SAVINGS of £6 million are being planned at Bus Eireann, with job losses of 100 expected. Staffing at management, supervisory and clerical levels will be reduced by 56, with 32 conductors posts being abolished by January 31st.
The company had a loss of £2.5 million last year, taking into account a £1.5 million state subsidy, and anticipated a £5 million loss this year, taking into account a £2.5 million state subsidy.
The measures will be implemented from October 14th. Mr John Browne, the company's chief executive, said yesterday it had not been possible to make progress on the changes in talks with the unions as they "were not prepared to negotiate seriously's. Talks under an independent chairman had been abandoned after three days, he said, as "there was no point. The real issues were being avoided."
The company was going ahead with its plans "anyhow", and he would "regret it very much if there was any industrial action It is up to the unions whether they want to discuss the matter further, he said.
Bus Eireann's viability plan, which was presented to the unions on June 18th, addresses restrictive practices in the company at some length. Mr Browne said yesterday that, at present, drivers work an actual 28 hours, or 72 per cent of their working week. It is hoped to increase that to 34 hours - or 86 per cent - the remaining six hours being allowed for changes at bus stations, in timetables, etc.
All staff will be requested to be flexible and work "reasonable levels" of extra hours, with a five day, 39 hour basic working week spread over seven days being introduced. Overtime will be worked and paid for "only as dictated by the level of business", with no minimum payment. Existing overtime rates "are excessive" and will be revised.
Contractors will be employed by the company when necessary, and all staff "will co operate and work" with them. One person minibuses are to be introduced, and private contractors "will be an integral part of operations in all depots".
All work will be deemed to be Bus Eireann work rather than being appropriate to any particular depot. Drivers will make themselves available to work in other depots as the occasion requires, and will undertake other duties as required.
