Iarnród Éireann has said that it will not recognise the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Unions as a third union representing its mainline train drivers. The company has taken the decision following the announcement that members of the breakaway Irish Locomotive Drivers' association are to join the ATGWU with immediate effect. The company's Director of Human Resources, John Keenan, said that to recognise a third union would leave it open to the possibility of having to recognise a fourth or a fifth - which would be completely impractical.
The breakaway Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association announced this morning that its members are to join the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union. ATGWU leader, Mick O'Reilly, welcomed the decision. He said that the locomotive drivers would have their own section within the union. There was serious disruption to mainline rail services last summer when the ILDA clashed with Iarnród Éireann over rail safety and union recognition.
ILDA General Secretary, Brendan Ogle, said that out of 128 ballot papers issued 114 had voted in favour of the merger. Mr Ogle denied it was a defeat for his organisation. He said that they had stood alone against Iarnród Éireann last summer because they had been unable to be part of a union that would allow them to be autonomous. Mr Ogle said today was a great day for his members. The grouping will form an autonomous branch within the ATGWU.
