Bad News: Bus Éireann Talks Have Broken Down Without Agreement

The news follows optimism yesterday that talks would be resolved within 24 hours.

Bus Éireann have this morning released a statement confirming the news that talks at the WRC have broken down without agreement.

The transport company took to its website to explain that a number of the issues were being referred to the Labour Court, where they’ve currently sought an early hearing.

The statement reads:

After 16 days of intensive negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission,  talks have broken down without agreement. The unions have now referred a number of issues to the Labour Court and the company have agreed to attend. The company have sought an early hearing given the urgency of the financial situation.

While progress was made and agreement was reached to eliminate many work practice inefficiencies, an offer made by the company that would help to deliver financial viability was rejected by the Trade Unions representing the driver grade.

We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the ongoing industrial action.

Bus Éireann would like to sincerely thank the Workplace Relations Commission for facilitating talks and assisting the company through this process.

The strike is now in its 19th day and the dispute is due to be heard at the Labour Court at 3pm today.