Skip to content
2010

Liebherr Container Cranes decline invitation to attend LRC talks - Protest during Irish Open to go ahead.

Date Released: 26 Jul 2010

Following the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to decline an invitation to attend a Hearing of the Labour Relations Commission, Donal Tobin, Branch Organiser SIPTU, Killarney, has confirmed a protest by members of SIPTU and the TEEU, scheduled to take place on the 29th July, 2010 at the commencement on the Irish Open, will go ahead as planned.

This protest follows a decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to close their facilities in Killarney on the 29th & 30th July to facilitate car parking for the Irish Open scheduled to be held in Killarney.

Mr. Tobin further emphasised the protest by members of SIPTU and the TEEU is with Liebherr Container Cranes and no inconvenience would be caused to the participants of the Irish Open or those who are attending as spectators.

Mr. Tobin further stated, the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to impose a holiday shutdown is in breach of Terms of Agreement contained within the comprehensive agreements between Liebherr Container Cranes, SIPTU and the TEEU and the company’s reluctance to attend the Labour Relations Commission with a view to resolving the matter is in complete conflict with normal established practice.

The invitation to attend the LRC followed from a request from Failte Ireland for parties to meet in an attempt to resolve the issue.  The Unions on their part agreed to attend such talks. 

Concern was expressed at the recent statement by Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism as being one sided and anti-worker, a statement which clearly lacked any knowledge of the issue involved between the parties other than to take a pro-employer stance and anti-employee, which raises the question that when workers spend their hard-earned money they should first question if those businesses are members of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in Killarney and if they support the statement issued on their behalf.

Statements and comments issued by outside parties tend to castigate the workers for this protest while overlooking the fact that this situation was brought about by management of Liebherr Container Cranes and their reluctance to meet the workers half way on the issue.

As the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes to impose a holiday shut down is breach of the comprehensive agreement between the parties and their reluctance to attend the Labour Relations Commission to try to resolve the issue, then the company are clearly in breach of all established practices.  The issue has been referred to the LRC in the normal way, where compensation will be sought for the two days of closure.

Once again, Mr Tobin repeated, the immense importance to the local economy and to jobs with the holding of the Irish Open when the hospitality sector is experiencing serious difficulty and decline in the current economic climate and the decision by Liebherr Container Cranes will add further to the difficulties being experienced.





Previous and Next: | 2009