Talks between Bus Éireann and union break down
Strike action could reportedly be on the cards at Bus Éireann following the collapse of talks regarding the company's cost-cutting plans.
Reports this morning say talks on the plan to shed 320 jobs and remove 160 buses from the company's fleet broke down due to a row over the appointment of temporary drivers.
SIPTU wants the firm to appoint 40 probationary drivers to permanent positions, but Bus Éireann is refusing to do so until an overall agreement is reached on the €25m cost-cutting plan.
The company is reportedly threatening to implement the cuts unilaterally, while SIPTU is reportedly threatening to ballot its members for strike action unless the temporary drivers are given permanent jobs.
