ICTU hoping ESB strike can be averted

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has expressed hope that talks this morning can avert the possibility of an ESB strike and power blackouts throughout the country.

ESB unions, management and government officials are due to hold a series of meetings at government buildings in an effort to resolve a long-running dispute over pay.

The unions have already voted for strike action in pursuit of an 18.5% pay increase and an increased shareholding in ESB, but have held off taking action while the ICTU attempts to resolve the matter.

Speaking ahead of today’s talks, ICTU general secretary David Begg said: “The implications of power cuts are so horrendous from the point of view of employment in the economy generally and foreign direct investment that it really can’t be contemplated.

"We have a really challenging task to ensure that that doesn’t happen.”