SIPTU to hold major rally outside Tim Hastings' garage on March 4
SIPTU members from across the country will attend a rally in Westport, County Mayo, on Saturday, March 4, to show their support for workers who have been on strike at the garage since early February.
The strike action results from a dispute concerning the non-payment of redundancy entitlements and a refusal by management to respect a Labour Court recommendation.
SIPTU sector organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “Our members have been on strike at Tim Hastings Volkswagen since February 3.
'They have received massive support from the local community and SIPTU members across the country.
'On March 4, SIPTU members from across the west of Ireland and beyond will assemble at the NCT Centre at Monamore in Westport at 1 p.m. From there they will march to the Octagon in Westport where a rally will be held.
“We are also asking the local community to come out on that day to show their support for the striking workers.
'The SIPTU members and their supporters will be united in the demand that the management of Tim Hastings' Volkswagen agree to implement the full terms of a Labour Court recommendation concerning three employees who were made redundant last year. These workers have received no redundancy payments, either statutory or ex-gratia.”
SIPTU organiser, Ashling Dunne, said: “Our members are resolute in their determination to see justice win out in this dispute.
'The rally on March 4 will be addressed by representatives of the striking workers and other leading local figures as well as members of the SIPTU leadership.
'This is an important struggle for all workers as it concerns fundamental issues such as the right to redundancy entitlements and an employer respecting the State’s industrial relations institutions.”
A statement issued by Tim Hastings Limited on February 23 said: 'Like many other businesses in Ireland, Tim Hastings Ltd found it necessary in August 2016 to make a number of positions redundant.
'In this regard, those who accepted their redundancy were paid their full statutory entitlements. Unfortunately, some others have thus far refused to accept redundancy payments.'