Rail pay offer ‘the best that could be achieved’

The spectre of further rail chaos has receded after unions representing Irish Rail workers opted to suspend industrial action pending the result of a ballot on a Labour Court recommendation.

If accepted, the company’s 3,800 employees will benefit from a 2.5% increase, year on year, for the next three years.

Last night, a spokesman for Siptu, Greg Ennis, said the offer was “the best that could be achieved at this time” and was “worthy of a ballot” of the membership. As a result, industrial action planned for November 14 and 23, as well as December 8, was being suspended.