Union "disappointed" Laois arts staff dispute not aired at council
Dunamaise Arts Centre staffing issue kept out of Laois County Council meeting while centre CEO insists they ‘engaged fully’ in talks
The union representing staff in dispute with the Dunamaise Arts Centre has expressed disappointment that the issue was not allowed to be discussed at the Laois County Council June meeting.
However the centre’s CEO is insisting that the board has fully engaged with talks, underlying its commitment to staff welfare and its busy schedule of events.
The Fórsa union is representing some staff in the Portlaoise centre in a dispute over a number of months.
Assistant General Secretary Padraig Mulligan had alleged that long serving “staff report a hostile and destabilising work environment” and that they feel “pushed out”.
Cllr Aisling Moran had planned to raise the issue at the June 30 council meeting, an action welcomed by Fórsa.
However there was no discussion. Cllr Moran afterwards confirmed why, speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
“It was not raised at the meeting as the council said staff issues cannot be discussed. Instead they have offered me a private meeting with the CEO of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Ciara O’Connell and the CEO of Laois County Council Michael Rainey.
“I will have a number of questions for them. This has to be solved. I am doing everything in my power to sort it,” she said.
Fórsa say they are also meeting Cllr Moran, to further explain the issues raised by staff.
Fórsa PRO Niall Shanahan said he is “very disappointed” it could not be discussed.
“Very disappointing. We were keen to highlight the decline in programming because it illustrates the impact this issue is having on the output of the centre,” Mr Shanahan said.
Padraig Mulligan represented the staff in negotiations with their employer, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
He claimed: "The employer walked away from the WRC process and four members of staff have already quit their posts, which represents a huge loss of knowledge, experience and skill from Dunamaise.
“It's also a loss to the community served by the arts centre. Above all, these staff losses could have been avoided, the WRC process was attempting to address their difficulties.
“Fórsa wants to ensure that Dunamaise is a safe workplace, and that the contribution of all staff to the work of the centre is recognised and appreciated. I also want to acknowledge the support of the public, artists and individual councillors who have expressed their support for our members working at the centre," Mr Mulligan said.
The CEO of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Ciara O’Connell says however that they have engaged fully in the negotiations, while the centre continues to remain busy.
“ While it is not the policy of the Dunamaise Arts Centre to comment on individual employment matters, the Board can confirm that it has engaged fully with the WRC process. The Board has always and will continue to consider the welfare of staff to be of upmost importance. The Board encourages and reminds all its employees of the internal procedures available to address any and all issues that may arise during their employment.
“With regard to programming, there is a vibrant programme to come throughout 2026/27 as well as a new bistro café opening later this month.
“The Dunamaise Arts Centre remains committed to serving artists, audiences and the community, ensuring fair, transparent and sustainable management of the organisation ,” the CEO said.