SIPTU has served strike notice on the Royal Dublin Hotel, writes Padraig Yeates, Industry and Employment Correspondent. The union says the company is refusing to negotiate over pay and conditions of employment, but management has countered that the union claim is in breach of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
The company says it is putting plans for a 30 room extension to the hotel on hold, because of the strike threat.
"The Royal Dublin Hotel's refusal to negotiate is totally unjust", said SIPTU branch secretary Mr Norman Croke.
The manager of the hotel, Mr John Kavanagh, said the hotel had met all of its obligations under the PCW and if the union pressed ahead with the strike, it would be in breach of the programme.
SIPTU has served strike notice on behalf of 70 of the hotel's 130 staff. Porters, cleaners, catering and other manual grades are involved. The strike is due to begin on June 22nd.