Port tunnel strike called off

Threatened strike action at Dublin’s Port Tunnel which could have crippled the city’s traffic was today called off, union leaders said.

Siptu said it has struck an agreement with port operators Transroute over its row about wages.

The trade union had warned workers were prepared to walk out next month after it served a 14-day strike notice, which took effect yesterday.

A deal between both sides brokered with the help of the Labour Court has averted industrial action, according to Owen Reidy, Siptu branch organiser.

“We very much welcome the agreement which will improve pay and conditions for our members working in Transroute at the Dublin Port Tunnel and which we believe very much will bring pay into line with other tolling facilities around the country,” he said.

The union threatened a walkout over claims its members were being paid less than the industry norm.

Transroute runs the operation and maintenance of the tunnel including the toll booths, traffic management, safety, emergency and contingency plans and inspections.