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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 9

Adjournment Debate. - Industrial Dispute at Athlone (Westmeath) Plant.

I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. Ward International has been operating successfully in Athlone for about nine years. It is the subsidiary of an American company and specialises in the manufacture of machines for the making of cardboard boxes. This company produces between seven and ten high value machines each year and I understand has been trading profitably for at least the past five years.

This plant has a skilful and dedicated workforce of about 60 employees, drawn from a wide catchment area, many of whom are supporting families, paying mortgages, etc. Difficulties arose between the workers and the company concerning contracts and agreements about work practices. Negotiations commenced and the matter was referred for conciliation.

The conciliation officer heard the case and suggested that the main point of contention — flexi-time arrangements — should be resolved between the two parties. He declared that he was available at any time to assist in seeking a resolution to the dispute.

Lengthy negotiations took place between the two parties with the workers conceding on almost every point. The workers proposed to return to conciliation and to refer the matter to the Labour Court but the company refused to allow the case to be referred for further conciliation or arbitration. The workers were left with no option but to withdraw their labour and they are now in the third week of this industrial action.

The strike is now at a critical stage with no production at the plant and workers enduring much hardship. I am aware that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Rourke, who is present in the House, discussed the matter with management and workers about three weeks ago but, unfortunately, the strike is continuing. I call on her to intervene again at this late stage to see if the points of disagreement between the two parties can be resolved amicably.

I thank my colleague from County Westmeath for raising this matter and I am glad to have an opportunity to respond. I share his concern about this firm. Its workforce is dedicated and it is well known that its management wish to remain in Athlone given that the plant is viable. As the Deputy said, an impasse has been reached.

I will not outline the background to the dispute as the Deputy is well aware of the position. As he said, three weeks ago when strike action was threatened I spoke with management, the unions and the workers and tried, despite the difficulties, to get them to postpone strike action.

I take the view, which is shared by other Members, that industrial disputes can best be resolved when the parties involved follow the proper procedures in an effort to reach a settlement. As the Deputy is aware, the matter was referred to the Labour Relations Commission and other agencies but it has not been resolved. The point was made that the negotiations should be concluded within a reasonable timeframe and that the agreed procedures should be exhausted if an agreement could not be reached at local level. I suggest that the agreed procedures were not exhausted.

The Deputy suggested that I should intervene again. I would encourage both sides to use the machinery that is available. Should either side find it difficult to use that machinery for any reason I would be glad to meet with them separately or together during the next few days or over the weekend to listen to what they have to say and advise them on how best to approach the labour relations machinery available for resolving these difficulties. I have an intense interest in this matter. As well as being the Deputy's constituents, they are my constituents. They are in my home town. I am available to consolidate and review the advice I have already offered. I hope that in the coming weekend we will be able to work through some suggestions and firm up the process.

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