Luas drivers in 48-hour strike as 90,000 commuters hit

As a further 48-hour Luas strike hits 90,000 more commuters over today and tomorrow, the drivers’ union has warned that the situation will only become more intractable as the impasse goes on, to the point where a stoppage on St Patrick’s Day could become inevitable.

Siptu’s members in the company are seeking wage increases of 8%-53%. Transdev, the company that operates the Luas, has said it is prepared to have “reasonable discussions” on 1%-3% rises “with productivity”.

The sides have confirmed there have been no talks, other than debates in the media, in the days since the last strike.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said the State’s industrial relations resolution bodies remain ready to assist the sides. However, they appear too far apart for the likes of the Workplace Relations Commission to have any cause to step in.

In Siptu’s Liberty magazine, its divisional organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “Rather than enter into serious negotiations the management of Transdev have repeatedly taken to the media in attempts to demonise Luas workers.”

Transdev said yesterday: “To date we have had numerous local level meetings, eight meetings at the Workplace Relations Commission, one internal tribunal hearing, and two Labour Court hearings.

“At no stage has the union revised its claims in any of these forums. It is apparent to any reasonable observer that there must be a significant revision in the magnitude of the union’s claims if any further intervention by a third party is to be productive.”

In a letter to workers, the company’s managing director, Gerry Madden, said they will lose four days’ pay from their wage packets on February 26 for the four days of action this month. He said next month’s wages will be deducted for any action then.

Mr Reidy said there is a window between February 21 and March 8, when the next strike is due to take place, to find a resolution. if no solution is found by March 8, he said it could be even more difficult to avoid action on St Patrick’s Day.

He also called for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, as the State body responsible for the Luas, to play a role in finding a resolution.