'Something has to give' - SIPTU warns of possible gas disruptions as GMC workers strike

The general public can expect potential gas supply disruptions due to strike action this morning (September 13) by workers at a utilities firm. 

SIPTU members at GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering have commenced planned strike action due to what they say are last-minute changes to a new pay deal for workers. 

It comes as "last-ditch" talks to avoid an all-out strike collapsed on Monday (September 11). 

In a statement, SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction (TEAC) Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said, "At the talks last night to resolve this dispute, the company sought further extensive changes to work practices as the price for implementing a pay and productivity deal which they had agreed to in May.

"To stall for months and now, at the eleventh hour, attempt to foist massive changes onto workers in return for a modest pay increase is completely unacceptable.

"SIPTU will continue to support workers taking industrial action in an effort to win pay increases. This is the best and fairest way to mitigate the continued high rate of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis."

SIPTU Construction Organiser, Andrew Mc Guinness, said, "It was unprecedented for a company to renege on a set of proposals that it had previously agreed to implement. The consequences of this action will result in pickets being placed on GMC premises across the country, with the real possibility of disruptions in gas supply." 

Following the talks breakdown, the company released the following statement: "GMC Civil & Mechanical Engineering Limited received notification of industrial action from SIPTU on 5th September 2023. The Company is disappointed that discussions concluded on 11th September without agreement.

"The Company has not frustrated or reneged on any agreed proposal relating to the pay dispute and have amicably resolved pay and conditions for the majority of our employees since the transfer date of 1st August 2021. 

"The matter has been referred to the WRC and a conciliation meeting has been arranged at the WRC between the Company and SIPTU next week. It is regrettable that SIPTU is proceeding with the strike prior to the conciliation concluding. The Company has always respected the machinery of the state in settling any dispute and we expect that SIPTU will also.

"Finally, the company is a member of the CIF and confirms that all employees are paid in accordance with or in excess of the Construction Sector SEO." 

However, according to SIPTU, recommendations on pay and conditions were issued at the end of May and "agreed by both SIPTU and management".

In a statement released on September 7, SIPTU stated: "Regrettably, GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering has subsequently reneged on its position and refused to implement the proposals. The company has also begun the process of outsourcing union members’ work." 

SIPTU Organiser, Andrew McGuinness, said at the time: "SIPTU members in GMC have not received a pay increase since 2019. Our members desperately need it, but the company is refusing to implement the reasonable proposals on pay which were agreed in May." 

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, also commented: "Our members overwhelmingly backed the decision for strike action by a margin of 97% because the company has done everything in its power to frustrate the resolution of this dispute.

"The company’s unilateral decision to pursue outsourcing has only served to inflame matters. SIPTU members are determined that the proposals which have been agreed on pay are the only basis for the resolution of this dispute."