Workers cry for help in threatened closure of ISPCA centre in Donegal

SIPTU members employed in the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are calling on government intervention arising from the proposed closure of the organisation’s rehabilitation centre in Ballyare.

The group wants Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to intervene to protect their jobs and services.

The ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and DSPCA (Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are merging to form a single national animal welfare organisation called the National SPCA, to be operational by October 1.

The members believe the threatened closure of ISPCA services in Donegal and associated forced redundancies have been deliberately orchestrated to deny the workers affected their statutory employment protections.

SIPTU Organiser, Peter O’Brien, said: “The ISPCA has entered into talks with our members regarding redundancies but has consistently refused to provide the financial information needed to properly assess the situation. Management have also refused to provide this information to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and has now withdrawn from that process leaving workers in the dark about their futures. This is completely unacceptable.

“Already, some workers have been issued redundancy letters. In Donegal, management is planning to close the centre without any negotiation and without providing criteria for any redundancies. Workers have no clarity on what will happen to the important services provided in the Donegal centre. They are deeply concerned that the services and the animals they care for will be moved to other parts of the country without the necessary planning

“This is the behaviour of a rogue employer, which is completely wrong particularly when it is considered that it is largely funded by the Department of Agriculture and through charitable donations. The ISPCA has a duty of transparency to its employees, service users and the public.

 “The ISPCA is refusing to provide all the financial details requested in the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission). Workers have sought this information in order to protect their jobs and the vital services they provide. The Minister cannot allow an organisation in receipt of public funds to behave in this manner, which is a blatant attempt to deny those workers their basic rights and protections. Intervention is needed now to safeguard employment, transparency and the state supported services they provide in Donegal.”

SIPTU has confirmed it is prepared to re-enter the WRC and is calling on the Department of Agriculture to ensure the ISPCA show accountability and proper engagement with staff representatives.