Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Issue Statement Over Industrial Action

Ferns diocesan youth service issue statement over industrial action

The Ferns Diocesan Youth Service has issued a statement following industrial action at the organisation yesterday morning. SIPTU staff members held two pickets over changes to a sick pay scheme for workers. FDYS - an organisation that works with young people in County Wexford - saw it's Jungle Box Child Care Facility and Head Office both open later than usual yesterday morning after staff undertook industrial action. It follows a dispute over changes to a sick pay scheme. SIPTU Organiser, Gerry Flanagan, yesterday told South East Radio that FDYS has refused to engage with the union or the Labour Relations Commission over the changes. In a statement issued this morning, the organisation says it's had to cut it's expenditure in recent years but has achieved this without any cuts in pay or with any redundancies. They say to maintain the services provided, FDYS has had to bring sick pay back into line with industry standards - reducing it from 12 weeks to 7 days. They say many staff have accepted this but some have not - resulting in the industrial action. FDYS say the company has procedures through which all employees can discuss grievances - and they remain open for discussions with staff.