The Communications Workers Union has warned of massive job losses in Eircom in every town in Ireland. It attributes this risk to, what it describes as, the hostile attitude of the Telecommunications Regulator towards the former State owned-phone company. At their annual conference in Ennis, An Post workers are also being urged to accept a new plan that will totally transform the company, and give workers a share ownership of almost 15%.
The CWU represents 18,000 workers in the Telecommunications and postal sectors. At the opening of their annual conference, General Secretary, Con Scanlon, warned about the ongoing effects of the deregulation of the telecommunications market. He had harsh words for both the Telecommunications Regulator and for the Government, which sets deregulation policy.
He said that enough is now enough. He said that he believes the ongoing intervention of the regulator is denuding Eircom of its staff, of assets and of value and putting it in the pockets of its major competitors. If it continues, he said that it would effect Eircom's ability to sustain what is now well-paid employment in towns all over the country, its earning ability and ultimately the value of the company.
He also urged delegates to accept the new Business Reorganisation Plan for An Post, which took two years to negotiate and has just been finalised. He said it will divide An Post into three distinct business areas, allow a new computer-based operation and administration system, and introduce new pay systems. The plan also provides for a 14.9% share ownership plan in the company. Mr Scanlon said that this would not only give workers a financial stake in the company, but a real say in how it develops for the future.
