Cargotec workers take strike action

MoRE than 200 workers took part in a one day strike at Dundalk forklift manufacturer Cargotec today.

Workers arrived at Cargotec on the ardee Road at 5.30am to air their grievances over a dispute about the transfer of terms and conditions for staff.

the Unite trade union represents more than 200 workers at the Co Louth facility and according to a representative from the trade union 93% of balloted members voted in favour of industrial action.

Unite has accused the company of failing to engage meaningfully at the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court regarding proposals to transfer workers terms and conditions.

a statement released by Unite on Friday spoke about the lack of progress in resolving the dispute while warning that a second day of strike action is imminent.

“an urgent meeting of Dundalk 0327

UnitE Branch was convened on Monday evening March 6, at the request of the UnitE Representatives and Strike Committee in Cargotec, Dundalk.

“Reps updated the Branch on the lack of progress made on resolving the dispute and advised of the strike days planned and the possibility of escalation.

The first day of strike action took place on Friday March 10, with a further day of strike action scheduled for thursday March 16.

“the meeting was unanimous in its total solidarity with the industrial action and also agreed to fund High viz Jackets, Hats and arm Bands for the 200 strikers, along with pledging other additional funding requested.

“Willie Quigley, Secretary of UnitE 0327 Branch which all these workers are members of, said the Branch fully understands the grave concerns the members have with the recent tUPE of a section of the membership in the Plant and the lack of proper appropriate engagement with UnitE, which undermines the CompanyUnion agreement in place since 1998,” concluded the statement.