This article is from page 9 of the 2006-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
THE vast majority of people at Shannon Development have acted professionally in relation to the tensions that have arisen at the company.
That is the view of company CEO, Kevin Thompstone, who was speaking publicly for the first time on the tensions that have arisen between staff and the board.
Last November, 93 per cent of workers at Shannon Development voted in favour of industrial action, should alleged excessive interference by board members in the dayto-day running of the semi-state body, continue.
It was the first time in the 47-year history of the company that workers voted for industrial action.
Mr Thompstone said, “Yes, there have been tensions between board and executive, but we have been working to clear the air on those issues. While those tensions have been there, the vast majority of people have been acting professionally.
“Where issues have caused tensions, we have tried to resolve them and address them. That is something that we have had to live with.
“Sometimes, I feel like the meat in the sandwich. I say to staff that directors have significant responsibilities under company law and directors have got to take their responsibilities seriously,
“You have got to get used to that, don’t be interpreting a board member expressing views about how you do your work, that is part of the dynamic between board and executive in any organisation
“I have been saying to board members, everyone at Shannon Development comes to work to do a good job, people are proud of what they do and people feel that they have contributed significantly. We have got a good track record.
“Change is never easy for anyone to deal with. At the same time, going through a change-management programme in a public sector environment is very different to the private sector environment.
“I have been saying to board members that while change may not happen the way you would like to see it in private sector, there are people who are very committed to this company.
“I think ultimately, everybody wants to get to the same place: Shannon Development delivering the best possible results for people, investors and visitors to the region.
“You could argue that it is not surprising that tensions have arisen and I see it as part of my job to steer us through that and make sure we get through that and I am convinced that we will.”
He added: “The most important thing is to be honest with people. It is a combination of two groups of people trying to get to the same place, but maybe having differences around the best methodology of getting there.
“I strongly believe that to affect change in a company and deliver projects, you have got to bring people with you. You don’t have to be affecting mayhem all over the place to affect change and certainly that is the philosophy I would bring to the job.
“My approach is to put everything on the table, clear the air, then move on, that is hopefully the atmosphere that we’re getting into at this point.”