Bus Eireann Strike: How Long Will It Last?

Bus Éireann is Ireland's most extensive national bus service, and its workers have gone on strike several times in recent years. The longest strike mentioned in the sources lasted 21 days. This strike was over pay disputes and was ended by a Labour Court recommendation. Another strike, deemed unofficial, took place in Limerick and led to the cancellation of all services in the city. This strike was also related to a dispute between Bus Éireann and trade unions.

Bus Eireann strike impacts travel across Limerick

Bus Éireann services across Limerick were halted on Sunday, October 1, 2023, due to an "unofficial" strike action by a small number of employees. The strike was in relation to a dispute between Bus Éireann and trade unions, affecting passengers travelling to Cork and Shannon Airport from Limerick, as well as those destined for Galway, Athlone, Waterford, and Kerry. The strike also caused interruptions for passengers travelling to Dublin Airport.

In a statement, Bus Éireann expressed disappointment with the unofficial action and apologized for the service cancellations, urging employees to reconsider their actions and return to work. The company committed to delivering high standards of service and ensuring driver availability. The strike action continued on Monday, October 2, with all services in Limerick still not operating.

The National Bus and Rail Union's general secretary, Dermot O'Leary, acknowledged that union members were involved in the strike but claimed he was unaware the unofficial action would take place. He had previously indicated to the company that there might be issues if they unilaterally implemented changes to terms and conditions. O'Leary encouraged the union members in Limerick to return to work and operate under protest, emphasizing that unofficial action would not achieve their desired outcome.

The strike caused significant disruption to commuters, with reports of people having to take taxis to get to work on time. One customer expressed frustration about the lack of information from Bus Éireann, noting that there was no announcement until after 11 am, leaving many waiting for several hours at bus stops. The impact of the strike was also felt by vulnerable customers, including an elderly woman who was unaware of the service disruption and was left waiting to visit her sister.

The Bus Éireann strike in Limerick lasted for at least two days, causing travel disruptions and inconvenience to passengers in the city and those travelling to and from Limerick.

Unions and management resume talks at the Workplace Relations Commission

Unions and management at Bus Éireann resumed talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) as the strike continued into its 16th and 17th day. The strike has seen services across Limerick halted due to "unofficial" strike action, impacting passengers travelling to Cork, Shannon Airport, Galway, Athlone, Waterford, and Kerry.

The dispute between Bus Éireann and trade unions has led to a review of spare driver working arrangements, with the company stating its commitment to "delivering the highest standards of service" and ensuring driver availability. The review was conducted through a jointly agreed process between the company and trade unions, facilitated by the WRC and independent facilitators.

Bus Éireann workers who are members of the National Bus and Rail Union have voted in favour of Labour Court proposals to resolve the dispute over pay. The Labour Court is set to issue a recommendation aimed at ending the industrial action, with operations expected to resume at Bus Éireann.

The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, has been criticised for his handling of the situation, with calls for him to get involved in talks to end the strikes.

Bus Eireann workers to ask for a pay rise

Bus Éireann workers are expected to ask for a pay rise one year on from a Labour Court deal. The company is one of Ireland's largest employers, with a workforce of over 3,000 people across the country.

In 2023, an "unofficial" strike action took place in Limerick, which saw all services in the city halted. The action was in relation to a dispute between Bus Éireann and trade unions. Bus Éireann said it was "disappointed" with the action and apologised to affected customers. The company said it was "committed to delivering the highest standards of service" and that ensuring driver availability was "critical".

The strike action impacted passengers travelling to Cork and Shannon Airport from Limerick, as well as those travelling to Galway, Athlone, Waterford, and Kerry. It also interrupted services for many passengers travelling to Dublin Airport.

In response to the strike, Bus Éireann said it was "continuing to make every effort to resolve the situation" and urged those involved to "reconsider their actions and immediately return to work". The National Bus and Rail Union's general secretary, Dermot O'Leary, said he encouraged the union members in Limerick to "go back to work and operate under protest".

While Bus Éireann workers have not specified how long any potential strike action relating to pay rises may last, previous strike action has lasted for up to 21 days.

Bus Eireann drivers express disgust over job relocation and axing

Bus Eireann drivers have expressed their disgust over job relocation and axing, with one driver, Pierce Keane, who has driven the Clonmel-Dublin route for over 23 years, saying:

> "I'm disgusted with the way we were treated. When you're only a driver, you don't count."

This sentiment was echoed by other Bus Eireann drivers, who felt they had been treated poorly and that their concerns were not being addressed by the company. The job relocation and axing have left many drivers feeling disgruntled and frustrated with the company's handling of the situation.

The strike action by Bus Eireann drivers has resulted in service disruptions and cancellations across Limerick, Cork, Shannon Airport, Galway, Athlone, Waterford, Kerry, and Dublin Airport. The company has expressed disappointment over the impact on customers and has urged employees to reconsider their actions. However, drivers have defended their position, citing unfair treatment and changes to their terms and conditions.

The National Bus and Rail Union's general secretary, Dermot O'Leary, acknowledged the issues and encouraged members to operate under protest while seeking a resolution through official channels. He emphasized the need for a round-table discussion to address the concerns of the drivers.

The strike has caused significant inconvenience to passengers, including vulnerable customers, and has led to frustration due to a lack of information and delays in service. The impact of the strike extends beyond travel disruptions, with retailers and businesses also reporting negative consequences.

It is unclear how long the strike will continue, but it has already endured for several days, causing widespread disruption and impacting both commuters and local economies.

Labour Court recommendations to end the strike

Bus Éireann workers have been on strike over a dispute between the company and trade unions. The strike has impacted passengers travelling to Cork, Shannon Airport, and Dublin Airport from Limerick, as well as passengers destined for Galway, Athlone, Waterford, and Kerry. The company has expressed disappointment in the unofficial action and apologised to affected customers.

The Labour Court has been working to resolve the dispute and has issued recommendations to end the strike. Here are the key Labour Court recommendations:

• The Labour Court recommended a pay rise for Bus Éireann workers. Bus Éireann workers who are members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) voted in favour of this proposal.
• The Labour Court proposed a resolution to the dispute over pay at the firm, which was accepted by the Bus Éireann workers.
• The Labour Court issued a ruling aimed at ending the dispute, which was backed by the Bus Éireann workers.
• The Labour Court recommended that the two new bus routes, 4A from Ballymun to Stradbrook and 128 from Clongriffin to Rathmines, remain on the timetable. However, only drivers who started work with Dublin Bus since January 2007 would be expected to work on these routes.
• The Labour Court facilitated discussions between Dublin Bus management and trade unions, SIPTU and the NBRU, to reach a peace settlement.
• The Labour Court clarified that the acceptance of the new bus routes by the unions included the operation of these routes by their members.

These recommendations by the Labour Court played a crucial role in ending the Bus Éireann strike and restoring normal bus services across the affected regions.

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