Commuters face Dublin Bus strike as workers reject plan

The threat of a strike at Dublin Bus returned this evening after workers at the company voted to rejected cost-cutting plans put forward by the Labour Relations Commission.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said the proposals were rejected by an "overwhelming majority" and warned any move to implement cost cutting would trigger industrial action. Siptu drivers voted by four-to-one to reject the plan.

In a statement released tonight, Dublin Bus said it faces significant challenges and losses for 2009 of €31 million unless urgent action was taken. "The plan, including service adjustments and staff layoffs will therefore be implemented from Sunday 29th March 2009," the statement concluded.

NBRU General Secretary Michael Faherty the impact of the cost-cutting plans on drivers’ wages and conditions, coupled with the reduction of 120 vehicles in the bus fleet and the adverse effect on commuters was “so severe that they felt they had no alternative but to reject the proposals”.

Willie Noone of Siptu said: “Quite clearly drivers do not accept 120 buses must be taken out of the fleet and they are also very anxious to protect their job security. Our members also remain adamant that the company does not attempt to implement any cost cutting plans until negotiating procedures are exhausted.”

Dublin Bus had sought to let go 160 probationary drivers and reduce its fleet by 120 buses in a move aimed at tackling the projected €31 million deficit.

Under the LRC proposals agreed earlier this month drivers would have been paid for at least five days a week, but provisions for guaranteed overtime arrangements would have to go. There would be no compulsory redundancies at the company, under the LRC plans. However, new work practices would have been introduced which giving management greater flexibility in the way drivers were rostered.

Under the new plan, the fleet reduction will go ahead but the company will offer a voluntary redundancy deal to 80 senior drivers. The drivers will be offered statutory redundancy terms in addition to one week’s average pay for each year of service.