The unions in Dublin Bus have been invited to new talks aimed at releasing £8.5 million in funds needed to modernise the company and prepare it for competition.
The invitation from Mr John Behan, special adviser to the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, was issued yesterday as the Minister prepares her address to the annual conference of the National Bus and Rail Union in Ballina, Co Mayo, this evening. The NBRU, which represents most drivers in Dublin Bus, has already rejected two Labour Court awards. So has the other drivers' union, SIPTU.
The last award proposed a shorter pay scale for drivers and a £1,000 lump sum in return for more flexible working and the accelerated introduction of autofare (cashless) buses. It was rejected by a 55 per cent majority of drivers in both unions. The release of funds depends on the conclusion of talks with the unions.
Last night the NBRU general secretary, Mr Peter Bunting, said his union was quite prepared to attend further negotiations. However, it was of primary importance that more money was on the table "or we will not put any proposals to a third ballot."
Mr Bunting is expected to be highly critical of Dublin Bus management and CIE's other subsidiaries, Bus Eireann and Iarnrod Eireann, at the conference tonight.