Cargotec workers in Dundalk strike for second time in a week

Unite members at the Cargotec (formerly Moffett Engineering) facility in Dundalk again took 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, with members holding their first picket last Friday.

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.

Regional Officer Brian Hewitt explained:

“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.  

He continued: “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.” 

In a statement released to the Democrat last week, Cargotec defended their actions and expressed disappointment over the strike, saying:

"These planned actions are groundless and despite direct consultation with Unite, it appears that the union is unwilling to change their position on demanding the reversal of the transfer, despite the fact that Cargotec has proven that the TUPE transfer of employment of 40 employees from Cargotec to FSP For Surface Protection is legal and proceeded in full in accordance with employment law.

"The legality of the TUPE transfer was also established in emergency WRC talks in December 2022.

"It is perplexing that this action is going ahead for no valid reason; it only serves to jeopardise the Company’s ambitious investment plans to create a new state of the art factory in Dundalk in the near future.  

The company went on to say that employee terms and conditions remained “fully protected” and that there was no risk to job security.

They also said that the company had commenced “extensive consultation” with impacted staff.

“The purpose of these meetings was to clarify any details or concerns with the process at the time, however Unite chose not to fully engage until after the consultations ended.

"Cargotec detailed to Unite representatives that this decision was part of Cargotec’s and Hiab’s long-term strategy to invest in its core business which is the design and assembly of load-handling equipment.”

The statement concluded:

"Cargotec management and staff have had a strong, open positive working relationship over many decades.  Cargotec is at an advanced stage in identifying a site for our state-of-the art facility in Dundalk, representing a €30m investment. Separately, FSP is committed to investing €8-10m in a new co-located Fabrication and Paint Plant in Dundalk. All positive news for the future of both companies,  our staff and the local economy.  However, these plans have now been put on hold due to the ongoing uncertainty as the investment is dependent on the shared partnership between the two companies.  

"The Cargotec management’s door continues to remain open for further discussions with Unite and management are discussing the matter extensively with employees."