A potential one-day bin strike that could have impacted around 135,000 customers in the midlands and Dublin has been avoided. Siptu officials engaged in discussions with managers at Bord na Móna Recycling in Portlaoise regarding the company's sale to KWD Recycling, resulting in the strike being called off.

The union decided to cancel the strike after receiving an improved offer for workers during the negotiations. Originally, members were set to picket at nine depots during a one-day stoppage starting at 4 am the next day, seeking assurances about the protection of their terms and conditions post-sale.

Siptu divisional organiser, Adrian Kane, mentioned that a much better offer was secured for workers impacted by the potential sale, leading to shop stewards unanimously proposing acceptance of the offer to members. The new offer will now undergo a ballot by Siptu members employed in Bord na Móna Recycling.

While progress has been made on industrial relations matters related to the company's sale, concerns persist regarding the privatization of this state asset and the overall direction of waste services in Ireland, according to Mr. Kane. Siptu plans to advocate for a more rational, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly reorganization of domestic waste collection services and has requested an urgent meeting with Minister for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Darragh O'Brien, to address these issues.

A spokesperson from Bord na Móna Recycling expressed disappointment over the union's notice of industrial action after rejecting proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission, stating that the dispute should have been referred to the Labour Court as per agreed procedures. The commercial semi-state company offers wheelie bin and waste collection services to residential and business clients in Leinster and Munster, serving customers in several counties across Ireland.

The Irish Independent has reached out to Bord na Móna Recycling for a comment.