SIPTU and NBRU in talks to end Dublin Bus dispute

SIPTU and the NBRU, the two unions representing the disputing Dublin bus drivers, are engaged in behind the scenes talks to try to get their members back to work.

An unofficial work stoppage by bus drivers in Dublin has caused chaos for thousands of commuters this morning.

Almost 150 drivers at Dublin Bus began the strike because they say management has not dealt with attacks on drivers.

SIPTU’s Pat Ward says at the moment their appeals for a return to work are not being heeded.

“It’s falling on deaf ears, as far as I am concerned the people in Ringsend are continuing to stay out of work as we speak. We are hoping that talks behind the scenes with management will help the situation," he said.

"Our concerns are with the people who are out there without their service as a result of the unofficial action, we just want to get these people back into work."

Commuters have been forced to make alternative arrangements to make their way to the capital.

Areas worst effected include Terenure and Rathfarnham.

Dublin Bus spokesperson, Christy Dorman, says it is not yet clear when services will be up and running, but he is making an appeal to drivers.

"I would like to apologise to our customers, we are endeavouring to get the service back and running quickly as possible but unfortunately that will be too late for people to get to work in time this morning. The trade unions join with us in the call for drivers to go back to work," he said.