Dispute is on foot of IAC’s refusal to engage collectively with workers

Union welcomes Institute of Archaeologists in Ireland statement urging use of state’s industrial relations mechanisms

November 8th: Unite, which represents commercial archaeologists in Ireland, today again urged the Irish Archaeological Consultancy to attend the Workplace Relations Commission and negotiate collectively with its employees regarding an outstanding pay claim.  The call came as Unite members working for the company at a site in Portmarnock engaged in a 24-hour stoppage.  The Portmarnock action follows two earlier stoppages at IAC sites in Macroom and Dublin’s Aungier Street.

Commenting, Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Richie Browne said that resolution of the dispute was in the hands of IAC and the company’s CEO Rob Lynch:  “Unite has repeatedly sought to engage with the Irish Archaeological Consultancy, both directly and under the auspices of the WRC.  All approaches from ourselves and from the WRC have been rebuffed. Our members have been left with no option but to take industrial action in pursuit of a very simple demand:  that IAC negotiate collectively with its workers through the union of their choice.

Unite Archaeology Branch chair Jean O’Dowd added:

“While our members are frustrated at IAC’s persistent refusal to engage, we have been heartened by the overwhelming support we have received from the archaeological community throughout Ireland as well as the trade union movement.

“We were particularly encouraged by the statement issued this week by the Institute of Archaeologists in Ireland calling for the use of the state’s industrial relations mechanisms to resolve this dispute, and pointing out that the WRC-facilitated agreement between Unite and Rubicon Heritage demonstrates that discussions can lead to positive outcomes for both employers and employees.  We would urge IAC to heed the Institute’s call and engage collectively with their workers”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.