IN A landmark case employees at the FDYS have been successful in their bid for trade union recognition following a course of industrial action.
The protest was deemed successful by union officials who confirmed to this newspaper that they were “very encouraged” by management’s decision to engage with them.
Industrial action has now been withdrawn and negotiations are currently underway between the management of the centre and union representatives with a view to resolving the on-going dispute.
Approximately 55 people are employed directly by the not-for-profit company at Francis Street, with a significant portion of the staff based in the adjoining Junglebox Childcare Centre.
A dispute between staff and management arose last June when changes to the sick leave policy were introduced.
Following the decline of an invitation to engage in negotiations with SIPTU, the trade union representing the majority of the employees, the decision was taken to engage in industrial action.
An invitation to engage with the Labour Relations Commission was also declined by management, who indicated their preference to deal with the issues on a one-to-one basis with individual staff members.
SIPTU rejected this on the basis that changes affecting the entire body of staff needed to be addressed on a collective basis as opposed to individually.
The decision to engage in industrial action was mooted in June.
On two separate occasions the FDYS and Junglebox Childcare Centre staff went on strike for an hour-long period before opening the centres and resuming operations as normal for the remainder of the day.
A protest was also held in the Bullring, with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin in attendance.
The decision to strike in the first place was described by SIPTU Lead Organiser Gerry Flanagan as “particularly difficult”.
“The staff in the creche were hugely concerned about striking as they didn’t want to put the service in jeopardy,” said Mr Flanagan.
He added: “The decision to close just for an hour at the beginning of the day was considered the best way to reduce the inconvenience for parents.”
Despite the concern expressed, the workforce remained “hugely committed” and “exceptionally strong”, according to Mr Flanagan.
Recent constitutional amendments now mean that the right to join a trade union is basic right, however employers are not obliged to recognise the trade union.