Members of the Bord na Móna Group of Unions have called on the company to implement a proposed pay rise of 3.5% and end its attacks on their terms and conditions of employment at general meetings of workers in Tullamore, county Offaly, on the 6th, 7th and 8th of January. Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “Last week’s three general meetings were attended by over 80% of members of the Group of Unions. Workers at these meetings mandated their union representatives to insist the company delivers on a 3.5% pay increase that has been outstanding for five years, and end its attempts to undermine their terms of employment."He added: “Over the 75 years of this semi-state company's existence many organisational changes have been successfully introduced by management engaging fully with workers and their representatives. That management has now adopted a draconian approach to negotiations with workers is extremely unhelpful."TEEU official, Darren Erangey, said: "The attempt by management to undermine well established industrial relations procedures at the company by targeting small sections within the workforce will fail. There is great solidarity among union members and this was indicated by the unanimous support shown by workers at each meeting for the approach of their union representatives to discussions with management”.Unite the Union official, Ed Thompson, stated that if management does not engage in a meaningful manner at the Labour Relations Commission the Group of Unions will respond in a robust manner.Unite the Union official, Colm Quinlan, added: "It would be unwise for management to underestimate the strength of feeling of our membership on these issues”.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 €23.3 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.
Bord Na Móna workers seek pay rise and an end to attacks on terms of employment
