A ballot is being held this weekend of Dart drivers over whether to accept or reject a ruling from the Labour Court on their claim for extra payments for driving new trains.
The claim from Dart drivers for increased pay to drive the longer trains has been dealt with through company and State industrial relations mechanisms, culminating in the Labour Court ruling against the claim.
Siptu railway services branch secretary, Willie Noone, told ireland.com: "We would like recognition for our members for the increased esponsibility of driving longer trains and their contribution to subsequent increased productivity."
"As yet we are not discussing industrial action, the ballot is only over the Labour Court decision." he added.
Mr Noone explained that normal procedure is that if the Labour Court ruling is rejected than they unions will approach management again. The result of the ballot is due early next week.
The claim by Dart drivers for increased pay was heard internally in a series of hearings from July 2004. As there was no resolution of the issues internally, a Labour Relations Commission conciliation conference was held in February of this year which resulted in a referral to a full Labour Court hearing.
On June 9th the Labour Court upheld the Iarnród Éireann's position, saying it "is of the view that this matter is comprehended within the change process agreements and the court recommendations associated with these agreements."
The New Deal for Dart drivers, agreed in 2000, states: "All opportunities to enhance or to adjust the service . . . will be taken without resistance or interruption" and that staff would "co-operate with the introduction and upgrading of new technology as required, eg introduction of new or updated traction units (trains)".
Weekend works on the Dart line are scheduled for completion in mid-September.