At 9am this morning 12 workers started their picket of Tipperary Water. Owned by Gleeson, one of Ireland's biggest firms. The workers were made redundant for joining SIPTU.

SIPTU Organiser Graham Macken said: “The majority of workers in the warehouse are SIPTU members. However, the company has refused to meet with union representatives to discuss changes to their terms and conditions of employment."

David Whelan, Siptu member and former shop-steward at the plant, said he had worked there for four years as a fork-lift operator.

“Over the last few years the management had been making deductions and cuts to our wages, saying the company was losing money. He said I had no skills and I was working there four years. At the same time a lad working there three months was kept on. About four weeks ago, of 17 members of Siptu 13 were made redundant.”

This morning Cllr Brid Smith of the SWP and People Before Profit Alliance and TD Joan Collins joined the picket to show solidarity with the striking workers.

SIPTU need to call everyone out of the warehouse. This company cannot be allowed to march all over worker's rights. There needs to be an official picket placed on the premises.

The workers return Tues morning from 10am. Please show you support.

Unit 16 Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate