Bus workers to begin ballot for industrial action

The National Bus and Railworkers Union is due to begin a ballot for industrial action among its members at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann today.

The vote has been arranged following decisions by the two companies to lay off around 600 workers and remove 270 buses from their fleets.

The firms say the cuts are necessary in light of falling passenger numbers.

SIPTU is also set to ballot its members next week on the possibility of industrial action in protest against the measures.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and Environment Minister John Gormley are due to launch a new plan today aimed at encouraging people to use public transport and other means of travel instead of private cars.