LRC set to intervene in row that left ATMs empty
The row between Brinks Allied and SIPTU affected non-branch ATMs belonging to AIB, Ulster Bank or Bank of Ireland on the east coast of the country.
The machines were not replenished on Friday and the union claimed that cash couriers faced the threat of not being paid unless they agreed to use new vehicles and procedures that have yet to undergo safety audits.
However, SIPTU insisted it is available for talks at the LRC and insisted members will report for work this morning. Brinks’s operations director Alan Jordan said the company was also prepared to talk.
Despite the company’s warning to staff, SIPTU yesterday underlined its willingness to help resolve the dispute.
“Members were informed on Friday that they would not be paid for the day unless they were willing to operate under the new regime, on which full consultation and negotiation have yet to take place,” the union spokesman said.
He added this stance is in breach of agreements with the union and it raised serious questions about the company’s attitude towards employment law.
He said: “Refusal to pay employees is not allowed under the Payment of Wages Act, where the employee is willing to fulfil his normal contractual obligations. Under the 1993 (Health and Safety) Regulations, employers are obliged by law to provide a safe working environment.
“This includes safety audits for new equipment and procedures, as well as providing for information, consultation, training and instruction in the use of that equipment for employees.”
The spokesman added: “SIPTU members have not alone offered to co-operate fully with the LRC but have agreed to facilitate an independent health and safety audit of the new equipment and procedures, or alternatively a joint company-union safety audit.”
The union said that if any disruption occurs to ATMs, it will be due to Brink’s refusal to allow its members to work normally while the matter is resolved.
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