Bord na Móna workers to strike

Up to 1,500 Bord na Móna workers are to stage a two-day strike later this month, in a dispute over pay.

This latest stoppage follows a one-day strike earlier this month. The group of unions at the semi-state body - Unite, Siptu and TEEU - says the 3.5 per cent pay increase on offer from the company is not on the terms agrees at the Labour Court.

The company and unions were at the Court in April over the company’s offer of a one per cent pay increase. The court recommended the workers had a valid claim to a 3.5 per cent increase.

The company has however agreed to pay the 3.5 per cent only on condition that part of the increase be performance-related and that it be non-pensionable.

“This is a wholly new departure,” said Oliver McDonagh, Siptu organiser. It has been rejected by the workers. The two-day stoppage will be on June 27th and 28th.

A statement from the company management today described “this latest action by the unions” as “an unhelpful escalation....that will only damage the interests of the company and its employees”.