Press Release

SIPTU members in Irish Rail left with no option other than industrial action

Date Released: 31 October 2017

SIPTU members in Irish Rail have been left with no option, due to management intransigence, other than to take industrial action which will commence with a 24-hour work stoppage beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, 1st November) at 00.01 a.m.

SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “Irish Rail workers would prefer to be providing a service to customers than be on a picket line. However, they have been forced to take this action due to the failure of management and the Government to deal with their concerns about the future of rail transport in Ireland.

“In taking this action, Irish Rail workers are highlighting their call for urgent action in relation to the underfunding of rail services and for staff to receive their first pay rise in ten years. They have done everything possible to avoid a dispute at the company including the acceptance of temporary pay cuts.”

He added: “It is long past the time for the Government to take its responsibilities concerning the maintenance of a functioning rail network seriously. In recent years, government funding for Irish Rail has fallen by approximately 25%. The 2016 Rail Review Report by the National Transport Authority stated that Irish Rail has a funding gap of approximately €103 million each year from 2017 to 2021.”

SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: “Over 1,900 SIPTU members in Irish Rail will be manning picket lines in over 30 locations across the country from midnight tonight. These are workers who are committed to the future of Irish Rail and are only taking this action as a last resort.

“Since 2007, pay-roll costs in Irish Rail have been reduced by 22% with staff numbers decreasing by 1,000. Workers have taken on extra responsibilities without receiving any extra payment. Irish Rail passenger numbers are now back at 2009 levels with rail operations at the company once again generating profit. Much of these profits are being diverted to cover the maintenance of rail infrastructure due to its chronic underfunding.”

He added: “The cost of living in Ireland has increased significantly in the last ten years. Irish Rail workers are seeking a pay increase which is in line with their colleagues providing other public transport services.”

Irish Rail workers have scheduled further work stoppages to take place on Tuesday 7^th November, Tuesday 14th November, Thursday 23^rd November and Friday 8^th December.