Updated 6.25 pm
BUS ÉIREANN WORKERS are to return to work after 21 days on strike.
The NBRU and Bus Éireann have both confirmed that they have received a recommendation from the Labour Court and will consider the document.
Unions the NBRU, Mandate and Siptu will be voting on the recommendations and drivers are to return to work as members are balloted.
“The Labour Court has today issued its recommendation across a range of grades,” NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said this afternoon.
“It is quite obvious, just from a cursory glance, that our contention that major cultural change is imminent has been borne out by this recommendation, we will now move immediately into a consultative phase with our members across Bus Éireann in order that they will be fully informed in advance of casting their ballot on the fundamental issues contained in the recommendation.”
Our members will now return to work after 21 days on strike, they have shown tremendous dignity throughout what has been an extremely difficult dispute, for that they are to be commended, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank members of the travelling public for their massive support and understanding through what has been a difficult time for them in having to make alternative travel arrangements for their daily commute.
Bus Éireann has said its management and board will also be considering the document and that the company is now focusing on returning normal service “as soon as possible”.
“Some services may resume in the regional cities this evening, but the vast majority of services will not be operational until tomorrow morning at the earliest,” the company said in a statement.
Bus Éireann has told customers to monitor its website and social media channels for updates on the service resumption.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross has thanked trade unions, management, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission for their work in ending the current strike.
“On behalf of the travelling public, I am pleased that Bus Éireann services are returning to normal and people can now plan their travel arrangements this Easter weekend,” Ross said.
I have no doubt the return to services will be particularly welcome in rural Ireland and in our regional cities which have been severely impacted by the disruptions of recent weeks.
“I hope that the recommendation will provide the basis for a lasting agreement between the company and its employees and will ensure a successful future for Bus Éireann.”
Talks went to the Labour Court after negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission had been unsuccessful.
- With reporting by Paul Hosford
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