Unions say yes to talks ‘but don’t expect a resolution’

HOPES were raised last night that next week’s planned rail strike which coincides with Ireland’s crucial World Cup play-off against Denmark may yet be averted – after unions involved in the dispute accepted an invitation to attend the Labour Court this morning.

However, union chiefs cautioned against undue optimism that a resolution could be found. The dispute – which has so far resulted in net losses of €1.2million for Irish Rail – has seen two bouts of 24-hour strike action, ultimately inconveniencing as many

‘A huge gap remains between parties’

as 155,000 commuters during each day of action. The World Cup play-off qualifier is due to take place in the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, November 14.

The unions announced five dates of strike action as they seek a pay claim of 3.75% per year for three years, with November 14, 23 and December 8 remaining. And the National Bus and Rail Union last night confirmed those dates ‘still stand’.

Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (which may refers talks to the Labour Court) broke down between the company and the unions on October 19, and Irish Rail said they made an offer of 1.75% for one year, with certain working conditions attached. However, the unions claimed that Irish Rail CEO David Franks pulled an offer of 2.5% off the table. The company has strongly denied this.

However, last night Dermot O’Leary, of the NBRU, which represents 650 of the 3,800 workers said: ‘The offer made during the previous process was an insult to Irish Rail staff. This led to the failure of that process. The NBRU refused to accede to Irish Rail’s request to return to the Labour Court on this basis.’ While his union has accepted the invitation to re-enter talks, it warned ‘against expectations of resolution’.

Meanwhile, Siptu’s Greg Ennis was also cautious, saying his union, which represents 1,900 Irish Rail workers, accepted the invitation ‘in deference to the Labour Court who [we] respect, but not optimistically, as a huge gap [remains] between parties’.

It’s understood the legislative framework allows for the WRC and the Labour Court to intervene if it is in the national interest.

The Irish Daily Mail previously revealed that union sources had threatened to ramp up strike action to 48-hour periods over Christmas if a resolution was not reached. There have been fears it may spread to other public transport services.

Irish Rail yesterday said it welcomed the invitation to talks.

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