SIPTU and TEEU representatives signed a cost saving agreement with the management of Balfour Beatty CLG Limited which protects the terms and conditions of employment of over 250 employees at the construction company.

SIPTU Organiser John Regan said: "The jobs of 320 trade union members were transferred to Balfour Beatty CLG Limited earlier this year when the company was awarded a ten year contract to provide network services to Bord Gáis Networks.

"The company originally sought 76 redundancies. However following negotiations this figure was reduced to a maximum of 65. A voluntary redundancy package of 4.5 weeks pay per year of service, inclusive of statutory entitlements plus allowances based on service, has been agreed between the company and the workers’ trade unions. A large majority endorsed the proposals in ballot a of SIPTU and TEEU members in Balfour Beatty CLG Limited on the 28th March.

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"The voluntary redundancy package also includes for the provision of an outplacement programme involving basic PC training, interview techniques, and CV building for those workers made redundant. A 12-month pay freeze has been agreed for the workers remaining in employment."

Balfour Beatty CLG, which is based in Finglas in Dublin, was established in 2011 as a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and CLG Developments to carry out network services and works for Bord Gáis Networks. The company also has depots in Cork, Carlow, Galway and Dublin.

Under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations, 320 employees were transferred to the new company from Emerald Gas Limited, CLG Developments Limited and GMC Construction Limited. These companies had previously provided the services to Bord Gáis Networks that were taken over by Balfour Beatty CLG Limited.

(CD/GK)