‘Serious questions’ over removal of council staff from Larne port, says Alliance

Larne Lough Councillor Danny Donnelly said: “We have been very concerned about what has taken place over the last week since we voted unanimously with other councillors to remove council staff from the port.

“Serious questions for the chief executive and the mayor have arisen around the credibility of the threat described to council and the communication with the trade unions.

“We are seeking answers and clarity around this issue. We hope to get the opportunity to ask questions and get the facts. Delays and disruption at the port could result in a loss of business which would be bad for the whole area.”

The council employs 12 environmental health officers at Larne port where they have been carrying out checks since January 1.

A statement issued by the council last Monday evening said: “Trade unions on behalf of council members of staff assisting with checks at the port have raised serious concerns around the safety of staff and have sought reassurance on what measures are in place to keep staff safe.”

“It follows an upsurge in sinister and menacing behaviour in recent weeks, including the appearance of graffiti within the local area referencing increasing tensions around the Northern Ireland Protocol and describing port staff as ‘targets’.”

The council also said the “ongoing situation has caused extreme distress and worry to staff” and it had “no option but to withdraw them from their duties in order to fulfil its duty of care and carry out a full risk assessment with the PSNI, Food Standards Agency and DAERA”.

The council announced that it was “immediately withdrawing its staff from inspection duties at Larne port over concerns for their safety and welfare”.

However, Alan Law, TUS Secretary, on behalf of Nipsa, GMB and Unite, has demanded the council withdraws its trade union remarks asking the local authority to clarify which trade union made this claim adding that “ neither Nipsa, GMB nor Unite did, and we absolutely distance ourselves from these remarks and request that they are withdrawn and the official record amended”.

He added: “For the council to officially state this came from a trade union when it simply did not, that is unacceptable.”

Mr Law has also stated that he was not aware of anyone raising the alleged recording of car registration plates as an issue.

A spokesperson for the council said: “On Monday February 1, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was made aware of correspondence to council’s HR department from a major trade union setting out their concerns.

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council staff returned to their inspection duties at Larne Port on Friday evening following the completion of a PSNI threat assessment and subsequent risk assessment by the council.”

“We continue to update our risk assessment in partnership with the PSNI, and correspond with the trade unions accordingly.”

Click here to read: Larne port inspection staff withdrawal update

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