SIPTU has welcomed a Labour Court decision to proceed to a full hearing of the issues involved in the long running dispute at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, on Wednesday, 18th July at 10.00 a.m.

The dispute, which is in its seventh month, was referred to the Labour Court by SIPTU under Section 20 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act (1969) following the refusal of the company's management to jointly refer the matter.

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said; "SIPTU has accepted the Labour Court's proposal to convene a full hearing of the issues involved in the Lagan Brick dispute on Wednesday, 18th July. To date, all other Labour Relations Commission processes and mediation attempts to find a just resolution to this dispute have been unsuccessful due to the failure of the management of Lagan Brick to fully engage in a meaningful manner."

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He added: "This dispute has lasted over six months. It began when the workers involved were locked out of their workplace by the management of Lagan Brick in the run up to Christmas last year. The dispute has placed immense strain on the workers and their families. It is hoped that the Labour Court will be able to assist in bringing a just and fair resolution to the dispute as quickly as possible."

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 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)