ESB workers seek 3.5% pay rise annually over three years

Workers at State-owned energy group ESB are seeking pay rises of 3.5 per cent annually over three years.

The company’s unions and management both confirmed reports yesterday that they were in talks over a number of issues, including a pay claim lodged by workers’ representatives in the autumn.

The ESB group of unions lodged a claim seeking pay rises of 3.5 per cent a-year for the next three years back-dated to the ending of an agreed pay freeze on March 31st, 2014.

The company and its unions agreed a deal back in 2012 that included a voluntary redundancy programme and the extension of an existing pay freeze, which cut its wage bill by around €140 million annually.

ESB confirmed in a statement yesterday that the group of unions has lodged a pay claim and both it and the company have been in talks on this issue and business integration.

“ESB have proposed a single table process to conclude discussions on both issues,” the statement said.