THE DUBLIN BUS strike enters its third day today, with the industrial action expected to affect as many as 400,000 commuters.

Minister for Public Transport Alan Kelly said the company will lose €600,000 from the strike on today alone, and urged both sides to talk to each other.

Dublin Bus management is seeking to cut almost €12 million from the company in the next year – including €7.7 million alone from payroll costs – but SIPTU and National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) employees overwhelmingly rejected recommendations from the Labour Court which would have introduced reductions in overtime pay and other working conditions.

Trade unions representing workers are asking for certainty on issues such as travel time, scheduling and rosters – as well as the lifespan of the agreement – saying that some of the cost-cutting measures are too vague for workers to sign up to.

The NBRU said it is prepared to talk to management and called for one of the two ministers involved to kickstart mediation talks.

We’d like to know what you think: Do you support the Dublin Bus strike?