Contingency plans in place for 999 calls

BT who run the emergency 999 answering service based in Navan and Donegal have moved to reassure the public that robust contingency plans are in place in the event of a strike by the Communications Workers Union (CWU).

CWU 999 workers based in Navan and Ballyshannon, Co Donegal have voted by 82 per cent in favour of industrial action.

Following the ballot the company declined an invitation to attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

A spokesperson for BT said: "If the Communications Workers Union Ireland proceed with their hugely disappointing and unwarranted industrial action, we have robust and tested contingency plans in place to operate the emergency call answering service and maintain the high standards the public expects of us.”

The dispute centres on union recognition and better pay and conditions.

Senator Shane Cassells raised the matter in the Seanad just before Christmas, strongly criticising BT's lack of engagement with vital emergency service workers.

“Over the last 18 months, the 999 workers in Navan and Ballyshannon joined the Communications Workers Union to try to improve their workplace conditions across a number of areas,” said Senator Cassells.

“The workers want to know how a company that is delivering a state contract can simply ignore an invite from the WRC, the industrial relations machinery of the State.

“The Minister needs to intervene and ask why a company that is delivering such a vital State service is refusing to attend the WRC," he said.

A BT Ireland spokesperson said 17 union members handling calls in the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) had voted for industrial action.

“This is 17 operators out of a total workforce of 64 operators in ECAS.

“BT Ireland has worked extensively with our employees in ECAS, listened to their issues and ideas, and taken concrete steps to address them.”

“We fully recognise an employee’s right to join a trade union, however, we believe our successful direct model of engagement and consultation with colleagues, is the best channel and a proven channel. In the circumstances, while we respect and appreciate the expertise of the Conciliation Services, the company respectfully declined the invitation of the Workplace Relations Commission to attend conciliation on this specific matter.”