Polish ESB workers offered new jobs

THE 200 Polish workers who two weeks ago faced losing their jobs at the ESB plant in Moneypoint have been offered the chance to keep their jobs with new employers.

Protracted negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission last week between the ESB, its contractor on the refurbishment Lentjes and the subcontractor, ZRE, yielded an agreement which offered payment of seven weeks back-pay to the workers and the offer of work in Poland. Yesterday the workers voted to accept that deal and were offered jobs with the main contractor Lentjes at the Moneypoint site, or with other contractors on-site.

“There are jobs available for all of our members who want them in Ireland,” said Eamon Devoy of the workers’ union TEEU.

“We have also secured jobs with ZRE Katowicz in Poland for those who wish to return home.”