Pay domino tipped over - Luas offer sought by bus staff

THANKFULLY, the Luas strike threatened for yesterday did not go ahead. Record numbers of foreign visitors were expected in the capital so that kind of disruption would have created a very poor impression and damaged tourism prospects.

There may, however, be disruption ahead. Luas workers are to vote on an 18.7% rise over three years and it is uncertain if that offer will be accepted.

The offer is far less than the 50%-plus originally sought, but it is well ahead of inflation and will more than likely be reflected in higher fares for Dublin’s commuters, many of whom work in the private sector, where such increases are almost unimaginable for all but a tiny, lucky minority.