The National Bus and Railworkers Union (NBRU) has called on the Minister for Transport to take action to avert strike action by Dublin Bus staff.
The call comes as unions are balloting their members after they rejected a Labour Court recommendation for an 8% pay rise over three years.
SIPTU and the NBRU say strike action is now increasingly likely at the bus company.
Dermot O'Leary (pictured) of the National Bus and Railworkers Union called on Minister for Transport Shane Ross to intervene.
"He is the only shareholder in Dublin Bus, so if he allows Dublin Bus to come back with an increased offer that would resolve this dispute, that would negate the necessity for any disruption to anyone," he said.