Citizens Info staff to strike
SIPTU members employed in the Citizens Information Service (CIS) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay.
Members voted on whether to strike on Monday in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The industrial action will take place on 7 October and the CIS offers free information and advice services to the public, with nine centres currently operating across Cork.
In total, around 300 workers operating nearly 50 offices across the country will begin indefinite strike action on 7 October.
SIPTU has claimed that management has failed to adhere to a Labour Court recommendation on pay and conditions.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary John King said: “Members were left with no alternative but to ballot for strike action in furtherance of their pay dispute due to a failure by the employer and the Department of Social Protection to respect a Labour Court recommendation on a pay increase for staff.
“Citizens Information Service staff provide a vital in-person service informing people of their rights and advocating on their behalf across the country. It is a service which our members are very committed to providing and will greatly regret being forced to suspend it for an indefinite period.”
John King warned that the strike will occur during what should be a busy period for the service as it advises people concerning the impact of Budget 2025 on their finances.
“However, our members have been left with no option as a Labour Court recommendation has stated their claim is for a fair and just pay rise but there has been a complete refusal from the employer side to honour it.”
He added: “Yet again we have a situation where a government department is attempting to shirk its responsibility to hundreds of workers who provide a vital public service on behalf of the State.”
SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Brendan Carr, said: “The 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.”
“The situation our members find themselves in is an intolerable one but unfortunately not a unique one. Throughout the community sector workers 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,” he added.
“Rather, these workers, as with their colleagues in the National Advocacy Service earlier this year, are showing a willingness to stand up to protect their rights and the future of the vital services they provide.”
A representative from the Department of Social Protection told the Cork Independent that they have the same response they sent us earlier this month before the vote on industrial action.
“The Department of Social Protection recognises and values the important work carried out by the 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.”
However the department spokesperson did reveal that talks on pay will recommence on 27 September.