At a meeting of SIPTU shop stewards from the CIE Group of Companies in Liberty Hall this morning (14th May) it was decided to ballot members in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail for industrial action in solidarity with their colleagues in Bus Éireann. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “At the meeting were shop stewards from Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. Workers across the three companies that make up the CIE Group share a concern about management attempts to cut staff pay and conditions of employment. “On Thursday (16th May) a ballot for strike action by SIPTU members in Bus Éireann will be counted. All the indications are that this ballot will return an overwhelming vote in favour of strike action. “In a show of solidarity with their colleagues in Bus Éireann, shop stewards at the other two CIE companies have requested permission to also ballot for industrial action. Our members are adamant that it is made clear to management that any attempt to enforce cuts on workers in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail will be resisted.” He added: “Workers at the CIE Group of Companies share a deep concern in ensuring the future viability of the Group is secured. However, cuts which only focus on reducing the pay and conditions of employment of workers while seeking no similar contribution from highly paid management grades will not be accepted.” Following the meeting of shop stewards a SIPTU delegation, including SIPTU Construction and Utilities Organiser Christy McQuillan and Willie Noone, attended the Labour Relations Commission to engage in discussions aimed at bringing to a conclusion the dispute at Bus Éireann.
SIPTU to ballot members in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail for industrial action
