Siptu hits back at Transdev threats

Siptu has warned the operator of the Luas it will “not be found wanting” if the company takes any action against its members over the ongoing pay dispute.

Earlier this week, in the face of a further eight days of strikes, Transdev managing director Gerry Madden told Siptu it was putting staff on protective notice; that their employment would be on a day-to-day basis “until further notice”; that staff not performing all their duties would be removed from the payroll; and Transdev would recoup the costs of any further action through pay deductions from those continuing to strike.

He also gave workers until April 17 to accept the offer of a 10% pay rise — much less than the increases of up to 18% over 33 months, which workers turned down earlier this month.

Yesterday, Siptu organiser John Murphy replied to Mr Madden, saying the union did not accept members could be employed on a day-to-day basis and he disputed the company’s right to give notice of lay-offs or short-term working without the agreement of the union. He also said any proposed cuts to pay would be unlawful under the Payment of Wages Act.

“We must advise that should Transdev proceed to take any action, as threatened against any of our members engaged in this lawful dispute, this union will not be found wanting in taking the necessary steps to defend our members and their dispute,” said Mr Murphy.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “There are some things now that have been communicated by Transdev that I would not like to see happening, like the prospect of a relationship being developed between fines and wages of workers. We have norms in how industrial relations matters are resolved and norms on where they are resolved.”