GAMA Workers Protest today

by Turkish Workers Action Group Tue Apr 12, 2005 02:16

Protest at 1:00 at the Dáil.

Really you should be there.

by Anonymous Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:42

As far as I know the protest is gathering at Liberty Hall at 12.30 pm and then going to the Dail for 1pm.

by TWAG Tue Apr 12, 2005 17:16

GAMA Workers Protest at Dáil

GAMA Workers Seek Immediate Government Intervention to Secure Information and Access to Their Accounts

GAMA Workers Demand Publication of Labour Inspectors’ Report

At a major protest at the Dáil at lunchtime today, the Turkish workforce GAMA construction company, joined and supported by Irish construction and other workers, called upon the Government to intervene immediately to secure the necessary information for the workers in relation to the secret bank accounts that GAMA opened in their names in Finasbank, Holland. A call was made that the Government, through the Dutch Government or directly with Finansbank, ensure that by this weekend each worker has a full statement of his account since it was first opened. This means an account of each transaction and the total funds in each worker’s name.

Once having this information, the workers are then seeking a commitment from the Government that it will oblige Finansbank, Holland to accept instructions from each worker on what they wish to do with their funds. In this way, the issue of information on the secret bank accounts could be resolved within days and the issue of workers’ access to the funds could be resolved within two weeks.

The GAMA workers are also calling for the publication of the report by the Labour Inspectorate, which Minister Michéal Martin has now received. GAMA has an injunction prohibiting the report being published and that has been continued until next Monday. This begs the question what GAMA is trying to hide by preventing the publication of the report.

GAMA workers have been subjected to a regime of massive exploitation since the firm came to Ireland in 2000. They are obliged to work for more than 80 hours per week on a basic wage rate of €2.20 an hour plus food and lodging in barrack accommodation. It is not just an issue of justice for these workers, but also a question of protecting trade union rates of pay and proper working conditions for all workers.

by hasan Tue Apr 12, 2005 22:27

The workers obviously knew about their wage rate before coming, so why this protest now? Did they received less then they expected? I don't think so, it seems they're tempted by the 4000 euro monthly wage. This way the protesters might fill their pockets but they will prevent other immigrants to have a job in the future. It will be also inconvenient for companies to employ immigrants considering their extra costs of housing, feeding, air-tickets, visas, work permits, etc.

by Sherlock Holmes Tue Apr 12, 2005 22:54

Your comment is full of inaccuracies and blatant lies. Unless you come up with facts and a coherent argument don't post. A first year economics book should be available at your local library. I suggest you go read it.