Dates for further actions to be decided on Monday

Stoppage follows company refusal to implement Labour Court recommendation

Unite members working for German logistics giant Dachser (formerly Johnston Logistics) in Rathcoole have been taking strike action since this morning (Thursday December 10^th) and the current action is set to continue until 6 am on Saturday December 12^th.  The dates of further actions in the run-up to Christmas will be decided by a meeting of workers on Monday.

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:

“Last year the Labour Court recommended that Dachser engage collectively with their workers through the union of their choice, Unite, as they do in other jurisdictions.

“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, notwithstanding their skills and experience, some of our members earn less than the Living Wage.

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

 “Unite has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to engage meaningfully with the company in order to improve pay and conditions.  The company’s intransigence has left our members with no option but to take industrial action two weeks before Christmas.

“Pickets have been placed at the company’s premises at Blackchurch Business Park in Rathcoole and will continue until 6 am on Saturday December 12^th.  Further actions will be held in the run-up to Christmas, and our members will decide on dates for these actions at a meeting on Monday.

“This dispute can be easily resolved: Dachser simply needs to implement Labour Court Recommendation 22022 by extending recognition to Unite in respect of our members. Unite remains available for meaningful engagement with Dachser in order to improve our members’ terms and conditions”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.