Unions at Irish Rail say that industrial action is being “very seriously” considered due to concerns from train drivers relating to their pay and working conditions.
The National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU have both stated that they are considering balloting union members for industrial action next month and a possible strike in the Autumn.
This news is unsurprising as during recent weeks drivers have been asked to implement new safety schemes and standards without any previous consultation. Drivers feel that they are contributing more to productivity without any reward while other grades have been compensated for their work.
The NBRU General Secretary Dermot O’Leary has stated that these new responsibilities have added to the drivers workload and job description without any improved pay or working conditions.
He says that members of his union have “had enough” and if they do not receive positive feedback from management it will ballot for industrial action next month. SIPTU assistant organiser Paul Cullen has said that his union is also “coming very close” to balloting member on the issue as well.
This could result in large scale strike action in the coming months.