Blackouts loom as union serves strike notice on ESB

Union leaders tonight served strike notice on ESB as a row over pay for Polish workers intensified.

The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) held talks with management but failed to reach agreement over wages owed and job security for 200 foreign staff.

The workers claimed they have not been paid for six weeks by Polish company ZRE one of the subcontractors involved in a €384m contract at the giant plant.

TEEU general secretary designate Eamon Devoy told bosses at the Moneypoint plant in Co Clare they were facing industrial action.

Mr Devoy also warned ESB was planning to replace the Polish employees.

In a letter to management he said it was very serious and disturbing that 200 workers were near destitute because they had not been paid and then faced being replaced. He accused management of breaching employer regulations.

Mr Devoy said the notice warned a strike was imminent unless management engage in meaningful discussions.

"We are very strongly of the opinion that a solution to this impasse can only be resolved through direct dialogue and engagement between the TEEU and all the parties," he said.

Possible strike action will involve pickets at Moneypoint.

The Labour Relations Commission has intervened and urged both sides to meet tomorrow morning. Mr Devoy said the TEEU will accept the invitation to attend.

The TEEU is also due to meet with the ESB group of unions to seek support for its action.