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.”