The bus strikes planned for today and this weekend will be going ahead. The Minister for Transport yesterday expressed disappointment about talks breaking down at the Labour Relations Commission which were a last attempt to avert strike action planned by SIPTU and the NBRU at Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.
Minister Donohoe said, "It is extremely disappointing that the LRC talks aimed at having the planned industrial action to begin at midnight called off have broken down. I have repeatedly said that this action is unjustified and will cause considerable damage to an economy that is in recovery, have financial implications for the bus companies who are only just getting back on their feet and discommode the travelling public who are attempting to go about their daily business.
Conditions had been created earlier in the week within which, it was hoped, a resolution could take place. The fact now that parties have walked away from discussions will be met with disappointment and frustration by many."
Today, SIPTU Bus drivers will place pickets in over 30 locations across the country. They claim they are engaging in strike action to protect services and decent jobs from the threat of privatisation. The strike is one of four scheduled to take place this month with further days of action on Saturday, 2nd May, Friday, 15th May and Saturday, 16th May.
SIPTU Construction and Utilities Division Organiser, Owen Reidy said, "It is regrettable that these discussions have ended without any progress. Unfortunately, there was nothing new from the employers in relation to the concerns expressed by SIPTU members about the impact of the proposed privatisation of 10% of bus routes on their jobs and the quality of the service to the public.
After months of talks the bus companies have refused to meaningfully engage with SIPTU members on their six point agenda which outlines their concerns over the proposed privatisation plans. In the face of this intransigence our members have been left with no option but to embark on a campaign of industrial action which will cost them financially and cause severe inconvenience to the travelling public which they are proud to serve."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
