Union and BNM Recycling meet in final bid to halt strike by wheelie bin workers

Bord na Móna Recycling are meeting with Union representatives in Laois in bid to stop wheelie bin workers going on strike tomorrow morning. 

SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of Bord na Móna Recycling this afternoon in Portlaoise, at the request of the company and prior to a one-day strike action which is due to commence at 4am tomorrow(Thursday) morning.

The strike action was prompted by workers' fears over terms and conditions related to Bord na Móna Recycling’s proposed sale of the business to private business, Killarney Waste Disposal Company.  

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “Our members are preparing for their one-day strike action which will begin tomorrow at 4 am and see pickets placed on nine Bord na Móna Recycling depots across midland counties and Dublin

We have made clear in talks with the company that our members oppose the sale of this state asset as a move which will cost customers, workers and the environment. The company and the private entity which is seeking to purchase it have refused to agree a Registered Employment Agreement which would protect our members terms and conditions of employment into the future.”

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He said “yesterday, talks ended without agreement but the company requested that we reconvene this afternoon. This dispute is an issue of national importance as its outcome is crucial to the future of the domestic waste collection sector in Ireland. We can have a sector which works for customers, workers and the environment or one which is purely concerned with generating profit.”

According to Mr Kane, the Union’s engagement with the company is focused on the industrial relations issues concerning Bord na Móna Recycling. However, the future of domestic waste collection services is of major political importance and the Government has a crucial role to play. 

“SIPTU is leading calls for a more rational, cost effective and environmentally progressive reorganisation of domestic waste collection services. We are seeking an urgent meeting with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien, to discuss this issue which is of major concern to our members who are both employed in this industry and its customers,” he stated.