Transport unions suspend planned stoppage
SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union have agreed to suspend a four-hour stoppage planned for next Monday after accepting an invitation to talks from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.
The two unions met this afternoon to co-ordinate a response to the invitation for talks about the Government's plans to break up CIE and privatise 25% of Dublin bus services.
Both unions agreed to accept the invitation and, as an indication of good faith, have deferred Monday's planned walk-out.
Despite this apparent progress, SIPTU and the NBRU stressed that they still have serious reservations about the Government's plans.
The two unions said Mr Brennan has still not established structures to consult workers about the shape of his planned reforms.
They also said his decision to issue licences to private bus operators hoping to break into the Dublin market was premature because of the lack of consultation with union representatives.
Public transport workers mounted a four-hour stoppage last Wednesday to protest at the minister's plans and vowed to instigate further action unless Mr Brennan listened to their concerns.
