Bord na Móna workers begin two-day strike over pay claim

Up to 1,500 workers at Bord na Móna will this morning begin a further two days of strike action over pay demands in a move which will add pressure to the company’s peat reserves.

Earlier this month, the staff staged a one-day all-out stoppage over their claim for a 3.5% pay increase in line with the first phase of the Towards 2016 national wage agreement. The company has consistently refused to make that payment.

A compromise deal was reached in April between management and a group of unions that would have seen staff being given 1.75% of basic pay from Apr 1, a performance-related payment worth up to 1.75% of basic pay paid in 2013, and a one-off lump sum of €800.

However, when that deal was put to a ballot of staff, 60% rejected it.

The first strike did not impact on the supply of peat to ESB for power generation as the company has a stockpile in reserve. It did however, force the closure of the Derrinlough peat briquette factory and several other locations.

Bord Na Mona says it has put contingency measures in place to ensure power stations remain online throughout the action.

Last Friday, Unite, Siptu and the Technical Electrical and Engineering Union, contacted the company and offered to engage in discussions at the Labour Relations Commission if the company were willing to discuss improving its offer.

However, the company replied saying it was not in a position to make any improvement but was willing to give greater clarification on its existing proposal.