Management at Dublin Bus has issued a last-minute appeal to bus workers to vote against strike action today in a ballot being held by the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NBRU).
The workers are expected to vote for some form of strike action which could cause severe traffic congestion in the city. The NBRU is seeking permission to strike after Dublin Bus rejected its 20 per cent pay claim, lodged on August 12th.
In a letter sent to all Dublin Bus workers yesterday, the managing director, Mr Alan Westwell, said a vote for industrial action would have serious implications for the company and for all staff.
He said the company had been the subject of much media attention over its ability to operate Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs). Many agencies had also questioned its ability to provide such services.
"The debate is ongoing and industrial action would certainly result in a major loss of confidence by our customers," said Mr Westwell.
He added that if a strike took place "we will hear many calls for competition to be introduced in the event of a dispute".
He said he could not envisage any resolution to the NBRU's claim. "The company simply does not have the finances to meet such a claim and if industrial action is taken it may very well lead to a long dispute.
"If this were to happen private competition could be introduced immediately to deliver essential public transport in Dublin."
Those supporting strike action will be given two options: an all-out strike or a "roll-over" strike starting with one day a week and increasing in frequency.
The union has not decided when strike action might begin but a week's notice to management is legally required. Schools reopen next week and traffic congestion will significantly increase if the industrial action goes ahead.
Mr Westwell said strike action was not justified considering Dublin Bus had honoured the pay elements of the Partnership 2000 agreement and would continue to do so. However, the agreement also provided that no cost-increasing claim by trade unions or employees for improvements in pay and conditions of employment would be made during the agreement.
This was rejected by the general secretary of the NBRU, Mr Peter Bunting, who said his union had no say in such deals.
In relation to competition, he said: "Having contributed to the positioning of Dublin Bus to face competition now is the opportune time to position our wages to face the consequences of such competition."