Senator Catherine Ardagh has urged unions and management to re-engage in negotiations and come to an agreement to prevent industrial action at Dublin Bus.
Senator Catherine Ardagh said, “Today’s announcement by the unions at Dublin Bus that they are escalating this dispute to strike action is deeply concerning. Dublin Bus management have been informed that a series of 48 hour stoppages are planned for the month of September.
“These strikes will cause serious hardship for the people who rely on Dublin Bus services, and will have a particular impact on commuters and older people. The strike will have a knock on effect on other transport services and will lead to gridlock in the capital. Students will also be hit hard as they are currently in the process to returning to their schools and colleges.
“Dublin Bus workers have played a positive role in delivering improved public transport services in recent years. These improvements have been delivered with fewer resources under difficult circumstances. It’s important that management recognise the sacrifices that have been made by workers, and strike a fair and proportionate pay deal with them. However, the sustainability of Dublin Bus must also be secured.
“It’s essential that all parties are aware of the severe disruption that will be caused to commuters should a prolonged strike occur. Such a dispute would also put significant pressure on the operating finances of Dublin Bus and would not serve to enhance negotiating positions.
“Pursuing industrial action will be in no party’s best interest. It will cause hardship for workers, difficulties for the core financial position of Dublin Bus and chaos for bus users.
“Minister for Transport Shane Ross must instruct management to re-engage with all unions involved in this dispute. His hand off approach to date has enabled this dispute to escalate and a change in approach is clearly needed. There is still time to resolve this dispute through negotiation and prevent a damaging strike from taking place" concluded Senator Catherine Ardagh
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Senator Catherine Ardagh said, “Today’s announcement by the unions at Dublin Bus that they are escalating this dispute to strike action is deeply concerning. Dublin Bus management have been informed that a series of 48 hour stoppages are planned for the month of September.
“These strikes will cause serious hardship for the people who rely on Dublin Bus services, and will have a particular impact on commuters and older people. The strike will have a knock on effect on other transport services and will lead to gridlock in the capital. Students will also be hit hard as they are currently in the process to returning to their schools and colleges.
“Dublin Bus workers have played a positive role in delivering improved public transport services in recent years. These improvements have been delivered with fewer resources under difficult circumstances. It’s important that management recognise the sacrifices that have been made by workers, and strike a fair and proportionate pay deal with them. However, the sustainability of Dublin Bus must also be secured.
“It’s essential that all parties are aware of the severe disruption that will be caused to commuters should a prolonged strike occur. Such a dispute would also put significant pressure on the operating finances of Dublin Bus and would not serve to enhance negotiating positions.
“Pursuing industrial action will be in no party’s best interest. It will cause hardship for workers, difficulties for the core financial position of Dublin Bus and chaos for bus users.
“Minister for Transport Shane Ross must instruct management to re-engage with all unions involved in this dispute. His hand off approach to date has enabled this dispute to escalate and a change in approach is clearly needed. There is still time to resolve this dispute through negotiation and prevent a damaging strike from taking place" concluded Senator Catherine Ardagh
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