Workers strike at outsourcing firm Covalen over proposed redundancies

Workers at Covalen and members of the Communications Workers’ Union protest near the company’s Sandyford offices, over redundancy terms affecting up to 420 staff. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Workers picketed the offices of business outsourcing firm Covalen in Dublin on Tuesday.

The company provides a range of services to firms, including content moderation services for social media giant Meta.

Members of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) took the action outside the company's offices in Sandyford. The union said the action was in response to the company’s proposed redundancies and its refusal to meaningfully engage with workers’ representatives. 

They said that in the absence of any engagement from the company, the strike action will be followed by further days of strike action next week, saying up to 400 jobs are at risk.

CWU deputy feneral Ian McArdle said offering only statutory redundancy in these circumstances is indefensible. 

It falls well short of what the company can afford to do, and it exposes the harsh truth that underlies parts of Ireland’s much-vaunted tech sector — only legal minimums will apply despite very healthy profits. The answer is simple, enhanced redundancy pay in line with the industry norms should be on offer.

Mr McArdle called on Covalen to recognise the Union and positively engage in collective bargaining.

In a statement, Covalen said it has always prioritised direct and open engagement with our employees. "While we fully respect the right of employees to take industrial action, we have been proactively consulting with our teams. Covalen is working hard on its redeployment programme and has successfully redeployed a significant number of employees, 108 employees to date."

"The company is continuing to work with the teams impacted and expect to make further offers of redeployment over the coming weeks. In the meantime, the company will continue to engage with our teams and our commitment to direct and meaningful dialogue remains unchanged."