Minister Donohoe welcomes Transdev’s commitment to delivering Luas services in Ireland

31st March, 2016

Speaking ahead of further strike action by Luas workers this weekend, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, today (Thursday) welcomed the commitment by Transdev to continued service delivery in Ireland.

 

“The statement issued this afternoon by Transdev, outlining the company’s intention to honour its contract with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is important.  It demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Irish market and to the continuation of delivering Luas services here.

 

“Transdev has worked extensively with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues with workers. Despite a generous package being agreed at the WRC, which the Commission said was the best deal that could be delivered at the time, those efforts failed.

 

“The course of action embarked on has seriously inconvenienced those who depend on Luas. Due to the intractability of the dispute and the rejection by workers of the proposed deal, unfortunately, there is a risk of prolonged and more regular strike action by workers in the period ahead. Transdev has apologised for this. I now ask for the public’s understanding in respect of this matter and for unions to engage seriously with our industrial relations bodies.

 

“While a way out of the current dispute appears unclear at present, what is clear is that resolution cannot increase costs to the taxpayer, must deliver sustainable wage rates that do not lead to higher commuter fares and must respect the work and roles of the WRC and the Labour Court.”

 

Ends