Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

drive all night

Light at the end of the tunnel? Bus Éireann talks to resume tomorrow morning

Both sides were up all night last night trying to reach an agreement.

Spring weather Apr 6th 2017 Owen Humphreys / PA Images Owen Humphreys / PA Images / PA Images

Updated at 7.15pm

TALKS AT THE Workplace Relations Commission aimed at bringing an end to the Bus Éireann dispute have ended today without agreement.

The talks continued through the night last night before ending at around noon today. They’re due to reconvene at 11am tomorrow according to RTÉ News.

Bus Éireann unions officially came back to the negotiation table on Tuesday of this week. However, the strike pickets have not been lifted.

The strike is now in its fifteenth day.

It’s understood that the pay and conditions of drivers remains the major sticking point.

The already cash-strapped company has been losing an estimated €500,000 per day since the strike began.

Both sides had previously engaged in talks, but they fell through with unions and management accusing each other of not being flexible enough to reach a deal.

Bus Eireann Strike Continues Bus Éireann driver Michelle Mc Clelland on strike outside Broadstone Depot Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

Bus Éireann is facing insolvency, losing approximately €50,000 a day. In order to save the company, management is proposing cuts to drivers’ pay, an end to some bus routes, cuts to overtime pay and some job losses.

Unions strongly oppose most of these measures.

The strikes began when management implemented these measures without the agreement of the unions. Management say they were under time pressure to get their accounts in order and that unions weren’t open to compromise.

Minister Shane Ross and other government members have repeatedly said they’re not getting involved as they don’t have the funds to solve the problem. The NBRU has called for the Minister to get involved and find a resolution.

Read: Three people rescued from River Liffey last night

Read: ‘Naturalisation and recognition of Irish citizenship will improve Roma rights’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
78
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.