Iarnród Éireann staff to vote on cutbacks

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN workers are to vote this month on cost-cutting proposals that include agreement for up to 450 voluntary redundancies.

A reduction in subsistence allowances, overtime, uncertified sick leave and changes to pension arrangements are among the proposed changes in staff entitlements.

Staff were this week given details of the programme to tackle the company deficit, which was negotiated between unions and management at the Labour Relations Commission. The voluntary redundancy scheme for staff was opened in April and staff can apply for it up until June 15th, company spokesman Barry Kenny said.

The redundancies would be brought in on a phased basis “over the next number of years”, he said.

The company would manage its requirements depending on where applications came from, he said.

Up to 450 voluntary redundancies can be provided for in the next four years under the proposals agreed between management and unions. The company’s aim is that such staff reductions would not severely impact on rail services to passengers. “The priority is to maintain services and ensure that it has little impact on day-to-day operations,” Mr Kenny said.

Unions will ballot members this month and, if accepted, measures will be implemented next month

Unions were faced with a choice between the proposed cost-cutting measures and threats to job security and undermining of conditions, union sources said.