Ballinasloe strike important for all workers in Ireland
As seen in the Galway Daily article by By Michael Malone
People Before Profit Galway has expressed its continued solidarity with workers at the Corrib Oil filling station in Ballinasloe on strike today (Saturday) from 6.30am to 10pm, PBP members from across the county joining them at the picket in Brackernagh. This follows a previous strike on 22 December which enjoyed widespread support, locals refusing to cross the picket. PBP raised the strike in Dáil Éireann on Thursday, 26 January, Paul Murphy challenging Éamon Ryan to support the workers’ demand that management recognise their union, Mandate.
PBP Galway representative Adrian Curran said: ‘It is unacceptable that Corrib Oil workers in Ballinasloe have been forced to exercise their right to strike due to management’s refusal to recognise Mandate. This strike is crucial for that reason – its success will make it easier for workers in other Corrib Oil and H2 outlets, including that in Loughrea, to secure union recognition, leading to improved pay scales, training pay, sick pay and pay increases for the cost of living. We encourage all Corrib Oil workers to become active in the union.”
“The Brackernagh workers are setting an example for all workers in Ireland. The only way for workers to get formal recognition of their union through existing legislation is through a ‘voluntary agreement’ with their employer, which employers frequently refuse to enter into. One result is that only one in three workers is covered by collective bargaining, an abysmal figure by European standards. But more and more workers, particularly younger workers, see the value in becoming active in unions, especially those in low-paid, under-respected and often predominantly female roles in health, retail, transport and education. The cost of living and housing crises make it clear: workers need their own voice at work.”
“The pandemic shone a light on the importance of essential workers like those at Corrib Oil, but workers at the company were told by H2 that there was no money in the pot for hazard pay while lockdowns were in place. The lack of union recognition has led to these workplaces remaining underpaid and undervalued. PBP’s Trade Union Recognition Bill, voted down by government TD’s last year, would have legislated for a legal mechanism for trade union recognition, compelled employers to negotiate with their workers’ union, and guaranteed access for union representatives to workplaces. Galway’s TDs need to support Corrib Oil workers by legislating to guarantee union recognition, a move which would benefit all workers.”