TRANSPORT MINISTER SAYS DUBLIN BUS AND BUS EIREANN AVAILABLE FOR LRC TALKS
The Transport Minster says management at both Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann are available to meet unions at the LRC today in a bid to prevent strike action.
SIPTU and NBRU drivers are downing tools tomorrow and on Saturday, in a row over the privatisation of bus routes.
Thousands of people face travel chaos as a result.
Minister Paschal Donohoe says the NTA will publish alternative transport options on its website – but they will be limited.
And he says bus lanes will not be open to cars.
Minister Donohoe says the strike will cost each company 10 million euro if it goes ahead – and he says management are ready to talk.
“They are available to engage today in the Labour Relations Commission if it is judged appropriate” he said.
“If these strikes go ahead, it will cost both companies a minimum of 10 million euro at a time when both companies are getting back on their feet”.
“It will have consequences in terms of the finances of the company and how the company is conducted – that could well be beyond my ability to deal with as minister for transport” he added.