ESB workers likely to strikeover white paper

MORE than 6,000 ESB workers are expected to start strike action nationwide within the next two months in protest at the perceived implementation of the government’s energy white paper.

The action is in response to the ESB’s agreement to close four power plants as part of that paper.

The leaders of the combined unions have agreed wording of a ballot paper, which will be distributed to workers from September 18. The delay in the action is because it must be served on the company with a period of notice and it must then be sent for the attention of the ESB’s industrial council.