Talks aimed at resolving the dispute at the ESB are to begin next week, following a union decision yesterday to call off a strike that was due to begin on Monday.
The threat of power cuts has now been removed for several months, during which all parties to the dispute will attempt to reach agreement.
Union leaders expressed confidence yesterday that an increased shareholding in the company for workers would now form part of a deal.
The threatened strike by the 2,300-strong ESB Officers' Association was deferred yesterday following an intervention by the National Implementation Body. The union's executive is expected to withdraw formally the strike notice after it meets on Tuesday.
The NIB, which is made up of high-level union, employer and Government representatives, recommended that the Labour Court be asked to establish a new talks process on the various issues in contention.
Officials of the ESB group of unions unanimously decided yesterday to recommend acceptance of the NIB initiative to a full group meeting on Monday.
Mr Paddy Reilly, the group secretary, said the NIB proposal provided a structure for all of the issues to be dealt with, which had not existed up to now.
Unions have sought an 18.5 per cent pay increase over the next three years, as well as an additional 14.9 per cent stake in the company for the workforce, which currently holds 5 per cent.
Agreement has also to be reached on organisational change and on how to deal with a pension deficit of €510 million.
"What makes it a deal is that the process offers the possibility of putting shares on the table. That is a major concession to the unions," Mr Reilly said.
A Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources spokesman, however, reiterated yesterday that an increased stake for workers was not on offer.
It was the position of both the Minister, Mr Dermot Ahern, and the Government that an increased shareholding could only be considered in the event of a strategic partner being brought into the ESB, or a privatisation of the company. Mr Ahern had made it clear that neither option was being considered, he said.
Unions, nevertheless, believe it is significant that the NIB itemised the shareholding issue as one of the matters in dispute, which would need to be addressed in the talks. The other three issues identified were pay, pensions and organisational change.
It is expected that the Labour Court will appoint an outside party to oversee the discussions, which are to begin on Thursday. As talks will not take place during August, it is likely to be October before all issues are finalised.
