Updated 10.45am
SIPTU members in the Rapid Action Packaging (RAP) plant in Gweedore, County Donegal, have suspended a 24-hour work stoppage which was due to commence today (Tuesday).
The last-minute decision was made following a proposal from RAP management to enter into a talks process aimed at finding a solution to the dispute.
Up to 100 workers previously engaged in a 16-hour strike on 24th September in a bid for union recognition.
Speaking on Monday night, SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “SIPTU members in the RAP plant have agreed tonight to suspend their industrial action pending the outcome of discussions with the company.
“This followed our members receiving a proposal from the company this evening that both parties enter a process aimed at resolving the current dispute.”
SIPTU Organiser, Declan Ferry, said: “Our members have always stated their preference for a negotiated solution to this dispute. It is hoped that the process the parties will enter into can result in such an agreed solution. Our members would also like to state their appreciation for the level of support they have received from the local community in recent days.”
Local county councillor Micheal MacGiolla Easbuig said this was “encouraging news.”
He paid tribute to both the workers but also management at the factory for taking the step forward in agreeing to enter talks.
A statement from RA Pacáistí Teo released on Tuesday morning said:
RA Pacáistí Teo, operating from Gweedore, are extremely proud that the business has grown over 20 years from a start-up of four employees to now employing more than 225 people in the local area, contributing approx. €7m per year to the local economy.
A management statement said: “Keeping the business at the highest standards and maintaining sustainability is an ongoing challenge that will be made more difficult by unwarranted industrial action.
“Maintaining secure supply of our product quality and embedding customer confidence in the reliable delivery of our products are key factors in underpinning the production levels carried out in the Gweedore factory.
“It is disappointing that industrial action by a small number of employees took place last Monday at the company’s plant in Gweedore. Despite this, the factory remained in operation. The company has always been committed to working with all its employees and it is regrettable that this action happened at a time of great uncertainty with Brexit and other major challenges on the horizon.
“Yesterday evening, Company management made a formal written proposal to SIPTU to participate in a process to examine and resolve issues and procedures which gave rise to industrial action which commenced last Monday, 24th September.
“This proposal is for a process and engagement, to be conducted by an independent Industrial Relations Consultant, who will be appointed by the Company to work with both parties to examine, discuss and resolve issues. It is envisaged that this process will require two months to complete and enable the Consultant to document the outcome for the parties to adopt.
“RA Pacáistí has taken this initiative to initiate a process designed to identify the means to reconcile the present position and plot a future course, balancing the interests of all parties employed in Gweedore.
“We are pleased that SIPTU has accepted our invitation, has called off its threatened industrial action for today Tuesday 2nd October, and has suspended further industrial action for the period of two months to facilitate the talks process, as proposed.
“The selected Consultant will help the parties explore how we develop a set of defined parameters and procedures under which all parties can operate together productively in the future. The resulting agreement should ensure that we all avoid the uncertainty and hardship which would be created by any industrial action. We envisage that it will represent the best interests of all employees, as well as the long-term interests of the company, and our loyal customers who have supported the security and growth of employment in Gweedore.”
The company said it will make no further comments during these two months of intensive talks.
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