Talks between the ESB and its unions were continuing last night in an attempt to avert a strike which could cause widespread disruption to power supplies. Mechanical fitters are threatening to put unofficial pickets on all 17 power stations in the Republic from this morning over disciplinary action being taken against two shop stewards at Tarbert station.
ESB fitters embarked on unofficial action at Moneypoint power station yesterday about an hour after an unofficial strike by day workers at the plant was settled. The day workers took action on Monday over the suspension of a SIPTU shop steward in a dispute over work practices.
The settlement formula, negotiated by a former ICTU president, Mr Phil Flynn, allowed for a return to work by all those in dispute, including the suspended shop steward. The company undertook to complete its inquiry quickly into the allegations against the shop steward.
However, fitters at Moneypoint then decided to mount unofficial pickets in support of two shop stewards suspended at Tarbert power station in December. The day workers refused to pass the fitters' pickets. The fitters, mainly members of the TEEU, believe that if unofficial action had worked for SIPTU it could also work for their shop stewards.
It looked early yesterday evening that a return-to-work settlement involving Mr Flynn might resolve the situation. The fitters lifted their pickets at Moneypoint at 4.30 p.m., allowing some fuel and ash workers to return to work. However, the initiative ran into difficulties by 6 p.m., and the ESB requested a meeting at headquarters with the group of unions.
This began at 8.30 p.m. and it was unclear last night if it would find a settlement. The company has little room for manoeuvre. The Tarbert stewards have been disciplined through procedures agreed with the unions, which have been central to the ESB industrial relations system for 25 years.