Unions need to have a reality check

WE have all heard about the ESB’s brand new notion to cut off our power. Although I do agree that they should go on strike, I disagree with their power cut. I hope they realise they’re going to lose every ounce of public sympathy that they have, which, admittedly, is very little.

Shops are depending on Christmas sales this year to help them through the bad times and hopefully onto next year. We all know that this is officially a massive moment for shop owners because if Christmas isn’t kind to them, next year will be an intense struggle.

Secondly, what’s really worrying everyone is what will happen to the elderly. Imagine the elderly living in rural areas who depend on heating to keep them warm and the TV to keep them in contact with the outside world.

To be honest, I’m kind of going anti-trade union. I think the country has enough problems without teachers going on strike, ESB power outs and so on. Take the teachers. The TUI agree with the Haddington Road agreement, while the ASTI has decided to throw a hissy fit. You’d think if one can agree, why can’t the other? Also, you’d think that might actually be the best agreement they’re gonna get in these difficult times.

It’s time the unions took a chill pill, sit back and relaxed. Obviously I get why they’re there, they don’t want workers exploited and so on, But, there’s protecting your workers and mothering them to death.

The same goes for the ESB workers’ union.

You are turning a lot of people off with your power threat, and even though some of them are saying ‘we didn’t want it to come to this’ clearly they are thinking differently because they’re going around the place shouting and screaming about cutting power.

Can you all not go out picketing and everything, walk to the Dáil like everyone else?

Can you not hold a sign and walk around for two hours then go back to work?

For the sake of the people of Ireland, please do not turn off the power!

Turn it off maybe later but not during Christmas.

You are literally going to stop Christmas if you do this and, no offence, but if you do, you are going to have so much unnecessary anger turned towards you!

As a response to the power outage, can we hold up our bills and refuse to pay them?

No, I didn’t think so.

Then the ESB would be in an almighty mess.