DRIVERS AT Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have voted in favour of industrial action over proposed cutbacks.
Members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) overwhelmingly backed a proposal for industrial action, up to and including full strike action, if the companies press ahead with restructuring plans.
The companies are seeking to cut 270 vehicles – 120 from Dublin Bus and 150 from Bus Éireann – which could see more than 600 workers laid off, including 270 drivers.
The two State bus companies say they are facing losses of more than €30 million each this year unless corrective action is taken.
The companies say the economic downturn has led to a sharp decline in passenger numbers and that their restructuring plans are designed to return both companies to a break-even position by the end of 2010.
The NBRU, which represents 3,200 workers in both companies, will convene a special meeting of its national executive council today, after which plans for industrial action will be announced.
“Among the measures proposed by the companies are the sacking of 270 drivers, work practice changes that would, in their proposed format, have the potential to decimate surviving members’ earnings, severe cuts in services on some routes and the elimination of other routes,” the union said yesterday.
General secretary Michael Faherty said yesterday that both companies were “aware that negotiations on any changes cannot commence until such time as the issue of the sacking of the drivers has been satisfactorily addressed”.
Dublin Bus said it had not received official notification on the outcome of ballots.
“Due to its financial problems, Dublin Bus has no choice but to implement its proposed plan on March 1st. However, the company remains available to have intensive discussions prior to that date,” the company said.
Both bus companies intend to implement the first phase of their cutback plans next month by terminating the employment of some 160 probationary drivers.
The NBRU wants the companies to instead introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme for existing drivers.
Bus Éireann said it would not be appropriate to provide details of planned changes until it had first met with union representatives.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey appealed yesterday to both sides to enter into talks.
Drivers at Dublin Bus represented by Siptu last week voted in favour of industrial action.
