MEMBERS of the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association (ILDA) are expected to recommend rejection of a new pay deal which will guarantee earnings of between £23,000 and £29,000 a year. The group, which represents about a third of Irish Rail drivers, is due to meet tomorrow to decide its attitude.
Yesterday, the ILDA chairman, Mr Brendan Ogle, predicted that his members would overwhelmingly reject the proposals. He said they were unacceptable on health and safety, as well as financial grounds. Another major drawback was that the new earnings structure would not provide for pro rata improvements in pensions.
ILDA is a breakaway group from SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union, which represent the majority of train drivers. It is seeking registration as a trade union but it has no legal status and will not be consulted on the new proposals. Nevertheless, it has shown a capacity to disrupt services in the past and is particularly strong in the central mainline depot at Inchicore, Dublin.
The two unions formally representing the drivers have still to consider the proposals, which represent a significant improvement on existing terms and conditions.
However last night SIPTU branch secretary, Mr Tony Tobin, said there were serious defects in the proposals. He particularly criticised the attempt to include pay rises due under Partnership 2000 in the package and the poor pension provisions.
At present train drivers earn £14,000 a year in basic pay and have to work Mondays to Saturdays. They rely on overtime, Sunday working and various shift premiums to boost average earnings to £25,000. Under the new proposals the company is willing to provide a "composite earnings package" worth between £22,922 and £28,212 in return for drivers agreeing to five-day working over a seven-day week. The number of hours could vary between 39 hours and 48 hours, depending on demand.
The human resource manager of Iarnrod Eireann/Irish Rail, Mr John Keenan, said yesterday that the proposals were aimed at reducing the average working week for drivers and ensuring they had a decent income without working excessive overtime. Talks on a new pay package for DART drivers are to begin early next month.