Further Luas strikes as Workplace Relations Commission accused of bias

As Luas workers embark on yet another 48-hour strike this morning, the likelihood of further stoppages — at least until June — has risen significantly with the effective removal of one of the main mediation bodies capable of finding a resolution.

Jack O’Connor, president of Siptu, which represents the Luas staff, said he saw no further role for the Workplace Relations Commission in the dispute while Kieran Mulvey remains its director general. That was after the Siptu leader accused Mr Mulvey, who is due to retire in June, of attacking the workers in an interview on RTÉ radio yesterday morning.

During that interview, Mr Mulvey said it was “extraordinary” that Siptu had not contacted him after its members almost unanimously rejected WRC-brokered proposals which would have seen staff paid increases of up to almost 19%.