SIPTU members employed in the Savoy Cinema on O’Connell Street, Dublin 1, protested outside their place of work today (Wednesday, 24th August) to highlight their opposition to the company’s imposition of unilateral changes to work practices. SIPTU Organiser, Graham Macken, said: “The decision by staff to mount a public protest resulted from the company’s announcement that it intends to discontinue the Usher Grade and its refusal to consider any redeployment options for the staff affected. This is despite management having previously agreed to the redeployment of workers affected by other changes. “Staff who currently undertake ushers' duties on an agreed rate of €12 per hour have been informed that they will in future be paid only €9 per hour. Staff have refused to accept this cut in pay and the company has now contracted security workers to carry out the duties previously performed by directly employed staff.” He added: “SIPTU representatives are willing to meet with management in an attempt to reach an agreed solution to these issues. However, the unilateral actions of the company have resulted in extreme frustration and annoyance among the workers. Staff felt they had no option but to mount today’s public protest to highlight their unfair treatment. “Today’s action was the first of a number of planned protests that the workers intend to carry out if management refuses to reverse its cuts and changes to work practices.”
SIPTU members protest outside the Savoy Cinema in Dublin city centre
