Union will issue response to Eircom proposals
There is particular concern in the CWU that 2,000 people working in the retail division may lose their jobs as a result of any attempt to dissect Eircom.
There are also fears that Meteor, recently acquired by Eircom, may also be sold, putting its workers’ futures in jeopardy.
The company confirmed it has made submissions to the Government and ComReg saying a division of its business could be “interesting” and should be explored.
However, it said that as there has not yet been any response from either party, it was far too early to speculate how workers would be affected.
In its position document the union will put a series of questions to the company on how the break-up could impact its members.
The CWU is saying its members will use their strong shareholding in the company to protect their entitlements in the event of any sell-off.
Earlier this year, Eircom announced 900 job reductions and threatened to withhold payments of wage rises due under Towards 2016 almost leading to a strike by more than 6,500 staff.
Meanwhile, Nortel Networks Corporation has announced the creation of 60 jobs in Galway as part of a research and development programme, supported by IDA Ireland.
The proposed jobs will be created over the next three years at Nortel Ireland’s facility at the Mervue Business Park.
