Tullow Workers On Strike As Credit Union Management Stonewall Negotiations In Long-Standing Dispute
Workers in the Tullow Credit Union have been forced to escalate their industrial action in the face of an intransigent management. They are on the picket line this Friday and upcoming Monday.
Workers in the Tullow Credit Union have been forced to escalate their industrial action in the face of an intransigent management. They are on the picket line this Friday and upcoming Monday. The news comes on the back of a long-standing dispute between workers and management at the financial establishment.
In August 2026, the workers, represented by the Financial Services Union (FSU) voted to back industrial action unanimously. Management refused to recognize the trade union, and collective bargaining rights for the employees. Instead of accepting the democratic decision of workers, management stonewalled them.
Under Irish law, there is no requirement for an employer to recognise trade unions for the purpose of collective bargaining. A bill from a few years back, sponsored by People Before Profit, the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021 would have mandated recognition. It was defeated in Leinster House by FFG.
Mediation was offered by the Workplace Relations’ Commission (WRC) in September 2026, which did not end fruitfully. The FSU had attended the meeting hoping for a positive outcome. Unfortunately, management had “refused to engage on any substantive issue” and showed “contempt” for the workers and their rights.
In addition, it was evident that management was engaging in union busting practices. The contract of the institution’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was ended without a formal process, likely illegally. He was an FSU member. In response, the FSU called on the Central Bank to intervene.
By October 2026, the sixth week into the dispute, it became clear to workers that industrial action needed to be escalated. A Labour Court complaint has been lodged, and workers are on the picket lines this Friday and upcoming Monday. The behaviour of management has been described as “bizarre”.
Commenting Gareth Murphy, Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns with the FSU said:
“Due to the complete intransigence of the Board of Directors of Tullow Credit Union staff have been left with no option but to escalate the official dispute. Pickets will be in place all day on Friday 9th October and next Monday 12th October.
As the Board refused to enter meaningful discussions with FSU, via the Workplace Relations Commission, the union has now lodged a formal complaint with the Labour Court.
The FSU have informed the Board of Directors the dispute will be paused if there is prior agreement that both sides, the FSU and the Board of Directors will agree to implement any recommendations made by the Labour Court. This is an important opportunity for the Board to end this dispute.
It is bizarre we have reached this stage, but we remain optimistic that common sense will prevail."
