Commuters warned of chaos as bus strike threatens to spread

IRISH Rail workers face a “moral dilemma” at picket lines today – as danger of a “contagion” in transport stoppages looms following Bus Éireann strike action which began last night.

The all-out strike action will be in place indefinitely, with union sources saying that there is no indication of both sides going to the negotiation table any time soon.

Bus Éireann staff share six depots across the country with Irish Rail, while another is shared with Dublin Bus.

NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary has warned commuters to expect “flashpoints”. Mr O’Leary told the Irish

Independent that the picket lines at the shared depots will present a “moral dilemma” for CIÉ workers.

“It’s going to present a moral dilemma for my members in Irish Rail who are not in dispute with their employer,” Mr O’Leary said. “I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes.”

SIPTU’s Willie Noone said these pickets could create a “contagion”.

“They will be placed on those locations but they’re not placed expressly to involve those people,” Mr Noone said. “There may be contagion to other companies but that’s not the intention,” he said.

The strike – in relation to cuts to pay and the threat of job losses – does not include school buses. However, Mr Noone said that they could be brought into the dispute “very, very quickly”.

A spokeswoman for Bus Éireann said the company’s losses had already jumped by 41pc in January and February on the same period last year – and losses in 2016 were €9.4m.

“Industrial action will cause major inconvenience to our customers and exacerbate the perilous financial situation at the company,” she said.

“The company is facing insolvency in a few short months and not acting to implement cost savings urgently would be completely irresponsible.”

Bus Éireann is expected to lose €500,000 on each day of the strike.

Transport Minister Shane Ross said the effect on commuters was of great concern and both sides need to show they can come to agreement.

“It is now time for both sides to show this willingness can result in an acceptable and fair agreement that safeguards the company’s future and all those who rely upon it,” he added.

However, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe last night said the taxpayer would not be asked to resolve the row.

“The Government is already making significant funding in the CIÉ group. We are putting in place in excess of €200m per year, it’s an increase of 13-14pc versus last year,” he said.