SIPTU “optimistic” of Carroll Cuisine dispute resolution

Negotiations between management at Carroll's Cuisine and the trade union SIPTU, in an effort to resolve a dispute over working pay and conditions, have been described as "positive" by a trade union official.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent on Thursday morning, SIPTU's manufacturing divisional organiser, Neil McGowan, said talks between both parties remain ongoing this week.

"We have had three days of talks and are optimistic they will conclude this week barring any unexpected developments," Mr McGowan said.

The dispute between management and workers led to three days of stoppages at the company's Tullamore facility prior to the start of negotiations on Tuesday of last week.

SIPTU said the talks would seek to secure a collective agreement to deliver improvements in pay and conditions and collective bargaining for workers at the meat-processing plant.

Last week, the trade union official described management's willingness to enter into talks as "a major step forward".

"Credit for this progress lies entirely with our members in the plant, who stood firm and united in taking the industrial action necessary to move management into a position where it became serious about resolving these longstanding workplace issues.

"The support of the local community and the solidarity shown by the wider trade-union movement have also been crucial in getting us to this point where management at Carroll’s Cuisine have formally acknowledged the union’s role and committed to engaging in work related negotiations," Mr McGowan added.