STAFF AT Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have begun balloting on industrial action in protest at cutbacks planned by the companies which could result in the loss of more than 600 jobs.
The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said the ballot was necessary to ensure it had a mandate for industrial action, so that it could act quickly if the company adhered to the timetable it had set for the cutbacks.
It said that under current plans the companies intended to introduce cutbacks which would result in the loss of 270 vehicles and more than 600 jobs, including 390 drivers, by the beginning of March.
NBRU general secretary Michael Faherty said: “Any attempt to sack drivers, including approximately 270 recently recruited probationary drivers, will be vehemently opposed and will only serve to precipitate industrial action.”
The union wants the company to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme for existing drivers rather than achieving the bulk of the savings through ceasing the employment of probationary drivers.
Mr Faherty said the NBRU told the bus companies it would not engage in any negotiations on their respective cost-cutting plans until the probationary driver issue was addressed satisfactorily.
“We are resolute in our determination to ensure that a voluntary severance package is on offer to staff and it is on a seniority basis. This is the only acceptable solution to addressing any surplus staff issues that might arise.”
Mr Faherty said incorporating cost cuts with any review to improve the frequency and reliability of services “can only realistically be planned, negotiated and implemented over a three-year period”.
The other main trade union at the companies, Siptu, has not yet begun a ballot for industrial action.
The NBRU ballot is scheduled to conclude on February 16th.
