ESB strike likely from tomorrow

Industrial action at the ESB is likely tomorrow following a decision by management not to enter talks with unions this morning unless all strike threats are withdrawn.

The Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union (ATGWU) had served strike notice of 24-hour action on the ESB for today.

They postponed the strike on Friday pending this morning's meeting, but a second notice, served for strike action beginning tomorrow, still stands.

Power supplies will not be immediately threatened if the action by more than 1,000 ATGWU members goes ahead, but a prolonged strike could lead to blackouts.

Network technicians at the ESB are in dispute with the company over the extent to which outside contractors are involved in the delivery of a €3.6 billion programme to upgrade and modernise the company's network.

About 1,700 external contractors are at present employed by ESB Networks alongside some 2,200 staff technicians, more than half of whom are represented by the ATGWU.

The ATGWU says a number of ESB apprentices are unable to secure jobs with the company because of the extent to which outside contractors are being used. Its members balloted last month in favour of industrial action.

An ESB spokesman said that they would be seeking clarification from the ATGWU that they are returning to agreed negotiation structures with the company and lifting all strike threats before going ahead with today's meeting.

"There was a meeting planned for October with the three unions involved and we accelerated these plans to accommodate the ATGWU," the spokesman said. "The basis for the meeting was a return to agreed procedures. If they don't give us formal clarification that the strike threat is lifted we cannot have the meeting go ahead."

Brendan Ogle of the ATGWU said that it would be unconscionable of the ESB not to go ahead with the meeting.

"Any reneging would be an attack on our union and a serious escalation of an already difficult situation," he said. "We've already postponed two industrial actions. Our negotiating team are travelling from around the country and we are focused on this meeting."

He said that after the meeting they would address the issue of further strike action.