The national trade unions NBRU and SIPTU look set to be facing legal action from Irish Rail after DART drivers with both unions refused to train in new staff.
It is understood the company has written a scathing letter to union leaders accusing the DART drivers are deliberately engaging in co-ordinated unofficial industrial action. Irish Rail also say the unions could face legal action because the drivers are currently violating their contract of employment.
However the NBRU have refuted Irish Rail’s claims claiming the company’s approach to the situation is an “aggressive Thatcherite type reaction”. The NBRU also say any decision not to allow new recruits on board was made on an individual basis by the drivers.
The union also accused the company of “skulduggery” and says the union only takes industrial action when it gets a mandate from its members.