Bus drivers claim that legal action against unions over the costs of industrial action is an attack on workers.
Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus are taking a case to the High Court today to try to recoup the up to €20m ongoing industrial action is costing the two companies.
But drivers have vowed that all six days of action currently planned will go ahead. Dermot O’Leary from the National Bus and Rail Union says the court action is only making drivers angrier:
Earlier, a spokesperson for Bus Eireann accused Siptu and the NBRU of having a "cavalier" attitude to the lives of passengers, and urged them to come back to the negotiation table.
Spokesperson for Bus Eireann Nicola Cooke says 11th hour talks at the Labour Relations Commission failed yesterday:
However, Dermot O'Leary of the NBRU says it's up to the LRC to decide if talks will resume. He says the companies need to get everyone involved, and says the effect on the public is "appalling."
Hundreds of thousands of commuters are facing major disruption today due to strike action at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.
The action - over plans to put 10 per cent of routes out to tender - is going ahead after last minute talks at the Labour Relations Commission failed to make a breakthrough.
Both public bus operators say they’re planning to take legal action against the unions to cover the cost of the strike.
Bus strikers outside Connolly Station
The two-day strike this weekend is expected to cause serious disruption for commuters across the country - with Dublin Bus saying it’ll affect 950,00 of its passengers; and Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe warning it’ll cost both companies €10m each.
Capwell bus depot, Cork
Attempts to prevent the work stoppages failed yesterday evening - and both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are now planning to begin a High Court action against the unions to recover lost revenues from what they believe is an ‘unjustified strike.’
Gardaí are warning motorists that bus lanes will remain in operation for private operators - as well as taxis and cyclists.
And there’s more bad news for commuters - with rail services also likely to be disrupted by maintenance works tomorrow.
