SIPTU members in Cork County Council have served notice of industrial action to commence at 8.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 17th May, in a dispute resulting from the refusal of management to recruit more staff to adequately deliver statutory services. SIPTU Organiser, Con Casey, said: “The senior management of Cork County Council was notified in writing yesterday (Tuesday, 2nd May) that SIPTU members in the Roads and Drivers Sections will commence industrial action on 17th May. This action results from a management refusal to engage with the workforce planning process and recruit more staff to adequately delivery statutory services. “The industrial action will take the form of SIPTU members not engaging with, co-operating with or transporting private contractors, excluding digger-drivers. Our members will also be insisting that established manning levels are strictly applied and adhered-to, and that the strict demarcation of roles including for ‘acting’ and supervisory positions is recognised. “It is also intended to engage in work-stoppages of three and four hours duration. Cork County Council will be advised of the times and dates of these work-stoppages in accordance with the requirements of the collective agreement between SIPTU and management.” He added: “Our members have no option but to commence this industrial action due to key sections of the Council, which deal with road maintenance and other essential services, being seriously undermanned. This is due to management failing to replace workers as they retire. The running down of the ability of the Council to adequately provide services would unfortunately seem to be part of an agenda to increase the outsourcing of work to private ‘for profit’ companies.” “This move towards outsourcing by the management of Cork County Council is being pursued in contravention to national agreements. These agreements assert that the high standards of council services should be preserved by maintaining their delivery by directly employed council staff.” “SIPTU representatives remain available for meaningful discussions and engagement to seek an agreed resolution to this dispute.”
SIPTU members in Cork County Council serve notice of industrial action
