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Embassy staff threaten to strike Embassy staff threaten to strike
(about 8 hours later)
Staff at the British Embassy in Dublin have threatened to strike next week over proposed compulsory redundancy notices issued to three colleagues. Staff at the British Embassy in Dublin may strike next week over a proposal to issue three colleagues with compulsory redundancy notices.
Dublin is the only British embassy to recognise trade union membership. Members of the Unite trade union have begun balloting for industrial action at the embassy in Ballsbridge.
It agreed a set of procedures with unions in 2003 for dealing with issues and disputes. It follows a meeting attended by about 80% of the embassy's 45 union members.
It is understood that the decision to reduce staff numbers was taken in London. Unions say this falls outside the agreed terms. Dublin is the only British embassy to recognise trade union membership. It agreed procedures with unions in 2003 to deal with issues and disputes.
It is understood that the decision to reduce staff numbers was taken in London. Unions said this falls outside the agreed terms.
The three Irish workers, who have a total of 20 years' service between them, deal with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland.The three Irish workers, who have a total of 20 years' service between them, deal with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland.
About 40 members of the Unite trade union are expected to attend a meeting to discuss possible strike action. Unite regional officer Colm Quinlan said: "There was a lot of anger at today's meeting over the manner in which this decision was arrived at and was communicated to staff.
"The ambassador and his staff have shown complete disregard for the Irish Labour Relations Commission through which this should have been negotiated."
The results of the ballot are due at the beginning of next week.