There could be trouble ahead.
Iarnród Éireann have today revealed that they have been informed by representative Trade Unions that they intend to ballot members about the possibility of industrial action.
Iarnród Éireann released a statement saying that at a meeting with the Trade Unions at the Labour Relations Commission last week, an agreement was unable to be reached on increasing pay to drivers for a range of historic issues, some of which date back 15 years.
The results of the ballot are not due until the start of next month so any potential disruptions to commuters are a while away yet; you can read the Iarnród Éireann statement in full below.
“Iarnród Éireann has this afternoon been informed by the representative Trade Unions that they intend to ballot Drivers with a view to seeking a mandate for industrial action, up to an including a cessation of work, inclusive of stoppages to DART, Commuter and Intercity services over historical productivity claims dating back to the year 2000.
“Last Tuesday, 9th September, the company met with the Trade Unions at the Labour Relations Commission but at that time agreement was unable to be reached on increasing pay to drivers for a range of historic issues some of which date back 15 years. We offered to refer the matter to the Labour Court for recommendation but this was declined despite agreed procedures with the Trade Unions to deal with dispute resolution in this way. It is very disappointing therefore, to have received notices that the representative Trade Unions intend to ballot for industrial action.
“In a situation where the company continues to lose over €1 million a month, we must ensure that we identify verifiable cost savings through defined productivity measures if we are to be in a position to increase pay. Any other course of action would renew the threat to the future viability of Iarnród Éireann, job security for all employees, and the services we provide to our customers.”
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