ESB union rift widens as strike ballot labelled ‘knee-jerk’ reaction

DIVISIONS between the unions representing workers at the ESB have deepened after the TEEU described talk of balloting members for strike action as a “knee-jerk reaction”.

The TEEU (Technical Engineering and Electrical Union), the second-biggest of the five unions representing the 7,000 workers, made its remarks after the largest union, Unite, said it would begin balloting its members in response to the Government’s proposed sell-off of part of the state-owned power company.

TEEU general secretary Eamon Devoy said last night that talk of striking only played into the hands of foreign energy companies and those in favour of full privatisation.

“This is no time for knee -jerk reactions by anyone. What we require is a serious assessment of the strategic options with the company and the Government in order to find common ground to resist the external threat we all face as workers, consumers and citizens.

“If the sale of a minority share-holding is to be considered, it should be in the context of a sale to pension funds or other investment vehicles that would take a positive long-term view rather than leave itself open to anonymous speculators or other energy companies.”

The Government agreed to sell off state assets as part of the terms of the EU/IMF bailout but the decision to look at off-loading part of the ESB comes at a sensitive time for the company, which is due to reopen talks with the unions tomorrow on a €140 million cost-cutting plan.

The five unions at the company are meant to negotiate collectively but the TEEU pulled out of the group last week in a row over comments by group secretary Brendan Ogle that ESB workers were “spoilt”.

It is now unclear how the cost-cutting talks will proceed or if the ESB can agree a structure that involves negotiating separately with different unions or groupings.

The Government has set up an inter-departmental group to determine the size of the stake in the ESB that should be sold. It is due to make its recommendation by the end of November.

Mr Devoy said he welcomed assurances by Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte that the company would not be broken apart by any sale.

“The last thing we need is a major industrial battle that will play into the hands of our competitors abroad or privateering vultures. If the Government and ESB management make the right decisions at this critical time they will have the full support of the TEEU and its members in the company.”