SIPTU members have expressed disappointment at the failure to reach agreement following discussions today at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between union representatives and the management of Transdev, the LUAS light rail network operator. The talks were convened on Friday, 22nd January, with the aim of finding a resolution to a dispute concerning workers’ terms and conditions of employment which has resulted in LUAS staff voting to conduct two 48-hour work stoppages during February. SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: “Our members are very disappointed at the approach of management to the talks at the WRC. The company failed to show any initiative in the effort to find an agreed resolution to the dispute. Management representatives merely reiterated a previously stated position that our members cannot expect to receive pay rises over the next five years and that any rise that might be granted would be limited to an increase in the Consumer Price Index.” He added: “What made this approach very disappointing is that it contradicts the stated positon of management last Monday. At a meeting between management and union representatives the company said it would consider pay rises for workers above the CPI rate. Due to the intransigent position displayed by management it is certain that the scheduled work stoppages will proceed on Thursday, 11th and Friday, 12th and Thursday, 18th Friday and 19th February. The workers are conscious of the inconvenience these stoppages will have on their customers but believe they have no option but to conduct this industrial action.”
SIPTU members express disappointment at failure of LUAS talks at WRC
