Hope talks will avert school bus strike

TALKS are due to take place tomorrow at the Labour Relations Commission between Bus Éireann and school bus driver representatives to avert a threatened one-day strike next Friday, which could affect 14,000 schoolchildren.

More than 200 school bus drivers, who are members of SIPTU, have served notice for limited industrial action in protest over pay and conditions.

The part-time drivers claim they are among the lowest-paid workers in the public transport and education sectors, with hourly rates of €11.66. They are also protesting at not being allowed the same entitlements to pensions, sick pay and other benefits as other Bus Éireann drivers.