ATGWU set to call off ESB strike after ICTU intervention

The ATGWU's national executive is expected to call off the union's strike action at ESB following a meeting this evening.

The strike by around half of the company's technicians was undertaken as part of a dispute over the use of external contractors.

The ATGWU claimed ESB apprentices were being denied full-time jobs with the company as a result of the hiring of these contractors.

Yesterday, the ESB assured the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that it would engage with the trade unions to negotiate on the future use of outside contractors.

ATGWU leader Mick O'Reilly subsequently called for the striking technicians to return to work and this is expected to be endorsed by the union's executive body tonight.