Bus strike talks break down; referral to Labour Court later today
SIPTU and Bus Eireann will attend the Labour Court at 3pm today as talks at the Workplace Relations Commission broke down overnight.
Bus Eireann issued a statement:
'After 16 days of intensive negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission, talks have broken down without agreement. The unions have now referred a number of issues to the Labour Court and the company have agreed to attend. The company have (sic) sought an early hearing given the urgency of the financial situation.
'While progress was made and agreement was reached to eliminate many work practise inefficiencies, an offer made by the company that would help to deliver financial viability was rejected by the Trade Unions representing the driver grade.
'We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the ongoing industrial action.
'Bus Éireann would like to sincerely thank the Workplace Relations Commission for facilitating talks and assisting the company through this process.'
SIPTU said that the issues in dispute between workers and management at Bus Éireann have been referred to a hearing of the Labour Court which will take place today (Tuesday, 11th April) at 3pm. This follows talks between union representatives and management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) which concluded this morning (Tuesday, 11th April) without agreement.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone said: “Despite the very best efforts of WRC Conciliation Officers, it has proved beyond their professional expertise to find a set of proposals which could bring a conclusion to this dispute. Some outstanding issues which are central to getting a comprehensive agreement have now been referred to the Labour Court for non-binding arbitration.
“It is disappointing that after five days of intense negotiations and following the identification of €18 million in savings, management did not deem that sufficient to end the impasse. It appears that management is controlled by consultants and others outside the process who are content to see 2600 good jobs lost in order to advance the privatisation of public transport.”
He added: “It is hoped that the Labour Court will find a formula which could form the basis for resolving this dispute and bring an end to the suffering of Bus Éireann workers and the travelling public, which has been deliberately exacerbated by the inaction of Minister for Transport Shane Ross.”