Work Stoppages Continues But Picket Cancelled At Local Employment Services In Laois And Offaly

Tuesday, 7 December 2021 07:26

They're objecting to the planned privatisation of services and jobs clubs.

SIPTU members working in local employment services and jobs clubs in Laois and Offaly will continue their work stoppage today - but their pickets have been cancelled due to the weather warnings.

The strike began yesterday and was supported by action outside the Department of Social Protection in Dublin.

They're protesting against the privatisation of the service by Minister Heather Humphreys.

Our members action and protests received huge support from the public today in Laois, Offaly and Dublin.

It is our intention to keep up the pressure until the Minister sees sense and stops the proposed destruction of local employment services. #OurCommunityIsNotForSale pic.twitter.com/dl6M7CABjI
— SIPTU (@SIPTU) December 6, 2021

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, says:

“Our members received huge support from the public and from the people who use their services today in Birr, Portarlington, Tullamore and Dublin.

“Our members in these towns will continue their industrial action with a further work stoppage tomorrow. Due to the weather warnings issued tonight by Met Éireann a planned action in Dublin tomorrow has been stood down.

“It is our intention to keep the pressure on and escalate our actions until the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, sees sense and stops the proposed destruction of these essential local employment schemes.”

“The reality is our members employed in the LES and Job Clubs, as well as the people who use these services, will ultimately pay the price for the privatisation model proposed by the Government. The Minister needs to realise that our members’ resolve is strong and they will see their campaign to stop the privatisation of these services across the country through to its success.

“We are again calling on the Taoiseach to intervene and invite stakeholders to establish a forum to discuss a fair way forward.”