ESB union anger over company break up

UNIONS representing the majority of the 8,000 workers at ESB have said they are prepared to go ‘as far as it takes’ to stop the Government breaking up the electricity company.

The six unions which represent the majority of workers met yesterday to discuss the Government’s White paper on ‘Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland’ and unanimously adopted a resolution that the proposals it contains will be resisted by staff by whatever action they deem necessary.

The transfer of the electricity transmission grid from the ESB to EirGrid, was the key initiative contained in the Government’s white paper, launched by Mr Dempsey and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern earlier this week. Mr Dempsey said it would create a more attractive investment climate, deliver increased competition, reduce the cost of electricity and offer greater choice for consumers