The case of Gerald McDonnell, the 63 year old Dublin Port worker up in court over the ‘floating picket’ that formed part of that 8 month dispute in 2009, has been adjourned until April 1st.
Supporters are appealing for people to show up at Parkgate Street at 10am on the day.
There was a great crowd there this morning and it was heartwarming to see the support for Gerald.
In 2009, a group of workers in Dublin Port fought an 8-month long strike against forced redundancies and pay cuts. The workers and their local community showed bravery and determination in what was a difficult struggle. Their employer, Marine Terminals Ltd. (MTL), was eventually forced to come to an agreement with the strikers.
On 27th August 2009, a number of the strikers participated in a peaceful ‘floating picket’ aimed at h…ighlighting their dispute. The image which appeared in several national newspapers and in many online publications of the picketers’ tiny boat dwarfed by the Stena Line Ferry showed clearly the bravery of the action, and was very effective in highlighting the dispute.
Now over 18 months later, one of the dockers involved in the dispute has been arrested and charged in relation to this ‘floating picket’. 63-year-old Gerald McDonnell is facing 3 charges under the Maritime Safety Act. If convicted he could face a fine of up to €250,000.
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