Bus strike looms in May

Transport Minister Paschal Donohue says the Government remains committed to opening a series of bus routes to private tender despite the threat of union strike action over the May public holiday weekend.

The minister ruled out a U-turn on the issue, saying the “magnitude of the investment” from the public means commuters deserve the best services possible.

At a tourism media event at the RDS, the Fine Gael TD said he is aware of potential industrial action from the National Bus and Rail Union on May 1. However, despite moving to assure workers he will protect their pension entitlements and that he believes only a small number of employees may need to change jobs, Mr Donohue said the 10% tendering plan will still take place.

The comments came as Siptu said it will decide on April 24 whether to limit industrial action on May 1 to the National Bus and Rail Union’s plan for a two-hour stoppage and protest outside the Dáil.

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