An independent mediation process aimed at finding a resolution to the long running dispute at the Lagan Brick production plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, has failed due to the intransigence of the company’s owners.

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: "The mediation process began last month and despite the best efforts of the dispute assessment panel overseeing the negotiations no agreement could be reached. This was due to the intransigence displayed by the owners of Lagan Brick throughout the process.

"Joe McDermott, in his role as the independent chairman of the dispute assessment panel, has proposed that both parties to this dispute now agree to enter a binding arbitration process. The workers have indicated that they are agreeable to this proposal but to date there has been no response from the owners of Lagan Brick."

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Mr Regan added: "The determination and resolve of our members to secure fair and equitable severance terms as a recognition of their long service with this company is undiminished. The workers will now recommence their campaign to highlight the unfair way they have been treated in the full knowledge that they have the support and solidarity of their local community as well as fellow trade unionists across the island."

Workers at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant in Kingscourt were informed it was closing only hours before it ceased operation on Friday, 15th December. Since then 25 SIPTU members employed at the plant have been in dispute with the management of Lagan Brick over its failure to pay established redundancy terms.

(CD/GK)