Funferal

Locked out in Ireland for joining a union

News from Ireland of workers being locked out because of their desire to join a union - despite the fact that this is forbidden by the unfair dismissals act:

Labour Enterprise spokesperson Ruairi Quinn has lent his support to a rally to take place tomorrow Friday, 6pm, in support of eight employees of the Marie Goretti Nursing Home in Kilmallock Co Limerick who are in dispute with their employer over Trade Union membership.

Deputy Quinn said: “One of the employees was disgracefully dismissed because of their desire to be represented by SIPTU, while the remaining eight were locked out over their support of their dismissed colleague.

“The workers were offered their jobs back on condition that they promised not to join a trade union. Quite rightly, they refused the offer. A picket has been in place at the nursing home for some weeks now.

“Nursing home owners have recruited a group of foreign-nationals to fill the jobs of the locked out workers.

“The workers and their supporters will march from the People’s Hall in Kilmallock to the gates of the nursing home where they will present a petition, signed by 800 members of the local community, supporting their right to be represented by a trade union.”