Bord na Móna workers seek to recoup €2.25m in wages

BORD na Móna workers may go to the Labour Relations Commission to recoup more than €2.25 million in earnings lost due to closures at two peat-fired power stations.

The ESB plants that were closed on health and safety grounds last month are in Lough Ree, Co Longford and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly. They have only been open for the last five years and cost almost €500m, yet both have been closed twice due to corrosion.

Bord na Móna workers whose product fuelled the plant are losing thousands of euro each because they are on “pay by results” contracts; if the peat they supply is not needed they do not get paid. Approximately 100 seasonal and permanent workers are affected.