Menu
29/09/2008
Protesters Clean Sweep
A group of workers who claim they were removed from their jobs at an EU-founded organisation which monitors employees' working conditions, are holding a protest in Dublin this afternoon.
The six cleaners, who had worked at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) for between 16 and 20 years, say they were sacked after they complained about mistreatment and poor working conditions.
The workers concerned were not directly employed by Eurofound but by a series of contractors over the years.
They claim that working conditions deteriorated when AFM Ireland, a Blanchardstown-based cleaning company took over the cleaning contract at the premises 18 months ago.
According to the workers, wages were not paid on time or were incorrect; holiday pay was also incorrect; cleaning equipment was faulty, and repeated promises to deduct union dues were broken.
The employees claim they were sacked after they refused to continue to work when a number of them developed respiratory problems due to cleaning chemicals supplied by the company.
The workers were replaced by four Lithuanians.
The foundation, which is based in Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, is an EU-funded organisation charged with monitoring working and living conditions in Europe.
However, AFM Ireland's Director Paul Higgins denied the six employees had been sacked and said that he was "absolutely shocked" that the protest was taking place.
Mr Higgins also denied AFM had taken on new cleaners at a lower wage.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The six cleaners, who had worked at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) for between 16 and 20 years, say they were sacked after they complained about mistreatment and poor working conditions.
The workers concerned were not directly employed by Eurofound but by a series of contractors over the years.
They claim that working conditions deteriorated when AFM Ireland, a Blanchardstown-based cleaning company took over the cleaning contract at the premises 18 months ago.
According to the workers, wages were not paid on time or were incorrect; holiday pay was also incorrect; cleaning equipment was faulty, and repeated promises to deduct union dues were broken.
The employees claim they were sacked after they refused to continue to work when a number of them developed respiratory problems due to cleaning chemicals supplied by the company.
The workers were replaced by four Lithuanians.
The foundation, which is based in Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, is an EU-funded organisation charged with monitoring working and living conditions in Europe.
However, AFM Ireland's Director Paul Higgins denied the six employees had been sacked and said that he was "absolutely shocked" that the protest was taking place.
Mr Higgins also denied AFM had taken on new cleaners at a lower wage.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2019
HSA Study Finds Irish Workforce Is Getting Older
Ireland's workforce is getting older, according to a new study carried out on behalf of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and launched by Pat Breen, TD, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.
HSA Study Finds Irish Workforce Is Getting Older
Ireland's workforce is getting older, according to a new study carried out on behalf of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and launched by Pat Breen, TD, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.
13 March 2024
Translink Workers Reject Pay Offer
Translink NI workers have rejected a pay offer from the public transport company. Unite, GMB and SIPTU confirmed that their members has "decisively voted to reject as inadequate" a pay offer made by Translink management. Workers were offered a 5% pay increase and a non-consolidated one-off payment of £1,500 for the 2023-2024 financial year.
Translink Workers Reject Pay Offer
Translink NI workers have rejected a pay offer from the public transport company. Unite, GMB and SIPTU confirmed that their members has "decisively voted to reject as inadequate" a pay offer made by Translink management. Workers were offered a 5% pay increase and a non-consolidated one-off payment of £1,500 for the 2023-2024 financial year.
19 February 2008
Dáil To Debate Agency Workers Rights
A debate on the exploitation of agency workers is to begin in the Dáil this evening. The move follows a joint private members motion, which was tabled by Labour and Sinn Féin.
Dáil To Debate Agency Workers Rights
A debate on the exploitation of agency workers is to begin in the Dáil this evening. The move follows a joint private members motion, which was tabled by Labour and Sinn Féin.
04 January 2011
RTÉ Radio Adds To Its 19th Studer OnAir3000
When Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ Radio upgraded its Studio 10 sports studio recently, it took the network's tally of Studer OnAir 3000 digital consoles to 19. While 10 are located in the main RTÉ campus, one occupies an RTÉ studio in a nearby shopping centre, and the other eight are distributed over five regional studio centres.
RTÉ Radio Adds To Its 19th Studer OnAir3000
When Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ Radio upgraded its Studio 10 sports studio recently, it took the network's tally of Studer OnAir 3000 digital consoles to 19. While 10 are located in the main RTÉ campus, one occupies an RTÉ studio in a nearby shopping centre, and the other eight are distributed over five regional studio centres.
02 June 2010
Belfast Mayor Seeks 'Prosperous City'
The new Lord Mayor of Belfast is Councillor Pat Convery of the SDLP. Mr Convery, a north Belfast councillor, was elected unopposed with 37 votes in his favour. He joined the council in 2001 and is a former Deputy Lord Mayor. Meanwhile, the DUP's William Humphrey was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
Belfast Mayor Seeks 'Prosperous City'
The new Lord Mayor of Belfast is Councillor Pat Convery of the SDLP. Mr Convery, a north Belfast councillor, was elected unopposed with 37 votes in his favour. He joined the council in 2001 and is a former Deputy Lord Mayor. Meanwhile, the DUP's William Humphrey was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
