Train-drivers may vote to go on strike

Intercity train-drivers seeking pay parity with DART drivers are to be balloted on strike action next week. If approved the strike would begin on August 31st and continue on selected weekends in September.

The drivers are also to be balloted on acceptance of a recent Labour Court recommendation. It suggests pay demands could be explored in the light of a review scheduled for early next year.

The drivers' negotiating committee said it could not advise acceptance of the recommendation.

Balloting on both issues will take place between Monday and Thursday next with the results expected on Friday.

The issues have delayed the introduction of improvements to the Maynooth commuter service, a National Development Plan project, which was to have been initiated in January.

According to Mr Tony Tobin of SIPTU: "It was the intention of all parties [to the negotiations] that the traditional systems would prevail whereby all locomotive-drivers continue to enjoy the same rate for the same hours worked."

However, Mr Tobin said the outcome of the DART drivers' negotiations saw them enjoying a far superior deal. This resulted in the intercity drivers demanding pay parity.

Mr Barry Kenny of Iarnrod Eireann said there was always differences in pay between the DART drivers and others. He said it was ironic that Mr Tobin had negotiated the DART deal and had accepted that it would not be used to set a precedent for other negotiations.

Mr Kenny referred to the recent report of the outside review group, otherwise known as "the three wise men", which stated that the benefits of new investment in the railway should not be withheld from the customer because of industrial action.

"The three wise men specifically mentioned the Maynooth line in connection with this. This is taxpayers' money, and we have been very patient and allowed this to run its course. "But the Labour Court has made its recommendation, and the public are entitled to benefit".

However, he said, the company was still hopeful that it would be able to introduce the improved service for all commuters on the Maynooth line.

Should the drivers, who are SIPTU members, reject the Labour Court recommendation and authorise strike action, notice will be served on Thursday, August 2nd. Disruption will begin on Friday, August 31st, when a one-day stoppage is planned.

A two-day stoppage would follow the next weekend from Friday, September 7th. This would be followed by a three-day stoppage from Friday, September 14th. At this that stage, SIPTU said, it would review the action.

The union has warned that should the company attempt to force through new rostering arrangements for the Maynooth service it could jeopardise the continuity of service to the travelling public.