asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a strike has been in existence in Tuam Beet Factory since the 10th instant; that the strike has arisen out of the action of the factory manager in ordering the workers concerned to take during the last week in July the annual holidays to which they are entitled by law; and that hitherto it has been the practice to permit the men to take their holidays during the slack period, at their convenience; and, if so, if he is prepared to take immediate steps to have the subject matter of the dispute investigated with a view to its early termination on equitable terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Beet Factory Strike.
I am aware that certain workers in the Tuam Beet Factory withdrew their labour on the 10th instant, but as their action was not authorised by the trade union to which they belong, I do not propose to intervene in the dispute.
Do I take it that, because their union did not sanction it, the Minister will not give any consideration to these men?
It is my policy not to intervene in unofficial trade disputes.
But the Minister is aware of the fact that the strike is caused because the manager of the factory made an order that a certain week which suited himself, namely, race week, should suit the workers, who are entitled by law to a week's holidays, to cut their turf or to save their hay, as the case might be. The Minister is aware that that is what has caused this strike. Is he?
I decline to express any opinion on the subject.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply by the Minister, I regret that I am compelled to ask your permission to raise this matter on the adjournment.
May I point out that I have no official responsibility in the matter?
I shall have to consider whether the Minister has any official responsibility in the matter. Questions should relate to matters on which he has responsibility.
He has, of course.
How do you know?
It is a subsidised industry.
I have no responsibility for its management.
Who has?
The board of the company, as the Deputy knows well.
Can they do as they like?
Certainly, to the same extent as the board of any other company.
It is a trade dispute and, of course, the Minister has a function.
In trade disputes, I have a function as negotiator and only as negotiator.
Exactly.
It would, therefore, be entirely wrong for Deputy Donnellan to put me in the position of expressing an opinion on the dispute, in the event of circumstances arising in which I could intervene. I have always declined to intervene in strikes that are not recognised by the trades union to which the men concerned belong.
The Minister has a right to intervene, and Deputy Donnellan has a right to raise the matter. You know that.
Do I take it, Sir, that you will not give me permission to raise the matter on the adjournment?
I said I shall consider it.
Thank you.