SIPTU has called on the management of Dublin Bus to engage in serious negotiations concerning adequate wage increases for its workers if it does not wish to be responsible for further shuts downs of the service in the coming weeks. SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: “After two days of strike action our members are pleased to return to work and to provide a top class public transport service to the people of Dublin tomorrow (Saturday, 10th September). Over the 48-hour duration of strike action it was clear from the public reaction that public transport users recognise that after eight years without a wage rise, while the service has been improving and has returned to profitability, workers deserve a fair increase in pay.” He added: “It is now up to Dublin Bus management and the Department of Transport to recognise the public support there is for a professional and efficient public bus service in Dublin operated by a properly paid workforce. While Dublin Bus matches similar services in other European cities in terms of reliability and quality it has had to survive on a fraction of the State support compared to other public transport companies. “It is well past time that management, the Department and workers’ representatives sit down and map out and agree a medium to long term funding plan for public bus services in Dublin.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “The ball is now in the court of management and the Department in relation to finding a satisfactory conclusion for all stakeholders to this dispute. If management and the Department maintain the intransigent attitude they have to meeting Dublin Bus workers’ reasonable pay claim our members are willing to continue, and if necessary intensify, their industrial action. “In order not to have a repeat of the deeply regrettable inconvenience to public transport users which we have witnessed over the last two days, we need a new sensible and constructive approach to be shown by the company and Department of Transport.” SIPTU and the other four Dublin Bus unions have served notice for two further 48-hour work stoppages on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th September, and Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September.
SIPTU calls on Dublin Bus to engage in serious negotiations to avert further action
