Labour expresses solidarity with workers in industrial disputes

At a meeting of the Executive Board of the Labour Party today, members expressed solidarity and support to the Lloyds pharmacy workers seeking recognition from their employer, and the members of Fórsa in Roscommon seeking the retention of family friendly flexi-leave.

Labour Party Chairman Jack O’Connor said:

“The Labour Party stands with all workers seeking the right to engage in collective bargaining with their employer and defend their negotiated rights.

“It is essential that the management of Lloyds Pharmacies move to accept the recommendation of the Labour Court and engage in a meaningful way with the workers and their trade union Mandate to address their concerns over working hours, terms and conditions.

“Withdrawing their labour is always a last resort for workers and in this case, it could be resolved if management engaged with Mandate.

“In Roscommon, Labour members also expressed deep concern at the move by management to unilaterally restrict family friendly, flexi-leave arrangements.

“On Thursday, over 100 workers withdrew their labour and will do so again due to the failure to implement binding Labour Court recommendations.

“These recent disputes copperfasten the argument that it’s long past time we afforded working people parity of esteem in their own country, by proceeding with a Referendum to amend Article 40 to provide for a specific “Fundamental Right to Collective Bargaining.”