Unofficial strike by bus drivers over use of contractors

FRUSTRATION over the use of private contractors has prompted Bus Éireann drivers to mount an unofficial strike in Waterford, it was claimed yesterday.

Around 120 drivers refused to work in a dispute which left nearly 5,000 passengers without services.

A spokeswoman for SIPTU, which represents the drivers, said: “Instead of engaging with us, the company introduced nine contract drivers and buses. The drivers just became so incensed that they took a decision to take unofficial action this morning.”

Drivers began a picket at the company’s depot in Ferrybank at 8am. The stoppage has affected Bus Éireann’s city, commuter and Expressway services in Waterford.

The dispute over the use of private contractors on Bus Éireann routes has been ongoing for the last 18 months. Last month, drivers voted in favour of industrial action but then decided to engage in talks with management on the issue.

However, SIPTU claims the company has not fully engaged in the talks and has continued to use more contract operators.

The unofficial action was expected to end late last evening, with services returning to normal by today.

Bus Éireann said most of the disruption had been confined to the Waterford area, although it was possible that passengers travelling from other counties could be affected.

“There are 5,000 people who have been disrupted and we take a very dim view of that,” said spokeswoman Erica Rosengrave.

She said the company had met with drivers last week to discuss operational issues.