Kerry County Museum staff are today voting on whether to take industrial action in protest over pay and working conditions.
The 13 employees say they have taken the step because of the refusal of Kerry Urban District Council (UDC) to recognise their contribution to the museum’s success.
Mr Matty O’Callaghan of MANDATE said today the UDC has exploited the sessional aspect of the work at the museum so that the majority of staff do not have a continuous contract. As a result, he said, one employee is earning €6 per hour after 12 years of service at the museum.
Mr O’Callaghan said since the last meeting with management in October, there has been no response to the union’s request for talks, leaving members with no option but to ballot for industrial action.
"It is unfortunate that this step is necessary, but the staff's patience has been exhausted. We have raised the issue repeatedly with the town clerk and UDC but no progress has been made," he said.
But acting town clerk at Kerry UDC Mr John McCarthy denied the authority has been unwilling to meet the union. "We are available to meet with MANDATE at any time and have communicated that to them. I expect there will be a meeting shortly," Mr McCarthy said. He declined to make any further comment.
The result of the today’s ballot will be known on Sunday, but the union expects it to be in favour of industrial action which could include an all-out strike.
"That will be decided by union and staff once the result is known. The tourist session begins on March 17th and action may start around then," Mr O’Callaghan said.