Water Service Workers Demand Consultation On Transition To Irish Water

SIPTU members employed in local authority water services have voted in favour of taking industrial action if the Department of Environment fails to adequately consult with them on the transition of assets and workers' duties to Irish Water.

The ballot for industrial action, including strike action, involved water services workers employed in all the country's 34 local authority areas, with over 90% voting in favour.

The ballot result was announced to SIPTU members on Monday following a count in Liberty Hall, Dublin.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michael Wall, said: "The massive vote in favour of industrial action reflects the very strong feelings of our members in relation to the decision by the Department of the Environment to begin the transfer of water service assets and workers’ duties to Bord Gáis and private sub-contractor companies.

"In the event of any assets or workers’ duties, currently in local authority control, being transferred to any private contractor then strike notice will be served across the country.

"It is completely unacceptable that no assurances concerning future terms and conditions of employment have been given to workers who have provided a professional service to the Irish public for generations. We are seeking clear national negotiating structures, independent from existing mechanisms, which would deal with all matters surrounding the transition to Irish Water."

(CD/GK)