Luas lines close with more strikes possible in March

The Government is facing a worsening industrial relations climate as the general election approaches, with strike action on the Luas light-rail system in Dublin likely to be extended.

The strike will close both Luas lines today and tomorrow, affecting 90,000 commuters. Another stoppage is planned for next Thursday and Friday, and further shutdowns are expected in March.

Up to 350 second-level schools face closure on Wednesday, February 24th, two days before the election. The Teachers' Union of Ireland said the stoppage would go ahead unless "meaningful" progress was made in talks with the Department of Education on issues including casualisation and "income poverty" for teachers.

The Communications Workers’ Union has announced a 12-hour strike in the 999 emergency call service based in Navan, Co Meath, on the eve of polling day. The dispute is over pay and trade union recognition.

Luas staff representatives are due to meet tomorrow to consider plans for further strike action in early March in support of a pay claim.

Strike notice for March could be served on Luas operator Transdev as early as next Monday as part of a campaign for pay rises of between 8 and 53 per cent.

The trade union Siptu, which represents Luas staff, said the strike was unavoidable due to management intransigence. Transdev said the scale of the pay claim was unsustainable. The company had lost €700,000 last year, it said. However, it has signalled it would respond to a more moderate pay claim.