THE COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS’ Union is calling for the State to only award contracts to companies that recognise unions and industrial relations.
The call came as the union representing over 15,000 workers meets in Galway this week amid a dispute with Conduit Global, the company which operates 999 emergency call centres.
Ahead of today’s meeting, CWU President Pascal Connolly says that there are some companies that treat workers with “complete contempt” despite holding State contracts.
“Some employers still cling to a 19th century model of workplace relations, refusing to recognise union representation, and imposing oppressive and intimidating disciplinary procedures on their workers,” he said.
Some also hold lucrative contracts from the State and yet continue to treat their workers badly, and regard the industrial relations structures of the State with complete contempt.
Connolly went on to say that inequality in irish society is driven by “endless attacks on working people and their employment conditions”, adding that these attacks were “spawned during the Thatcher – Reagan era” as an attempt to divide workers
Among the workers it represents, the CWU is home to workers from companies such as An Post, Eir and Vodafone.
The union’s dispute with Conduit Global has led to two recent 12-hour work stoppages by emergency call centre workers as they seek a minimum of €11.50 an hour.
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