SIPTU members in Bus Éireann are voting on Labour Relations Commission (LRC) proposals to change their terms of employment with the ballot result expected on Thursday, 30th May. The proposals were arrived at following overnight talks between trade union representatives and management on Wednesday, 15th May. The talks followed two days of strike action at the transport company on 12th-13th May, which was initiated by the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU), with SIPTU members also refusing to cross picket lines. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “The overall financial burden on the workers we represent has been reduced following the LRC discussions, while members of senior management at the company will now for the first time have to give a real financial contribution to assist with the recovery of the company’s finances. “However, workers across all grades are still facing severe changes to their pay and conditions. Many of the issues of concern, such as ensuring those who work unsocial hours continue to have that recognised by having their shift premiums restored and protected, have been addressed.” Plans to ballot SIPTU members at the other CIE companies, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail, have been deferred. Before details of the LRC proposals emerged, SIPTU members at Bus Éireann voted by 80% in favour of strike action in a ballot result announced on 15th May.
Bus Éireann workers voting on LRC proposals
