Newspaper staff set to strike

Newspaper staff set to strike this Friday


Michael Duffy

UNITE trade union members on the staff of the Western People newspaper in Ballina look set to strike this Friday unless management at the newspaper withdraws two dismissal letters and protective notice letters issued to staff members last week.
Members of Unite voted by an overwhelming majority to take strike action from October 31, after two staff members were issued with dismissal letters earlier this month when they refused to accept new roles in the company’s offices in Castlebar and Claremorris.
It was also confirmed yesterday (Monday) by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) headquarters that their members had also been.placed on protective notice, a move which the spokesperson confirmed as being seen by the NUJ as ‘a bullying tactic’.
“We view this move by management as a bullying tactic which is being used to instill fear  and uncertainty in our members. We are calling on management to take the necessary steps, which is the withdrawing of the dismissal letters and the protective notices, so negotiations can take place. We believe strike action can be avoided if negotiations with the Labour Relations Commission take place,” said the NUJ spokesperson.
Three Mayo TDs, Deputies Dara Calleary, John O’Mahony and Michael Ring all issued statements this week appealing for further negotiations to take place in order to prevent strike action but the company themselves issued a statement on Friday last which stated they are currently overstaffed and they have informed employees that where possible it will fill vacancies internally rather than laying off staff, ‘to safeguard jobs’. The company said they have been attempting to fill two sales positions in Castlebar and Claremorris since January, 2008.
“The company has had ongoing discussions with staff and Unite representatives since January 2008, with a view to filling these positions internally and protecting existing employment. Unfortunately, staff meetings, requests for volunteers and discussions with Unite since early this year, have all failed to reach agreement on filling these positions internally. After more than nine months seeking a solution, the company had no alternative but to identify staff members to fill these two vacancies.”
The company statement went on to say that both staff members were advised that if they chose not to accept the jobs available to them in Castlebar and Claremorris there would be no alternative work for them.
“The company has guaranteed salary and benefits for the two staff members concerned. The Western People has offered to meet Unite representatives, without pre-conditions or, alternatively, to enter into talks with a Conciliation Officer from the Labour Relations Commission. Unite has refused to meet with the company without preconditions and has instead issued strike notice.”
A spokesperson for Unite members in the Western People said they will only enter negotiations when the dismissal letters and protective notices are withdrawn.
“It is impossible to enter negotiations with a sword hanging over you and your hands tied behind your back and we are more than willing to sit down with the company or the Labour Relations Commission if the dismissal letters and protective notices are withdraw,” said the Unite spokesperson.