Transport dispute - Brennan and unions must bite bullet

With SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union threatening strike action, Transport Minister Séamus Brennan seemed to bow to pressure in offering to discuss the privatisation of 25% of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann routes.

In fairness, however, the minister stressed his belief that franchising is the best way of achieving proper competition. He did not back down from that, but quite properly indicated that he is “open to additional suggestions provided they are directed at achieving the same objective”.

He also reassured CIÉ workers that the break-up of the company could be achieved without undermining the terms and conditions of employment of existing employees, which has been his contention all along. For too long have these services have suffered from a lack of competition.

A perception was allowed to grow in which CIÉ services were seen as being more concerned about satisfying the employment needs of the staff than the travelling needs of the public. There should be no question of industrial peace at any price.

Sooner or later, the minister and the unions are going to have to bite the bullet and tackle the problem in an effective way that provides the service that the public requires and the protection that employees deserve.