Bus Eireann staff planning strike

Bus Éireann staff belonging to the National Bus and Rail Union have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action amid fears the company is planning changes to its Expressway service.

However, the ballot was described as "precautionary" and will only take effect if the company moves to implement changes to Expressway without agreement.

94% of those balloted backed industrial action.

The company has acknowledged that its Expressway service is under pressure as the National Transport Authority grants more licences to private operators.

NBRU General Secretary Dermot O'Leary accused the company of keeping Expressway workers guessing in relation to their future because of the general election.

He said speculation among staff had reached fever pitch.