asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a trade dispute has been in progress since the 12th October between the Dickens Leather Company, Ltd., Dungarvan, and their employees with a consequent loss to the fell mongers, and boot and leather industry, and severe hardships to the men on strike and their families, and if he will state if he has taken action to bring about a settlement of this dispute and with what results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Dispute.
I am aware that a trade dispute has been in progress since 12th October between the Dickens Leather Company, Ltd., Dungarvan, and the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union, due to the fact that members of the union refuse to work with non-trade union labour in the factory.
There is in existence a joint industrial council for the tanning industry, the principal function of which is to promote harmony in the industry, and the matter in dispute was discussed at two meetings of that body which were held in May and June last, but without result. The chairman and secretary of this body are officers of my Department. Subsequently, two conciliation conferences, presided over by officers of the Department, were held on the 22nd July and the 2nd October, but the parties failed to agree. I am not vested with any power of compulsion in this matter but, as the parties are aware, I am willing, at any time, to summon a further conference if requested by either side. Since the start of the strike, however, no approach has been made to me or to my Department with a view to the summoning of such a conference.
Is there any hope that the Department would use its power to arrange a conference between the parties concerned, with a view to bringing about a settlement of this dispute, before it is prolonged into the winter months, and thereby getting the people disemployed at the moment back into work before the Christmas period?
I think I told the Deputy that the Department cannot use its power, but may use its good offices and is quite willing to do so, at any time there is any hope of a settlement.
Would the Department use its power to bring about a conference?
Yes.
Would the Minister consider not waiting for either of the parties in the dispute to approach the Department for a conference? Would he take it on himself to convene a meeting of the two parties, with a view to discussing a settlement?
As far as I understand the procedure, the Minister must be requested by either party to call a conference. I do not think he can depart from that procedure.
Would it not be possible, without a request, to ask the parties to agree to a conference?
Not officially, anyway.