SIPTU's Owen Reidy admits Luas strike will leave 'bad taste' in our mouths

The union representing Luas workers has admitted strike action may leave a "bad taste" in our mouths.

Drivers escalated their action yesterday, announcing a further eight work stoppages to take place this month and in May in their bid to get a pay rise.

Transdev, the firm which operates the tram, has said it costs them €100,000 every day the Luas does not run.

They wrote to the union offering a fresh round of talks just prior to the latest strike notice being issued. However, it is unclear whether those discussions will now go ahead.

SIPTU's Owen Reidy said their actions might not be popular, but that workers are entitled to protest.

"When it is over, it will leave a legacy and a bad taste in people's mouths, but we'll have to move on from that," he said.

"The workers feel they should share in the overall benefits of the company that bit more."