Train drivers to be balloted

Thousands of commuters could face travel disruption following a decision by train driver unions to ballot for industrial action after talks with Iarnród Éireann broke down last week.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) and Siptu confirmed they would next week seek a mandate from driver members for action that could include stoppages on Dart, commuter, and national rail services.

The move comes following a breakdown in talks last week at the Labour Relations Commission. The LRC talks centred on part of a deal hammered out last September, when drivers agreed to a pay cut over 25 months. The deal at that point, unions say, referenced recognition of past productivity.