Siptu-represented drivers at Dublin Bus have voted to strike from midnight on March 1st in protest at the company's decision to cut jobs and bus routes throughout the capital.
The Dublin Bus branch of Siptu decided today to implement the mandate received from drivers.
The union said the strike action was not just for one day only but would be "continuous" as it was apparent that "no alternative course of action is left open to Siptu drivers in Dublin Bus to protect their conditions of employment in the company".
CIÉ management at Dublin Bus is planning to cut 290 jobs, including 160 drivers, and intends to reduce its fleet by 120 buses. Bus Éireann is planning 322 redundancies, including 110 drivers and a fleet reduction of 150 vehicles.
"Siptu members employed as drivers in Dublin Bus voted last week for industrial action to commence in circumstances where management implemented cost cutting measures without adhering to agreed dispute resolution procedures. Siptu has not been afforded any opportunity by Dublin Bus management to address the proposals and to protect employment conditions for bus drivers," the union said in a statement.
It said drivers and other employees of Dublin Bus affected by the cost-cutting plans would participate in "large numbers" at the demonstration organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in Dublin on Saturday.
Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann drivers who are members of the National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU) yesterday announced they would hold the first of a series of strikes on February 28th, to oppose compulsory redundancies, reductions in bus fleets, and changes in work practices, including the closure of some routes. A further two day stoppage is planned for March 9th and 10th.
In a statement, Dublin Bus said it had not yet received official notification of any industrial action by the drivers’ unions.
"Dublin Bus is facing a very serious and challenging financial position in 2009 which it must take urgent action to address. The company projects losses of €31 million in 2009 unless this necessary corrective action is taken.
"Dublin Bus therefore has no choice but to implement the cost-effectiveness plan on March 1st, 2009. It is regrettable that the trade unions have chosen to take this action; however, the company remains available to have intensive discussions prior to that date."
Speaking at an Oireachtas transport committee today, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said he had “very positive meetings” with bus workers’ unions this week in relation to implementing the recommendations of the Deloitte report on the cost and efficiency of bus services.
He said he expected to receive Dublin Bus management’s plan for executing those recommendations this week.
Bus strikes must be avoided at all costs he said. “I would urge both sides to sit together around the table. I don’t think strikes solve anything.”
Fine Gael Seanad transport Spokesman Senator Paschal Donohoe said Dublin would "descend into chaos" if the strike went ahead.
"An indefinite bus strike will bring Dublin to a standstill and cause chaos across the city. Thousands of commuters who currently use buses will be forced back into their cars. The net result will be gridlock and commuter misery. It will cost millions of euros to businesses and job losses in the middle of the worst recession for a generation," he said.
Mr Donohoe called on Siptu to reconsider the strike action.