The ATGWU has received assurances from four of its branches rumoured to be ready to take part in the formation of a breakaway union.
The Independent Locomotive Drivers’ Association (ILDA) fronted by Mr Brendan Ogle is among the four branches who have told the union’s leadership they are not involved in the setting up of a new union.
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Earlier this week,
The Irish Times
reported that plans for a new union to be known as the Independent Workers Union were on hold pending the outcome of an ATGWU internal inquiry that saw the suspension of Irish regional secretary, Mr Mick O'Reilly and Northern Ireland organiser, Mr Eugene McGlone, pending its conclusion.
Acting ATGWU regional organiser, Mr Ben Kearney welcomed the denial by its branches at Waterford Crystal, the ESB, the Cork Operative Butchers’ Society and ILDA.
"These statements from the four branches confirm their support of the ATGWU and will help put an end to speculation of their alleged involvement in the creation of an independent union," Mr Kearney said.
However, Brenda Ogle of ILDA told ireland.comtoday said he had sent a letter indicating his branch's support for the ATGWU was not unconditional.
"Our focus at this point is getting Mick O'Reilly restored to his position in the union abd securing ILDA's position in the ATGWU, though we're not happy that that's happening at the moment," Mr Ogle said.
"Any support that we give to the ATGWU is conditional on the full achievement of both these objectives," he added.
ILDA were controversially accepted into the ATGWU after they unsuccessfully attempted to represent a group of train drivers in a dispute with Iarnrod Eireann.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions disputes committee will release its findings on a complaint by SIPTU against the ATGWU claiming the latter should not be allowed to represent former SIPTU members who defected to ILDA.