Dart drivers pull out of talks on higher frequency trains

Iarnród Éireann said it intends to go ahead with plans to introduce a new higher-frequency Dart service from next month in a move which could lead to strike action by drivers.

Both the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) and Siptu, which represent drivers, have said they will not attend talks due to take place on Tuesday at the Workplace Relations Commission. The talks are aimed at resolving the row over the proposed new 10-minute frequency service.

Unions have already conducted ballots of members for strike action in the event of the company introducing new timetables for the higher-frequency service without agreement.

Iarnród Éireann on Monday criticised the unions for not taking part in the talks. It said the rail company remained in an extremely difficult financial position and would “ only emerge from this by ensuring our business can grow in line with demand and through meeting our customers’ requirements”.

“We will review how best to proceed to ensure we can meet those requirements at the earliest possible opportunity.”

“Refusal to cooperate in a roster change associated with a new timetable is deeply regrettable, as it is through our timetable that we provide our customers with the services they require. “

“We have trained additional drivers to deliver the increased frequency within existing rostering parameters. Indeed, it is notable that during the recession, when Dart frequency was reduced, roster and timetable changes were accepted without issue, but as we seek to restore Dart services in line with demand our trade unions refuse to engage with the company.”

Last Friday the NBRU lodged a claim for pay increases of up to 25 per cent on behalf of members at Iarnród Éireann.

NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary said his members were adamant that they would not co-operate with the introduction of a 10-minute Dart service “in the absence of dialogue on pay reward”.

“To put it plainly, our members have had enough in terms of having, on the one hand, their wage packets raided, whilst at the same time being expected to contribute even more through productivity without being rewarded,” he said.