Sir, – If the threatened ESB workers’ industrial action goes ahead, it is without doubt those who are poor or vulnerable will suffer extra hardship. As a result of the economic crisis this group of people are already suffering greatly. On a daily basis we see how this is affecting the lives of many people as they struggle to cope with limited resources. The very idea that there might be industrial action around Christmas time is already causing fear and anxiety.
Therefore, we plead that the trade unions and ESB representatives come together and solve their problems without causing hardship to others and that they do this in the coming days. A resolution to the issues will have to be found sooner or later; we ask that it be sooner. – Yours, etc,
Fr SEAN DUGGAN; Fr PAT
REYNOLDS; JANE
MELLETT;
Fr GERRY O’CONNOR &
Sr VERONICA Mc CABE,
Parish Team,
Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10.
Sir, – I see Senator Feargal Quinn is proposing legislation preventing workers of State utilities that supply electricity or water from going on strike.
Maybe he and his colleagues in the Seanad would be better using their time and energy quizzing ESB management as to why this present situation arose. Unions have their responsibilities, no doubt, but so do management and government. Pat Rabbitte, well known for his soundbites, has been conspicuous by his absence. And if he is working behind the scenes he could be doing more to reassure the public that the strike will not happen. – Yours, etc,
THOMAS KING
Solomons Manor,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
A chara, – The fact that a trade union still has the power to endanger the lives, health and welfare, of every person in this country, is truly GUBU! Whether or not the threatened ESB strike takes place, our Government – ultimately responsible for the welfare and well-being of our nation, should act immediately to ensure that such a strike will not now, or ever, take place.
I sincerely hope that our church and other leaders of society will also speak out. – Is mise,
SEÁN O’CUINN,
Gleann-na- Smól,
An Charraig Dhubh,
Átha Cliath.