Varadkar nearly derails bus talks
The two sides had until 10am today to reach agreement on cost-saving measures which the company said must be made to secure its future survival.
It is understood the early section of yesterday’s discussion was thrown into turmoil for a period by comments made by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar that a return to strike action would be preferable to an agreement which did not deliver sufficient savings.
“The important thing from my point of view is to protect the passengers and that is what this is all about as far as I am concerned,” the minister said. “That can only happen if an agreement is made that delivers sufficient savings. I would rather see us go back into a strike situation than have an agreement that does not deliver the necessary savings to protect passenger services.”
Asked about Siptu’s plans to ballot other CIE companies in solidarity with Bus Éireann workers, Mr Varadkar said strikes were counterproductive as they “damage companies, inconvenience passengers and undermine people’s jobs”.
Sources close to the talks said it would be an understatement to say the minister’s comments were “not taken well” by the trade union movement and it did “cause a setback”.
However, it is understood that after a cooling-off period, there was positive engagement from all sides.
In the event that talks break down, Siptu is due to announce outcome of a ballot of its members in Bus Éireann today.
Meanwhile services continued yesterday and the two sides have agreed 24 hours’ notice will be given before any disruption to services.
