ESB strike looms over deficit in pensions

Strike action could occur at the ESB within weeks over the company’s failure to address a €1.6bn deficit in its defined benefit pension fund or contribute to the levy on the scheme.

Brendan Ogle, secretary of the ESB group of unions, said the likelihood of action had escalated significantly this week following the company’s confirmation to trustees of its plans not to pay towards the €18m cost of the Government’s pension levy.

Mr Ogle said the trustees had informed the company’s pension forum of the decision earlier this week.