SIPTU members employed by private bus operator, Go-Ahead Ireland, will commence a ballot for industrial action later today.
SIPTU says the dispute is in response to the “refusal by the company to attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss compensating drivers for the decrease in their real earnings due to inflation.”
SIPTU Organiser, Fran McDonnell, said: “SIPTU representatives wrote to management at Go-Ahead Ireland seeking a meeting to discuss pay against the backdrop of significant cost of living increases over the last 18 months.
“Unfortunately, management chose not to engage with us on this matter.
“The issue was then referred to the conciliation services of the WRC. We have now been advised that management have refused an invitation from the WRC to attend conciliation talks.
“As a result of this refusal to attend conciliation, the company is in breach of the 1990 Industrial Relations Act.
“At meetings with SIPTU members employed by Go-Ahead Ireland on 7th December a unanimous decision to conduct a ballot for industrial action was taken.”
He added: “SIPTU representatives remain available to enter negotiations with management in relation to the issue of pay at the company.
“Due to the cost of living crisis our members have been left with no alternative but consider taking industrial action in order to protect their livelihoods and those of their families.”
Go-Ahead Transport Services Limited, known as Go-Ahead Ireland, is a bus operator in Dublin that commenced trading in September 2018. It is a subsidiary of the UK based Go-Ahead Group and operates a number of routes previously serviced by Dublin Bus.