TRANSPORT worker unions have threatened industrial action in the run-up to Christmas if the Government does not delay its deadline for proposals on the new Dublin Transport Authority.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has withdrawn from talks with the Department of Transport, while SIPTU, the country’s largest union, has indicated that industrial action at Coras Iompar Éireann (CIÉ) is inevitable.

€55,000 has been awarded by the Equality Tribunal in six employment related cases during 2003.