The "no-fares day" protest by the CIÉ group of unions is likely to cost the taxpayer an estimated €1.2 million and has brought simmering dissent between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Coalition Government over its transport policies into the open.
Make no mistake about it, yesterday's industrial action was not a free gift to commuters. It was a direct challenge to the decision-making authority of the Government and to the plans of the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, to restructure CIÉ and to introduce necessary competition. At a time when jobs are being lost across the private sector and vulnerable companies have introduced new work practices and cut costs, the public sector cannot be insulated against necessary reforms.
The refusal by workers to collect fares could have led to major disruption. But Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann decided to maintain services. Now, they have signalled they will attempt to recoup their losses. Some people took advantage of the situation to enjoy free travel and there was overcrowding on trains. But there were no cancellations. Should SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union persevere with their plans to hold six days of protests and strikes before the end of the year, however, grave disruption and economic loss will result.
SIPTU's national industrial secretary, Mr Noel Dowling, has said the protest was intended to generate public debate on Mr Brennan's proposals, rather than impose a veto on them. That is bunkum. All indications suggest that the public wants better and more efficient services and removal of monopolies. The same holds true for air transport, where SIPTU is the prime mover in opposing the decision to break up Aer Rianta.
There is no doubting the militancy of the transport workers involved and the difficulties facing their trade unions in these uncertain times. Employees in the commercial State sector will not receive benchmark payments, unlike their more fortunate colleagues in non-trading areas. That situation has generated friction within the union movement which has been exacerbated by the Government's plans to introduce competition. In seeking to protect and mollify members the trade unions have threatened to breach the non-strike terms of the national agreement, "Sustaining Progress". Such a development would be deplorable and would cause widespread economic damage. The ICTU signed up to a no-strike pact and should adhere to that arrangement. The Government has been elected to govern and to decide on transport policy. It should not be held to ransom by any sectional interest.