Minister for Transport and NTA need to engage with workers to avert bus strike – Dooley

Published on: 11 April 2015


Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley TD has called on the Minister for Transport and the NTA to engage with unions representing bus workers to avert a possible strike at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

Deputy Dooley made the comments after workers voted in favour of going on strike action over the Government plan to privatise bus routes.

Deputy Dooley said, “The public will be alarmed to learn that another public transport strike is on the horizon as a result of the Government plan to privatise bus routes. The previous strike in August 2013 led to the cancellation of Dublin Bus services for three days and resulted in a €4 million loss to the Dublin economy.

“Commuters, students and other public transport users are extremely worried about the prospect of having to endure another damaging strike. If the industrial action goes ahead the blame lies at the door of the Minister and the NTA. They have failed to address some of the significant concerns that workers have raised over the Government plan to privatise bus routes.

“The NBRU and SIPTU have identified serious concerns around the Government agenda of privatisation of public transport. The plan has not been properly thought through and it will have a negative impact on workers and public transport users alike. The workers have real and valid concerns, yet the Minister and NTA have not addressed these outstanding issues to date.

“The onus is now on the Minister and NTA to sit down quickly with unions representing workers in order to find a resolution to the dispute. The Minister and NTA need to engage with unions to avert another damaging bus strike” said Deputy Dooley.

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