Bus Eireann drivers announce 'all-out strike' starting February 20 if cuts go ahead

Unions at Bus Éireann will stage an all-out indefinite strike on the 20 of February if management proceed to implement cuts in workers pay and conditions without agreement from that date.

The decision, which will affect thousands of Co Kildare passengers, was taken at a meeting of union leaders today.

In a statement, the group of unions have decided to engage in an "all-out strike", effective from the February 20 in response to what it claimed is an "appalling and unprecedented attack" on workers.

The unions said: "It remains a matter for Bus Éireann to decide if it wants to run the risk of bringing travel chaos to bear on the communities it is obliged to serve, or enter meaningful talks with the Trade Union Group without preconditions".

NBRU General Secretary Dermot O'Leary said there was a now a two week opportunity where, he said, the company could step back from the brink and come to their senses.

Mr O'Leary said unions were willing to meet with the company but preconditions had to be set aside.