BUS Eireann has deferred its plan to introduce new work rosters for drivers this morning. It took its decision after a High Court hearing on the legality of the changes was adjourned yesterday. Services are expected to operate normally today, as a result.
The legal challenge was brought by members of the National Bus and Rail Union, which represents the majority of Bus Eireann drivers. Two NBRU drivers and their union claim that the changes being introduced by the company represent a significant worsening in working conditions and, as such, are in contravention of the 1986 Transport Act. The Act set up the three main arms of CIE as separate companies.
After the court adjourned yesterday a Bus Eireann spokesman said the company "is not implementing any changes in the rosters until such time as the court concludes".
The NBRU said its members would be reporting to work for normal duties this morning and anticipated no difficulties.
How long the threat of serious disruption to services has been deferred remains unclear. If submissions end today the judge Mr Justice Kelly, may give an ex tempore oral judgment. However he may decide to reserve judgment to consider the issues more fully.
If he opts for an oral judgment and finds against the NBRU, there is a possibility that Bus Eireann could introduce the new rosters as early as tomorrow. Widespread industrial action and disruption of services would almost certainly follow, with trouble spreading within a short time to Dublin Bus and Iarnrod Eireann
However, he may uphold the NBRU objection, in which case both-sides would-have in return to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Bus Eireann and CIE management have continued to come under political attack. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg, has written to the general secretary of the NBRU, Mr Peter Bunting, telling him of his concern at management's approach. "Be assured," he writes in a letter dated Monday, "that I will be making every effort to ensure that some solution is found to resolve the matter."
The Fianna Fail spokesman on labour affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, said: "The time has come for Labour and Democratic Left TDs to stand up and be counted and to defend the right of the CIE workers to negotiate their future. By their unilateral action, the group chief executive, Mr Michael McDonnell, and the Minister for Transport, Mr Lowry, are trampling on the rights of the workforce."