BNM Group Meet To Discuss Littleton Closure Threat

Representatives of the Bord na Móna (BNM) Group of Unions have met with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, to discuss the threat by the company to close its peat briquette plant in Littleton, County Tipperary.

BNM Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: "Representatives of the BNM Group of Unions met with the Minister following his address to the ICTU Just Transition Climate Change Seminar in the Communications Workers Union Conference Centre in Dublin 1.

"At the meeting the Minister was clearly informed of the deep anger among our members concerning the threat to close the Littleton plant and the manner in which it was announced without any prior discussions with the BNM Group of Unions.

"The BNM Group of Unions representatives told the Minister that they were not prepared to engage with the management of Bord na Móna on its agenda until it removes the threat to close the Littleton plant in March 2018. The Minister listened and noted the BNM Group of Unions position regarding the number of key concerns raised."

Unite Official, Ed Thompson, added: "It was encouraging to hear many speakers at the ICTU Just Transition Climate Change Seminar calling on Bord na Móna to set a high standard for companies in Ireland, and across the EU, by treating workers who face losing their jobs with the respect and dignity their loyal service deserves."

ICTU General Secretary, Patricia King, concluded: "We cannot simply abandon people and communities. The Bord na Móna announcement in relation to the Littleton plant is a prime example of how not to manage the process of moving to generating energy from renewable sources. It is clear evidence of why we need a well-ordered 'just transition'.

"There is a moral, social, political and economic imperative for us to do so. In that context, we need to urgently establish a forum comprising all stakeholders that can draw up guidelines on how we can best manage this process, create a 'just transition' and ensure that the Littleton case does not become the standard."

(MH/CD)