THOUSANDS OF LETTERS were last night left in bus depots across Dublin urging staff not to go ahead with strike action.
As of tomorrow, staff from both SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) will begin the industrial action in protest against cuts to overtime and rest days. If it goes ahead, it will mark the first all-out strike by Dublin Bus in 13 years.
The strikes could lead to travel chaos for commuters in the capital, something that Dublin Bus chief executive Paddy Doherty is keenly aware of. In the letter (above), he says that strike action would damage the company.
“[Striking will] cause serious inconvenience to our customers, damage the reputation of the company into the future and cause further financial loss at a time when our financial situation is critical.”
The company is arguing that they need to save nearly €12 million a year in order to return to financial stability. The bulk of that saving will come from staff costs.
Although the Labour Relations Commission has backed the company’s plans, both unions voted within the last week to take industrial action.
Doherty’s letter says that 60 meetings have taken place in search of a solution, but SIPTU organiser Willie Noone is not hopeful of the strike being averted.
“The company is going ahead, and our members have rejected their proposals,” he said.
Having trouble reading the letter? Click here.
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