Motion no: 16
Conference notes the increasing industrial relations tensions within the energy sector
across the Island of Ireland, and in particular
the pressures placed on members as a result of uncertainty on employment security and incomes. We believe that many of these issues stem from failures of the Regulators in both countries to engage properly with Trade Unions. This is in stark contrast to their approach to other stakeholders. We also note with concern that instability within the energy sector in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, has all-Ireland significance given the cross border working relationships.
Conference calls on the Executive Council to:
• lobby both energy Regulators, in conjunction with relevant trade unions, to establish and maintain regular forums
for unions to engage with them on issues concerning their members ahead of decision making which may impact them;
• to raise awareness with politicians, in conjunction with relevant trade unions,
on both sides of the border regarding the issues within the sector, and the impact on our members;
• issue, in conjunction with relevant trade unions, a public statement, highlighting the issues facing our members in the energy sector and the impact on both sides of
the border which instability in industrial relations will have;
• establish a permanent and appropriate ICTU forum to consider energy sector issues and support the work of trade unions moving forward in this area, on an all-Ireland basis.
