GSE 01-18 eir Update
11/April/2018
Description
You will all now be aware that the sale of the controlling stake in eir has concluded this week and the company’s main shareholder now is Xavier Niel of NJJ, who holds the majority stake through a number of vehicles.
While negotiations on the sale were ongoing, there was a period known as a ‘close period’, which precluded the Unions from discussing any cost increasing claims with the company. That period has now ended, and arrangements have been made with the company to commence discussions on pay into the future, which will inevitably lead to a broader discussion on the eir Pension Accord. It is my expectation that we will be in a position to give an update on those negotiations at our upcoming conference.
I have also been informed by the company that there will be a new exit scheme opened this week with the same terms as the previous scheme and the concentration of this scheme would seem to be for 1HSQ and Citywest. The National Executive Council has instructed me to meet with the company to see if the exit scheme be can be managed on a planned basis to ensure work continues to be covered by people who are amply qualified to do the work. The voluntary nature of the scheme (the CEO has assured me that there is no intention to run a compulsory scheme) makes the situation difficult for your Union, in that people will make the decision for themselves as to whether or not they want to avail of a package, and all we can do as a Union in those circumstances is try and deal with the fallout.
Depending on which way you calculate the various comings and goings in eir, one commentator has claimed that it has now changed hands nine times. I have been assured in my discussions with the new CEO, Carolan Lennon, that the new owners expect to be here for the long haul and bring an expertise in the telecoms market that was heretofore missing from previous incumbents. Nevertheless, as it is normal in these circumstances, a cloud of uncertainty has settled over the company and it would be in everyone’s interest that clarity be brought to the situation as soon as possible. From the CWU’s perspective, we will as we always do, meet with the company to see if it is willing to deal with issues in an organised and civilised manner. In the event that those discussions do not bear fruit, or in circumstances where there is any move made by the company to operate outside agreements and agreed procedures, your Union is prepared and ready to react to that situation through traditional means, if necessary.