Bus Éireann workers prepare for strike action

Passengers are bracing themselves for travel chaos when Bus Éireann drivers go on strike tomorrow.

The company said it hopes to operate as many services as possible, despite workers with the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) staging the walk out from midnight.

Bus Éireann revealed it was difficult to plan ahead as the company did not know if members of Siptu, who are also being balloted for industrial action, would pass the picket.

Approximately 50,000 customers usually travel on routes across the country on a Sunday.

“We will endeavour to operate as many services as possible as long as it is safe to do so, however this will depend on the level of strike action taken,” said a spokesman.

“Customers are advised to visit buseireann.ie and local and national media for updates.”

The strike, which centres on a row over payroll savings of €5m, is expected to cost Bus Éireann €200,000 a day.

Both sides have said they are available for talks, but no contact has been made so far.

Michael Faherty, NBRU general secretary, claimed the company had selected the date for the walk out as it is the day the firm wanted to implement new measures which he described as a breach of contract of employment.

“I have nothing but sympathy for the travelling public, they haven’t caused this,” he said.

“The management should be thinking about their customers too and should be sitting down with trade unions to negotiate.”

Translink has already confirmed that several cross border Ulsterbus Goldline coach services will be affected until further notice, with only buses driven by Translink drivers running at reduced frequency.

“As the Bus Aras depot in Dublin will not be available as a drop off /pick up point in Dublin city centre, an alternative temporary stop will be located at Custom House Quay,” she added.

Bus Éireann employs 2,500 people – with the NBRU representing almost half the workforce. Siptu will know the result of its ballot on Thursday.

Members of the NBRU voted to reject cost-cutting recommendations from the Labour Court, which they claim could see some workers lose up to €4,000 a year in pay.

It had recommended a 20% cut to a range of allowance and expense payments, a reduction of overtime rates, longer working hours and a cut in shift payments.

The Government has also warned the bus firm, which is supported by the State, lost €27m over the last five years and would not be financially viable if it does not impose cuts.

But Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins and MEP Paul Murphy said they are supporting the strike action being taken by union members.

Mr Higgins called for Siptu and Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) members to join in solidarity by not crossing the pickets in the morning.

“There are clear signs the company wants to cut across the effectiveness of the action by using private coach firms to scab,” he said.

“An urgent practical discussion is needed involving the Bus Eireann workers on the ground with support from the wider trade union movement and sympathetic working people who oppose austerity about what kind of protest action is needed to disrupt strike breaking efforts.”