Negotiations between Bord na Mona management and workers at the Littleton, Co. Tipperary plant ended in stalemate last week, with the worker representatives not entirely happy with the ‘Terms & Conditions’ of the proposed redundancy package on offer; especially those workers with many years of continued service.
We understand that Deputy Michael Lowry was contacted by those representing the workforce, in an effort to exert political influence, to encourage Bord na Mona management back to the discussion table to further discuss the enhancement of settlement packages.
To this end, over the weekend there have been extensive interaction between Bord na Mona management; the Chairman of the board; Michael Lowry TD, and Minister Denis Naughten.
Sources also confirm that Mr Michel Lowry met with the workers committee last night, in Littleton, to further outlined the progress made. Mr Lowry is understood to have confirmed that there would be renewed negotiations, at 2:30pm, today in Portlaoise, at which Bord na Mona representatives will attend, armed with a mandate to attempt to resolve, within reason, the current outstanding issues.
Following this intervention by Mr Lowry over the weekend, the workers committee are now cautiously optimistic of a successful outcome to this afternoons renewed negotiations.
Good Man Lowry.