SIPTU has warned of possible disruptions in gas supply from today as its members at GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering take strike action in a dispute over pay.
GMC is contracted by Gas Networks Ireland for the installation, maintenance and provision of emergency response on the gas network.
The strike will see pickets placed at locations in Dublin, Carlow, Cork and Limerick.
Gas Networks Ireland said it is working with GMC to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place to manage any emerging issues on the gas network.
"Safety is our number one priority and because of these measures being put in place, we expect no disruption to the continuity of gas supplies on the network," Gas Networks Ireland said in a statement.
"However, we will continue to proactively monitor and engage with GMC management on this matter," it added.
SIPTU has accused GMC of failing to implement recommendations on pay and conditions which it says it had agreed with management.
The union said that last-ditch talks to avoid the action had failed.
"At talks to resolve this dispute, the company sought further extensive changes to work practices as the price for implementing a pay and productivity deal which they had agreed to in May," said SIPTU Division Organiser, Adrian Kane.
GMC said it was disappointed with the notice of strike action as it had engaged constructively with the employees and their representatives who transferred to the company on 1 August, 2021.
"The company has not frustrated any resolution of the pay dispute and have amicably resolved pay and conditions for the majority of employees since the transfer date," the company said.
"The matter has been referred to the WRC and a conciliation meeting has been arranged at the WRC between the company and SIPTU in the week after the commencement of the strike," GMC said.
The company added that it has always respected the machinery of the state.
GMC said it is a member of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and that all employees are paid in accordance with the Construction Sectoral Employment Order (SEO).
