The row between the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association and the other drivers' unions at Iarnrod Eireann rumbled on yesterday, as the unofficial strike entered its third month.
Speaking on Cork local radio, ILDA general secretary Mr Brendan Ogle launched a scathing attack against SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union drivers who were working the new rosters.
"The actions of SIPTU and the NBRU drivers over the last nine weeks have been absolutely disgraceful," Mr Ogle told 96FM.
"They have been as responsible as management for the fact that this dispute has been prolonged." He was responding to statements on Thursday by SIPTU and NRBU, which rejected as "insulting" the ILDA's claims that they were working in unsafe conditions. A spokesman for Iarnrod Eireann, Mr Barry Kenny, strongly rejected Mr Ogle's latest comments and criticised him for attacking drivers co-operating with new rosters.
Cork train driver Mr Brian Wakefield, who is working the rosters, rejected Mr Ogle's claims that SIPTU and NBRU train drivers were putting money before safety by operating the rosters. "I think what the drivers working the new deal have done is they've put quality of lifestyle in place for themselves and their families. They've got a very good package in this new deal for drivers and they are always, always conscious of safety."
Iarnrod Eireann said train schedules this weekend would be similar to recent weeks, with normal services operating on the Dublin-Belfast, Dublin-Waterford, and Dublin-Rosslare routes. There will be seven services today in each direction between Dublin and Cork.
Intending passengers are advised to call the Iarnrod Eireann information line at 1850-366222, or to consult the company's website at www.irishrail.ie.
Details of train services for the weekend will be available on Breaking News on the Irish Times website at www.ireland.com