Rail strikes stem from slow pace of talks, claims union
“Drivers are frustrated over the length of time the talks are taking on the substantive issues of reducing the working week and increasing pensionable pay,” said Dermot O’Leary, assistant general secretary of the National Bus & Rail Union (NBRU).
“They feel deadlines come and go without any tangible result.”
The drivers have declined to work overtime or on rest days despite the NBRU and fellow union SIPTU advising them to work as normal.
“Flexibility [on their drivers’ part] is strictly voluntary,” said Mr O’Leary, adding the unions could not compel members to work overtime.
Drivers work a 40-hour contracted week but generally end up doing 43.5 hours with overtime. However, they want a working week that is closer to 39 hours.
The decision of the drivers against working overtime has left Iarnród Éireann short of drivers, causing cancellations of services yesterday and over the Easter holiday.
Mr O’Leary said Irish Rail was short of drivers but if agreement was reached on new working rosters then the company would have enough drivers.
Restructuring would not lead to service cutbacks as union members were in favour of the expansion of railways in Ireland.
The NBRU also recognised efficiencies could be made within Iarnród Éireann to improve the way the service was run, he said.
Iarnród Éireann last night advised that all services to and from Connolly Station and Docklands Station will operate normally today, following yesterday’s cancellations.
The 6.30am Portlaoise to Heuston and 17.35pm Heuston to Carlow, will remain cancelled tomorrow, as has been the case since February 11.
Passengers have been warned to keep a close eye on Iarnród Éireann’s website www.irishrail.ie for travel alerts on services.
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