SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 3rd January) called for a review of expenditure on all non-core activities by Irish Rail following criticism by the chairman of the company of its sponsorship of a fishing competition in Northern Ireland. SIPTU representatives have today (Wednesday, 3rd January) called for a review of expenditure on all non-core activities by Irish Rail following criticism by the chairman of the company of its sponsorship of a fishing competition in Northern Ireland. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “SIPTU representatives highlighted and condemned the decision by the management of Irish Rail to sponsor this fishing competition when we first became aware of it in September last year. “Our members were particularly annoyed that the company was sponsoring an event in a place with no rail link and which has no obvious connection to its core activities while at the same time denying a legitimate pay claim by its employees. It has to be welcomed that it has emerged in media reports that the Chairman of Irish Rail, Frank Allen, is similarly dismayed at this use of company funds.” He added: “Train drivers are currently balloting on the acceptance or rejection of an offer of a 1.15% pay increase due to them on account of past productivity increases. There is such a level of dissatisfaction among our members at the attitude displayed towards workers by the CEO of Irish Rail, David Franks, that there is a strong likelihood that this offer will be rejected. “This is indicative of the dire state of industrial relations within Irish Rail. This situation does not bode well for industrial peace at the company during 2018. One way in which workers’ confidence in Irish Rail could begin to be rebuilt is by management accepting a full and objective review of all non-core expenditure by the company.”
SIPTU calls for review of all expenditure on non-core activities by Irish Rail
