Workers at National Pen in Dundalk, county Louth have insisted that they wish to be represented by SIPTU during discussions on redundancy terms following the decision by the company to remove 176 employees from its workforce. SIPTU Industrial Organiser, Denis Sheridan said: “The management of National Pen has failed to respond to a request by employees to be represented by our union during the 30 day consultation period prior to any redundancies coming into effect. Instead, the company has asked workers to nominate representatives from groups of employees chosen by management. This process is deeply flawed and does not allow for a fair consultation with the workers facing redundancy. “Due to the Covid-19 crisis, employees are expected to participate in the consultation process remotely even though many do not have lap tops or an adequate internet connection. To make matters worse, the company has denied the workers their right to be represented by a union of their choice while it has sought the assistance of the employers group, IBEC to assist management in the consultation process. We are asking the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, to intervene urgently and to insist that the company recognises the right of these workers to fair and proper representation.” Last week, National Pen announced its plan to make 126 workers redundant and to transfer 50 other positions to Japan during this year. The company has received €1.5 million in grant aid from the IDA since 2015 and has ignored a number of Labour Court recommendations in relation to its treatment of the workforce.
SIPTU urges National Pen to recognise SIPTU as workers’ representative
