Deal brings hope of averting bus strike

Threatened strike action at Dublin Bus may be averted after a deal hammered out between trade unions and company bosses today.

The two sides were locked in talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in a row about the planned sacking of 160 workers as part of a cost-cutting package.

But compulsory lay-off proposals have now been scrapped and all drivers are being guaranteed a minimum five-day week under a new agreement, according to trade union Siptu.

Branch organiser Willie Noone said: “Under the LRC’s proposals no shift drivers should suffer a cut in pay and there should be no compulsory redundancies.

“There will be no casual, or two-day working, as the company originally proposed. A five-day week is guaranteed to all drivers.”

Mr Noone said the deal also allowed for drivers currently not allowed to work on Sundays to get access to the extra day, with the potential for extra earnings.

Both Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union will be balloting their members on the proposals next week.