Both sides optimistic on Bus Eireann talks

Talks between Bus Eireann unions and management are to resume today in an attempt to break the two-year deadlock over the introduction of the company's viability plan. Both sides are confident of a positive result from the week-long round of talks, which will be co-ordinated at the Labour Relations Commission by facilitator Mr Tom Pomphret.

The National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU are to give their verdict this week on a draft settlement proposed by Bus Eireann following a stand-off in July over the introduction of 20 minibuses on routes in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The LRC talks follow a tumultuous week CIE after the unofficial strike by Iarnrod Eireann workers last Tuesday and the acceptance of a Dublin Bus rationalisation plan by its drivers last Thursday.

Of the three CIE companies seeking the implementation of viability plans, Dublin Bus is furthest advanced in its negotiations, with only one-tenth of its 3,000 workers yet to agree terms.

The revised offer to Dublin Bus drivers had been accepted by two to one. It followed a revision of a compensation package previously recommended by the LRC, which was rejected by a narrow margin.

The revised offer involved an increase in the lead-in payment from £1,000 to £1,350 and an extra 2 per cent pay increase, which will come into operation from April 1st, 1999, on top of a 5 per cent increase back-dated to August 30th.