Workers threaten to strike over ESB sale plan

WORKERS at the ESB could go on strike if the Government proceeds with plans to sell part of the state-owned company.

The Cabinet yesterday agreed to sell a minority stake in the ESB in an effort to meet the demands of the EU and IMF, which want Ireland to raise at least €2 billion from asset sales in a bid to reduce its debt.

The ESB, valued at €4bn in 2009, is considered the state’s prime asset, and a minority stake would be expected to raise several hundred million euro, depending on the size of the stake.