Union Calls For 'Decent Employment' At Company

One of Ireland's main trade unions has called for increased pressure on a Limerick firm to provide "decent employment conditions".

The union has accused Curran Aluminium & PVC Ltd of failing to implement a Labour Court Recommendation that proposes rates of pay, and terms and conditions of employment, that reflect the norm for the industry.

A month-long strike is currently underway at the factory, with picket lines outside the business. However, Curran Aluminium insists that a recent inspection by the National Employment Rights Authority found the company is fully compliant with all relevant employment rights legislation.

But, SIPTU Sectoral Organiser for Limerick Karan O'Loughlin said: "The Labour Court has been quite clear that basic rights such as overtime after 39 hours, breaks in line with the Organisation of Working time Act, a premium for working before 8.00am, along with the workers' right to be represented by a trade union should be respected.

"This company is a member of IBEC (Irish Builders and Employers Confederation) and is actively represented by IBEC. Supporting an employer who applies less that normal, decent, terms and conditions surely puts other IBEC members at risk.

"It is everyone's duty to support decent employers so that all citizens can have access to decent employment and can earn a living wage."

Management at Curran Aluminium have rubbished the claims saying the company remains open for business despite the pickets.

Company spokesman Kieran Curran said: "The company has been forced to scale back its operation like many others and make redundancies. It is extraordinarily lucky in that the vast majority of its workforce is happy to work away so there is no issue with any of our orders not being filled.

"We are very much open for business and we have almost 100 per cent capacity providing that business. We still maintain our right to deal directly with employees so we have a very good relationship with our employees so we see the role of SIPTU as unnecessary."

(DW)