SIPTU has called on the management of Trimfold Envelopes in Trim, County Meath, to reverse its decision not to participate in a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) conciliation process concerning redundancy terms for workers at the company.
The issues referred to the WRC include the terms applicable if redundancies arise and proposals concerning voluntary redundancy in the company’s Overprinting Department.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: “Our members are engaging constructively with the consultation process and SIPTU remains committed to resolving these matters through discussion.
“However, we are extremely disappointed that management has declined to attend the WRC. The purpose of the State’s industrial relations machinery is to assist employers and workers in resolving precisely this type of difficult situation.
“The company has previously engaged through agreed industrial relations procedures, including in 2009, and enhanced redundancy packages were provided to workers in 2007. Our members are asking management to adopt the same constructive approach on this occasion.
“Attending the WRC does not require either side to accept a particular outcome. It provides an independent process through which the parties can explore whether a fair and acceptable resolution is possible.
“The company cannot credibly maintain that it is committed to meaningful consultation while refusing to participate in the established State conciliation process. We are asking management to reconsider its position and attend the WRC without further delay.”
He added: “Our members have been left deeply concerned by the company’s position. SIPTU will convene a meeting of members to consider the available options if management continues to refuse to engage through the agreed procedures.”