Greyhound strikers to stop blockade after adjournment

Striking employees of Greyhound Waste Recycling in Dublin have agreed to stop blockading the company’s plant pending further talks aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute over pay cuts.

Striking workers met with union representatives today after protests outside the Four Courts.

The official strike will continue this week pending further talks between Siptu and Greyhound. Earlier, gardaí monitored protests by opposing sides of the dispute at the entrance to the Four Courts.

A large group called Justice for Greyhound Workers faced off against a smaller group of employees who continue to work at Greyhound in a tense exchange that lasted all day.

Protestors chanted “the workers united will never be defeated” and repeatedly called non-picketing workers “scabs”.

After the adjournment, workers were escorted back to their bus by gardaí after they were jostled by protestors supporting the strike. One supporter claimed he was manhandled.

The company yesterday warned that all 400 jobs at the plant are at risk as a result of the continued industrial action. Non-picketing employees said they feared for their jobs.

Paul Mulhall, who has worked in Greyhound’s call centre for two years, said it was “awful” crossing the picket line into work every day. Non-striking workers enter through a side gate because picketers block the main entrance.

“We’re just innocent workers caught up in this mess. I think it’s terrible these men are out of work, but there’s nothing I can do about it. They seem to think we’re against them, but I can’t afford to go out on strike.”

Fellow employee Chris Poleon said the picketing had become very contentious in the last two weeks and non-striking workers would like Government intervention.

Mr Poleon said he was unable to get through the picket line into work one morning, and he was spat on and abused.

This morning, some non-striking Greyhound employees boarded a bus at the company bound for a counter protest outside the High Court. Strikers blocked the bus, which required garda intervention.

A Greyhound spokesman said: “The parties have agreed to adjourn the matter for one week.

“During that week, detailed discussions will take place with a view to resolving all matters. No further comment can be made.”