BWI and Unite the Union File Multi-governmental Complaint Against Cathexis Group

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) and its affiliate Unite the Union have filed a complaint with the National Contact Points (NCPs) in the US, Ireland, and the UK. The complaint addresses breaches of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct by Cathexis PR IV LLC and its group companies, including Jones Engineering. The violations coincide with foreign expansion by Cathexis since 2022, affecting past practices at major construction sites in Ireland: the Intel Project in Leixlip and the Pfizer Project in Clondalkin, Dublin.

At the heart of the complaint are three senior workers who were elected shop stewards, representing their coworkers during a legitimate industrial action in March 2023. The action was in response to the company’s refusal to honor paid travel time, a key condition for construction workers in Ireland. After negotiations failed, the workers were forced to take action.

Despite the Supreme Court of Ireland ruling in March 2024 that the industrial action was lawful, the complaint alleges the company retaliated by taking legal action against the three union leaders, falsely accusing them of gross misconduct. The company pursued court proceedings only against the three shop stewards, while ignoring the participation of nearly 180 other workers involved in the same action.

The three shop stewards have faced a series of reprisals, including threats of legal liabilities, unfair job reassignments, and even a visit to one leader’s home by two unknown men, creating a climate of fear. These actions left the leaders and their families fearful of unemployment and potential financial ruin for lawful trade union representation activities. The union is concerned management’s actions could discourage workers from standing up for their rights.

BWI and Unite the Union call on the NCPs to contribute to a resolution of these issues with the following outcomes:

• Withdrawal of Court Proceedings: The Enterprise should immediately withdraw the court proceedings against the union and the three Leaders.
• Reimbursement of Legal Costs: The Leaders, who have endured financial stress due to the legal battle, should be fully reimbursed for their legal expenses.
• Restoration of Job Duties: The Leaders’ shifts and job responsibilities should be restored to their original state prior to the industrial action.
• Compliance with Sector Agreements: The Enterprise must comply with the national agreements governing Ireland’s construction sector, particularly regarding the reinstatement of paid travel time.
• Framework for Workers’ Rights: A framework must be established to ensure that Enterprise respects the workers' right to freely participate in trade union activities without fear of reprisal.

This case underscores the ongoing fight to protect workers’ rights at multinational enterprises.BWI and Unite have overwhelming support from their members and allies to defend workers in Ireland and confront management attempts to intimidate trade union leaders.