Unite stands ready to deploy the full range of industrial actions needed to reverse threatened management changes

Unite has referred Canadian-owned company, Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery Ltd which operates an oil refinery in Whitegate, County Cork to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The union’s action follows a series of unilateral decisions by management to curtail flexible working policy arrangements in place since 2022.

Last May and without any prior consultation with the workforce, the employer announced a cut to the popular flexible work policy which included hybrid remote working provisions. In so doing, the employer failed to cite objective reasons for such changes as is provided for in the relevant legislation and by the WRC Guidelines. In recent days, management notified employees of its intention to impose further unilateral curtailments on hybrid remote work provisions and that flexible working arrangements, which allow for variable start and finish times, are also to be abolished.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Irving Oil is guilty of riding roughshod over employment rules and treating its workers with contempt.

“Unite will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that its members are properly treated and that the attacks on their working conditions are reversed.”

Unite has formally notified Irving Oil of its failure to meet its legal obligations in seeking to change pre-existing remote working arrangements. The union has also highlighted that recently recruited employees were promised remote and flexible working arrangements from their commencement of employment with Irving Oil and that this was a deciding factor for those individuals taking on these roles. Unite has repeatedly requested face to face discussions with the company on this matter.

Unite regional officer Michael O’Brien, said: “Irving Oil’s implementation of changes to the flexible work policy, will upend the personal and family arrangements our members have in place.

“Unite is ready to engage all industrial and legal options available to reverse managements attacks on workers’ conditions.”

Unite represents the majority of the management at Irving Oil affected by the proposed changes.