Dublin dockers reject package
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II Dublin dockers have rejected a settlement package in a dispute that has closed a major container terminal for more than five weeks.
The 35 workers have set up an official picket line at the Marine Terminals depot in Dublin. Its closure has forced hauliers to travel as far as Waterford and Belfast to collect Dublin-bound containers. More containers are building up on Liverpool docks as MIL refuses to accept cargo at the Southside depot.
The dispute arose when crane drivers and other dock workers were faced with changes to manning practices and hours. While crane drivers have since accepted a deal, a work and pay package offered to dockers has been rejected.
MIL commercial manager Paul Halpin says: "We need new crane drivers and a shift system in order to comply with the EU 48-hour Working Time Directive. We have told them this is what we need, and we have offered them a generous severance package."
The dispute is to be heard by the Dublin Labour Court.
• Irish police are seeking a truck driver who stole an artic from Dublin Port on 29 September it was loaded wtth 1,000 litre bottles of Jameson Whiskey; the vehicle, minus its load, was found abandoned in West Dublin.
Contact: 00 353 1666 8000.