CIT strike deferred after staff reinstated

Industrial action due to take place at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) on Wednesday (21st March) has been deferred following the reinstatement of six SIPTU members to the institute’s catering staff.

Industrial action due to take place at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) today has been deferred following the reinstatement of six workers to the institute’s catering staff, union Siptu has stated today.

A scheduled one-day strike was called off after talks between Siptu, CIT management, and representatives of Student Services Ltd - a private company which manages the institute’s four canteens and restaurants, as well as shops.

Siptu served strike notice on CIT on March 13 after Student Services Ltd made six women redundant.

Talks between the workers' representatives and management succeeded in securing the reinstatement of the six staff as part of a deal which also includes a voluntary reduction in working hours by other workers, and the establishment of a mediation process.

SIPTU organiser Bill Mulcahy said: "We’re glad things are back on track.

"The staff never wanted to ballot for industrial action in the first place but they were left with no option.

"This deal just shows that with proper communication and a bit of give and take, the loss of jobs and income can be avoided."

A total of 44 members of Siptu who work in catering and retail outlets on the CIT campus were due to take part in the industrial action today.