees as their current intransigence on three issues, SIPTU, the union which represents many of the workers, has said it will take action within the next week.
The union has not decided what action the form will take, but a strike has not been ruled out.
A union spokesman said that the workers will adopt an ‘all for one’ attitude to the action.
The three issues which it is angry about are firstly, the company’s decision to move 120 back-office staff from their bases in Mitchelstown and Mallow without the consultation of the workers.
It is believed that decision, described as ‘farcical’ by the union, could result in further redundancies at the Co-op because many of the workers — particularly those living as far away as Limerick and Charleville — will not be able to make the long journey to the city everyday.
The union wants Dairygold management to honour the redundancy package which the union said the company agreed with it in October.
And SIPTU also wants seniority to be recognised in the company’s appointments process.
It is unclear at this stage whether the unions, including MANDATE which represent the rest of the Dairygold workers, will take part in any industrial action.
A spokesman for Dairygold declined to comment on the potential industrial action but did tell the Evening Echo: “There is ongoing discussion as regards all aspects of the business between Dairygold staff, their unions and the management to ensure the survival of the business and the establishment of a successful stronger business for the future."
