Invitation for talks extended to unions threatening strike action

The trade unions SIPTU and NBRU informed Irish Rail that train drivers will down tools for three hours in a dispute over payment for past productivity.

But the Workplace Relations Commission, formerly the LRC, has invited the rail company management and the unions, to a meeting on Monday.

Rail commuters across Wicklow could be facing huge disruption if a rail strike goes ahead, particularly, as one local councillor claims, because already busy bus services won’t be able to pick up the slack.

Irish Rail said that “only dialogue… will resolve this issue” and urged drivers to withdraw the stoppage.

A second similar stoppage is due to take place in November.

“In this context, we would urge a withdrawal of the notice of industrial action and a resumption of negotiations”.

“Industrial action will damage customer demand, customer confidence, the finances of the company and ultimately the interests of all employees”, the company warned.

He said the committee would decide the date and duration of the disruption later.

SIPTU Organiser Paul Cullen said his union would also be attending the talks. It said the company was still losing €1 million per month.