BUS DRIVERS START STRIKE
all-out stoppage from midnight hits 100,000
AN all-out strike at Bus Eireann kicked off at midnight last night, wrecking the travel plans of 100,000 customers.
Talks between the five unions lasted more than three hours – and activists said the industrial action is “indefinite” with pickets at stations around the country. General secretary Dermot O’leary described the anger among members as “extreme and uncontainable”. He said: “The new management structure at Bus Eireann have clearly signalled they are intent on pursuing a race to the bottom in relation to workers’ jobs, terms and conditions and to reposition Bus Eireann as a low-cost transport provider.” Siptu organiser Willie Noone added: “That our members have been forced to take this action is regrettable but it is necessary in order to protect public transport services into the future. “Our members know there is no silver bullet that will provide a solution to the issues faced by Bus Eireann. “However, in the absence of management presenting a sustainable or equitable plan for the future of the company which is agreed with workers, it has left our members with no option but strike action. “Our members will not accept the destruction of a public service which is essential in connecting communities throughout Ireland. “Any changes or payroll reductions must be equitable and management, who played a huge role in creating the company’s current financial pre- dicament, must make a substantial contribution.” Bus Eireann said it was “extremely disappointed” by the unions’ decision. A spokesman added: “Industrial action will cause major inconvenience to our customers and exacerbate the perilous financial situation at the company. “To be clear, losses for January and February 2017 are 41% higher than for the same period last year – and losses in 2016 were €9.4million. The company is facing insolvency in a few short months and not acting to implement cost savings urgently would be completely irresponsible. “We sought savings of €12million from a payroll of €133million – or 9% – but unions were only prepared to cede €0.5million on the current overtime bill of €13million.”
This action is necessary to protect public transport in the future WILLIE NOONE Dublin YESTERDAY