Representatives of SIPTU and the NBRU have agreed to attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss new pay arrangements for Irish Rail train drivers following the publication of a Labour Court Report on Past Productivity and Reduction in Working Week. In a joint statement the General Secretary of the NBRU, Dermot O'Leary, and SIPTU Organiser, Paul Cullen, said: "There have been long and protracted negotiations stretching back over ten years with regard to improvements to train drivers’ terms and conditions, unfortunately it took a work stoppage last autumn to bring a semblance of recognition to our members concerns that they were being left behind in terms of their ambitions to improve their conditions, we are now on the final leg of the process towards major improvements for our members." They added: “The independent report has thrown up some challenges for Train Drivers, not least the necessity to reach a similar level of driving hours as their UK counterparts, our members are prepared to discuss the broad agenda set out in the report with a view towards embracing some of the changes which may be necessary to effect the long overdue improvements to train drivers, it is imperative that the company will reciprocate by facilitating the reduction in the working week and agreeing to improve the Terms and Conditions of its driving resource, failure to so do will inevitably result in our members having to resort to engaging in industrial action in order to realise such improvements."