Cowen blames Minister for Bord na Móna cut in working hours
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has today blamed Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte for today's job losses at Bord na Móna.
The company will not be renewing the contracts of 105 seasonal workers and around 90 full-time staff are facing a cut in their working hours.
The company said that the peat harvest is running at 37% of what was expected for 2012.
"Minister Rabbitte has refused to address the concerns of workers for months," said the Laois–Offaly TD.
"Earlier this year I sought to meet the Minister to discuss the concerns with union representatives and local representatives in the midlands.
“Today’s statement from the company does not deal with the asset management review and there is a genuine concern that this is going to lead to the closure of workshops and further impact on the company.
"It is incumbent upon the Minister to ensure that whatever restructuring is proposed that the burden is shared fairly among workforce.
"People in Offaly and across the midlands are shocked that a Labour Minister in Government Pat Rabbitte has ignored the concerns of workers to the point now where people are out of work and others will be on a shorter working week.
"The Minister should be showing leadership on this issue and working with management in Bord na Móna as a matter of urgency. Is Minister Rabbitte unable or just unwilling to deal with this matter?"
