Stoppage follows company refusal to implement Labour Court recommendation

December 3rd: Trade union Unite, which represents members working for German logistics giant Dachser (formerly Johnston Logistics) in Rathcoole, has announced that workers will be taking strike action from Thursday December 10^th.  The stoppage comes on foot of the company’s refusal to engage collectively with their workers through their union, Unite, notwithstanding a Labour Court recommendation that they do so.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Jean O’Dowd said:

“Dachser is one of the world’s largest logistics companies. In 2018, the most recent year for which figures are available, the German-based parent group grew its consolidated net revenue to over €5.6 billion.  Yet some of our members earn little more than the Living Wage.

“Logistics workers are at the front line of the Covid-19 emergency and have been working throughout the pandemic. Dachser provides warehousing services in critical sectors such as the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. 

“The company has refused to implement a 2019 Labour Court recommendation that they engage collectively with their workers through Unite. 

“Following numerous unsuccessful attempts to engage meaningfully with the company in order to improve pay and conditions, our members have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action.

“Pickets will therefore be placed at the company’s premises at Blackchurch Business Park in Rathcoole from 6 am on Thursday December 10^th to 6 am on Saturday December 12^th.

“Resolution of this dispute is in the company’s hands.  They need to implement Labour Court Recommendation 22022 by extending recognition to Unite in respect of our members and engaging meaningfully with us in respect of our members’ terms and conditions”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.