Siptu members likely to support bus strikes
Under the timetable laid down on Monday, the Labour Relations Commission now has less than 24 hours to come up with a formula for cost savings at Bus Éireann. If it does not, drivers are likely to recommence strike action.
That would again leave up to 80,000 commuters stranded and cost the company €200,000 each day.
The strikes on Sunday and Monday were only taken by members of the National Bus and Rail Union, although Siptu members refused to cross the picket line, meaning they were not working either.
However, Siptu’s own ballot for strike action is due to be completed tomorrow and the union is predicting it will be overwhelmingly in favour.
Yesterday the Siptu shop stewards from Bus Éireann met with stewards from the other two CIÉ companies, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. It was decided that members in the other two companies would ballot for industrial action.
Willie Noone, Siptu sector organiser, said: “Workers at the CIÉ group of companies share a deep concern in ensuring the future viability of the group is secured.
“However, cuts which only focus on reducing the pay and conditions of employment of workers while seeking no similar contribution from highly paid management grades will not be accepted.
“In a show of solidarity with their colleagues in Bus Éireann, shop stewards at the other two CIÉ companies have requested permission to also ballot for industrial action. Our members are adamant that it is made clear to management that any attempt to enforce cuts on workers in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail will be resisted.”
In relation to the talks at Bus Éireann, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said he was hopeful of a settlement.
“This is the third time now that there’s been an intervention by the LRC. This dispute is going on for over a year now. During that year the financial position of Bus Éireann has continued to deteriorate.
“And that’s why it’s extremely important that we do have an agreement this time that delivers the necessary savings and is a lasting agreement. That’s the only way that we can protect Bus Éireann services, Bus Éireann jobs, and the long-term future of the company.”
