Eircom hopeful of resolving dispute

Eircom has said it is hopeful of resolving a dispute with unions over pay at a meeting tomorrow.

Workers at the company have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action for the first time in 30 years, but are waiting until after tomorrow's talks to serve strike notice.

Unions claim the company is refusing to pay staff a 2% pay increase under social partnership unless they agree to changes in work practices.

Eircom's Human Resources Manager Tony Olthof has said they plan to offer new proposals at tomorrow's meeting.

However, Steve Fitzpatrick of the Communication Workers Union has said he is not hopeful about what Eircom will bring to the talks table.