The Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of Unions has stated its support for an ESB decision to maintain a supply agreement with the company for peat to fuel its power stations in Shannonbridge, County Offaly, and Lough Ree, County Longford, after 2019. The decision was announced to Bord na Mona staff today (Wednesday, 13th May) in a letter from the semi-state company’s CEO, Mike Quinn.Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “While the ESB decision to extend the supply agreement with Bord na Mona beyond 2019 provides greater security for our members it does not soften their opposition to the pay cutting agenda being pushed by management.“Representatives of the BNM Group of Unions are scheduled to attend talks with management at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow. At these talks we will attempt to advance our demand that agreed structures must be put in place for dealing with the major change the company intends to undertake in the coming months.” He added: “These changes, which the company is describing as a transformation, will only be successful if proper regard is given to ensuring agreements relating to workers’ terms and conditions of employment are fully respected. An alternative to reducing workers pay will also have to be found.” The Bord na Móna Group of Unions includes all members of SIPTU, Unite and the TEEU at the semi-state company. Bord na Móna management is currently attempting to reduce pay and numbers at the company in order to achieve a cut of €24.2 million in expenditure. These cuts are being forced on the workforce despite Bord na Móna being a highly profitable company, with €50 million profits declared in its annual financial returns for 2013/2014.
BNM unions support decision by ESB to continue to use peat to fuel power stations
