WORKERS AT four Bord na Móna plants in the midlands have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action.
Frank Maunsell, chairman of the Bord na Móna Group of Unions, said the decision followed management’s refusal to allow the unions access to the Labour Relations Commission regarding proposals for job and pay cuts and changes in the status of seasonal workers.
The more than 300 workers concerned form part of autonomous enterprise groups at Mountdillon, Co Longford, Derrygreenagh, Co Westmeath, and Blackwater and Boora, Co Offaly.
Mr Maunsell said the dispute related to management’s breach of procedures rather than the substance of the proposals.
The workers, members of TEEU, Siptu and Unite, gave “massive support” for industrial action, he said after the vote count in Tullamore. It would now be up the unions to decide when this action would be taken.
Mr Maunsell stressed that such action was being taken “with the greatest reluctance” and the unions were available “at all times” to talk to management.
Industrial action will have a knock-on effect on other Bord na Móna works, including the power station at Edenderry, Co Offaly.
“The company is disappointed at the outcome of today’s ballot,” a Bord na Móna spokesman said, adding that current work practices related to a 1989 agreement which stated: “The need for radical change in all spheres of activity in order to be cost competitive and effective is a fact accepted on all sides.
“We have been in ongoing consultation with employee representatives to agree new proposals that we consider necessary and reasonable to deliver the competitiveness we require to ensure the future of the business. These are the core principles under which we will continue to operate.”
Bord na Móna also said that to its knowledge, the unions had not referred the matter to a third party “as we have not been contacted by same for discussion”.