Port tunnel strike averted

Threatened strike action that could have temporarily shut down the Dublin Port Tunnel has been averted, union leaders said this…

Threatened strike action that could have temporarily shut down the Dublin Port Tunnel has been averted, union leaders said this afternoon.

Siptu officials said the union had come to an agreement with management at port tunnel operator Transroute, on a pay dispute at the firm.

Workers had threatened the action over claims that Transroute did not give the normal shift pay, Sunday or overtime rates that are common in the industry.

"Siptu very much welcomes the agreement which will improve pay and conditions for our members working in Transroute at the Dublin Port Tunnel and which we believe very much will bring pay into line with other tolling facilities around the country," said Siptu branch organiser Owen Reidy.

The union had previously rejected Labour Court recommendations, saying it would have left workers worse off than before.

Transroute runs the operation and maintenance of the tunnel including the toll booths, traffic management, safety, emergency and contingency plans and inspections.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist