SIPTU representatives have written, today (Monday, 22nd May), to the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, calling on him to begin a process of dialogue on the future of public transport in Ireland to which he committed during the recent dispute in Bus Éireann. SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction (TEAC) Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “SIPTU is the largest trade union organising workers in both the CIÉ Group and private bus companies. Consequently, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to outline the myriad of issues that urgently need to be addressed in shaping the future of an effective public transport system in Ireland.” He added: “There is much work to be done in order to ensure that policies and legislation are put in place to protect our public transport services and decent working conditions within them. It is in order to get that work started that our union has today requested that the Minister agrees a mutually acceptable time and date to begin the necessary dialogue on the future of public transport.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “During the recent twenty-one days of strike action by more than 2000 Bus Éireann employees, the Minister issued a press statement stating that it was his intention to set up a ‘Public Transport Stakeholders Dialogue’. This dialogue, he said, would be aimed at advancing commitments in the Programme for Government to instigate a review of public transport policy’. “While any forum that gives key stakeholders a voice is welcomed, the specific offer by the Minister to meet with trade unions ahead of setting up the formal process relating to the ‘Stakeholders Dialogue’ now needs to be acted upon without delay.”
SIPTU calls on transport minister to honour his commitment to discuss future of public transport
