Dublin bus drivers vote against strike action over cuts

Drivers at Dublin Bus who are members of Siptu have voted against taking strike action over the implementation of a controversial cost-saving plan at the company.

The move means that the cost-containment plan, which is aimed at generating savings of around €11 million, will come into effect from Sunday week, November 17th. Other grades of staff at the State-owned transport company have already accepted the introduction of the new plan.

Drivers represented by Siptu had voted to reject the cost-saving plan. However the union had put in place another ballot to determine whether they wished to take industrial action on the issue.

In a ballot counted tonight the drivers concerned voted by 72 per cent to 28 per cent against taking strike action.

Siptu organiser John Murphy, said: "The acceptance of the cost reduction proposals by a majority of their colleagues in previous ballots indicated to bus drivers that any strike action would not have the level of unity and support which would be required to successfully fend off the proposed cuts."

“Siptu members employed by Dublin Bus have fought against the continuing cuts to their employment conditions and will continue this battle in the face of Government proposals to further undermine them.”

He said that fare increases, the continued lowering of the State subvention to Dublin Bus and proposals to privatise routes were leading to the lowering of workers conditions of employment and damaging the transport service to the public.

“Siptu bus drivers recognise that a united work force, with public support, is required to successfully combat these moves.”

The dispute over cost-saving plans at Dublin Bus led to a 3-day strike at the company in August following an attempt by management to implement changes to work practices without agreement.

Dublin Bus welcomed the outcome of the Siptu ballot.It said it would commence the introduction of the cost-saving plan on Sunday week.

The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar and the Minister of State for Public Transport Alan Kelly said the outcome of the ballot was " in the best interests of the company, all of its employees, and everyone who depends on its services".