ATMs affected by labour dispute

Bank ATMs and foreign exchange services were affected yesterday by the one-day strike of cash-in-transit workers, with 5 per cent of the State's 1,200 machines running out of cash.

All ATMs affected were "off site" and in locations such as supermarkets and shopping malls. It is understood that many may not be refilled until some time next week.

Retailers made contingency plans for dealing with cash and were reluctant to talk about it for security reasons.

A spokesman for Dublin Chamber of Commerce said members had planned for yesterday's strike but if the dispute continued then it would create "severe problems".

SIPTU members are taking the action in pursuit of pay increases from the three companies involved: Securicor; Allied Brink's; and CP Security. A further two-day stoppage is planned for Thursday and Friday of next week and a complete withdrawal of labour from March 20th. Mr Kevin McMahon of SIPTU said there had been no contact between the two sides yesterday.

A spokesman for the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs said no disruption had been caused to the delivery of social welfare payments as a result of the stoppage, and none was foreseen for next week. If the dispute escalated, however, there would be difficulties.

Mr Ed O'Neill of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce called for the intervention of the Minister of State for Trade, Mr Tom Kitt. "If this goes on the implications are quite serious." A spokeswoman for Mr Kitt said he was urging a return to the negotiating table. Mr McMahon said it was the banks and major retail outlets, by their size and the pressure they brought to bear on the cash delivery companies, which were the cause of the low wages his members got for their services.

Workers are paid £5.55 an hour and are looking for a £2.50 per hour increase. Mr McMahon is suggesting the companies using the service pay £1 of this increase through the payment of larger fees, while another £1 rise would be paid for through productivity.