BUS workers across the country will be forced to strike if a quarter of Dublin routes are given to private operators, a union leader warned yesterday.

The Aircoach bus company has welcomed the Government's decision to partly privatise bus services in Dublin.

Plans for an overhaul of Dublin’s transport system were today unveiled in a bid to ease congestion in the city.

UNION representatives have called for greater resources to be given to enforcers of the minimum wage in advance of a 6% increase due to apply from October. The minimum wage was first introduced in April 2000 as part of the PPF and the latest increase to 6.35 per hour, flagged over two years ago, will come into effect on October 1.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling for both sides in the Junior doctors dispute to engage in talks immediately.