Varadkar backs Dublin Bus as Siptu re-ballots drivers

As Siptu prepares to re-ballot its members at Dublin Bus for industrial action next week, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said the Government will stand by the company in the event of strikes by the union’s drivers.

Dublin Bus has confirmed it intends to implement its €11m cost-recovery plan for all grades from Nov 17. That is in spite of the fact that hundreds of drivers who are members of Siptu last week rejected new, independent proposals on the cost-savings plan drawn up by one of its own former organisers, Noel Dowling, and management consultant Ultan Courtney.

In parallel, however, drivers from the National Bus and Rail Union, which had also previously rejected savings proposals from the Labour Relations Commission, voted to accept the two men’s interpretation.

“It is now clear that the overall majority of employees have accepted the plan,” Dublin Bus management said last night. “55% of all drivers have accepted the independent investigation report and all other grades have accepted the Labour Court Recommendation.”

Dublin Bus said it was vital to press ahead with the cost-recovery plan to ensure the company’s financial stability and the future of its employees.

“Further industrial action at this point is totally unnecessary given that the majority of employees have accepted the cost-recovery plan,” it said. “It would severely damage the company’s reputation and lead to increased financial losses.”

Mr Varadkar and Minister of State for Commuter Transport Alan Kelly threw their support behind the company’s plans to press ahead with implementation of the cost-recovery plan.

Mr Varadkar said he had briefed Cabinet on the need to deliver the savings to safeguard the future of Dublin Bus, and the jobs and services it provides. He said Cabinet agreed there was no basis for further negotiations or interventions as all avenues have been exhausted.