Train services are running normally following a decision to call off the threatened strike by members of the Irish Locomotive Drivers’ Association. Drivers affiliated to the Association were told to report for work following a further assurance by Iarnród Éireann that new conditions of employment would not come into effect until June 18. Members of the Association gathered in Dublin to discuss their opposition to a new pay deal that has been agreed between Iarnród Éireann and the other two driver unions. They say the agreement imposes too long working hours and would compromise the safety of drivers and passengers. The ILDA had taken the view that the new contract came into effect today and they said they were prepared to resign from their jobs rather than work the new deal.
However, Iarnród Éireann said again yesterday evening that the new conditions will not come into effect until June 18. The ILDA then issued a statement saying that the next two weeks will give breathing space for discussion on the deal and it has urged members to report for work as normal this morning. However, given that the ILDA remains implacably opposed to the new contract, the threat to train services may merely have been postponed for another two weeks.
