Progress reported in talks at Iarnród Éireann

Management and trade union sources at Iarnród Éireann have reported progress in talks aimed at reaching agreement on a cost-saving plan.

It is expected a document will be finalised tonight and referred back to staff for consideration.

The talks between unions and management at the State-owned train operator had been under way since Tuesday.

The State-owned train operator last week warned staff it would unilaterally introduce a controversial cost-saving plan including pay cuts if there was no agreement on cost reductions as part of a one-week intensive round of talks with trade unions.

Labour Court recommendations, which include pay cuts ranging from 1.7 per cent to 6.1 per cent to apply for a 28-month period, were rejected over recent weeks by members of Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU).

Smaller unions at the company accepted the proposals.

The company said last week that the cuts would be applied immediately to the terms and conditions of members of the senior management team.

In an email to staff last week the chief executive of Iarnród Éireann David Franks said: "We have exhausted the avenues provided for under the industrial relations machinery of the State over the past 19 months, with extensive engagements under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. This has included three separate proposals formally balloted upon by colleagues.

“There is nowhere else to turn. The responsibility for securing these savings now falls on ourselves: management and workforce collectively.”