Workforce at Queen’s University to take strike action to defend pay and pensions

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Unite the union NI

Unite the union striking on 16th March, UCU on 15th and 16th March

Both Unite and UCU at QUB are set to take further strike action at Queen’s University as part of their ongoing industrial dispute with management over fair and equitable pay, pensions, and precarious employment practices. The strike action follows ballots held by both Unite and UCU at QUB which provided a strong mandate for industrial action up to and including strike action at Queen’s.

The UCU action is to continue on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of March and the union has action short of a strike in force continuously. Unite’s strike action is also set to continue with further strike dates identified in April.

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Cargotec: Strike sends strong message in ‘bogus TUPE’ dispute

Posted on March 10, 2023 by unitetheunion

Company must come to table and negotiate collectively

March 10th: Following a 93% vote for industrial action, Unite members working for cargo handling manufacturer Cargotec in Dundalk took to the picket line today in a move which saw production at the facility closed down.  The dispute surrounds what Unite has termed a ‘bogus TUPE’ process which members fear could impact their terms and conditions going forward.  Unite is calling on the company to come to the table and negotiate collectively with the workers affected.

Commenting, Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Tom Fitzgerald said:

“The overwhelming vote to take industrial action was reflected in the strength of today’s picket line which closed down production at Cargotec’s Dundalk facility.  Our members have contributed to the success of this highly profitable company, and it’s now up to the company to treat their workers with respect, come to the table, and negotiate collectively with our members through their union, Unite, regarding their proposals which we believe amount to a ‘bogus TUPE’ and could impact on terms and conditions going forward”.

Unite Regional Officer Brian Hewitt added:

“Today’s action should have left the company in no doubt regarding our members’ determination to be treated with respect.  The company needs to rethink, come to the table and talk to workers collectively regarding their proposals.  Otherwise, they face the prospect of another strike on March 16th, Mr Hewitt warned.

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Cargotec workers in Dundalk to down tools tomorrow (Friday) in ‘Bogus TUPE’ dispute

Posted on March 9, 2023 by unitetheunion

Further day of strike action scheduled for 16 March

Dispute follows company failure to engage meaningfully at WRC and Labour Court

March 9th: Over 200 Unite members at the Cargotec (formerly Moffett Engineering) facility in Dundalk are set to take strike action tomorrow (Friday 10 March) in a dispute surrounding what the union has termed a ‘bogus TUPE’ process.  A ballot of Unite members last month returned an overwhelming 93 per cent vote in favour of industrial action, and a further day of strike action is scheduled for 16 March if the dispute is not resolved in the meantime.

Cargotec has refused to engage meaningfully at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court regarding their proposal to transfer workers under what Unite has dubbed a ‘bogus TUPE’ which workers fear could leave their established jobs, pay and conditions vulnerable to attack in the future.

Speaking ahead of the action, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

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Unite leader hails successful defence of right to strike against legal challenge

Posted on March 9, 2023 by unitetheunion

Unite shop stewards defended against legal attack

Mechanical strike going ahead tomorrow (Friday) at H.A. O’Neil and Leo Lynch

March 9th A strike by mechanical workers in HA O’Neil’s and Leo Lynch’s will go ahead tomorrow (Friday 10 March) after trade union Unite fought off an attempt today by HA O’Neil (Jones Engineering) to obtain an injunction restraining Unite members from taking industrial action. Accordingly, official pickets will be placed at HA O’Neil and Leo Lynch sites in Leixlip (Intel) and Grange Castle (Pfizer) tomorrow.

The action follows an overwhelming vote for strike action in pursuit of a claim for restoration of the first hour of travel time, which was originally cut as a so-called ‘temporary measure’ following the 2008 financial crash. 

Following agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission last November to exclude travel time from the Sectoral Employment Order process, and failure to resolve the issue through agreed dispute procedures, Unite members have been left with no option but to take strike action in pursuit of travel time restoration, which could mean a significant increase in gross pay.

Welcoming the news that employers failed in their attempt to obtain an injunction, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

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Hovis workforce votes overwhelmingly to accept 13.5 percent pay increase

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Unite the union NI

Unite members vote with 75 percent majority to end their dispute and accept two-year pay deal

Workers of Unite the union working at Hovis have voted by a margin of three to one to accept a significantly improved pay increase offered by their employer. The improved pay deal was offered on the eve of all-out strike action planned last week. Over two calendar years 2023 and 2024, the offer provides workers with a pay increase of 13.5 percent.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham congratulated Unite members at Hovis for their willingness to take strike action for improved pay.

“Yet again members of Unite have secured a significant improvement to their pay through their collective action. Hovis can well afford to increase the pay of their workforce; they have enjoyed huge success in recent years posting pre-tax profits of almost £50 million in 2021.

“Why should workers pay the price for the current economic crisis when it was definitely not of their making. Our members know that they have the full backing of this union when they organise to defend jobs, pay and conditions.”

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