SIPTU members employed by Shannon Heritage DAC have voted overwhelmingly to support a proposal to ballot for industrial action at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The move comes following a series of breaches of long-standing collective agreements by the company’s interim management, leaving workers with no alternative but to escalate their dispute.
The industrial unrest has been triggered by 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 Wednesday, 1st October 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, said: “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. At our general meetings, the membership fully supported the proposal to ballot for industrial action.”
SIPTU Shop Steward, Dolores Broderick, added: “Management clearly does not respect its obligations under the industrial relations procedures. Workers will not be treated with contempt. We have a voice and we will not allow management to ignore us. This is about fairness, respect, and upholding the collective agreements that our members have already secured.”