Bord na Mona workers accept redundancy terms

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Workers in Bord na Mona have accepted proposed redundancy terms, bringing to an end a long running dispute with management.

As part of the agreement, the plant will continue after the 31st March this year with the redeployment of 40 jobs.

The Littleton plant was closed down by the company last May – blaming a decline in briquette sales and global issues, but talks between the company and the unions have been underway since to reach agreement on redundancy terms.

The Bord na Móna management team was criticised before Christmas for failing to settle terms earlier for the workers who were losing their jobs.

Members of the Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of Unions in Littleton, have voted 94% in favour of proposed redundancy terms in a ballot counted last evening.

As part of the terms and conditions, it has been agreed that the plant will continue after the 31st March this year with the redeployment of 40 jobs.

The terms also include the continuation of an outplacement training programme as well as six weeks pay per year of service inclusive of statutory entitlements, plus allowances, a €500 voucher and other benefits

Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan says while the agreement doesn’t give workers their jobs back, it will help

He also says that as part of the agreement, local and National companies will be brought in to talk to workers with a view of possibly hiring them in other Industries