Driver testers to strike next week over uninsured cars

Driver testers across the country are to stage a day of strike action next week over their concerns about uninsured vehicles being used during tests.

The testers employed by the Road Safety Authority, will strike between 8.15am and 5.30pm next Friday.

They will also engage in an indefinite industrial action, refusing to conduct a driving test unless a valid certificate of insurance is produced by the candidate presenting for the test.

Their union Fórsa said the decision follows three conciliation meetings at the Workplace Relations Commission, the most recent of which took place on Thursday, with no resolution.

Fórsa says the lack of a proper insurance verification system, combined with inadequate indemnity protections, has left staff exposed, and under pressure to proceed with tests in circumstances that would be unacceptable in any other area of public service.

The union claimed the RSA rejected union proposals to reform the standard operating procedure for driving tests, as part of efforts to formulate a resolution last week.

Fórsa official Ruairi Creaney said: “Currently, driver testers are not fully covered by the State Claims Agency while carrying out their duties, particularly when conducting tests in uninsured vehicles.

“The absence of access to a national insurance verification system means there is no reliable way to confirm that vehicles presented for tests are properly insured. Exposing driver testers to this level of potential risk makes no sense.

“An uninsured vehicle is not a roadworthy vehicle and presents an unacceptable risk to the public. Driver testers are taking this action both in defence of public safety, and to ensure their own workplace is safe.”

Fórsa driver tester members balloted for action last December.