INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE:A MEETING is due to take place at the Labour Relations Commission on Friday in an attempt to resolve ongoing industrial action by cleaners who have mounted pickets outside the Custom House.
Representatives of Siptu, Schorman contract cleaning services and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are due to return to the commission on Friday.
Schorman secured a contract for the Custom House, headquarters of the department, on May 28th. The contract had been held by Eco Facilities Management.
Siptu claims the staff had received an indication that new contractors Schorman would ensure continuity of employment for the workers under the transfer of undertakings (Tupe) regulations. According to Siptu, on May 29th letters were issued to the cleaners by Schorman informing them hours would be cut from four hours to “2.57” hours per day. The trade union wrote to the company on June 3rd on behalf of its members stating that, under Tupe regulations, any changes to terms and conditions of the contract would have to be negotiated.
The 10 Siptu members mounted pickets outside the Custom House on July 1st. They said yesterday they will continue their protest.
Schorman declined to comment when contacted by The Irish Times.