Work stoppages by Luas drivers will likely have a dramatic impact on the upcoming 1916 celebrations scheduled for the next two days across Dublin.
Wit no last minute talks set to go ahead, the strike is now inevitable. Trams will remain idle at their depots as thousands of people are forced to find alternative methods of transportation around the city.
A plea by Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe yesterday for drivers to call the strike off in the interest of patriotism went unheeded. He said “For me, the priority now is the commemorative period, and the uniqueness of this period is understood, I know, by everyone in the trade union movement – so they need to reflect on that and lead to the reinstatement of these services.”
Drivers recently rejected an 18% pay rise offer. If the deadlock continues, further stoppages will take place next Saturday and Sunday, as well as on April 23 and 24.