Government must act to protect workers' rights as Bord na Móna employees prepare to strike - Johnny Guirke TD

Thursday 20th March 2025, 08:26 am

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers’ Rights, Johnny Guirke TD, has said there is an urgent need for the government to protect workers’ rights as Bord na Móna Recycling employees prepare for a two-day strike on April 2 and 3 over concerns regarding job security amid plans for the company’s privatisation.

Workers at the last publicly-owned domestic waste collection service in the state have expressed fears that the planned sale to Killarney Waste Disposal will jeopardise their hard-won employment rights, while SIPTU has accused management of making this decision “behind the back of its workforce” and has called for guarantees regarding job security that have yet to be provided.

The strike will affect waste collection services across numerous counties, including Carlow, Dublin, Kildare and Limerick, with union representatives have warned that privatisation could lead to steep increases in bin charges and negative environmental impacts.

Teachta Guirke said:

“This situation is unacceptable. The government must act to protect the rights of these workers who have dedicated their careers to providing essential waste collection services. We cannot allow their jobs to be put at risk for the sake of profit.

“Sinn Féin has repeatedly called on the government to follow the lead of numerous cities across Europe that have remunicipalised their waste collection services.

“It is time for the government to take the bins back under public control and ensure that essential services are operated in the best interests of the people, not private profit.

“With the Dáil sitting for just 11 days before Easter, we need action, not empty promises.

“The buck stops with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, who must meet with Bord na Móna Recycling workers to address their legitimate concerns."

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