Another dispute faces Iarnrod Eireann this weekend as talks continue between the company and railway line inspectors.
The line inspectors, mostly members of SIPTU, are required to inspect the "permanent way" on a daily or near-daily basis and their absence could bring the network to a halt within days. A strike notice which was served five weeks ago following a ballot of workers is due to expire on Monday. SIPTU, on behalf of the inspectors, has rejected a 20 percent productivity-related pay award recommended by the Labour Court.
Other sticking points include stipulations under the proposed pay agreement on compulsory night work and new rostering arrangements. An inspector's basic wage is between £210 and £227 a week. With extensive overtime this can rise to an annual figure of between £15,000 and £20,000.
Mr Noel Dowling, of SIPTU, said that if the negotiations, which also involve representatives of the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NBRU), failed to find a solution before Monday, there would be a strike. He said it would not be connected to the present drivers' dispute affecting the company.
Last March, unofficial action by members of the NBRU and SIPTU brought Dart services to a halt for three days.
