Siptu backtrack on claim of Luas strike ballot

An all-out Luas strike looked last night to be on the cards after Siptu said they would ballot drivers in the next two weeks as the longstanding dispute over pay and conditions moved up a gear.

However, within a few hours, Siptu’s divisional organiser Owen Reidy contradicted shop steward Richard McCarthy and said no final decision had been taken on whether an all-out ballot would be held, though it was discussed at an earlier meeting.

This latest move from the union came just days after Luas operator Transdev opted to to cut sick pay and halt annual leave on the eve of the 12th day of striking.

Mr Reidy said the Labour Court would explore whether there was scope for an intervention in the dispute and would talk to the Irish Congress ofTrade Unions and Transdev.

Drivers met yesterday afternoon in a Dublin hotel. Transdev has warned it will not conclude a pay deal in excess of the 13% agreement already reached with non-driver grades. It said it was awaiting official correspondence from Siptu and would not make any further comment last night.

There were no Luas services yesterday.