Menu
30/06/2009
Commission To Manage Bus Éireann Dispute
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) has stepped into the fray between management and unions at Bus Éireann.
Talks are due to begin talks today in a bid to resolve a dispute over the company's tough cost-cutting plans.
A planned strike over the €30m cutbacks was called off last week after the LRC invited both sides to discussions.
Last week, a Siptu organiser warned the company it must abide by agreements if it is to avoid strike action by workers.
Sector Organiser Andrew McCarthy wrote to the human resources manager Des Tallon warning him the union would ballot members for industrial action if the company "continues to ignore agreements".
The warnings came as Bus Éireann attempted to implement a cost-recovery programme, which would see an estimated 320 jobs go with about 50 routes initially either being scrapped or having their level of frequency reduced.
The company also planning to introduce revised terms and conditions for staff, including the deferral of payment of the national wage agreement, changes to shift allowances, increased flexibility regarding working arrangements and reductions in overtime.
The company told trade unions it would be unilaterally implementing the plan after a deadline it had set passed without agreement. A Bus Éireann representative said passenger numbers had fallen by 10% and that it was currently losing more than €500,000 per week.
However, Mr McCarthy claimed the company would be acting illegally if it attempted to cut drivers' pay without agreement.
The Labour Relations Commission will now be mediating between the two groups in an effort to forge an agreement.
(DW/BMcC)
Talks are due to begin talks today in a bid to resolve a dispute over the company's tough cost-cutting plans.
A planned strike over the €30m cutbacks was called off last week after the LRC invited both sides to discussions.
Last week, a Siptu organiser warned the company it must abide by agreements if it is to avoid strike action by workers.
Sector Organiser Andrew McCarthy wrote to the human resources manager Des Tallon warning him the union would ballot members for industrial action if the company "continues to ignore agreements".
The warnings came as Bus Éireann attempted to implement a cost-recovery programme, which would see an estimated 320 jobs go with about 50 routes initially either being scrapped or having their level of frequency reduced.
The company also planning to introduce revised terms and conditions for staff, including the deferral of payment of the national wage agreement, changes to shift allowances, increased flexibility regarding working arrangements and reductions in overtime.
The company told trade unions it would be unilaterally implementing the plan after a deadline it had set passed without agreement. A Bus Éireann representative said passenger numbers had fallen by 10% and that it was currently losing more than €500,000 per week.
However, Mr McCarthy claimed the company would be acting illegally if it attempted to cut drivers' pay without agreement.
The Labour Relations Commission will now be mediating between the two groups in an effort to forge an agreement.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2009
Bus Éireann Call Off Strike Action
Intervention by the Labour Relations Commission has quashed the threat of strike action at Bus Éireann. The National Bus and Rail Union had served strike notice on Bus Éireann from Monday over the company's €30m cost recovery plan. Yesterday, Siptu also warned Bus Eireann it must "abide by agreements" if it is to avoid strike action by workers.
Bus Éireann Call Off Strike Action
Intervention by the Labour Relations Commission has quashed the threat of strike action at Bus Éireann. The National Bus and Rail Union had served strike notice on Bus Éireann from Monday over the company's €30m cost recovery plan. Yesterday, Siptu also warned Bus Eireann it must "abide by agreements" if it is to avoid strike action by workers.
29 July 2009
M&S Drivers' Strike Looms
It looks likely today that deliveries to Marks and Spencer stores throughout the UK will be hit by a threatened drivers' strike. Some 100 staff at worldwide courier company DHL's centre in Mallusk near Belfast and two depots in England are considering walking out after a pay freeze, the union Unite said.
M&S Drivers' Strike Looms
It looks likely today that deliveries to Marks and Spencer stores throughout the UK will be hit by a threatened drivers' strike. Some 100 staff at worldwide courier company DHL's centre in Mallusk near Belfast and two depots in England are considering walking out after a pay freeze, the union Unite said.
09 July 2009
Derry's Arntz Belting Heads For Trouble
The future for a struggling Pennyburn fan belt factory, which currently employs around 110 people, is looking bleak. The manufacturing plant, Arntz Belting Company, went to a three-day week in December and also sought 28 redundancies in March. However, the global recession has led to the firm's parent company looking at further cuts.
Derry's Arntz Belting Heads For Trouble
The future for a struggling Pennyburn fan belt factory, which currently employs around 110 people, is looking bleak. The manufacturing plant, Arntz Belting Company, went to a three-day week in December and also sought 28 redundancies in March. However, the global recession has led to the firm's parent company looking at further cuts.
20 August 2008
Tipperary Hotel Refusal Hits Job Opportunities
News that the Irish Planning Appeals board has rejected proposals to build a contentious hotel development in Tipperary will disappoint local building contractors. The development, which received strong opposition from locals, was to be built on a Cashel site, formerly owned by the Presentation Sisters.
Tipperary Hotel Refusal Hits Job Opportunities
News that the Irish Planning Appeals board has rejected proposals to build a contentious hotel development in Tipperary will disappoint local building contractors. The development, which received strong opposition from locals, was to be built on a Cashel site, formerly owned by the Presentation Sisters.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
