ESB talks fail to avert threat of strike action

Talks between ESB unions and management yesterday failed to avert the threat of power cuts across the country in the run-up to Christmas.

Both sides emerged from the discussions in Dublin admitting there remained “significant differences” between them over the company’s defined benefit pension scheme.

ESB unions will, therefore, proceed today with serving strike notice on management. That notice expires on Dec 16 after which strikes could become a reality.