Bus Éireann to implement cost-saving measures

Bus Éireann’s decision to press ahead with cuts toworkers’ overtime rates, premium pay, and annual leave entitlement looks set to leave commuters on the roadside as staff go on strike.

Last June, the company said it needed to make €9m in savings from “terms and conditions”. While it made no threat to core pay, staff said they would not accept any reduction in other areas such as premium and overtime payments.

The matter was referred to the Labour Court which made a series of recommendations designed to generate the required savings. Unions rejected those proposals and, in response, the company warned that job losses “may be unavoidable” in order to restore its financial viability.