Privatisation Fears Linger As Bord Na Móna Strike Paused

The union says concerns remain about the proposal to privatise "this state asset" and the wider direction of domestic waste services in Ireland - adding it has requested an urgent meeting with Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien.

Bord na Móna Recycling workers have said many concerns remain after they called off their one-day strike.

SIPTU representatives say it follows the securing of a significantly-improved offer for workers who'll be impacted by any sale of the company.

The union says concerns remain about the proposal to privatise "this state asset" and the wider direction of domestic waste services in Ireland - adding it has requested an urgent meeting with Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien.

Speaking on Kildare Today, SIPTU's Adrian Kane said SIPTU will continue to lead calls for a more "rational, cost effective and environmentally progressive reorganisation of domestic waste collection services." 

Kfm has contacted Bord na Móna for comment.

Thousands of households across Kildare would face disruptions to their bin collection services if a strike went ahead.

The company has customers in Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Following further discussions with SIPTU, we have reached agreement on a revised set of proposals for employees impacted by the sale of Bord na Móna Recycling. 

In a statement to Kfm, a spokesperson for Bord na Mona said: "Together with SIPTU officials and representatives, we have worked together to address the outstanding concerns among our staff and the union. 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."

They added: "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. 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," the spokesperson said.