Car test workers threaten strike action

THE National Car Test system will be thrown into disarray in 10 days as workers begin strike action in a dispute over the company’s use of hidden cameras and private detectives.

The industrial action follows the dismissal of an employee on suspicion of “improperly passing” vehicles at the NCT centre in Naas, Co Kildare.

SIPTU’s Automobile, General Engineering and Mechanical Operatives’ (AGEMO) trade group served notice on the National Car Testing Services on Monday, to begin two weeks from then.

“Following a ballot for industrial action of the SIPTU/AGEMO members in the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) the national executive committee and the general officers of SIPTU have sanctioned industrial action,” said Frank Jones, assistant branch secretary.

The union’s 250-plus members balloted for strike action after their colleague in Naas was suspended following a company investigation into his work by private detectives and hidden cameras. Almost a fortnight ago, and while the vote was being counted, the individual was sacked.

It’s understood he is now taking a case against his dismissal, due to be heard by a rights commissioner in the Labour Court.

Mr Jones said as the worker had been dismissed the strike action was over the use of cameras and private detectives.

“This practice is unacceptable to the union as there are agreed procedures regarding supervision, none of which include the use of surveillance equipment,” he said.

He said the strike committee would meet on Sunday to decide what strike action to take. This could include a one-day protest march in the city centre, possibly to the Department of Environment who awarded the contact to the NCTS.

“Depending on the reaction it will be stepped up accordingly. Nothing is being ruled out,” he said.

Mr Jones pointed out that the dismissed worker had previously been sacked by the company but was subsequently reinstated.

Mr Jones said motorists looking to have their cars tested would be affected by the one-day stoppage as all centres would be closed for the day.

He pointed out that the union was available to meet management in the meantime for talks.

There was no comment from NCT management yesterday.

The NCT system is run by Swiss firm, SGS group, which operates vehicles inspection programmes in Europe, North America, South America and Africa.