SIPTU Dublin Bus drivers have voted by 51% to 49% to reject proposed changes to workers’ terms of employment following a ballot which was counted in Liberty Hall, Dublin, today (Friday, 25th October). The latest set of proposals on the implementation of a cost-saving plan at the company were drawn up by former SIPTU National Organiser, Noel Dowling, and management consultant, Ultan Courtney. SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: “It is clear from today’s result that SIPTU Dublin Bus drivers are of the opinion that they cannot endure any further cuts to their earnings and have not received from the company adequate assurances about the future of the public bus system.” He added: “We would like to thank Noel Dowling and Ultan Courtney for drawing up these proposals. Unfortunately, they do not form a firm enough basis for an agreement which will ensure that Dublin Bus continues to provide an efficient and cost effective public transport service. “SIPTU representatives are available to meet with the management of Dublin Bus in the hope of resolving matters still in dispute. It is now up to the company to decide whether it wishes to enter a negotiation process which could resolve this dispute without further industrial action and disruption to services.” The dispute over cost-saving plans at the company led to a three-day strike at the company in August following an attempt by management to implement changes to work practices without agreement. An amended set of Labour Court proposals was accepted by all other grades of Dublin Bus workers in a ballot held in September. However, bus drivers voted against them. Following this vote ICTU and IBEC appointed Dowling and Courtney to investigate how a Labour Court recommendation on cost cutting measures at the company could be progressed.
SIPTU Dublin Bus drivers vote to reject cost cutting proposals
