Luas operator Transdev has stated its “disbelief” at a decision by drivers to stage two further 48-hour strikes.
Siptu, which represents the drivers, on Thursday served notice on Transdev for two more stoppages on Saturday and Sunday April 2nd and 3rd, and on Saturday and Sunday, April 23rd and 24th.
Siptu said it had no choice but to schedule further strikes as Transdev will not talk to drivers about their pay claim.
Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission aimed at averting further strikes broke down earlier this week.
‘Disrespect’
Transdev said the decision by the drivers showed a “total disrespect to the public, Luas customers and business” with managing director Gerry Madden expressing his “disbelief” at the move.
“The public will have no tram service for St Patrick’s Day, no tram service for Easter Weekend and now no tram service for two weekends in April,” he said.
“The public, Luas customers and business are the real losers here.”
He said Transdev was to have talks at the Workplace Relations Commission with three of the four grades of staff at the company, who he said were willing to participate.
“Transdev is willing to talk with the driver grade in the WRC but have stated that those talks will only be meaningful if the pay claim is modified to a reasonable point,” he said.
Drivers are seeking increases of about 30 per cent over five years. They had previously looked for rises of up to 53 percent. Transdev has maintained that this is excessive.
Standstill
The dispute has already seen Luas services brought to a standstill for four days.
Workplace Relations Commission director general Kieran Mulvey has said there is “still time” to resolve the dispute between Luas management and staff before an all-out strike is called.
Mr Mulvey also said the incoming government will have to deal with a “slow ticking timebomb” around the expiration of the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement.
Employers group Ibec said there could be knock-on effects for other businesses if Transdev, the company that runs Luas, gives in to workers’ demands.
Ibec director of employer relations Maeve McElwee said what the Luas staff are looking for is “well in excess” of what pertains in the industry at the moment.
