Bus Éireann Strike Halted

A strike by Bus Éireann staff in the Republic has been temporarily halted for 48 hours, following discussions on Monday evening.

Across Sunday and Monday, Bus Éireann services were disrupted, including some cross-border routes such as Dublin - Belfast and Dublin - L'Derry.

The strike has been organised by the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU).

Union members and Bus Éireann representatives attended the Labour Relations Commission on Monday evening.

A two-day strike suspension was agreed, on the condition that a 5m euros (£4.2m) cost-cutting plan would not be implemented during that time.

Bus Éireann released a statement on Monday apologising to customers and detailing the affected routes.

Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights spokesperson David Cullinane said: "While there is a need to ensure the ongoing viability of Bus Éireann, we are also very conscious of the fact that many of those employed by Bus Éireann are low to middle income workers, who have already taken significant hits to their income, and cannot afford to take further cuts. In that context, it is perfectly understandable that they would refuse to accept these pay cuts.

"We do not believe that these workers would take the decision to strike at all lightly, however the NBRU believes that some drivers could lose between €3,000 and €4,000 a year if these pay cuts go ahead, which is a very significant sum of money for low to middle income earners, and that is not acceptable.

"The government also needs to take responsibility for this situation. It has consistently under-funded public transport, and this has led to reductions in services, and this current move by the company to hit ordinary workers.

"The priority is to ensure that the wages of ordinary workers are protected, and that Bus Éireann continues to provide services to communities all over Ireland."

(IT/MH)