NBRU members at Bus Éireann vote for industrial action
NBRU members at Bus Éireann have voted overwhelmingly (94%) in favour of industrial action over anticipated changes to Expressway services.
The workers are concerned that a new plan for company will be announced after General Election.
NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said that members have sent a strong message to Bus Éireann and the Government with regard to the future of Expressway.
"Our members have sent a strong message to both their employer and the Government with regard to the future of Expressway," he said.
"Keeping workers guessing in relation to their future in order to facilitate a General Election campaign is an abdication of the duty of care that Bus Éireann owes to its workforce, sending staff out behind the wheel of a large public service vehicle whilst shop-floor speculation has reached fever pitch is distasteful in the extreme.
"It is a credit to the professionalism of Bus Éireann drivers that they are able to maintain their ability to provide a service to the community in such circumstances.
"The current regime, along with those who have designs on governing post the Election, would be well advised to heed the concerns of Bus Éireann staff, their families and the communities they serve across the length and breadth of the Country as they peddle their political promises on the doorsteps."
In a statement this afternoon, Bus Éireann said that it has no intention of taking unilateral action, so any reports of an imminent strike are unwarranted.
The company says it will continue to engage with staff through the normal industrial relations process.
"We have always engaged with staff and unions in a two-way discussion about issues that affect the business," the statement read.
"We will continue to engage with employees through our normal industrial relations process."
