Talk, not walk: Multiple industrial disputes

COULD we be facing a winter of discontent? It is more probable than possible.

While the dispute involving 36 workers at An Post sub-contractor IO Systems appears to be on the point of being settled, there remains the prospect of a rail strike during the October bank holiday weekend, a walkout by nurses due to overcrowding in emergency departments, and continuing rumbles of discontent among bus drivers at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Not to mention the teachers and the continuing row over changes in the junior cycle.

None of these disputes augur well for 2016 and the common element among them appears to be the absence of robust engagement by the Government in seeking solutions.

There are at least four things that a successful modern economy and society needs: good communications, efficient and reliable transport, a decent and well staffed health service and a first-class education system.

All these are now under threat, unless effectively tackled. Is there a Government minister who will step up to the mark?