Taoiseach urged to intervene in CIÉ dispute

The Labour Party has called on the Taoiseach to intervene in the dispute between the Department of Transport and unions representing workers at CIÉ.

Yesterday, the National Bus and Railworkers Union decided to withdraw from talks with the department due to the attitude of Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

The two sides had been discussing Mr Brennan’s plan to break CIÉ into three separate companies and privatise 25% of Dublin Bus routes.

However, the minister angered the NBRU earlier this week when he told the media he intended to press ahead with his proposals, even though the talks with the unions were ongoing.

Yesterday, the NBRU executive responded by deciding to take whatever action was necessary to prevent the proposed CIÉ break-up, including industrial action.

The Labour Party later called on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to intervene, saying Mr Brennan had a preoccupation with publicity and self-promotion and was inhibiting the prospects of an agreement.