ESB unions consider industrial action

Unions in the ESB are to meet later today to discuss a possible pay strike.

The ESB Officers Association served strike notice - which will expire on July 12 - on the company last week.

Workers are looking for an 18.5% rise in pay and a larger stake in the company. ESB unions already own 4.9% of the group but are looking for a 20% shareholding.

Workers voted in favour of strike action two weeks ago when some 8,300 employees were balloted after talks between management and unions broke down.

The company has avoided industrial disputes since 1991 through a series of partnership agreements and it insists that is still the way forward.