SIPTU representatives have welcomed the public and political support for the campaign to prevent the privatisation of Bord na Móna (BNM) Recycling following meetings with the main opposition parties in Dáil Eireann.
SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “We met with elected representatives of the Labour Party, Sinn Féin, Social Democrats and People Before Profit to discuss the threat to privatise the last remaining domestic waste collection service in public control. They have committed to working with us in publicising the issue and devoting Dáil time to progressing our demand for a transparent investigation into all aspects of the proposed sale.
“We are also calling on SIPTU members and the wider public to contact elected representatives to ask them to question this move, which smacks of the gombeen politics we had hoped Ireland had left behind. What is proposed is the signing over of the control of this public utility to Killarney Waste Disposal, a company which, due to its unlimited status, is not obliged to publish accounts with the Companies Registration Office.
“Maintaining Bord na Móna Recycling is the last chance the State has of playing a role in the domestic waste collection sector. Across Europe, the failed approach of a private monopoly in domestic waste collection, which has resulted in rising consumer costs and increased environmental damage, is being reversed. Waste collection and recycling is key to the functioning of our economy and society. It is the sensible and logical approach to have at least a mixed public/private market in this key public service.
“Our members in Bord na Móna Recycling have been a loyal workforce that is proud to serve the communities in which the service operates. They have been told that their terms and conditions of employment, including the right to collectively bargaining with their employer through an independent trade union, will not be guaranteed due to the share deal nature of the proposed sale.”
He added: “Maintaining and developing Bord na Móna Recycling as a driver of best practice in the domestic waste sector is what SIPTU members are committed to. Such an approach is best for the environment, consumers, workers and our country, we are proud to have the backing of the progressive opposition parties in our campaign.”