Government/Ascendant/ESTU meeting

Following last evening’s tripartite (Government/Ascendant/ESTU) meeting, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, said, “We spent several hours last night working through various issues and trying to repair a damaged working relationship. 

"Unions do not take strike action lightly and in this case it was important to engage in a critical examination of the issues they outlined. Both sides accept that dialogue must continue and that communication must be open and constructive. 

"The ‘work to rule’ has ended and the ESTU executive made it clear that their aim is to provide electricity to the Island safely and reliably. In the meantime, the remaining issues will be for the Board to address in due course. 

"The Government responded to a need to bring the parties together for the good of the country. Disputes like this can be concerning but we are a mature democracy that has and will continue to manage issues responsibly, mindful of the wider impact on the community. Discussions will continue over the next few days and I am confident that electricity supply will be delivered uninterrupted, as both sides are now clearer on what needs to be done to continue the progress achieved last night.”