A rail strike is looking increasingly likely over the October Bank Holiday weekend – one of the busiest times of the year.
It’s after talks collapsed between Irish Rail and the unions NBRU and SIPTU yesterday, over a disagreement about a four percent pay rise.
Here in Clare, the government has been criticised for not increasing their involvement – while the Transport Minister has urged both sides to come together again to find a solution.
Iarnróid Éireann maintains it’s on the brink of insolvency with accumulated debts of around 160 million euro – so paying out on the four percent pay rise could tip them over the edge.
SIPTU and the NBRU will ballot their staff on a strike in the coming weeks, while Transport Minister Shane Ross has urged them to come back together to find a solution that works.
However, Killaloe councillor Tony O’Brien, an executive member of the NBRU, believes the failure to agree is showing the government’s true agenda.
It’s believed Irish Rail offered a 1.5 percent pay rise, which was rejected by the unions.
Despite the ballot, Corporate Communications manager with Irish Rail Barry Kenny beleives strike can be avoided.
It has also been suggested that the company raised the possibility that lines, including the Ennis-Athenry route, could be closed due to its financial woes.
SIPTU has proposed the October Bank Holiday weekend as the date for the stoppage – traditionally busy times of year for Irish Rail.
