Members of the Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of Unions in the company’s peat briquette production facility in Littleton, County Tipperary, will vote in a ballot, to be held within the next two weeks, on proposed redundancy terms which were finalised in talks that concluded last night (Thursday, 19th January).
Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “The redundancy proposal applies to union members in the BNM fuels and peat business based in Littleton. It was finalised following weeks of hard negotiations. It has been agreed that the plant will continue after the 31st March this year with the redeployment of 40 jobs. Members in the plant will be balloted on the redundancy proposals within the next two weeks with a recommendation for acceptance by the union committee.
“An excellent outplacement training programme, which was agreed at the early stages of the talks shortly after the company announced it intended to close the briquette factory, will continue.”
Unite the Union Organiser, Ed Thompson, said: “The proposed redundancy terms include six weeks’ pay per year of service inclusive of statutory entitlements, plus allowances, a €500 voucher and other benefits. Redeployment options have been agreed with a one year settling in period. If, during this period, a worker believes the move is not working out for them they can leave on the agreed redundancy terms. A worker’s pay and terms and conditions of employment are fully protected for the duration of the redeployment.
Connect Trade Union official, Darren Erangey, said: “Retirees have been let down by the company in that they will not receive any additional payment, other than the €500 voucher, in recognition of many loyal years of service.”
Connect Trade Union official, Darren Erangey
Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan
Unite official, Ed Thompson
