Bord na Móna workers in the midlands are taking part in a one-day strike today in a dispute over a pay increase at the company.
1,200 employees did not show up to work today. Pickets were placed at Edenderry power station and at the company's main production sites.
The Unite, Siptu and Teeu trade unions claim that despite a Labour Court ruling, which said workers had a valid claim to a 3.5 per cent rise in pay, the company has not implemented the increase.
The Court did, however, recommend that both parties enter into further negotiations on how to satisfactorily address the claim.
Workers rejected an offer from the company to replace the wage increase with a bonus scheme.
Bord na Móna employs almost 2000 people in areas such as waste disposal and peat briquette production.
In a statement this morning, management at Bord na Móna said it was "disappointed" by the actions of the group of unions.
It said proposals put by it to the unions "represented a fair and reasonable accommodation of the interests of all parties."
The company apologised to customers for any inconvenience they may experience during the stoppage. The industrial action is taking place at what is traditionally a very busy period at the semi State company.
Workers will return to work as normal tomorrow.