Press Release

SIPTU members defer strike action at Inishowen Oil Company in Carndonagh

Date Released: 28 October 2017

SIPTU members have deferred scheduled strike action at Inishowen Oil Company Ltd in Carndonagh, following an agreement by the company to enter into talks with the workers’ union concerning an outstanding pay claim. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “Our members had intended to begin a strike at the company on Wednesday, 1st November. This was due to the refusal of the company to accept an invitation by the Workplace Relations Commission to a conciliation conference in relation to a pay claim.

“However, yesterday (Friday, 27th October) evening the union was contacted by the employers’ organisation, IBEC, on behalf of the company. It was communicated to SIPTU representatives that IBEC has been instructed to represent Inishowen Oil Company in meaningful negotiations with the union concerning our members’ pay claim."

SIPTU Organiser, Sandra Flanagan, said: "In response to this positive development our members have decided to defer their strike. The SIPTU members in Inishowen Oil Company will await the outcome of the negotiations between the company and the union before deciding upon any further action."

SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: “We wish to thank the community of SIPTU members and organisers in county Donegal and the wider North West Region who had pledged their support and solidarity for the Inishowen Oil Company workers. Their support was a major boost as we made our preparations to strike.”