Sinn Fein's Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said Sinn Féin members will join workers at the Tipperary Water plant in Ballyfermot at a protest today against forced redundancies and pay cuts.

He accused the company of using the current economic climate as an excuse to force down pay and conditions for workers.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh has urged trade unions and fellow workers to support the plight of the Tipperary Water workers and join the protest tomorrow.

-- Advertisement --

Mr Ó Snodaigh said: "I met with the SIPTU Shop Steward on Friday. I was shocked when he explained the work practises at the plant. Unilateral cuts in pay, temporary staff brought in to under mine the work force and finally forced redundancies.

"Staff have taken an 8% cut in pay over three years and 13 staff were made redundant in December last only to be replaced by temporary workers.

"Yet Tipperary Water had a turnover of €243m last year. These work practices are unacceptable.

"Sinn Féin fully supports these workers. We will be joining them in their protest tomorrow morning and I intend to raise the issue in the Dail on Tuesday.

"Companies like Tipperary Water are using the current economic climate to force down pay and conditions. It is wrong, it is confrontational and it will be opposed."

(CD)