ISME calls for end to Dublin bus drivers' strike

The Independent Business Organisation, ISME, has called for an immediate suspension of industrial action by unions in Dublin Bus in the dispute at Harristown garage in North Dublin.

ISME Chief Executive Mark Fielding said: "The current suspension of duties and threats by the Unions to escalate the dispute is and will seriously disrupt business activity within the city and surrounding areas, resulting in chaos on all routes into and out of Dublin.

"Consequently, the day to day activities of many small companies will be severely affected due to employees being unable to attend for work. The loss to the economy will run into millions of Euros with the brunt being borne by the business community."

"Once again the commuters and the business community are being held to ransom by trade unions that are refusing to implement change, which would enhance transport services in Dublin.

"This is similar to previous situations whereby Dart drivers sought pay increases to drive longer trains and train drivers in Cork refusing to drive new trains.

"This is a blatant attempt, by the Unions, to seek compensation for the introduction of additional and improved commuter services."