CIÉ unions to meet Brennan for last-ditch talks

Union representatives will meet Transport Minister Seamus Brennan today in a last-ditch attempt to defuse a dispute over privatisation.

Government proposals to break up state-owned bus and rail operator CIÉ and privatise around a quarter of Dublin Bus routes have been vigorously opposed by the unions for a year.

They claim they have not been properly informed about exactly what the plans entail and how jobs will be affected.

Further strike action is threatened unless Mr Brennan alters his approach to implementing the reform packages and enters into negotiation with union bosses.

Members of transport union SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Workers' Union have already balloted for strike action.

A SIPTU spokesman vowed that any steps taken to privatise CIE services will be opposed.

Mr Brennan has infuriated unions by speaking publicly about the dispute, which they said strongly undermined their position.

Union bosses said the resulting lack of trust between the two sides would be difficult to overcome.

Today’s meeting is the fourth between unions and the minister since he announced plans to break up CIÉ in November 2002.

It follows disruptions to Dublin bus services last week when more than 500 drivers attended a union meeting.

CIÉ employees are also expected to demand a “jobs for life” promise similar to that Mr Brennan gave to Aer Rianta staff two weeks ago in a desperate bid to avoid strikes at three airports.