AS THOUSANDS OF Dublin buses stand idle while their drivers undertake industrial action, today has been described by one minister as a “bad day” for Ireland.

Widespread disruption had been expected today as Dublin Bus drivers began their strike in protest over cuts to overtime. The semi-state company is seeking nearly 12 million in savings in the next year, and says €7.7 million of this will come from payroll.

Following recommendations from the Labour Court, workers are being asked to accept reductions in rest day and overtime pay. However, members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) and SIPTU have rejected the proposals.

Despite pleas from the Transport Minister Leo Varadkar and the CEO of Dublin Bus, Paddy Doherty, the protest went ahead as planned.

Dublin Bus tweeted this morning:

Today, Public Transport Minister, Alan Kelly described the strikes as a ‘bad day for public transport in Ireland.’

“Today tourists, match-goers, festival-goers and members of the general public are being discommoded because of strike action,” he said. “This is deeply regrettable and unnecessary in my view. No worker wants to be on strike and management want the company to retain its services.”

He appealed to both sides to come to a resolution on the issue:

Again I would ask all sides to come together in an atmosphere of calm and try and solve these problems once and for all. It is a difficult time for everybody involved in transport in Ireland, whether worker, driver or manager.

He added: “If there is a better way to achieve the level of savings required to secure the future of Dublin Bus, then these need to be tabled and discussed as soon as possible so the public can use the transport service in Dublin.”

Read: Widespread disruption likely today as Dublin Bus drivers strike over pay>