Transport Minister: Bus drivers will not be forced to transfer to private companies

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has said that no employee will be forced to transfer to another operator as part of plans to privatise 10% of the bus market.

Industrial action is scheduled at Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus for Friday and Saturday this week as part of the dispute over privatisation in 2017.

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Minister Donohoe said that he cannot give assurances about further planned privatisation in 2019, however.

He said that his commitment to workers now means further talks should take place and the strike should be called off.

"This is a comprehensive, positive response from me, to issues that have been raised by employees though their unions," he said.

"It provides absolutely an agenda for resumption of discussions within the Labour Relations Commission and for the cancellation of the proposed strikes."