Train services remain under threat tomorrow as the Irish Locomotive Drivers Association (ILDA) prepares for a general meeting in Dublin to consider its attitude to the "New Deal for Drivers". Tomorrow's services are not expected to be seriously disrupted but this could change on Monday if ILDA members decide not to co-operate with summer rosters.
There is no sign of any talks to resolve the pending disruption on mainline rail services. ILDA members remain opposed to the new deal. Two weeks ago 70 members of the ILDA threatened mass resignation rather than work the new system.
Although it provides for an increase in basic pay from £14,500 to £29,500 and the replacement of six- and seven-day weeks by a five-day week, ILDA's objections centre on their liability to working longer hours on some days, compulsory Sundays and bank holiday working, and safety issues.
ILDA objections on safety grounds suffered a setback this week when the Halcrow Rail consultancy completed a safety audit for the company. Their hopes of intervention in the dispute by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) were also dashed when it was discovered that an invitation to conciliation talks had been an administrative error.
The association's executive secretary, Mr Brendan Ogle, has written to the LRC's director of conciliation services, Mr Ray McGee, complaining that the error "has heightened greatly an already inflamed atmosphere in this dispute". Mr Ogle is also complaining that the LRC is not complying with its own statutory obligations by refusing to deal with the ILDA, a registered trade union. Mr McGee rejects this, saying the LRC "may decide" to intervene in a dispute but normally only does so between management and the recognised trade unions within a particular employment.
Mr Ogle has also referred the matter to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Public Enterprise. However, no political intervention is expected in the dispute at this stage.
Any attempt to reach a settlement with the ILDA could see the unravelling of the new agreement with the other two unions, which still represent a majority of drivers. Nevertheless Mr Ogle reiterated his position last night that the ILDA is available for talks.
Meanwhile, the non consultant hospital doctors committee of the Irish Medical Organisation is to consider a £15 million package from the Health Service employers Agency when it meets this afternoon. The offer was made after 15 hours of talks which ended at midnight at the LRC.
If the NCHD committee decides the offer, which is to be finalised this morning, is inadequate then it is expected to hold a one-day strike on Wednesday. This would be followed by a two-day strike the following week escalating to all out action after that.