There’s a dispute in Premiere Periclase in the Boyne Valley outside of Drogheda. ‘Periclase’ manufacture the essential basic components needed to produce glass, copper and steel.
When lockdown happened- contrary agreed procedures in the workers’ collective agreement- workers were elbowed out without proper notice to shut things down. Managers gave no consultation, ignored the collective agreements, and brought non-union agency staff in.
Environmental concerns were raised and the EPA was notified of an unusual yellow plume over the plant during the snap shutdown.
Labour issues went to the Workplace Relations Commission for conciliation but the workforce were on top of it. They were ready to strike. Then managers started breaching other important long-standing sick pay arrangements too.
With management allowing no progress to be made in the WRC, Unite and SIPTU have both sanctioned a strike with a picket on the access road to the Louth magnesium products plant where electricians and mechanical fitters (Connect), and general operatives (Unite and SIPTU) work. Management need to open up and restore normal communications and dealings.
Recently managers real plans have been revealed. They are breaking all collective agreements and launched an eight-point attack on workers’ conditions in the middle of the COVID Crisis. They are banking on the workers will breaking. That isn’t going to happen.
Get down and support the strikers who are trying to get this company back up and running properly with its real professional staff who belong inside.
The workers want to get back into work. They want the management to engage. It will take greater solidarity from all workers in the plant and the community in the area.
Connect members should seriously consider backing their fellow workers and balloting to join their fellow workers on the picket to leave the management no space to sneak out of successful agreements or necessary talks.
These are hard times for business- but even more so for workers. Every working people’s fight needs to be recognised and supported. Every union picket is a front line defending workers’ safety livelihood and future. It’s vital we show strong support from the community. Visit the pickets and share the Premiere Periclase Picket Strike story.
People Before Profit strongly support the workers’ action to push for correct engagement and improvements to Ts and Cs. There is a real need to engage. Talk to your union rep about supporting the strikers. See @boyneroadstrike on Insta. Get down and support the pickets today.