The industrial dispute at Haldane Fisher’s Carnbane site in Newry has been resolved, with staff due to return to work on Tuesday, July 14, the company has confirmed.
In a statement, Haldane Fisher said agreement had been reached following “constructive discussions” with employee representatives. The firm reiterated that it “respects the right of colleagues to take part in lawful protest” and said it is now looking forward to welcoming staff back on site.
Despite the dispute, the Newry branch remained open throughout and continued to trade. The company paid tribute both to local staff who stayed at work and to employees from other branches who were drafted in to support operations in Newry.
A Haldane Fisher spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement and to be welcoming colleagues back to work next week. I want to thank all of our colleagues – those at Newry who continued to maintain service to our customers and to the business, and those from across our branches who stepped in to assist. In this we have seen the true spirit of team working across Haldane Fisher, and we are extremely grateful to every one of them.”
The company says the resolution of the dispute is tied to a package of changes it describes as “an exciting new chapter for Newry”, including new working practices aimed at modernising the Carnbane operation.
“As part of the deal, changes to working practices have been secured that will enable us to serve our customers and our community in an effective and efficient way – modernising and future proofing the site, building a fully flexible, multi-skilled team, and helping to protect jobs for our colleagues,” the spokesperson continued.
“Every colleague at Newry has a part to play in that future, and our focus now is on moving forward together as one team for the benefit of our colleagues and our customers.”
The company says the agreement has been reached against a backdrop of “significant cost pressures” across the building materials and construction supply sector.
“It is no secret that businesses across our sector are facing significant cost pressures, and this agreement has been reached against that backdrop. Reaching a resolution that rewards our colleagues fairly while securing the changes we need to operate efficiently is the right outcome for everyone – our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve.”
Staff returning to work next week will take part in briefing sessions to support their reintegration and to outline the company’s future plans for the Newry site.
