Staff at Dublin National Car Test (NCT) centres begin all-out strike action from tomorrow. As a result, tests carried out in the capital are expected to average about 25 per cent of the normal number.
The company is to close its North Point depot at Ballymun and refer motorists to centres at Dean's Grange and Fonthill, where "a skeleton staff" will carry out tests, according to the company. Priority will be given to motorists whose car tax expires this month and need their cars certified as roadworthy.
SIPTU and management representatives are to meet on Thursday to discuss the dispute but there are few signs that it can be resolved quickly. SIPTU is also balloting members at 40 test centres throughout the Republic to see if they will take industrial action in support of their colleagues in Dublin. The ballot result is due on Friday.
The immediate cause of the strike is a decision by management to replace a five-day, eight-hour shift system with a 10-hour, four-day week to keep centres open longer.
