Limerick FC players release statement in relation to strike notice

Limerick FC players have released a statement explaining their reasoning behind serving their employers with a strike notice in conjunction with the PFA Ireland. However, the players have re-iterated that they will only take such action if the club do not fulfil their obligations in the future.

The squad are unhappy that the club waited until the threat of strike became a possibility to discuss payment of monies owed since June 1.

“As has been well documented now in the media, we met today with our representatives, the PFA Ireland, in relation to the outstanding monies due to us individually on foot of our contracts. We had received no payment since 1 June and despite numerous attempts over the course of the past six weeks to address this issue by our representatives, no payments have been made until the imminent threat of strike became real.

At the eleventh hour, we have received commitments from the club that we will be paid what we are owed to date but have received no satisfactory confirmation that our contracts will be honoured in the future. With nearly four months of the season to go, this leaves us in a very precarious situation as we simply cannot endure another long period without pay. Like most workers, we have commitments and outgoings which will not wait for payment at the club’s behest.”

In an earlier official club statement, Limerick FC claimed that the PFAI wanted representatives to put future wages for the remainder of the season in an account to ensure players would receive payment each month. With four months left in the current campaign, the club deemed the request totally unreasonable. However, Limerick FC players feel that the PFAI’s approach was totally reasonable due to the events of the previous six weeks.

“Our representatives, the PFA Ireland, had sought guarantee of payment for the future, which is entirely reasonable given the history of the last six weeks, and this has not been provided. In the circumstances, we have now balloted to strike and the vote was overwhelmingly in favour. We will now serve strike notice and if payments which fall due in the future are not honoured then we will have no option but to take the last resort option of going on strike.”

Limerick FC are due to host Waterford United on Friday July 27th. The game is now in doubt due to today’s events. Also, the club will face St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night in Inchicore in a televised game on Eir Sport. It is the worst preparation possible for the club in anticipation of the crucial game.