Stand in Solidarity with Workers Fighting Unfair Dismissal
When: Monday 20 July, 12 Noon
Where: Obsidian Body Piercing Studio, 37 Church Lane, Belfast, BT1 4QN
Workers formerly employed at Echo Body Piercing Studio and Obsidian Body Piercing Studio have called an urgent trade union rally to seek support for their ongoing campaign against unfair dismissal and for improved health and safety standards, decent terms and conditions, and trade union recognition across the industry.
NIPSA members and trade union activists are encouraged to attend and show solidarity with these workers by bringing union banners and flags.
Background
In March, five non-management staff working across Echo Body Piercing Studio in Castle Street and Obsidian Body Piercing Studio in Church Lane raised concerns regarding workplace health and safety.
The workers had collectively sought:
-
Completion of Hepatitis B immunisations for staff regularly exposed to blood and bodily fluids.
-
Trade union recognition.
-
Resolution of a range of workplace concerns affecting staff welfare and conditions.
Following what they described as a continued failure by management to address safety concerns, the workers removed themselves from the workplace under Article 68 of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, citing serious and imminent danger.
Subsequently:
-
Workers were invited back to work.
-
They returned in reduced duties without loss of pay.
-
Pay was restored for shifts missed while exercising their health and safety rights.
-
Antibody testing and vaccination arrangements were put in place.
However, the workers state that they were later suspended and subjected to disciplinary action. They further allege that trade union representation was denied during disciplinary proceedings. On 30 April, all five workers were dismissed and, according to the workers, subsequent appeals have not been addressed.
Call for Support
The workers are now entering the third month of their campaign against what they describe as unfair dismissal.
They are seeking support from the wider trade union movement to highlight:
-
The importance of workplace health and safety.
-
The right of workers to raise legitimate concerns without fear of victimisation.
-
The need for decent pay and conditions.
-
The importance of trade union recognition and representation.
We encourage NIPSA members, branches and workplace representatives to attend the rally and demonstrate solidarity with these workers and their campaign.
“These workers want to show their former employer not only that they have support from the broader trade union movement in their struggle against unfair dismissal, but also in the struggle for health and safety, decent pay and conditions, and union recognition across the industry.”
Carmel Gates
General Secretary