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Further strike threats at Liebherr

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STRIKE: Liebherr workers on strike on Wednesday. Pictured were: Mike Fleming, TJ McCarthy and David Breen with colleagues. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Sean Moriarty

Industrial action at the Liebherr Container Crane factory in Fossa could escalate as SIPTU members have confirmed this week that they are planning one-hour rolling stoppages later this month.

On Wednesday, approximately 50 electrical workers of the Connect Trade Union took part in a day-long strike from 6.30am to 8pm.

However, the situation could worsen as members of SIPTU, the union that represents about 300 members of the 800-strong work force, voted last month, to stage further one-hour walk-outs on March 25, from 7.30am to 11.30pm.

It is understood SIPTU members did not pass Wednesday’s picket in support of their colleagues.

Workers, who are no longer on a three day week and are back to work full-time, are rowing with factory management over sick pay arrangements.

They say the previous sick pay arrangement was replaced by a new scheme without consultation with the workers.

Talks are on-going at the factory but trade union bosses at Connect say these negotiations cannot continue until the sick pay row is solved.

“Liebherr Container Cranes has unilaterally altered our members Terms and Conditions of Employment,” Mark Doybbn, Connect Trade Union Regional Secretary said. “There is a collective agreement in place with a framework set out should either side seek changes to the Terms and Conditions of Employment.

“This timeframe has not been adhered to by Liebherr Container Cranes and they have moved to make changes without consultation or agreement.”

Connect Trade Union and its members employed in Liebherr Container Cranes have over the past 12 months been involved in assisting Liebherr Container Cranes to try and reduce its cost base in order to make them more competitive in the market place, he added.

The Board of Managing Directors of Liebherr Container Cranes who have been operating in Killarney for 60 years, said in a statement issued to the Killarney Advertiser, that the company’s priority was to protect its future against this rising global competition.

“Liebherr is disappointed with the strike action which has taken place and remains open to discussion with unions on how to address the increased competition that the company faces,’ the statement read.

“Management must at all times honour the existing agreements on how discussion and agreements with both unions take place. Liebherr management is on standby to engage with unions and it is important and urgent that this takes place as soon as possible.”

 

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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