SIPTU representatives have today (Tuesday, 15th April) launched a stinging criticism of the Government’s contradictory approach to collective bargaining, following the launch of a public consultation on Ireland’s Action Plan under the EU Adequate Minimum Wage Directive.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis said: “The Government claims to support workers’ rights but its actions tell a very different story. We believe they are talking out of both sides of their mouth. The cold hard reality is that we have a multinational medical technology firm like Stryker, receiving €38 million in IDA grants, despite the company refusing to recognise SIPTU for collective bargaining in complete defiance of Labour Court Recommendations and findings by the National Contact Point (NCP). It is unacceptable and rank hypocrisy.
The State is handing over tens of millions of taxpayers money to profitable corporations that ignore workers’ rights, while claiming to promote collective bargaining. Grants like these should be conditional on companies engaging in good faith with unions. If these companies are getting taxpayers cash then the condition should be that they recognise unions for collective bargaining purposes. No excuses.”
Stryker already has productive collective bargaining agreements with SIPTU at its Limerick and Macroom sites, where industrial relations are strong and respectful. Yet at Carrigtwohill, where hundreds of workers are unionised—the company continues to resist. Stryker are now seeking planning permission to expand its Cork facility so it is imperative that this practice needs to end says Ennis.
He says Ireland must link state support to workers having a right to collectively bargain and access to Trade Unions in the workplace without penalisation, if it hopes to meet the EU’s 80% collective bargaining target and that Government must “walk the walk” not simply “talk the talk” when it comes to workers’ rights.