THE National Lottery could face disruption because the company which services its terminals does not recognise unions. GTech Ireland Corporation has introduced a new rostering system and a compulsory redundancy package for those unwilling to work the new system without any consultation with the Communications Workers Union (CWU).
The CWU general secretary, Mr David Begg, said yesterday the company had shown "utter contempt" for the union and Irish industrial relations. He called on the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, and the managing director of the National Lottery, Mr Ray Bates, to look at the situation.
However, spokespersons for both have said it is not a dispute in which they wished to become involved.
The CWU said it would now take the matter up with the Government as GTech was getting State funds and is in breach of the tripartite approach to resolving industrial disputes agreed in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. The CWU would also consult members over industrial action.
"In fact, the company, in a letter to the Labour Relations Commission on May 31st, stated baldly that it did not recognise the CWU and refused to attend a LRC conciliation conference to deal with the issues raised by the union," said Mr Begg.
A spokeswoman at the company's London office said. "Our primary objective is to serve the Irish National Lottery to the best of our ability. In order to improve our service, we undertook a reorganisation in which best employment practice was followed and employees were fully consulted."
She said the US based company had received the "full advice and guidance of IBEC" the Irish employers' body during the consultation process.