Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2015
241. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact, or otherwise, on workers in Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath of certain bus routes being put out to open competition. [19069/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI offered reassurances to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers when I issued a statement on 28th April which dealt with the industrial relations issues involved in the current dispute between SIPTU and NBRU and the bus companies. I confirmed that Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann were prepared to commit that no current employee of the two companies would have to transfer to another employer should their company be unsuccessful in retaining the routes being tendered out. As this means that the terms and conditions of all those employees are protected, I provided a basis for the unions to return to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to formalise an agreement with the companies and to agree a process to deal with any implementation issues which might arise. As discussions are taking place in the LRC I have no additional comments to make at this stage.
