Train drivers have begun balloting on proposals to end the long-running dispute over parity between DART and mainline services. Under the new proposals, working hours for mainline drivers will be cut by 21/2 hours a week to bring their earnings per hour closer to those on the DART.
Drivers are also being asked to continue working rest days to maintain service schedules. Most drivers have been working rest days since the introduction of annualised hours last year. The practice was supposed to be phased out by September 30th. However continuing industrial relations problems, including rates of pay for new drivers, have delayed the Iarnr≤d ╔ireann training programme.
Both the recognised unions in the company, SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers' Union (NBRU), are recommending the new deal for mainline drivers. The Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association branch of the ATGWU, which is not recognised by Iarnr≤d ╔ireann, rejects it.
NBRU general secretary Mr Liam Tobin says the negotiators are unanimously recommending the package. "It is designed to end the long-running parity dispute and give the railways industrial peace into the future." He said it would also allow unions to concentrate on other issues, including the threat of privatisation.
At the NBRU conference, Mr Tobin accused the Government of a breach of faith by pressing ahead with plans to break up CI╔ and warned that his members would do "whatever is necessary" to protect jobs and public services.
At present all DART drivers have 48-hour contracts, but are required to work only 41 hours, with an obligation to work two contingency hours in emergencies. Mainline drivers on 48-hour contracts work 46 hours, with two contingency hours.