Siptu shop steward released from hospital after being hit by van on picket line

A Siptu representative hit by a vehicle during a picket demonstration at a Greyhound waste premises in Dublin has been released from hospital and gardaí are investigating. Niall Geraghty, a shop steward for workers who have been involved in a protracted dispute with management over pay cuts, was allegedly struck by a white van leaving the premises on Wednesday evening.

Workers outside the facility at Crag Avenue, Clondalkin, report hostility from contractors driving in and out of the yard although Greyhound said the person driving the van in question had no connection to the company. Gardaí have taken statements and will prepare a file either for the Director of Public Prosecutions or for a superintendant to decide on whether a prosecution is warranted.

Henry O’Shea, a Siptu industrial organiser, said Mr Geraghty had since been released from hospital without major injury. He was with him when the incident occurred. “It [the van] just flew past me and the next thing I heard a thump and there was Niall sailing through the air,” he said. “It was that fast no one saw it coming. I don’t know how I managed to lean back in time.”

The workers believe the company has made the situation unsafe by narrowing the entrance to the premises and thereby creating an occasional queue of vehicles waiting to get in and out.

Greyhound said it had evidence from the past two weeks showing picketers “suddenly and deliberately” walking across the path of moving vehicles and obstructing their movement. It also claimed intimidation on their part. In a statement it said: “An incident occurred when a privately owned vehicle driven by the spouse of an employee was allegedly involved in an incident whilst they tried to exit the premises.”

Meanwhile, pickets continue in Clondalkin and at the company’s premises at Knockmitten. Workers will march to City Hall on Monday where the council will discuss their situation.

Last week, Greyhound issued a statement expressing concern that staff had sought to turn an unofficial work stoppage, due to their not having issued two weeks' notice, into an official strike. It has called on all parties to return to the Labour Court for a binding determination.

The dispute has been continuing since February. Since about 80 staff walked out, the company has employed contract workers and services continue.