BORD NA MÓNA has been slammed by unions representing staff after eight workers were “locked-out” of the company.

The eight workers have been suspended by the company for refusing to relocate.

SIPTU, Unite and the TEEU criticised what they called the “heavy-handed approach of management towards the workers”, after 8 staff were let go from the Boora works section of the company.

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said:

“For several months the Group of Unions has been engaged with management concerning a dispute surrounding an attempt to implement pay cuts and reduce the workforce by 117.

“Management recently informed the Group of Unions that it was going ahead with the de-manning of one section of the company. The unions responded by informing management that there was no agreement on this process and if it went ahead with this unilateral action it would be in breach of procedures and have serious consequences.”

However, Bord na Móna says that the workers can resume their employment if they engage with company on the issue.

“During the past six months the company has engaged in a series of negotiations and discussions with employees and GOU representatives to jointly discuss the implications of the new model of operations.

“The company can confirm that difficulties have emerged where a small number of employees, at the Boora works, have refused to co-operate with the relocation process, resulting in a suspension of their employment.

“The company is urging all parties involved to act in accordance with the long-established grievance procedure so that normal working can resume. This grievance resolution procedure has served the company and employees well over the years.”

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