Building union members threaten more protests

Members of a construction industry trade union who blockaded their headquarters in a row with management warned today they would escalate their protest unless union bosses enter talks.

Eighteen men with the Building and Allied Trade Union (Batu) barricaded themselves into the head office demanding the resignation of the union chief and an internal audit.

The sit-in at Blessington Street on Dublin’s northside follows the redundancy of two union officials last May, allegedly laid off as part of cost-cutting measures.

Dan O’Connell, spokesman for the protestors, said it was imperative Batu chief Paddy O’Shaughnessy agree to talks.

“If he comes down and talks to us maybe we can resolve this before it gets out of control,” he said.

“People are talking now about blockading the whole street.

“People want to bring it to a head now. We’re coasting along at the minute.

“The ideal situation is if Paddy comes and says lads lets sit down.”

Union members claimed they were taking the action over the treatment of the workers laid off last May and the lack of transparency with the union’s finances.

Mr O’Connell said there are dozens of union members involved in the sit-in and that there is always 18 present.

“We always have at least 18,” he said.

“We have the place locked down.

“We are now in the process of asking him (Mr O’Shaughnessy) to step down.

“We are waiting for a response either way from him. We want him to step down and put himself forward for re-election.”