Irish Congress of Trade Unions Sanctions All Out Picket of Blarney Wollen Mills in Bunratty

According to Brian Higgins, Mandate Trade Union’s Divisional Organiser for the Mid-West, the workers involved and their colleagues have been out on strike since Monday, 11 January 2010 and will continue to picket on an indefinite basis.

“The call from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for an all out picket of the premises is welcomed wholeheartedly by Mandate Trade Union and the workers who are currently on strike. It emphasises the importance of this issue. The dispute will have to be resolved by way of a negotiated settlement acceptable to both parties” said Mr Higgins.

Mr Higgins explained what the consequences of an all out picket will mean for the Blarney Woollen Mills in Bunratty. “Essentially the ICTU has requested that all trade union members not pass the picket at the Blarney Woollen Mills. We expect that it will affect drivers and delivery persons as well as union members who would ordinarily use the premises. It is a great gesture of solidarity and we hope that individual trade unions will inform their members of the unfair and unjust treatment of these staff members and encourage them to abide by the picket.

Mr Higgins explained that the two individuals being made redundant, Chef/Manager, John Quinn, and Second Chef, Aidan Guiry, have given 12 years and 9.5 years service respectively to the company.

“At a meeting with the company on 14 December last, they informed us that they were making John and Aidan redundant as part of a rationalisation programme. The company has only offered statutory redundancy and have not been prepared to negotiate on an enhanced redundancy payment,” Brian Higgins said.

“The company informed us that they would be combining roles and functions with the Bunratty Hotel which is part of the Blarney Woollen Mills Group. In this context, the union indicated to Blarney Woollen Mills that it would be prepared to consider redeployment to the hotel, given that the two chefs being made redundant had longer service than the chefs employed in the Bunratty Hotel. In this regard, it’s worth noting that the company handbook states that redundancies will be on a last in, first out basis, with key employees being retained to maintain an efficient operation.”

Brian Higgins said that despite the representations made by the Mandate Trade Union, on 21 December last, the company has proceeded with the two compulsory redundancies.

“It would seem that the company has not adhered to its own policy in that the two employees selected are key people and they also have the longest service. This is simply not acceptable and we will continue to fight this decision with all of our resources and determination possible.”