Transport unions set to clash with Government

INTENSE negotiations on a new national pay deal started yesterday, with transport unions on course for a head-on collision with the Government over the break up of Aer Rianta and CIÉ.

As talks began, SIPTU's Aer Rianta workers threw down the gauntlet, demanding that union president Jack O'Connor seeks further written assurances from the Government.

Aer Rianta branch president Barry Nevin said the branch had given Mr O'Connor 48 hours "to return with information and assurances in writing from the Taoiseach".