SIPTU transport workers at Bord Na Mona are to take strike action over pay cuts.

They say the decision is in response to a 12% pay cut to 85 staff at the company this week.

SIPTU says that the move is in breach of an agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission and that the cuts are further damaging the morale of workers.

Bord na Mona transport staff are now preparing to strike and say they’ll resist attempts to outsource work.

SIPTU sector organiser and secretary of the BNM group of unions, John Regan said: “Following the unilateral imposition of cuts of up to €110 a week from the pay packets of 85 rail transport workers we are making arrangements for strike action.

“Our members will also resist an attempt by the company to outsource the work of road transport workers in BNM to a private contractor.

“The company has effectively ignored a recent agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission to protect the pay of its employees.

“The agreement only allows for increases in wages if savings of €7.1m are achieved. This is against a background where workers in BNM have not had a pay increase since 2008.

“The unilateral action by BNM to cut pay has further damaged the morale of BNM workers who see it as an abuse of power by management.

“We are calling on company chairman, John Horgan, a former member of the Labour Court, to restore pay levels and insist that management adheres to normal and acceptable industrial relations procedures.”