The Minister for Transport Shane Ross has been urged to intervene and put a stop to the current rail strike which is affecting the country.
Minister Ross who has so far not had any input on the strike action which is about to enter it’s second day, has been subjected to criticism by opposition TD’s and Senators including Senator Kevin Humphreys who have implored him to address the ongoing situation.
The latest calls come as there yet again has no resolution over the current dispute between management and staff at Irish Rail with both parties in a disagreement over how much should be offered in terms of a pay increase.
Although it is hoped talks will resume in the coming days many feel the Minister for Transport should be solely focused on issues within his own department rather than a peace mission to North Korea.
Mr Humphreys who was just one of many to launch a scathing attack on Mr Ross, said the transport minister should do his job and address the situation and provide stability for some 150,000 commuters affected by the strikes.
He added it is Mr Ross’s sole responsibility to look after his own department any potential issues that should arise under his regime and so far he hasn’t done that.
The scathing criticism of Mr Ross comes in a week were hundreds of thousands of commuters will be left looking for alternative means of transport as Irish Rail have confirmed there will be rail strikes on the 7th and 14th of November.
It is thought the prolonged industrial action which is also scheduled to run throughout November and early December is being held in order to force management at the company to offer improved pay and conditions.
At the moment Irish Rail are only willing to offer a 1.5% increase whilst staff are holding out for an increase of 3.75% over the next three years.