Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin calls on Donegal County Council to resolve outstanding issues in relation to workers dispute.

Published: 5 October, 2006

Sinn Féin County councillor, Pearse Doherty has called on Donegal County Council to resolve the outstanding matters in relation to the ongoing dispute with temporary roads workers. The Sinn Féin general election candidate will propose a motion at the reconvened meeting of the council on Monday 16th October, allowing the councillors to express their dissatisfaction with the current situation.

Cllr Doherty said:

"I welcome the recent statement from Donegal County Council acknowledging that there are outstanding matters to resolve. I am somewhat puzzled however that they insist that they are not in dispute with the workers, considering that the Irish Workers Union have confirmed that seven workers are to have their cases heard by the Labour Court. People don't go to court unless they are in dispute.".

"I repeat my call for Donegal County Council to resolve the outstanding matters in relation to the ongoing dispute with temporary roads workers. While Sinn Féin acknowledge that staffing matters with Donegal County Council are an 'executive function', we will not be silenced on issues of workers rights. If a multi national company did not meet it's moral or legal obligations, then we would defend the rights of those workers, so as elected members of Donegal County Council, we are certainly not going to remain tight lipped about concerns we have about those working for this public body.".

"On Monday 16th October, I will propose a motion allowing the elected members of Donegal County Council to express their dissatisfaction at this situation, where overtime rates are not being paid to some temporary roads workers for the overtime that they are working. I would hope that at that stage, my motion would be redundant and that the situation has been resolved. If not, my party and I will not be silenced by cries of 'executive function'.