NBRU executive to discuss Dublin Bus strike options

The executive council of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) is to meet to discuss options for industrial action in relation to a pay dispute at Dublin Bus.

Strikes are almost inevitable after NBRU members at the company voted in favour of industrial action last week.

Some 3,200 people work for Dublin Bus. The NBRU is the largest bus driver union, representing 1,500 employees.

Siptu staff at the company are currently being balloted on strike action.

The NBRU ballot followed the rejection by unions at the company of an 8.25 per cent pay rise recommended by the Labour Court.

The unions are seeking a deal similar to that agreed with Luas workers in June, which will ensure pay rises of about 18 per cent over four years.

Ahead of the meeting, NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said the union’s executive council was disappointed that Dublin Bus had remained silent on the issue of pay since staff rejected the Labour Court recommendation earlier in the summer.

“It would appear that the company, along with its paymasters, have decided to ignore both the overwhelming rejection of the pay on offer from the court and the massive mandate for industrial action received from our members.”

Company statement

Dublin Bus said it noted the result of the NBRU ballot and the NBRU meeting on Tuesday.

“The ballot process is still ongoing and we will await the results of the ballots by the remaining trade unions this week before considering the outcome in full,” it said.

Mr O’Leary said the NBRU executive believed “that nothing short of actual strike action will contribute to a resolution of our members’ legitimate claim for a significant pay rise”.