ESB Group of Unions may be placed in 'abeyance'

The main union body at the ESB looks set to be placed "in abeyance" for three months following serious conflict among constituent unions over strategy and tactics. Emmet Oliver reports.

The powerful Group of Unions at the State-owned utility has been riven by division in the past fortnight and the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Mr David Begg, has suggested the group should resolve its differences away from the public gaze.

In a letter sent to constituent unions, Mr Begg suggests that a senior ICTU official, Mr Liam Berney, "convene meetings and co-ordinate activities where it is necessary".

It is understood that Mr Berney would take over some tasks carried out by members of the Group of Unions. The various constituent unions have until next week to indicate whether they agree with the proposals.

Mr Begg's intervention follows acrimonious exchanges between senior union figures at the ESB. A major row broke out in recent days when the secretary of the Group of Unions, Mr Paddy Reilly, responded with legal letters to an attempt by the TEEU to have him and other officers removed from their positions.

The TEEU, which claimed the officers had attended a meeting with ESB management without prior consultation, later withdrew its complaint.

Mr Begg's proposals emerged following a meeting of ESB unions yesterday. It is understood Mr Begg's letter suggests that "the Group of Unions' structure be placed in abeyance for three months. The constitution should remain as it is for this period and officers of the group continue to formally hold office, but not practice in that capacity for this period."

Over the three months, ICTU will consult the affiliated unions with a view "to exploring ways of improving cohesion and relations between unions".

It was difficult to assess the response to Mr Begg's proposal last night as most union representatives declined to comment.

Meanwhile, the chances of major disruption at ESB continue to grow, despite the recent tensions between unions. Various unions at the company have indicated they will take industrial action from January 22nd if the company does not reinstate its deputy chairman, Mr Joe LaCumbre. Mr LaCumbre claims he was effectively dismissed after voicing concerns about the €511 million pension deficit.

There were some indications last night that shop stewards in the power generation and networks subsidiaries might withdraw their labour earlier than the notified January 22nd date.

The company has repeated its denial that Mr LaCumbre was dismissed. A spokesman said the ESB was not aware of any plans to take unofficial action.