SIPTU calls for immediate talks to end growing crisis at Dublin Bus

SIPTU members have called on the management of Dublin Bus and the Department of Transport to immediately engage in a talks process aimed at ending the crisis at Dublin Bus. SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Division Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “There is only one way that this dispute will end and that is through serious talks aimed at agreement on a long term funding model for Dublin Bus. Such a process must involve workers, management and the Department of Transport as the three key stakeholders in the public transport company. “The Minister for Transport cannot stand aloof from talks aimed at securing the future of a public transport company whose main funder, outside of the public’s contribution through fares, is the State. It is time that everyone in this dispute stood up and accepted their responsibilities to the travelling public and focused on creating a long term sustainable funding model for Dublin Bus which is based on best international practice.” SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: “Despite the fact that we have now had four days of strike action resulting from this dispute public support for the Dublin Bus workers remain strong. The resolve of our members to secure a long term solution to the problems at Dublin Bus is only growing. “Although individuals in Government and at management level, who may seldom use the public bus system, would seem intent on attempting to drive a wedge between service users and staff our members merely remain focused on securing a just resolution to this dispute. “We again express sympathy with the public and fellow workers who have been greatly inconvenienced by our industrial action. However, it is our firm belief that it is in the interests of wider society that we secure a properly funded public bus service that pays fair wages to its workforce.” Further work stoppages by Dublin Bus workers are scheduled for Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th, September. In October, the work stoppages will take place on Saturday 1st, Wednesday 5th, Friday 7th, Monday 10th, Wednesday 12th, Friday 14th, Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th, Monday 24th, Wednesday 26th and Saturday 29th.