Brinks Allied workers begin all-out strike
Workers at Brinks Allied are beginning a strike this morning as part of a month-long dispute over the introduction of new security vans and procedures.
The strike was deferred from last Thursday to allow the Labour Court examine the matter, but the court’s recommendations were rejected by the company over the weekend.
SIPTU has accused Brinks of using the dispute as an excuse to shut down its Irish operations. The union said the workers had made every effort to resolve the dispute and the onus was now on the company to find a resolution.
Security branch secretary Kevin McMahon said: “The strike will proceed in the absence of the employer allowing our members to return to work in the line with the Labour Court recommendation. We have been left with no alternative.”
The Labour Court recommended SIPTU staff return to work using the new Dutch cash-in-transit vehicles for an interim period of one month.
It said Brinks Allied should also defer its insistence that drivers leave the scene of an armed robbery, even if a colleague was left behind.
SIPTU made a last-minute plea to Brinks Allied last night to accept the court‘s recommendation.
Around 80 drivers are now prepared to mount pickets, as well as 20 administrative staff in Brinks Allied.
Mr McMahon said there was concern that the company’s real agenda was to use the dispute to close its Irish business.
The company could not be contacted for comment.
