Siptu drivers vote for Dublin Bus strike

An overwhelming majority of Siptu drivers working for Dublin Bus have voted for strike action.

The results of a ballot conducted amongst the union’s 1,200 drivers at the company showed 94% were in favour of strike action if Dublin Bus proceeds with its attempts to implement changes to their terms and conditions of employment without agreement.

The company is seeking €11.7m in saving which would include cuts to wages of around €7m.

Last year the company had an accumulated deficit of €52.2m due to reduction in their Government subvention, increased operating costs and a decline in revenue due to passengers taking fewer journeys.

Siptu decided to ballot after the Labour Court recommended cuts to drivers’ pay, but only until the company returned to “a sustainable level of profitability”.

Siptu organiser John Murphy said “the workers’ representatives are still available to meet management to engage in constructive negotiations on all outstanding issues. The ball is firmly in the company’s court and we await its response.”

Meanwhile the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union is still studying the court ruling and has not yet balloted its members.