asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement in connection with the strike at Lullymore and Littleton briquette factories which is causing great inconvenience to retail suppliers and the public in general.
Written Answers. - Briquette Factories' Dispute.
496.
This dispute arose over the transfer of a number of full time employees to seasonal working.
Official strike action commenced on 12 November. Bord na Móna intended to implement the transfer to seasonal working from the end of September but deferred action to facilitate conciliation talks at the Labour Court. A package of proposals emerged from these talks which included a provision that the question of compensation be referred to a formal hearing of the Labour Court. On 6 November the court recommended compensation of £1,000 per person. The workers at both locations rejected the recommendation and strike action commenced. Further talks took place under an industrial relations officer of the Labour Court on 19 November. Following this, the Labour Court met the parties and suggested further direct negotiations with a view to settling the issues in dispute.
I understand that a Labour Court conciliation conference has been arranged for Friday, 14 December. I would strongly urge the parties to make every effort to reach a settlement.