Workers at Bord na Móna have voted in favour of proposals aimed at resolving a dispute over a pay cut in the company.
Workers voted 60/40 in favour of the pay and conditions proposals that emerged from negotiations between the Bord na Móna Group of Unions and management.
The proposals came from the Workplace Relations Commission after a management proposal to implement a 30% wage cut.
The deal accepted by workers this morning is based on an improved cost-saving programme which was presented by the Group of Unions to management.
Bord na Móna Group of Unions Secretary and SIPTU Organiser John Regan said: "Accepting the proposal provides workers with a lump sum of €1,250, which is expected to be paid out in the coming weeks and a 3% basic pay increase to be delivered when agreed savings have been achieved.
"Crucially, it also fully protects the existing pay and conditions of union members in Bord na Móna and removes a 30% pay cut claim by management."
TEEU official Darren Erangey said: "For the benefits contained in the proposal to come into effect the cost savings programme put forward by the Group of Unions as an alternative to a 30% pay cut must achieve its target of €7.1 million in savings over the lifetime of the agreement."
Unite official, Ed Thompson, said: "In addition as part of this agreement the parties have agreed in the coming weeks to the appointment of an independent chairperson to sit on a Joint Industrial Relations Committee which will assist future negotiations.
He added: "This proposal emerged following a year of negotiations between union representatives and management. During this period the talks process was greatly assisted by the WRC."
