asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a strike is in progress in Shinrone, County Offaly, at the waterworks scheme since November, 1950, and whether, in view of the fact that the workers employed at 1/6 per hour who went on strike demand 1/9 per hour in accordance with local trade union rates and that the county council have offered 1/8 per hour, he will instruct the county manager to pay 1/9 per hour and have this matter ended to the satisfaction of the workers who were left idle all the winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shinrone Strike (Offaly).
I am aware of the circumstances in question. The men are employed by a contractor on a scheme for the county council. I have no power to instruct a local authority to approve of any particular rate of wages being paid by contractors. I have, however, utilised the services of the Department's labour liaison officer for consultation with the interests concerned in this and some other schemes where similar difficulties have arisen. Arising out of these consultations, I expect to be in a position in the immediate future to advise the local authorities concerned as to the means by which, in my opinion, the disputes in question might be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
In view of the fact that there is a very loud demand from the people of the area to have this scheme completed and, on the other hand, that the workers are anxious to resume work provided they get the local rate of pay, which is 1/9 per hour, would the Minister undertake to have representations made to have this unfortunate dispute settled with the least possible delay so that the men could resume work possibly by the end of this week or early next week?
We have taken all possible steps and are hoping for an early solution. I cannot discuss the matter at the moment.