Bus Éireann Statement on union's strike action

Bus Éireann are bitterly disappointed at the decision by unions to proceed with strike action this Friday and Saturday, despite every endeavour to resolve this dispute at the LRC (Labour Relations Commission).

This decision now seriously impacts the daily lives of our customers, the financial security of the business and the wider economy.  It will result in the loss of an estimated 250,000 passenger journeys and €1.5 million in revenue.

The walkout from the LRC by Siptu and the NBRU is completely unwarranted and disproportionate, given the commitments that were made to them by both the company and the transport minister.

The charge that company management are to blame or tried to obfuscate the resolution to this dispute is totally erroneous and disingenuous.

Bus Éireann management have engaged in all meetings and discussions on route tendering, and this week guaranteed that no employees would lose their jobs or have their terms and conditions altered, if our bid to retain the routes was unsuccessful.

This action has no legal justification as Bus Éireann must operate within the regulations – and according to the legislation - of the State.

We want to apologise to our customers for the significant disruption this will cause, and we remain open to resolving the matter immediately. We strongly urge the unions to return to the LRC forum, which is the only place a resolution can be found.

Thursday, 30th April, 2015