One Luas strike called off but other actions still on horizon

A PLANNED strike which would have grounded Luas services in Dublin next Tuesday has been called off to facilitate new talks.

However, further Luas strikes are still scheduled to take place on St Patrick’s Day and over the Easter weekend when thousands of people are expected to flood the capital for the 1916 Centenary commemorations.

New talks aimed at ending the dispute which has already caused serious disruption for commuters will get underway at the Workplace Relations Commission next week.

A statement from Transdev last night said it welcomed the opportunity to work with Siptu’s proposal for talks.

The row between Luas workers and Transdev focuses on pay and conditions, with some seeking pay rises of up to 53.8%.

‘Transdev anticipate these talks will be difficult and long, given the scale of the pay claim before the company and the expectations that have been created,’ the company said yesterday.

‘Transdev however believe the WRC will create the framework for positive discussions and look forward to a resolution in the weeks to come.

‘Transdev acknowledge strike action for next Tuesday, March 8, has been cancelled. This is a welcome development,’ a spokesman said.

Siptu, which represents Luas staff, earlier proposed cancelling the strike to provide a window of opportunity for new talks.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has welcomed renewed efforts by the WRC.

Mr Donohoe said that the cancellation of the March 8 strike action is a step in the right direction, and encouraged both sides to engage fully and reasonably to resolve differences ahead of the other major strikes.

He said the tens of thousands of people rely on the Luas and that ‘the recent escalation of the dispute, which would see the service out of operation on important public holidays, will have a significant negative impact on our tourist industry and on the Dublin economy at what is a crucial time for our city.’

Welcoming the cancellation of next week’s strike, he said: ‘I sincerely hope this signals an intention to resolve the matter so that regular services, without interruption, can be resumed.’