Irish Water workers push for payment of bonuses

Hundreds of Irish Water workers are set to take action in order to receive controversial bonuses initially outlined in their contracts, in a politically sensitive move that comes at exactly the wrong time for Government.

Details revealed as the Coalition attempts to push further water charge legislation through the Dáil show Siptu is attempting to gain the extra payment for the firm’s 2,000 workers despite Environment Minister Alan Kelly insisting he does not want a “bonus culture” to take hold.

Under moves confirmed by both Siptu and Irish Water, the union is to go to the Labour Relations Commission on behalf of its members, seeking that the bonuses — expected to reach into millions of euro — be paid out from next month.