Following a successful organising drive by SIPTU members employed by the Japanese multinational mechanical engineering company, THK, in Tallaght, Dublin, a 5% pay increase has been secured.
The organising drive started with a meeting for SIPTU members and non-members to discuss the power of being in the Union and getting organised on-site, the work then continued with a leafletting campaign highlighting the benefits to workers of organising.
SIPTU Organiser, Richard Elliot, said: “With this activity membership on site doubled and interest increased in having the best union structures in place. The members then elected their representatives to meet with management to discuss a new pay agreement.
“As a result of the negotiations, a 5% increase in basic pay was achieved for 2024. Before the workers on site got organised, there was little to no engagement on-site with management. However, building their power through increased membership and electing Shop Stewards, gave management no option but to engage in discussions. Momentum is continuing with the Shop Stewards being released for training and regular engagement happening on site in what is now a productive relationship.”
He added: “The members in THK are a perfect example of what can be achieved when workers stick together as a collective. The gains they have made in just a few short months are proof that there is power in the Union.”