Cliffs industrial dispute talks fail

Crunch talks aimed at resolving an industrial dispute at one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions ended in failure earlier this week.

Staff at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre had picketed the world-renowned site for nine days in a row over pay and conditions.
The SIPTU members suspended their action ­following an invitation to talks from the Labour Relations Commission (LRC). However, six hours of talks failed to resolve the dispute and the matter is now due before the Labour Court for further consideration next week.
Seventeen workers at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre took official industrial action after the Labour Court recommended they be granted parity of pay and conditions with Clare County Council employees, given that the centre is owned by the local authority.
“At the request of LRC, parties are not engaging in any detailed comment on the issue. The company does, however, remain open to discussion with a view to resolving issues,” stated Ger Dollard, director of services with Clare County Council and director of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd. 
After withdrawing the picket on Friday, SIPTU industrial organiser, Tony Kenny, said, “We have always held the belief that this dispute could have been avoided.
“The Labour Court granted parity of pay, sick pay and premium payments to our members in the Cliffs of Moher centre in line with local authority employees several months ago but the recommendation was ignored by company management.”
“We suspended industrial action in June to allow for further engagement at the LRC. All we have sought is that the employer would agree to return to the Labour Court to have this matter resolved.
“Unfortunately, we ended up spending nine days on the picket line,” Mr Kenny continued.
“The company has now agreed to work within the State dispute resolution procedures and our members have agreed to find a negotiated solution to the outstanding issues.
“It is now incumbent on everyone to resolve these in a fair and equitable manner,” he said.
Mr Kenny added that the striking SIPTU members were extremely grateful for the support they have received from the local community, from many tourists and bus drivers visiting the centre and from people across the country.
The case is due to be heard on August 5.