Operator of Whitegate Oil Refinery referred to WRC over changes in remote working policies 

Trade union Unite says the Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery announced a cut to the flexible work policy earlier this year without prior consultation with the workforce. 

Irving Oil, Whitegate refinery in East Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, which operates the oil refinery in East Cork, has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) by trade union Unite.

The union has alleged the refinery operator announced a cut to its flexible work policy earlier this year, which included hybrid remote working provisions, without prior consultation with the workforce. 

In doing so, Unite said the employer failed to cite objective reasons for such changes, as is provided for in the relevant legislation and by the WRC Guidelines. 

In recent days, the trade union said management notified employees of its intention to impose further unilateral curtailments on hybrid remote work provisions and that flexible working arrangements, which allow for variable start and finish times, are also to be abolished.

"The union’s action follows a series of unilateral decisions by management to curtail flexible working policy arrangements in place since 2022," Unite said on Tuesday.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Irving Oil is guilty of riding roughshod over employment rules and treating its workers with contempt.

“Unite will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that its members are properly treated and that the attacks on their working conditions are reversed.”

The union also added that recently recruited employees were promised remote and flexible working arrangements from their commencement of employment with Irving Oil and that this was a deciding factor for those individuals taking on these roles. 

Unite says it has repeatedly requested face to face discussions with the company on this matter.

Unite regional officer Michael O’Brien said: “Irving Oil’s implementation of changes to the flexible work policy, will upend the personal and family arrangements our members have in place.

“Unite is ready to engage all industrial and legal options available to reverse managements attacks on workers’ conditions.” 

Unite represents the majority of the workers at Irving Oil affected by the proposed changes.

Irving Oil has been contacted for comment.