Bus Eireann services back to normal after three-week strike ends
All pickets by Bus Éireann workers have been lifted after a recommendation to end the three-week dispute was issued by the Labour Court, according to the General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union.
Dermot O'Leary told RTÉ News that as he understands it drivers are returning to work immediately.
Mr O'Leary said once Bus Éireann can make it operational, there will be a full transport services available.
He added that the Labour Court recommendation is comprehensive, adding that the court was faced with an unenviable task.
Mr O'Leary said NBRU members will consider the recommendation and then vote on it, with the result expected to be known in a number of weeks.
In a statement this afternoon, Bus Éireann said management and the company's Board will give "due consideration to the very detailed Court recommendation document."
It added that the "key focus now is on the resumption of normal services as soon as possible," saying services may resume in some regional cities this evening but the majority of services will not be operational until tomorrow morning at the latest.
The Labour Court had been considering the issues in the dispute over cost-cutting measures after talks broke down at the Workplace Relations Commission earlier this week.
SIPTU Sector Organiser Willie Noone said that the recommendation needs to be studied by every union member and consider the consequences of accepting or rejecting it.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said: “On behalf of the travelling public, I am pleased that Bus Éireann services are returning to normal and people can now plan their travel arrangements this Easter weekend. I have no doubt the return to services will be particularly welcome in rural Ireland and in our regional cities which have been severely impacted by the disruptions of recent weeks.
"I would like to thank the Trade Unions, Management, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission for their hard work in what has been a period of intense discussions for all parties.
"I hope that the Recommendation will provide the basis for a lasting agreement between the company and its employees and will ensure a successful future for Bus Éireann.
"As mentioned by the Labour Court I wish to restate my offer to set up a forum for all stakeholders once the industrial dispute is concluded.
"I will establish a Public Transport Stakeholder Dialogue in order to advance the commitment within the Programme for a Partnership Government to instigate a review of public transport policy. In the coming weeks I will announce further details.
"Ahead of that formal process, as soon as this dispute is fully resolved, I am happy to meet with trade unions to discuss issues of concern and look forward to their participation in the Public Transport Stakeholder Dialogue."