Fresh talks in crane plant dispute
Industrial action at the 450-job plant is to be deferred for a week from today, following an agreement between SIPTU and management to enter talks.
SIPTU branch organiser Donal Tobin last night said the agreement followed extensive discussions between the parties to agree a mechanism for talks.
“This will enable both parties to begin meaningful negotiations and, if significant progress is achieved during this time, then industrial action can be deferred for a further period,” he said.
“This compromise was reached with a view to finding a speedy resolution to all issues in dispute — the pension scheme, sick-pay scheme, management’s change agenda and basic pay — in the interest of both the company and our members,” he said.
The key issue in the official dispute is a decision by the company in 2004 to close off a defined benefit scheme for new employees.
“SIPTU welcomes the decision to enter talks to try and resolve the current dispute regarding the pension scheme and also notes their commitment to enter into meaningful negotiations with the union to try to resolve the other outstanding issues,” Mr Tobin said.
There have already been a number of one-day stoppages at the plant and the union is also on an overtime ban.
