CPSU members on a work to rule at Eircell are meeting today to consider intensifying their action, which is delaying the processing of applications for new mobile phones and disrupting services.
The dispute is the second within five months at Eircell, the mobile phone subsidiary of Telecom Eireann, between management and the Civil and Public Service Union. Eircell is experiencing major problems in winning acceptance for more flexible work practices from its CPSU employees and is introducing change unilaterally.
The latest dispute involves 70 CPSU members in sales and marketing. They are objecting to the recruitment of staff to a new telesales and services grade, starting at £2,000 less than for CPSU members doing the same work.
Last Monday, CPSU members held a one day strike, and they have been on a work to rule and overtime ban since. A dozen new staff have been recruited and the CPSU assistant general secretary, representing members in Eircell and Telecom, Mr Derek Mullen, warned at the weekend that further recruitment to the new grades would see a rapid deterioration in the situation.
However, he also said: "The union is willing to negotiate on" this and all the other outstanding issues with the company. If it holds back on external recruitment, we will facilitate a speedy decision of the issues through conciliation on business changes and work practices."
A company spokesman said it, was committed to improving services and would not be deflected from doing so. It is understood that the company is not opposed to going to the Labour Relations Commission, put will do so only if it is certain that the CPSU members will accept the outcome of arbitration.
The company has made it dear that it will pay compensation for changes in working conditions, but not for the introduction of" new business practices, because" these would be continuous. It has offered £5,000 to Eircell employees to "buy out" their five day week and wants marketing and accounts staff to work longer hours.