Serious disruption ‘likely’ if port tunnel strike goes ahead

DISRUPTIVE strike action could ground traffic at the Dublin Port Tunnel to a halt at some point as workers protest for the right to be afforded trade union representation.

According to Owen Reidy of SIPTU, there are 68 workers at the tunnel and 58 of them have requested to be represented by the trade union for negotiating terms and conditions.

“The big problem is that the National Roads Authority has given the contract to run the tunnel to a company [Transroute Tunnel Operations] which pays lower than the norm.

“Despite the fact that the workers have organised themselves over the last 12 months, management has consistently refused to afford them their basic right to be collectively represented by SIPTU,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that a company which has been awarded an attractive state contract should deny their employees’ legitimate right to be collectively represented by a trade union.”

He said the workers have been trying to engage with management collectively since June of this year.

“The company has however refused to enter into negotiations with us. The workers’ objective is to avoid a dispute which has the potential to close the port tunnel and disrupt the travelling public. However, should management maintain its negative and out-dated approach, then a serious dispute, while regrettable, may be inevitable,” he said.

“Unfortunately there could be action within the next few weeks. That action could be anything up to stoppages which would seriously affect the running of the tunnel.”

Pierre Charcellay of Transroute said: “We have no obligation to acknowledge SIPTU.

We have a forum in place to talk to and negotiate with staff directly. We are currently dealing with staff in relation to any issues that have been raised. We do not see any benefit for the company or staff to recognise SIPTU as of now.”