SIPTU representatives are seeking a meeting with government officials concerning the recruitment of additional staff and possible impact on existing working conditions in the transport sector in the event of no-deal Brexit. SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “The Irish and EU contingency plans, published yesterday, leave many questions unanswered about how workers in specific sectors will be protected in the event of the UK crashing out of the European Union. The management and staffing at the major access points to our country must be prioritised. “The government has signalled its intention to hire additional staff and to secure new facilities at Dublin Port, Rosslare Port and Dublin Airport. The full details of these plans must be discussed with trade union representatives without delay.” He added: “The increase in the volume of checks on goods coming from the UK may also result in new duties or other changes to work practices for existing staff which must be agreed in advance.” SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin said: “There is clearly the potential for delays and disruption at ports as a result of customs checks. This implies a significant health and safety risk for workers in the road haulage industry which needs to be managed in consultation with trade unions.” SIPTU Researcher, Loraine Mulligan, says: “SIPTU representatives are deeply concerned about the knock-on implications of a no-deal Brexit for workers across the economy. There are particular risks for jobs that are heavily dependent on trade relations with the UK.” She added: “SIPTU is engaging at the level of individual companies to deal with concerns over a non-deal Brexit but this must be matched by further government action to limit the damage for workers, through funding, training and supports. Ireland must establish a contingency fund to enable workers to adjust to the situation after Brexit.”
SIPTU seeks meeting to discuss impact on transport and distribution workers of a no-deal Brexit
