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.”

The union claims that it has had no health and safety or formal committee meetings since Dawn Meats opened a new boning hall in 2009 and that many of the individuals who have voiced health and safety concerns are migrants.

The Irish Examiner contacted Dawn Meats, but a spokesperson opted not to discuss the claims. Management has issued a statement on the company website.

The statement reads: “The allegations made by UNITE and WCTU are entirely false and without foundation. The company is fully compliant with all relevant legislation and has a documented and robust grievance procedure in place for its employees as part of their employment contracts.

“Health and Safety (H&S) is of utmost importance to the company, which has established H&S committees with employee representation and there have been no breaches of health and safety law.

“In these difficult economic times the company has succeeded in creating 200 jobs at this site in the last two years. The company, which has operated at Grannagh for the last 26 years, looks forward to continue working with its employees in building the business into the future.”