ESB Networks has told the Independent Workers Union (IWU) it plans to take legal action over a dispute that has led to a 24-hour strike by some network technicians belonging to the union.

The company says the strike, which began this morning (23 April), is unlawful as the union has balloted its members to progress a claim that has not been made to ESB or the Labour Court.

“This is a legal matter, and we are dealing with it as such,” an ESB Networks statement said.

'Not affiliated'

The company said the IWU was not affiliated to either the ESB Group of Unions or the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

“The four unions affiliated to the ESB group have confirmed that they are not in dispute with ESB and will continue to provide emergency cover,” it added.

The IWU has said the dispute is over a lack of consultation about work to be outsourced to the private sector, and that it would call off the strike if the company would go to the Workplace Relations Commission.