TV3 journalists are being denied access to the ICTU conference inDonegal because of the company’s refusal to recognise unions, itemerged today.
ICTU confirmed to ireland.comthis afternoon that it was refusing TV3right of access to cover the conference because of the union- recognition dispute at the company.
A spokesman for ICTU said the Congress was supporting SIPTU and theNUJ in their fight for recognition at TV3.
He said: "The issue was fundamental to us."
SIPTU said yesterday its members had already voted forindustrial action, which would be taken if the company continues torefuse workers the right to union representation.
According to the union, some TV3 staff earn little more than half asmuch as their counterparts in RTÉ.
The NUJ said it was meeting this weekend to consider what action totake.
In statement last night, TV3 said: "TV3 is not prepared to enter intonegotiations with SIPTU or NUJ.As part of their campaign forrecognition, these Unions have distorted facts of internal practicesat TV3 with ridiculous claims which TV3 will not be drawn into a public discussion on."
"It is common practice in broadcasting to have non-compete clauses incontracts with talent.This is an internal matter that will be dealtwith within TV3 and without union interference", she added.
It is unclear how many TV3 staff are unionised, although inquiriessuggest about 50 per cent, which would be enough to cause disruption.
Yesterday delegates at the ICTU’s biennial conference endorsed thecampaign by the NUJ and SIPTU for recognition at TV3.
