ESB unions delay decision on strike action

UNIONS at ESB yesterday delayed until Friday a decision on whether to go ahead with strike action that could cause paralysing power cuts.

A joint meeting of all the unions will now decide whether to go ahead with the action on July 12.

Minister for Communications Dermot Ahern yesterday firmly ruled out one of union demands for an increase in the employees' shareholding in the company from 5% to 20%. This demand that equates to an extra €600m stake in the firm.