Bord na Móna staff accept deal

Strike action by workers at Bord na Móna has been averted after employees accepted proposals from management to end an on-going…

Strike action by workers at Bord na Móna has been averted after employees accepted proposals from management to end an on-going dispute over peat production.

Workers agreed to the proposals to restructure peat production systems and seasonal working arrangements at a mass meeting in Tullamore last night.

More than 300 employees at four Bord na Móna sites in the midlands had voted in favour of industrial action last month.

The dispute arose over proposals for job and pay cuts and changes in the status of seasonal workers employed by Bord na Móna.

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A planned strike was deferred earlier this week when new proposals were put to the workers.

Speaking after last night's meeting Siptu energy sectoral organiser Greg Ennis said that acceptance of the proposals, meant that a long and difficult dispute had been averted.

“We acknowledge that these proposals have succeeded in dealing with the issues constructively when the attempt by the company to unilaterally impose change could have created serious difficulties," said Mr Ennis.

As a result of the ballot the threat to production has now been lifted.”