Govt and unions enter talks on future of CIÉ

CIÉ unions and the Department of Transport are meeting at the Labour Relations Commission today for talks on the future of the public transport company.

The talks were arranged as part of a deal to avert strike action by CIÉ workers over the Government’s plan to break the company into three competing entities and privatise 25% of Dublin Bus routes.

The talks are being chaired by LRC facilitator Kevin Foley and are expected to continue until next week.

Speaking ahead of the talks, SIPTU spokesman Michael Halpenny said: "Our primary objective is to protect the terms and conditions and security of employment of our members. It remains to be seen whether we can do it or not. That’s why we set five days aside for what nobody is pretending is an easy task."

Liam Tobin of the National Bus and Rail Workers Union, meanwhile, said industrial action could be back on the cards if the talks were not meaningful and productive.

Mr Tobin said: "What we’re looking for today is an agreement that will satisfy our members and satisfy the public.

"Industrial action was only deferred to allow these talks to go ahead, so that situation could change dramatically if the talks were not successful."