Kyte SIPTU workers go on strike

Central to the dispute is the worker's rate of pay verus the rising cost of living.

SIPTU members employed by Kyte Powertech in Cavan Town have begun campaign of strike and industrial action.

The action is being taken in relation to a pay dispute between workers and management, with a 24 -hour work stoppage planned.

More than 450 people are employed at the Cavan Town plant, with approximately 360 SIPTU members, 88 per cent voted by ballot in favour of rejecting earlier Labour Court pay deal recommendations.

Central to their dispute is the rate of pay verus the rising cost of living.

SIPTU Organiser, Martin O'Rourke, said union members “reluctantly” voted in favour of strike action “only after pursuing every other avenue open to them in their efforts to secure a pay increase that protects their standard of living and purchasing power.

He added that workers are seeking to “reach a reasonable pay agreement” that recognises the “sacrifices” they’ve made over recent years to ensure the continued success of this plant.

Management at Kyte meanwhile says that company had accepted the Labour Court recommendation on enhanced pay, even though it went “beyond what the Company was prepared to pay”.

This, they claims, was done “in the interests of maintaining good industrial relations. Sadly, the employees have chosen to reject the Labour Court recommendation. “

In a statement, management added that given the “challenging and uncertain” business context, Kyte cannot afford to further increase labour costs beyond the Labour Court recommendation which the company views “as the only basis” for a solution.

“The employees’ decision to take industrial action is regrettable. We remain available to meet with SIPTU to clarify our position and on any matter arising from the stated position of the parties.”