People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin has said that Derry City and Strabane District Council supports the Seagate trade union campaign.
Said Cllr Harkin: “People Before Profit, the Mayor and Cllrs from all political persuasions met with Seagate management last week to discuss concerns raised by workers, including the demand for trade union representation.
“Management was pressed on whether it would adhere to the principles of the Responsible Business Alliance and their own 2018 policy claiming to respect their workers right to form a trade union.
“It was made clear to Seagate representatives that the Council backs workers demand for trade union representation and management were called on not to obstruct or interfere with the campaign.
“Whether anything at all changes in terms of the attitude of Seagate management, the proof will be in the pudding. Their response in the meeting itself was disappointing.
“A People Before Profit proposal to the January Council meeting to organise a follow-up meeting with Seagate workers and UNITE representatives was unanimously supported.
“We send our full solidarity and support to the organising committee and the hundreds of Seagate workers who have joined the union.
“We commend the dedication and the determination of the organising team and encourage all those considering joining the union to do so now.
“A collective voice is a democratic right that all workers need more than ever.”
