[article] - Possible Industrial Action

[Jamie2k9]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0817/721769-irish-rail/

Unions at Irish Rail say industrial action is being "very seriously" considered because of ongoing concerns from train drivers about their pay and conditions.

The National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU say they are considering balloting members for industrial action next month and that could result in strike action in the autumn.

The unions say in recent weeks drivers have been asked to implement new safety standards without any consultation.

Anyone know what sort of "new responsibilities" were implemented?

[Mark Gleeson]

When it comes to safety the labour relations commission will side with Irish Rail as they will show it is a legal requirement. Union cannot make a claim if the change is one required by law.

We had this farce when the mandatory drink/drugs testing started

[Jamie2k9]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1029/738383-rail-dispute/

Unions representing train drivers at Iarnród Éireann have said they accept that drivers will have to drive more, and some jobs could be lost, if they are to achieve a shorter working week and better pensionable pay.

Well never expected to see the NBRU and SIPTU admit more work is required for more pay and less jobs.

All seem's to be coming undone from what they set out to achieve....

[James Shields]

Another strike on the cards for this Friday...

http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1104/739...rnrod-eireann/

[Mark Gleeson]

Pretty much a certainty for Friday

Sadly the unions think they run Irish Rail and can dictate how the company will operate. After decades of winning they are now dealing with a management team who are ex private sector who won't be bullied.

If this continues expect protective notice to be issued to all staff as Irish Rail is right on the edge financially

[Jamie2k9]

WRC expected to hold talls before strike but way to late I expect. Goverment requested it.

If I was managment I would issue the protective notice before/during Fridays action. No point in dragging it out and we would all be better long term because the next action will be a full day most likely the days when U2 decide to play in Dublin.

The unions got very irreated when IE wrote to drivers this week, one wonders if the offer would get majoroty on side if put to drivers.

[James Shields]

So strike was called off, but 2 hours notice not much help to commuters, most of whom will already have made alternative arrangements.

Will Irish Rail issue refunds? My partner and I stayed in Dublin on Thursday night as we assumed the strike was going ahead.

James

[Mark Gleeson]

Complete the refund form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAXOCT

[Jamie2k9]

Would expect its a case of those who apply will get it back but many will not as they will beleive because services ran no refund will be given.

IE should give the refunds to anybody who applies while its likely leagally not required good will goes a long way.

[James Shields]

If I'm not mistaken, the same form applies for both dates, and doesn't specify which day is being applied for. Prior to last Friday, the message was that filling out once would get you a refund for both dates, but it's unclear whether this is still the case.

Also, are the refunds issued as money or just travel vouchers?

[Mark Gleeson]

vouchers exchangeable for cash at station

[Jamie2k9]

Read over the weekend that only over 3,000 applied for refunds for the first day of action. Is that really low, it seems like it is? Is it a case many can't be bothered?

[Mark Gleeson]

A) People didn't know they could get a refund

B) People who waited and traveled after 9am didn't claim

Still though IE are down 20-30K at least on those refunds alone

[James Howard]

A few of the early outer commuter services also ran so the impact wasn't that terribly dramatic for the more expensive refunds. 2 of the 3 Longford commuter services ran (one of them being the 0545 from Sligo).

I didn't claim as I was working from home one day and was away on business on the second and I could have travelled anyway if I'd wanted to.

[Mark Gleeson]

latest updated is if you applied for the first strike you will be processed automatically for the second.