The threat of public transport disruption over the summer is looming after the executive of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) today decided to ballot members for strike action.
NBRU general secretary Mr Liam Tobin emerged after a meeting of the executive this afternoon saying a strategy of rolling one-day strikes leading to all-out strike would be pursued if the members vote in favour of industrial action.
Mr Tobin placed the blame firmly with the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, expressing particular concern about the recent issuing of licences to private operators on Dublin Bus routes.
"The Department cannot give us a definitive answer to when they can respond to our concerns over the future of Dublin Bus and the other CIE companies.
"In the circumstances our own talks could go on indefinitely. Meanwhile they have told us they will continue to issue licences to private operators; that will completely undermine our two publicly owned transport companies," Mr Tobin said.
"It is envisaged that a series of roll over strikes will take place leading ultimately to an all-out strike.
All the signals this week pointed to todya's decision. Relations between the unions and the Government over plans to restructure both CIE and Aer Rianta have been extremely strained, and further tension emerged when radio stations were restricted reporting on industrial unrest.
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) imposed the restrictions on the 48 independent radio stations it regulates following representations from the Fianna Fáil press office.
SIPTU's opposition to decentralsiation and the NBRU strike-threat were among the stories clamped down on by the BCI.
There has also been considerable anger about public comments made by both Mr Brennan and the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, about the break-up of both companies.