SIPTU members employed in Bord na Móna Recycling have voted to conduct a ballot for strike action if plans to privatise the company go ahead.
Bord na Móna Recycling is part of the Bord na Móna group and provides waste collection services for homes and businesses across Leinster and North Munster.
SIPTU members in the company have voted unanimously to proceed to a ballot for industrial action, up to and including strike action, if privatisation plans proceed.
The union said that members see this as the only means at their disposal to protect their terms and conditions of employment if the Government and company advances their plans.
According to SIPTU, privatisation would not only be bad for the workers but also for customers and the environment.
“If Bord na Móna Recycling is taken out of public control, it will leave the private sector with a complete monopoly in the domestic waste collection sector,” said SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane.
“This would remove the possibility for a generation or more for Ireland to follow the lead of many other European countries who have moved to re-municipalise waste collection after the failed experiment of privatisation, which has led to increased costs and environmental damage,” Mr Kane said.
SIPTU said its representatives will meet the company shortly to discuss the situation and that it also intends to request an urgent meeting with the new Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien.
Bord na Móna has been contacted for comment.
