SIPTU has called for advantage to be taken of the opportunities for expansion that are presented by the partial merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte following a meeting of the union’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Portlaoise, on Thursday (26th June).

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The merger of the companies has the potential to create new business opportunities, particularly in renewable forms of energy and tourism. SIPTU will work with the new merged entity in exploring ways in which new job opportunities can be created. However, SIPTU will resist any attempts to reduce overall numbers employed in the new entity.”

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “SIPTU members in Bord na Móna believe the new joint venture arrangement offers the new company opportunities to expand. However, the management of Bord na Móna must switch tack. Rather than attempting to reduce workers’ earnings it should work with trade unions in upskilling workers and exploiting the opportunities, particularly for rural communities, which the new merged company presents.”