Tullow Credit Union votes in favour of industrial action

Staff of Tullow Credit Union have voted unanimously in favour of industrial action in a dispute over trade union recognition and collective bargaining.

The Financial Services Union (FSU) represents the majority of employees at Tullow Credit Union. Its members are seeking recognition of their union and the right to be represented collectively in negotiations on pay, terms and conditions of employment. 

Their last pay rise was in 2023 and it was a “modest one”, said CEO of Tullow Credit Union Thomas Ryan.

Despite repeated approaches by the FSU seeking constructive engagement and a negotiated recognition agreement, the board of Tullow Credit Union has so far refused to recognise the union for collective bargaining purposes. 

The ballot of FSU members began on 5 August and concluded on 19 August. 100% of the votes were cast in favour of industrial action.

An FSU official, James Callaghan, described the mandate from its members as "overwhelming."

“The message to the Board of Tullow Credit Union could not be clearer. These workers have chosen to join a trade union and want that union to represent them collectively on their pay, terms and conditions.

“Nobody wants this dispute to escalate. The FSU has repeatedly offered to meet with the Board and establish a constructive relationship that works for both the credit union and its employees. That offer remains on the table.

“The Board should now listen to its staff, respect this clear democratic mandate and engage with their union.

“There is still an opportunity to resolve this dispute through meaningful dialogue. We urge the Board to meet with the FSU and negotiate a recognition agreement without further delay.”

In a previous statement to The Nationalist, chairperson of Tullow Credit Union Thomas Keogh said the credit union ‘respects the right of every employee to join and be represented by a trade union of their choosing’.