AN ALL OUT strike at FAS is likely following the worsening of a dispute between management ,and unions about proposals for changes in work practices.
SIPTU, the main trade union ,at the semi state agency, served seven days strike notice yesterday after management took eight members off the payroll. The workers were suspended for refusing to issue certificates to FAS trainees, which management described as a breach of contract.
Some 17,060 trainees will be affected if the dispute is not resolved by next Monday. Classes could not proceed as all the instructors at FAS are members of the trade union. Another 40,000 people working in community employment programmes could be affected if the dispute continues.
Management at FAS says it will not talk to the unions until there is a climate of industrial peace. SIPTU says it will only participate in talks if its members are reinstated.
SIPTU balloted its 1,650 workers on industrial action last week following the union's rejection of a deal on proposals for changes in work practices. The result of the ballot was announced yesterday with a majority of workers supporting industrial action up to and including strike action.
FAS had offered workers a pay increase of between 7 and 11 per cent in return for changes in work practices. The proposals included increased class sizes, casualising a number of jobs and contracting out canteen services.