The use of strike-breakers by the management of Kells Credit Union, County Meath, marks a “new low” in its attempts to deny workers collective bargaining rights, according to SIPTU Insurance and Finance Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane.

On Thursday, (8th August), and Friday, (9th August), credit union workers continued their series of rolling strikes with a 48-hour work stoppage. Management brought in outside staff in an attempt to maintain the operation of the credit union.

Adrian Kane said: “The use of strike-breakers by the management of Kells Credit Union is a new low in its treatment of workers. This is a management team that is completely out-of-step with the feelings of credit union members and the people of Kells.

During the work stoppage local supporters and former employees of Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, County Cavan joined the workers’ picket outside the Credit Union. The Lagan Brick workers, who last year conducted a 39-week strike to secure their redundancy entitlements, presented the credit union employees with a cheque to support their campaign.

The workers have welcomed a statement by Meath East Labour TD, Dominic Hannigan, calling on the Labour Court to intervene in the dispute.  

Adrian Kane said: “SIPTU would welcome the intervention of either the Labour Relations Commission or the Labour Court, however, thus far regrettably, management of the credit union has shunned attempts by both institutions to help resolve the dispute.”