SIPTU Luas Drivers Announce Escalation Of Industrial Dispute

SIPTU Luas drivers have served notice of a series of four-hour work stoppages during June in an escalation of their industrial action in a dispute concerning pay and conditions of employment with the light rail operator Transdev.

The work stoppages will take place on:

• Thursday 02 June – 15:00 to 19:00

• Friday 03 June – 09:00 to 13:00

• Tuesday 07 June – 09:00 to 13:00

• Wednesday 08 June – 09:00 to 13:00

• Thursday 09 June – 15:00 to 19:00

• Friday 10 June – 15:00 to 19:00

SIPTU Organiser, John Murphy, said: "This escalation is as a direct result of the employers continued refusal to engage in constructive discussions and negotiations to find a fair resolution to the ongoing dispute."

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, added: "The members involved have been engaged in a lawful dispute with Transdev since February of this year. This dispute  could and would have been avoided if Transdev had been willing to engage positively from the outset of negotiations which commenced almost two years ago.

"SIPTU and the Luas drivers workplace representatives have always remained available to resolve the dispute but unfortunately the employer has not shown a similar willingness. Transdev walked away from the negotiating table, where progress could have been made, on the 25th April last.

"Following this the company took the decision to write to SIPTU and our members involved in this dispute. These letters contained threats against members involved in a lawful dispute of deductions from wages, lay-offs, short time working and removal from the payroll. As a result of this action by management our members had no option but to take the decision to escalate the dispute further.

"SIPTU is calling on management to withdraw its threats and engage positively with the union and the Luas drivers workplace representatives to resolve the dispute  and avoid any further disruption to the service."

(MH/CD)