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10th Apr 2015

A national bus strike is on the cards over privatisation plans

Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann representatives will meet on Monday

Tony Cuddihy

Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann representatives will meet on Monday.

Ireland could be facing a national bus strike amid plans to privatise 10% of services across the country.

Drivers at Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus were balloted and over 90% voted for industrial action.

There is no date in place for a potential strike but trade union representatives will meet on Monday to discuss matters further.

busdublin

SIPTU Utilities and Construction Division Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “This result demonstrates the significant frustration amongst drivers in both companies at the lack of progress in addressing workers’ concerns over the NTA plan to privatise 10% of bus services.

“We have been unable to persuade the NTA, to date, to abandon their flawed privatisation plan. SIPTU has also tabled a number of issues in the LRC facilitated talks, which were instigated by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe, that have not been adequately dealt with.”

He added: “This combined with both bus companies failure to guarantee the tenure, security and quality of our members’ employment has led to an impasse in the talks process and our members strong mandate for action. SIPTU senior shop stewards from both companies will meet on Monday to discuss how to proceed.”

H/T Newstalk

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