SIPTU Bus Drivers in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have voted by over 90%, in both companies, in favour of industrial action and strike action in a ballot counted this afternoon (Friday, 10th April) in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1. The ballot resulted from the breakdown of Labour Relations Commission (LRC) talks involving the transport unions, representatives of the bus companies, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport.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.”
SIPTU Bus Drivers overwhelmingly vote for industrial and strike action
