Union claims firm refusing to meet over workers’ health concerns

UNITE trade union has sought but failed to achieve a meeting with management at Dawn Meats in Waterford regarding worker concerns over health and safety.

The union, which represents over 60% of Dawn’s workforce, has sent the company an open letter signed by nine local and national TDs, one MEP and 30 local councillors from around the country. The letter calls on Dawn Meats to engage with UNITE on issues including health and safety legislation, forced overtime and non-payment of an overtime premia.

Regional union organiser Roy Hassey said: “We want to talk with the Dawn Meats management about a number of health issues and strain injuries that have arisen in recent times. The production line is moving very fast, and we feel the accident reporting procedure is a bit lax. There is also a deficit of first aid training around the factory. There is no one big smoking gun incident, and there is nothing unsurmountable here. If Dawn Meats will just sit down and talk with the union, we can solve these issues. However, they have not even responded to our communications.”