SIPTU condemns the use of strike-breakers by Kells Credit Union

The use of strike-breakers by the management of Kells Credit Union, County Meath, marks a “new low” in its attempts to deny workers collective bargaining rights, according to SIPTU Insurance and Finance Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane. On Thursday, 8th August, and Friday, 9th August, Credit union workers continued their series of rolling strikes with a 48-hour work stoppage. Management brought in outside staff in an attempt to maintain the operation of the Credit Union.Adrian Kane said: “The use of strike-breakers by the management of Kells Credit Union is a new low in its treatment of workers. This is a management team that is completely out-of-step with the feelings of credit union members and the people of Kells.“This is a serious escalation of the dispute. Our members will be meeting over the weekend to discuss how we respond to this appalling decision by management. We will now unfortunately be left with little option but to escalate our campaign of industrial action.”During the work stoppage local supporters and former employees of Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, County Cavan joined the workers’ picket outside the Credit Union. The Lagan Brick workers, who last year conducted a 39-week strike to secure their redundancy entitlements, presented the Credit Union employees with a cheque to support their campaign.SIPTU Meath District Council secretary, John Regan, said: “The Labour Court has previously recommended that management at the Credit Union recognise SIPTU for the purposes of collective bargaining. The workers at Kells Credit Union joined SIPTU over a year ago and the union has been attempting to engage with management ever since.”The workers have welcomed a statement by Meath East Labour TD, Dominic Hannigan, calling on the Labour Court to intervene in the dispute.  Adrian Kane said: “SIPTU would welcome the intervention of either the Labour Relations Commission or the Labour Court, however, thus far regrettably, management of the Credit Union has shunned attempts by both institutions to help resolve the dispute.”