SIPTU says industrial action is possible if security workers do not receive promised pay increases

SIPTU representatives have called on the Government to ensure that the terms of an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the security industry are honoured following the move by a group of employers to secure an injunction against the measure.

This is the second time that the same three employers have secured a High Court injunction against the order.

SIPTU Contract Services Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, said: “An injunction has been granted once again against the implementation of an ERO in the security industry.

“This means that a wage increase due to workers in the industry from 29th August 2022 may not be paid.

“These workers have not received any pay increase since June 2019. This is a highly regulated industry where all workers are required to be trained and licenced by legislation.”

Kenny says that the workers are owed a pay increase, which was previously agreed to.

“This is a slap in the face for workers who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic.

“The ERO was agreed between employers and worker representatives before being ratified by the Labour Court.

“It was a long and at times challenging process, in which the three employers who have secured the injunction fully participated. This court injunction is wrong and grossly unfair to workers,” he says.

“SIPTU members in the security industry are disgusted at this situation. They expect immediate action to ensure they receive their long-awaited pay rise and other improvements in conditions due under the terms of the ERO.”

SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “We are calling on the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, who has responsibility for the implementation of EROs, to move immediately to have this injunction overturned.

“If the Government does not take immediate action to implement the terms of the Security Industry ERO we will be considering all options including balloting SIPTU members on industrial action in pursuit of pay increases and other improvements to their terms and conditions.”