[Mark]

Ahern 'disappointed' at train drivers' action

15 May 2006 14:42

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said he is very disappointed at the industrial action by Irish Rail train drivers particularly in the light of huge investment which the Government has made in Iarnród Éireann.

The unofficial action by drivers based in Cork and Dublin's Heuston Station is over the introduction of new trains.

A small number of Inter City services left Heuston Station as scheduled this morning but the majority of services between Heuston and the south and west of the country have been disrupted.

Iarnród Éireann has advised people not to travel by train today unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.

Passengers who need to travel have been asked to contact the company.

Iarnród Éireann's website, www.irishrail.ie, is carrying details of any changes in the company's services arising from today's industrial action.

The company has spent €117 million on 67 new carriages which it is hoped will hugely improve the frequency of its trains on the Dublin-Cork route by the end of the year.

The company had planned to introduce the first of those new trains on the route today for in-service training.

But two drivers in Cork refused to operate the new trains this morning.

The drivers have not been suspended but the company says it has told them they will not be paid until they operate the new trains.

A number of other drivers are now refusing to work in support of their colleagues.

Labour Court ruled against drivers

In January, the Labour Court ruled against drivers who were seeking a pay increase for operating the new trains.

Negotiations are continuing on other issues relating to extra money for agreeing to more stringent monitoring of driver standards and for coaching trainee drivers.

The company says it is committed to concluding an agreement on these issues but says they are not connected to the introduction of the new trains.

The drivers dispute this and say they cannot operate the new trains until an agreement has been concluded.

The drivers also say they have concerns about the training they received on the trains prior to their introduction to service.

Source: http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0515/rail.html