More than 50,000 aim protest at Irish Ferries

MORE THAN 50,000 workers are expected to take part in Friday’s national day of protest, causing considerable disruption to public services and businesses across the country.

With little prospect of a resolution to the Irish Ferries dispute, unions are confident that simultaneous marches scheduled for Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Rosslare Harbour, Athlone, Sligo and Waterford will be the largest trade union demonstration of recent times.

However, with concern over school closures mounting, Education Minister Mary Hanafin issued a stern warning that those who leave their posts will have wages docked.

“If there is non-authorised absence from work there would be a deduction from their pay,” she said.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: “I understand their frustrations about this issue but Friday is a working day and it remains a working day.”

Although such comments are likely to anger members, teachers’ unions have promised to minimise disruption as far as possible.

The Irish National Teacher’s Association (INTO) said schools will remain open while the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) is recommending that as many teachers as possible support the march.

However, in a move that will bring urban and suburban transport services to a standstill for most of Friday afternoon, thousands of transport workers are to down tools completely.

Yesterday, National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) general secretary Liam Tobin urged the union’s 3,700 drivers, inspectors and operatives in Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Iarnród Éireann to attend.

“It is imperative however, that members supporting this protest ensure that public transport is available to bring commuters to their destinations in the morning and to take them home in the evening on the day of the protest,” he said.

With SIPTU’s transport workers following a similar course of action, there may also be a knock-on impact on school bus services in the afternoon.

SIPTU president Jack O’Connor yesterday reacted to criticism of the march by stressing that members should make suitable arrangements if they want to attend the protest.

IBEC director general Turlough O’Sullivan said a national day of protest would damage Ireland’s reputation.

“The protest will do nothing to help resolve this particular difficult dispute and can only undermine Irish businesses and the two million people employed in our economy at this very busy time in the commercial year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Labour Relations Commission (LRC) talks with all sides in the Irish Ferries dispute are due to conclude tonight with little sign of an agreement.