A threatened strike today by part-time Bus Éireann school bus drivers has been called off on foot of a deal brokered by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).
The unions Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU), which represent the drivers, said they would be recommending acceptance of the pay and productivity proposals.
These would see the basic rate for drivers increase from €11.66 per hour to €12.50.
Siptu national industrial secretary Michael Halpenny said the deal also contained provision for an incremental scale that would bring rates up to €14.50.
"In addition, the company has agreed to facilitate the entry of part-time school bus drivers into the pension scheme and examine access to its welfare/sick pay scheme."
Mr Halpenny said the deal would involve drivers agreeing to additional productivity.
It is understood this would include the provision by drivers of greater operational flexibility.
Mr Halpenny said another major gain for the drivers was the provision of credit for past service.
He said this "will allow many of them to move quickly to higher points on the scale".
NBRU general secretary Michael Faherty also welcomed the proposals.
He said the union would be recommending acceptance to members "as the best possible in the circumstances".
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Bus Éireann said: "The decision not to proceed with strike action is welcomed by the company, thereby ensuring school children and their families are not inconvenienced.
"It is hoped that a proposal put forward by the LRC containing an improved package for drivers in conjunction with new working arrangements will be accepted."
If the strike had gone ahead, up to 14,000 school children would have had to make alternative arrangements.
Siptu had said the drivers were among the lowest paid workers in the public transport or education sectors.
Bus Éireann employs about 550 drivers on its school bus services.
