It has been confirmed that Luas workers have planned two further strikes, on March 8 and 17 (St Patrick’s Day).
The news comes after workers are scheduled to strike this Thursday and Friday, and it following last week’s two-day strike which caused disruption for more than 90,000 Dublin commuters. The strike action is being organised because drivers seeking a 54% pay rise to cover the next five years.
The news of the upcoming strikes has angered the Luas operator’s Managing director, Gerry Madden who said he was complely “flabbergasted and really shocked” by the timing of the strikes and on St Patrick’s Day in particular. Mr Madden told reporters: “This goes beyond affecting Dubliners now. This affects people who have long since made plans to come up from the country and enjoy Paddy’s Day and the parade.”
“I’m really sorry to (sic) those customers who have already been affected by these strikes and new ones who will now be affected…(This is) no way to try to resolve a dispute.” Mr Madden also apologised to users for last week’s strikes, saying: ““(We are) very disappointed that Siptu have chosen to take this action, we have been working tirelessly to try and get them to modify their claim and call of these strikes.”
It is understood that each strike day will cost the tram operator in the region of €100,000.