Sir, The recently published financial figures for the three subsidiary companies within CIE must be a major concern for both government and taxpayer alike. On another front, the employees of Iarnrod Eireann are awaiting the results of an independent investigation into the affairs of the state railway company with some trepidation.
All preliminary reports seem to indicate that the pay roll has been identified as the area where most savings can be achieved. Before this report is made public, I would like to make a few facts known.
As a locomotive driver, I would like to state that Ireland's train drivers are grossly underpaid for the responsibility they carry and the hours they work. A train driver in 1996 has a basic pay of £251.52 for a 39 hour, six day week. This income is supplemented by a series of bonuses and enhanced payments for overtime, Sundays and bank holidays. No enhanced payment is made for Saturdays or night work.
As PAYE taxpayers themselves, Iarnrod Eireann employees realise that value for money must be provided if the current level of subvention is to be maintained and increased. The challenge facing management, unions, and employees alike is to provide this value for money and quality of service, while adequately rewarding employees for the level of skill, dedication and social sacrifice they bring to their occupation.
What Iarnrod Eireann, and indeed CIE, needs is a restructuring which encompasses all levels of management and staff, rewarding the productive elements. Such an imaginative approach would greatly improve quality of service, industrial relations and the economic outlook, while at the same time giving Ireland a railway network that both staff and public could be proud of.
Before the modest earnings of Iarnrod Eireann staff are subjected to yet another sustained attack, it should be remembered that the easy option is seldom the best one. - Yours, etc..
Locomotive driver.
Baylough,
Athlone.