SIPTU members in Citizens Information to strike?
SIPTU members working in the Citizens Information Service (CIS) have begun a ballot for strike action in a pay dispute with the Department of Social Protection.
If the strike proceeds, it could lead to the closure of dozens of Citizens Information Centres nationwide. The CIS offers free information and advice services to the public, with nine centres currently operating across Cork county.
SIPTU has claimed that management has failed to adhere to a Labour Court recommendation on pay and conditions.
SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “Approximately 300 workers operating nearly 50 offices across the country will be impacted by a vote for strike action. The proposed action will be indefinite in duration and result in the full closure of this vital service until action is taken to respect the Labour Court recommendation that was secured in June this year.”
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King, said: “This situation is intolerable and workers throughout the community sector will no longer be treated as second-class citizens and have their commitment to the services they provide used against them due to a reluctance to take action which could impact clients.
“Rather, as with their colleagues in the National Advocacy Service earlier this year, they are showing they are willing to stand up in order to protect their rights and the future of the vital services they provide.”
The CIS ballot is scheduled to be counted on Friday 20 September, in Liberty Hall, Dublin.
A representative from the Department of Social protection told the Cork Independent: “The Department of Social Protection recognises and values the important work carried out by the Citizen Information Service (CIS), providing people with independent information, advice and advocacy services across the country.
“Talks commenced Friday 13 September between representatives from SIPTU, CIS, the Citizens Information Board, and the Department of Social Protection in relation to pay. It was agreed that talks would reconvene later this month. The department looks forward to all parties engaging constructively in this process.”