SIPTU members at Bus Eireann have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action at the company. The strike action is expected to commence on Thursday 17th January following a ballot in which 91% voted in favour. Members voted for strike action rather than for what was considered to be less effective industrial action due to the seriousness of the issues at stake and the unacceptable unilateral actions of the company, according to SIPTU Organiser, Willie Noone.“Our members have always been willing to change working conditions and practices within reason but are not prepared to have changes unilaterally imposed on them. This decision is a direct response to the threat by management to dictate change and cut the pay of our members,” Willie Noone said.He said that it is expected that the strike action will affect Bus Eireann services country-wide from Thursday 17th January and could spread to other companies in the CIE group. “If the company proceeds on its current course it is likely that workers across the CIE group will be forced to take similar action.“The attempt by the company to have all issues referred to the Labour Court was seriously flawed and was a crude attempt to fast track the imposition of changes without adhering to agreed procedures.“Bus Eireann workers are not prepared to continue to provide a public transport system while management is eroding every aspect of their conditions of employment, including their wages,” he said.
SIPTU members vote in favour of strike action at Bus Eireann
