ESB strike - Halt action before it begins

THE latest strike threat by ESB workers must be taken seriously. Since the usual issues of pay or conditions are not involved in this case, it is difficult to see how it can be easily resolved.

Basically, workers say they will go on strike by June 21 if, as widely anticipated, the State-owned company announces the planned shutdown of three power stations.

The unions are opposed to what they see as a government move to break up the State-controlled monopoly in favour of competition from other sources, chiefly private enterprise.

By 2010, according to the outgoing Coalition’s plan, 60% of electricity generation will come from non-ESB interests. However, the State will also be involved, with Bord Gais moving into the business of power generation. While a strike might appear less damaging in summer than winter, householders and industry would still be hard-hit and so the new administration will be under pressure to sort out the looming dispute before it begins.