Transport workers vote for industrial action

The travelling public looks set to be hit be a prolonged campaign of strike action by transport workers after a ballot in Dublin…

The travelling public looks set to be hit be a prolonged campaign of strike action by transport workers after a ballot in Dublin today.

The National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU) voted 94 per cent in favour of industrial action in protest at plans by the Minister for Transport to break up CIÉ.

The plans would establish Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus as three independent companies. Mr Brennan has also signalled his intention to open up 25 per cent of the capital's bus market to competition by next January.

The NBRU represents 3,7000 workers across the CIÉ group of companies.

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NBRU general secretary Mr Liam Tobin said the union's National Executive Council hoped to meet by May 20th to set out a strategy for industrial action. He warned any action would be prolonged.

"This campaign will not be over in a flash. The resounding result of the ballot reflects the anger that's on the streets," he said.

Patrick  Logue

Patrick Logue

Patrick Logue is Digital Editor of The Irish Times