Cargotec workers in Dundalk take one day strike action

Over 200 Unite members at the Cargotec (formerly Moffett Engineering) facility in Dundalk are taking strike action today in a dispute surrounding what the union has termed a "bogus TUPE" process. 

A ballot of Unite members last month returned an overwhelming 93 per cent vote in favour of industrial action, and a further day of strike action is scheduled for 16th March if the dispute is not resolved in the meantime.

The Union claim that Cargotec has refused to engage meaningfully at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court regarding their proposal to transfer workers under what Unite has dubbed a "bogus TUPE" which workers say could leave their established jobs, pay and conditions vulnerable to attack in the future.

Speaking ahead of the action, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Last year Cargotec’s global workforce generated over €4 billion in revenue for the company. And the thanks they get from the employer is a ‘bogus TUPE’ transfer to another Cargotec subsidiary which is likely to result in the undermining of the terms and conditions of these workers. 

“And worse, this entire process is being railroaded by the company who are refusing to engage meaningfully in the established state industrial relations mechanisms for union-employer negotiations. Cargotec should be in no doubt Unite will back our members all the way in their defence of decent jobs in Dundalk.”

Regional Officer Brian Hewitt added:

“The overwhelming 93 per cent vote for industrial action should leave Cargotec in no doubt that Unite members will do whatever it takes to defend the terms and conditions of everyone working in the Dundalk facility.  

“A further day of strike action is scheduled for 16 March. Resolution of this dispute is in the company’s hands:  they need to make use of Ireland’s industrial relations mechanisms and engage meaningfully and collectively with Unite to allay our members' concerns and put an end to this dispute,” Mr Hewitt concluded.

In a statement released to the Democrat when the strike was announced Cargotec defended their actions saying:

“We have recently completed a TUPE transfer which was carried out following a full consultation process, in addition to engagement with the WRC and the LRC. 

“Unite was invited to participate in the process. During the consultation process, we duly notified, informed and consulted with employees and/or their representatives in advance of the transfer coming into effect. 

“The transfer came into effect on 1st January 2023 whereby we transferred part of our business, namely the Fabrication and Paint Plant, to our global partner, FSP For Surface Protection. Under TUPE Regulations the employee’s terms and conditions, including pay, are fully protected. 

“As a Company, we always abide by relevant legislation and we will continue to engage with our employees to build meaningful dialogue and address their concerns.”