Strike likely as Luas workers set to reject rise

Luas workers look set to “roundly reject” pay increases of up to almost 19% in a ballot which is due to be concluded later today.

Informed sources say the drivers, who had initially been seeking up to 53% increases, have been giving negative feedback to their union Siptu about the proposed increases which were arrived at following prolonged negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission between worker representatives and Transdev which operates the Luas network.

If the ballot, which is due to be concluded at 5pm, does return a rejection of the terms — and sources have indicated it could yield a vote of more than 90% against — it would almost certainly mean a 48-hour strike planned for Easter Sunday and Monday would go ahead.