Yes, buses. Here we are again. All at once and then none at all.
As the first of four planned Dublin Bus strikes takes place in the capital, Today with Sean O’Rourke in RTÉ Radio 1 started off their bus strike coverage [Thursday September 8) by gauging the feeling towards the bus drivers’ decision on the ground in Drumcondra, north Dublin.
Here’s the view of one man who spoke to RTÉ Radio 1 reporter John Cooke: “I’m working as a home help and I’m running around all over the place…
"I reckon they’d be due an extra few bob in their wages, they haven’t got a rise in the last few years; same as anybody. I suppose they’re doing the right thing in one sense.”
But on the other hand, one woman had quite a different view.
“I have an annual bus ticket and I’ve paid to have a bus service every day of the year. I’m p***** off.”
Dermot O’Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus & Rail Union (NBRU), said in response to passengers’ frustrations, “It’s an unfortunate consequence of a dispute of this nature, Sean."
"The people are discommoded and obviously the people who drive the buses are in the same situation; they don’t want to be standing on picket lines this morning, they want to be driving their buses. The fact of the matter is that the Dublin Bus workers haven’t got a pay rise for over eight years.”
He added that new bus drivers joining the company start on a rate of €29,000 per annum.
In response, Fine Gael Councillor and a member of DCC’s transport committee Dr. Paddy Smyth, had this to say to Sean O’Rourke.
“I hope this dispute can be resolved, it is doing a huge amount of damage to the city’s still very fragile economy. We need this like a hole in the head.”
Dr. Smyth went on to warn that giving in to the bus drivers’ demands will likely “set the tone for a raft of post-austerity industrial disputes.
“I would urge the Government and all stakeholders to avoid the mistakes of the past where increases in pay were based on a sector’s ability to exert a disproportionate amount of leverage through rent-seeking behaviour, such as striking like this…. They’re certainly not the only people waiting for a pay rise.”
So, are the bus drivers holding us to ransom or rightly fighting for their rights? At least one thing is sure when it comes to transport strikes, everyone is affected, and everyone has an opinion.
Cian McCormack was on hand early in the morning to talk to commuters for Morning Ireland.
After 8 on @morningireland @rtenews @RTERadio1 I talk to commuters about the @dublinbusnews strike. #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/u3JW5J2PSo
— cian mccormack (@cian_mccormack) September 8, 2016
And throughout the day, the reaction on Twitter was quite mixed, from people supporting the strikers to being somewhat annoyed over the inconvenience (with some businesses recognising the difficult of travel today!)
Even the dogs on the street know that we should stand with the Dublin Bus Workers #BusStrike #DublinBusstrike pic.twitter.com/5rWpadxRQC
— Dan O' Neill (@activedan) September 8, 2016
Show taxi receipt when paying for your hair appt today & we'll refund you €5! #Dublin #BusStrike #wildesalon pic.twitter.com/IBA31FGFB6
— Wilde Salon (@WildeSalon) September 8, 2016
And another thing! Roadworks. Seriously?? They couldn't have suspended them for the day that's in it, no? #carnage #roadrage #busstrike
— Clodagh Coffey (@clodaghjane) September 8, 2016
Dublin Bus have been silent on Social Media, with the only updates confirming that the strikes are taking place. Further strikes are planned for September 9 and we will keep you updated on any turn of events.
*Service Update* Dublin Bus services are not operating today, Thursday 8 Sept due to industrial action. https://t.co/Xm8pnmywXR
— Dublin Bus (@dublinbusnews) September 8, 2016
