Workers in the Bord na Móna Finance Shared Services section have agreed to defer placing notice of strike action on the company and enter into a period of intensive negotiations with management concerning restructuring proposals.

Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “It was agreed that intensive discussions on the issues in dispute would commence on Tuesday, 3rd March, and conclude by the end of the month. The issue will then be jointly referred to a hearing of the Labour Court and the Group of Unions will ballot members on its recommendation.”

Unite the Union official, Colm Quinlan, added: “This dispute arose from an attempt by management to fill positions in a manner designed to destabilise the employment status of other employees and to convert stable employment into precarious employment through displacement. The approach was unprecedented and was unacceptable to workers.”