Widespread travel disruption looms large in the horizon as drivers at Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann are set on industrial action over the May and June Bank Holidays, potentially affecting thousands of bus passengers across the country.
Drivers affiliated to Siptu will hold work stoppages on four dates in May, show their opposition to the potential privatisation of routes currently operated by the State-owned company.
The scheduled dates are Friday, May 1st, Saturday May 2nd, Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.
Also, drivers attached to the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) are planning a three-day strike on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 29th, 30th and 31st of the June bank holiday weekend.
In response to these announcements, Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe has stated that strikes would cause ‘stress’ for travelers, adding that ‘it will cause an unacceptable amount of disruption and should not go ahead.’