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union reps sacked with no support from siptu

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  • 08-08-2010 7:21pm
    #1
    michelle22222
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭


    My father was recently sacked from his job while serving as a union rep, this occured atfer an unofficial stoppage at the plant. Even though he played no part in the starting of this dispute but attempted to stop it at one stage. He used this in his appeal within the company but failed to be reinstated. This was bad enough but the back up he got from siptu leaves a lot to be desired, letters emails and phone calls totally ignored. They never offered advice, made no attempt to speak to him on the issue despite the fact that he has 37 years of union membership, is this what our unions have to offer members today?
    If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of similar situations please comment.


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    #2
    jhegarty
    Registered Users Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    What reason was given for his dismissal ?


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    #3
    scudzilla
    Registered Users Posts: 11,933 ✭✭✭✭scudzilla


    Sorry to hear about your dad

    A colleague and good friend of mine has recently been fired, SIPTU have been as much use as a fart in an Astronaut suit.

    He is constantly calling them, being told he'll get a return call that never comes, they don't respond to mails.

    He is at his wits end wit them.


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    #4
    bbam
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,410 ✭✭✭bbam


    To be honest the unions will only be of any use if it's a fight that's of benifet to their overall cause... As for fighting for individuals it's hit and miss.


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    #5
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    michelle22222 wrote: »
    My father was recently sacked from his job while serving as a union rep, this occured atfer an unofficial stoppage at the plant. Even though he played no part in the starting of this dispute but attempted to stop it at one stage. He used this in his appeal within the company but failed to be reinstated. This was bad enough but the back up he got from siptu leaves a lot to be desired, letters emails and phone calls totally ignored. They never offered advice, made no attempt to speak to him on the issue despite the fact that he has 37 years of union membership, is this what our unions have to offer members today?
    If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of similar situations please comment.

    Unfortunately,SIPTU are among the most pro-goverment people in the country at the moment.

    Just a suggestion but your dad could get in touch with the Socialist party,(01) 6772592, they have a good record on workers rights, GAMA,Thomas Cook etc.

    A shop steward getting the sack is very serious assault on union rights. With the correct tactics, and support from fellow workers, this is something that could be reversed.


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    #6
    mikemac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 19,986 ✭✭✭✭mikemac


    As said, if it's a issue for a group of workers and publicity SIPTU can be great but for individual, can be good and not so good.

    Realy, as a paying member, escalate and demand better.
    SIPTU have legal advisors and experts, get them to start working on this.

    Bypass the regional rep and go straight to HQ in Dublin, this situation is exactly what your union dues are there for, help when you need it.


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    #7
    Trashbat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭Trashbat


    panda100 wrote: »

    Just a suggestion but your dad could get in touch with the Socialist party,(01) 6772592, they have a good record on workers rights, GAMA,Thomas Cook etc.

    Be wary that you may get no satisfaction from this route, and the SP are just as likely to turn this into an opportunity for self promotion without actually providing any help.

    Alot of the successful campaigns they claim to be "instrumental" in are larger issues that border on illegality in the way workers are treated (GAMA, and the "you'll never get £3" home care campaign), which means publicity and political support are valuable tools. A one off sacking may not gather the same levels of shock or sympathy.

    Also, alot of companies do not take kindly to unrecognised third parties interfering in disputes.


    Continue to hound SIPTU into action (they have a reputation of being keener to take cases they can win, so expect a tough slog), but they will be recognised by your employer. Failing that, get advice on going down the legal route for unfair dismissal.


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