Pickets to continue in agriculture row
Last night, the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) said official pickets will continue on offices in Kerry, Limerick, Galway and Mayo.
The union said it had contacted the IFA and expressed regret at the termination of services to farmers on foot of a Department decision to lock out staff earlier this week.
Union members had been engaged in limited industrial action only, but the Department’s ‘macho’ approach had led to the effective closure of these offices, it said.
However, Kevin Gaughran, CPSU assistant general secretary, welcomed comments by Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh that his officials were available for talks but he said these had to be substantive, not cosmetic.
Farmers and politicians earlier urged Mr Walsh to intervene in the dispute over promotional opportunities, involving nearly 900 clerical staff In the past two days, the
CPSU placed official pickets on offices in Kerry, Limerick, Galway and Mayo. The move, which disrupted services to farmers, followed the suspension without pay of 150 CPSU members. Lorcan McCabe of the
ICMSA said the dispute was causing serious management problems for many farmers.
Mr Walsh said he was constrained because the union’s demands were outside the terms of the partnership programme.
However, he said he believed the dispute could be resolved. “I again call on the staff concerned to resume their duties and we will see to what extent we can be helpful in sorting out the problem,” he said.
