CWU condemns MCI WorldCom's compulsory transfer of staff to Ericsson in outsourcing deal as "union busting tactic".

The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) has today strongly condemned management at MCI WorldCom for the compulsory transfer of 17 of its staff to Ericsson while refusing to negotiate with the workers' union. CWU described as a "union-busting tactic" the decision by MCI Worldcom to impose outsourcing on operations employees almost all of whom are members of the union.

MCI WorldCom staff are being compulsorily transferred to Ericsson as a result of a decision at European level by the MCI WorldCom subsidiary to outsource certain functions. However, MCI WorldCom has refused to meet the CWU on the matter, in spite of the fact that the union represents 16 of the 17 affected workers.

In a letter sent to the CWU by courier yesterday, the company stated that "MCI WorldCom (Ireland) Ltd. does not recognise trade unions" and as such, refused to meet the union.

Speaking on the matter, CWU's Head of Legal Affairs Michael Bride stated "it is deplorable that a company such as MCI WorldCom, which is set to save tens of millions of Euro as a result of this deal, should adopt such a cavalier attitude by refusing to sit down with employees' representatives and listen to the issues concerning their workforce. It smacks of dictator-style management where all decisions are issued as diktats. Instead of using best human relations practice, this major global company has gone back to a style reminiscent of the worst days of union-busting in Ireland and runs totally contrary to social partnership."

Mr Bride continued: "the law in relation to Transfer of Undertakings states that in these situations, where a trade union is present, staff have the right to be represented by the union and MCI WorldCom's refusal to meet the CWU in our view represents a clear breach of the legislation".

The CWU has referred the matter to the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission as a matter of urgency and has written to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment highlighting the issue.