Tullow Credit Union board decisions 'bizarre' say FSU
Members of Tullow Credit Union begin their strike this morning, Thursday 3 September, requesting collective bargaining recognition from its board. Photo: FSU.
STAFF members of Tullow Credit Union began their strike this (Thursday) morning in a dispute with its board over trade union recognition.
Gareth Murphy, head of industrial relations and campaigns with the FSU, said it was “bizarre” to see the chairperson of the board of management and a member of the board oversight committee pass the picket this morning to open the credit union premises.
He said the staff were forced to strike because of the “intransigence of the board of management of the credit union in refusing to meet and recognise the FSU.” “All staff want is for the board of the credit union to talk with the FSU and resolve a number of issues around pay and working conditions. The FSU are available to enter talks with a view to reaching a satisfactory resolution for our members,” continued Gareth.
Local councillors Jim Dean and Brian O'Donoghue arrived at the picket line this morning and signed a petition in support of the workers.
Cllr Dean said the atmosphere at the picket line was “very positive,” with the community showing great support for the workers.
“It's unfortunate it has come to this. It's not good for the credit union movement, it's not good for the people of Tullow, it's not good for the workers and it's not good for the board. There are no winners here.” He said the request for recognition of the Financial Services Union (FSU) was not all about pay, even though the staff had gone three years without a pay rise, and there was a five-year gap in pay increases prior to that. Instead, it was about recognising the wishes of the staff, who had voted to be represented by the FSU.
“I don't think they're being unreasonable,” said cllr Dean. “The staff would rather be doing what they do best, running the credit union.” Cllr O’Donoghue noted that all parties needed to come around the table to resolve the issue before the Central Bank intervenes to protect credit union members. The interests of Tullow Credit Union members has to be the number one priority, said cllr O’Donoghue.
