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Council workers set for industrial action from today

SIPTU members working at Clare County Council will begin industrial action from today, August 25th, over what has been described as management’s failure to comply with agreed national dispute resolution procedures.

According to SIPTU Industrial Organiser, Arek Muszynski: “It is disappointing that the Council would act unilaterally and not follow its own procedures, as well as the national procedures for resolving disputes.”

“What is also very disappointing is that the employer would blatantly disregard the concerns that our members and their employees have regarding the unilateral implementation of policies that impact our members’ everyday work.”

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This dispute was, and could have been, totally avoidable if the Council respected the status quo and engaged in a meaningful way with the SIPTU negotiating committee. However, management has buried its head in the sand and allowed this to escalate to the point where our members will start a work to rule from Monday,” SIPTU said.

“Our members don’t want to be in this position, and it is particularly disappointing that this is happening only months into the tenure of the newly appointed Chief Executive of Clare County Council,” Arek Muszynski added.

A statement from the local authority said: “Clare County Council vehicles have been parked at council depots overnight since 31 March, 2025, following the implementation of the Vehicle Usage and Vehicle Telematics Policies As part of the implementation of the new policies, Clare County Council undertook a 12-month engagement process with all trade unions, including SIPTU.”

“Clare County Council strongly refutes the assertion that it has failed to meaningfully engage or comply with agreed dispute resolution procedures. The Council has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and comprehensively addressed all issues raised regarding these policies.

These policies are being implemented for reasons of climate change, insurance and health and safety, among others. The core issue is that the practice of employees commuting to and from work in council vehicles, including velocity patchers, articulated trucks and litter vehicles, is not permitted.”

“Clare County Council remains open to engaging further with SIPTU on this matter and would welcome clarity from the union on its current issues referred to in its media release, which remain vague,” the local authority said.

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