THE HIGH Court has continued to Monday an injunction restraining a trade union and employees of a transport firm picketing an oil company’s premises in Cork.
On Thursday, Topaz Energy Group Ltd obtained an interim injunction against Siptu and named individuals, preventing them from picketing the company’s premises at Centre Park, Cork.
The picket was placed arising from a dispute involving employees of transport firm Wincanton about changes in work practices, the court heard. Wincanton distributes fuel for Topaz, and the latter claims it is not a party to the dispute.
Topaz had also indicated to the court that it would be seeking an injunction preventing picketing at its premises in Dublin Port, Galway harbour and Whitegate oil refinery in Cork.
Ms Justice Mary Laffoy yesterday continued the injunction in relation to the Centre Park premises until Monday, but was told there was no need for an injunction in relation to the other premises.
Kieran O’Brien, solicitor for Siptu, said issues over picketing of the premises at Dublin Port had been resolved on Thursday evening. There was no issue between his client and Topaz and the issue was in relation to where Wincanton carried on its business, Mr O’Brien added.
Efforts were under way to have the matter resolved through the Labour Relations Commission.
The High Court has heard that Wincanton’s work practice changes came about after Topaz said it was not satisfied with Wincanton’s costs and performance.
