SIPTU members employed by Shannon Heritage DAC have voted to support a proposal to ballot for industrial action at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The move comes following what SIPTU says is a series of breaches of long-standing collective agreements by the company’s interim management.
SIPTU cites “three key failures on the part of management including a breach of redundancy agreement, the failure of management to pay increments to SIPTU members and a proposal to relocate the Shared Services Department without any prior consultation”.
SIPTU organiser Rachel Keane said: “At our general meetings on October 1, the message from our members was very clear. Management must immediately pay the outstanding increments, honour the redundancy package agreed for all members – including those affected by the imminent closure of Mac’s Pub – and engage meaningfully on any relocation proposals. Until these core issues are addressed, our members are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to defend their rights and livelihoods.”
SIPTU shop steward Caroline O’Sullivan added that “our members have had enough. Interim management has shown a blatant disregard for agreements and are disrespecting the workers who are the backbone of Shannon Heritage.”
“By refusing to honour redundancy terms, withholding increments, and attempting to impose a relocation without engagement, they have left us with no option”.
In a statement to the Limerick Post, Clare County Council (CCC) said that they “acknowledge the concerns raised by SIPTU representatives in relation to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.”
“We remain committed to constructive and respectful engagement with all stakeholders and are open to continuing discussions to address the matters raised. We encourage SIPTU representatives to pursue engagement through the appropriate industrial relations channels, where we can work collaboratively to find balanced and sustainable solutions that support our employees and the long-term future of the site”, the statement said.
