Train drivers in further disputes

The extension of the DART to Malahide, due next Monday, has been deferred until the following week, because of a dispute over…

The extension of the DART to Malahide, due next Monday, has been deferred until the following week, because of a dispute over rosters. Iarnrod Eireann believes it has a firm agreement with SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union to introduce the new rosters, but is allowing "a cooling off period" for further discussion because of the difficult industrial relations situation.

Meanwhile, Irish Fertiliser Industries Ltd is expected to decide later today whether to go ahead with the lay-off of 200 workers in Arklow. The company od Eireann that it needs at least 14 trainloads of ammonia a week to stay open.

The ammonia trains are normally run by members of the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association, who are refusing to work new rosters. SIPTU shop stewards from the plant are to meet SIPTU members in Cork today to ask them to operate the trains.

Last night the president of the Arklow Chamber of Commerce, Mr Tommy Hickson, who works in IFI, said closure of the plant would be "devastating for the town. "The industry is going through a difficult period but it is expected to become more buoyant next year. Our fear is that it may not survive to enjoy the improved climate," he added.

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Describing the mood in the town, Mr Hickson said, "There's a feeling of disappointment and a little bit of anger that we are being used as pawns in a game."

With no early end in sight to the three-week dispute between Iarnrod Eireann and the ILDA, it is thought that the Labour Relations Commission is unlikely to respond to the latest ILDA call for it to intervene before next week. The commission is understood to be seeking further legal advice before responding.