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2005

SIPTU leader welcomes condemnation of Irish Ferries by Taoiseach and Labour Party leader in Dáil debate but says action must follow words

Date Released: 28 Sep 2005

SIPTU General President Jack O'Connor has welcomed the condemnations by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte of Irish Ferries attempt to displace existing, unionised crews with cheap labour. He was speaking after talks with the National Implementation Body on how to resolve the dispute, in which the ferry company is unilaterally seeking to make 543 employees redundant. They will be replaced by new crews from Eastern Europe on average earnings of one third existing rates.

"I would like to acknowledge the Taoiseach's condemnation in the Dáil of what is going on," Mr. O'Connor said after leaving the NIB talks. "It is very rare that the head of the Government would condemn the actions of a particular company and it underlines the seriousness of what is afoot. I would also like to thank Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte for raising the issue with the Government in the Dáil.

"We are now looking forward to what the Government intends to do about the problem. The reality is that what is called social partnership is incapable of protecting workers against displacement, which is now endemic in the Irish economy. There is no point in the trade union movement participating in national agreements if they allow this type of situation to arise."

Tomorrow representatives of the International Transport Workers Federation, including its General Secretary David Cockcroft, are holding a press conference at Liberty Hall at 11.30am to express their concerns at the Irish Ferries displacement plan. SIPTU's three general officers are also expected to attend.





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