Hopes of averting a strike on the Irish Ferries continental service rose last night after unions discussed the situation with the Labour Relations Commission, writes Padraig Yeates. As a result of the discussions the unions are expected to meet with management for direct talks later today.
The general secretary of the Seamen's Union of Ireland, Mr William Stacey, said last night it would defer industrial action if the company also agreed "toil pull back from the brink". Irish Ferries is planning to lay-off 100 employees on the route during the winter season because of a fall in passenger traffic.