Bus and rail commuters and visiting EU officials could be hit by industrial action within the next fortnight, if the National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU) proceeds with its threat to resume its protest against the break-up of CIÉ.
The union is considering timing the action to coincide with an EU meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Policy to be held in Galway on January 16th and 17th.
The union began its protest against the break-up of CIÉ with the "No Fares Day" last July but later suspended action and entered into talks.
However, the NBRU is expected to agree to resume that action when it meets tomorrow morning. The plans include one and two-day work stoppages, more No Fares Days and a series of marches and demonstrations.
While the NBRU is planning the action, it is expected to affect all services as members of other CIÉ unions traditionally refuse to pass pickets mounted by fellow unions.
The NBRU blames comments made by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, for the resumption of action.
In two newspaper interviews published during talks between unions and officials, Mr Brennan was quoted as saying that he intended to press ahead with plans to break up the CIÉ group.
A meeting between Department officials and the CIÉ group of unions is scheduled for January 15th when the opening up of the Dublin Bus market will be up for discussion.
