SIPTU calls off one-day strike at Bord na Móna Recycling

SIPTU has agreed to call off one-day strike at Bord na Móna Recycling, which was scheduled to take place today.

The union announced that representatives agreed to end the planned strike action after securing a significantly improved offer for workers at talks with the company in Portlaoise yesterday. Bord na Móna Recycling stated that it had worked with union officials and representatives to address the outstanding concerns among its staff and the union.

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “At these negotiations a significantly improved offer for workers who will be impacted by any sale of the company was secured. This offer was discussed by the SIPTU Bord na Móna Recycling Shop Stewards who unanimously agreed to propose acceptance of the offer to their members.

“The new offer will now be balloted on by SIPTU members employed in Bord na Móna Recycling. While we have made major progress concerning the industrial relations matters related to the proposed sale of the company many concerns remain about the proposal to privatise this state asset and the wider direction of domestic waste services in Ireland," said Mr Kane.

He added: “SIPTU will continue to lead calls for a more rational, cost effective and environmentally progressive reorganisation of domestic waste collection services. We have requested an urgent meeting with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss this issue which is of major concern to our members who are both employed in this industry and its customers.”

A statement from Bord na Móna Recycling stated: "The agreed proposals provide a strong framework of assurances to protect existing terms and conditions for all employees, along with a continued commitment to engage with SIPTU.

"We want to acknowledge the constructive role played by the SIPTU representatives in finalising this proposal and are pleased that the union will not be progressing with its planned industrial action. In deference to our employees in Bord na Móna Recycling, we will not be commenting on the details of the proposal until they are fully briefed.

The statement added: "While some alternative bin collections were arranged this week to limit disruption for our customers arising from the expected strike, our waste collection schedule will resume as usual from next week onwards. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and remind them that our dedicated customer service channels are available for anyone who requires assistance."