The Minister for Transport and Sport and feels "very strongly" about the "targeting" of "iconic" sporting events by Irish Rail workers and about the number of strike days proposed.
Paschal Donohoe said he does not want to see four days of strikes planned by workers from the the National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU) for the two All Ireland Final fixtures (September 7th and 21st) and for August 24th and 25th, go ahead. Siptu workers also plan strikes for August 25th.
The works stoppages are due to the implementation of pay cuts and cost savings which Mr Donohoe said are “essential to support the viability” of Irish Rail.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Donohoe said he would not seek further Government subsidies to help Irish Rail avoid the pay cuts and thereby avert strikes.
“I will campaign very strongly for funding needed to grow services and deliver infrastructure. I am not going to find money somewhere to offset plans already implemented across civil and public service ,” he said.
Mr Donohoe said the “longer the strikes go on, the worst this will be for the viability” of Irish Rail. He noted that the company had accumulated losses of €147 million in recent years and €17 million last year.
Mr Donohoe said he appreciated how difficult it was for workers to vote to cut their own pay. However this measure was needed so Irish Rail could maintain services, he said.
The Minister's approach to the dispute was questioned yesterday by Fianna Fail transport spokesman Timmy Dooley. Mr Donohoe's " posturing is unlikely to help put an end to the threatened strike and actually aid those using rail services," Mr Dooley said in a statement
Mr Dooley said the negotiation was the only way to find a resolution.”The State’s industrial relations mechanisms must be used to try and bring this row to a conclusion and prevent any action. I’m urging both sides to use the tools available to them to re-enter talks and find a way forward,” he said.
