Updated 18.35
TALKS BETWEEN IARNRÓD Éireann and trade unions are back on with the aim of averting a train strike planned for this Friday.
Last night discussions between the groups ran into the early hours, finishing up at 4.45am overnight – but no deal to call off the planned action.
The two sides have been back around the table at the Workplace Relations Commission since 2pm.
In a statement this afternoon, Irish Rail has said that it has “engaged positively and continuously on all productivity issues” and that it believes, “there is a basis to achieve cost savings and resulting benefit of the company and improved earnings for drivers.”
Drivers are due to stage rush hour stoppages from 6am to 9am this coming Friday (ahead of the bank holiday weekend) and again on Friday 6 November.
After this morning’s talks broke up, Irish Rail issued a statement saying:
Due to the notice of industrial action, Iarnród Éireann cannot currently guarantee services across DART, Commuter and Intercity on the mornings of 23rd October and 6th November.
Siptu, the NBRU and management got back around the table this week after initial talks broke up at the weekend.
Here’s what general secretary of the NBRU, Dermot O’Leary, said following that break-down:
“We, for our part sought to have the issue of previous contributions by train drivers dealt with in a way that would, if satisfactorily addressed have allowed for the possibility of further discussions on the whole range of issues around the productivity agenda.”
With reporting by Daragh Brophy and Michael Sheils Mcnamee.
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