SIPTU serious about industrial action

SIPTU has warned that the possibility of industrial action at Irish Sugar is no idle threat.

SIPTU, AMICUS and TEEU (the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union) members in Irish Sugar voted by majority in favour of industrial action towards the end of last week, following the breakdown of negotiations on redundancy terms.

SIPTU national industrial secretary Gerry McCormack said the unions are awaiting a recommendation from the Labour Court.

“But time is running out if we are to reach an agreement before the planned closure date on May 12. Our fear is that management will let the clock run down and try to force the workers into accepting an unsatisfactory agreement. So the prospect of industrial action is no idle threat.”