Belfast: Justice for sacked Traffic Attendants

belfast | workplace | audio or video Tuesday May 26, 2009 17:21 by Sean Matthews - Belfast branch

Defend the rights of all workers!

In April, twenty six traffic attendants were sacked for resorting to a half-day un-official strike, after management ignored their grievances over working conditions.

The health and safety issues include faulty and inadequate equipment, deplorable sanitary and toilet facilities. Other concerns include having to pay for their own boots and protective uniforms, breaches of personal confidentiality and complaints about workers being bullied not investigated by the company.

They were initially suspended and sacked two weeks later by their employer National Car Parks (NCP). A company spokesperson claimed: “We were very reluctant to take this decision but we have a moral and contractual obligation to deliver a public service for the people of Belfast and we cannot allow that to be disrupted by unlawful strike action.”

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) general secretary John Corey said wardens served the community through the most difficult times.

“They do not deserve to be arbitrarily dismissed by this company using anti-trade union legislation," he said.

“In the last two weeks NIPSA has done everything possible, including representations to the Department for Regional Development, to resolve all issues and restore normal traffic attendants' services.”

Since their sacking, workers have held pickets outside Belfast City Hall and employer offices. Despite management intimidation and attempts to silence their protest, the workers remain determined to achieve their demands and improve the conditions of their fellow workers.
The workers today continued their picket outside the offices of NCP Services Ltd in May Street, with passing support from motorists.

For more info on the protests email:
sackedtrafficattendants@nipsa.org.uk

DONT CROSS PICKET LINES!

link to audio interview with one worker on the picket line
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/92466