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NBRU accepts Labour Court recommendations on Bus Éireann

Bus Éireann's transport services were at a standstill for 21 days earlier this year
Bus Éireann's transport services were at a standstill for 21 days earlier this year

The National Bus and Rail Union, the largest union in Bus Éireann, has voted to accept Labour Court recommendations which include 200 job losses, pay cuts and freezes on increments.

SIPTU and Unite members at the bus company have already voted to accept the proposals.

The company's transport services were at a standstill for 21 days from 24 March in response to management plans to implement cuts it said were essential to save the company.

After the failure of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission, both sides were called in by the Labour Court, which issued a 17-page recommendation.

It proposed voluntary redundancies for 120 drivers, 48 clerical workers and 22 from executive and management.

There are also pay cuts for anyone on over €60,000 along with cuts in overtime.

Bus Éireann, meanwhile, has welcomed the NBRU's decision to accept the recommendations. 

The company said the "endorsement significantly enhances the prospects for the company and all of the customers and staff who rely on our services throughout the country". 

A statement continued: "We now look forward to proactively engaging with our staff to implement the Labour Court recommendation.

"This will help us address the critical financial position and achieve significant and necessary improvements in efficiencies.

"Acceptance of this recommendation now also provides a basis to enable us to develop a viable business plan, which can be presented to our Board for approval who are due to meet on the 29th May."

Minister for Transport Shane Ross welcomed the result of the ballot, saying that "management and employees can now move on with building a successful and sustainable future for Bus Éireann.