The Labour Court has begun hearing claims by staff at Dublin Bus for pay increases of up to 31 per cent.
The hearing follows on from the recent award of 18 per cent over four years to Luas drivers.
Talks between unions and the Labour Court concluded at lunchtime and management is making its case this afternoon.
Arriving at the court on Thursday, National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) general secretary Dermot O’Leary said there was now a significant gap between the pay of drivers at the State-owned Dublin Bus and tram drivers working for Luas operator Transdev. He said the NBRU wanted the court to close that gap.
The court is hearing claims from the NBRU and Siptu for all 3,300 staff at Dublin Bus, not just drivers. However,the highest claim of 31 per cent has been made in relation to drivers by the NBRU in a bid to achieve pay parity with Luas drivers.
In addition to an increase similar to that awarded to Luas drivers, staff at Dublin Bus also want the payment of an outstandingly paid 6 per cent rise from a national wage deal dating back several years.
“Staff at Dublin Bus have not had a pay rise since 2008 and have experienced cost reduction plans including pay cuts in the intervening years, ” Mr O’Leary said.
Productivity
Mr O’Leary said productivity was on the agenda for the Labour Court process but that members were demanding the talks would concentrate on a flat rate increase first. He did not believe that productivity would be discussed on Thursday.
The hearing on the 31 per cent pay claim comes as a group of Dublin Bus drivers are expected to collect a €23 million lottery jackpot which they won at the weekend.
“It is very good news story amidst the doom and gloom elsewhere. They are all 30-year men and loyal workers of Dublin Bus and loyal members of the NBRU and other unions. All we can say is the best of luck to them,” Mr O’Leary said.
