Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I covered some of this matter earlier in an answer to a priority question from Deputies Dooley and Ellis. At the end of last year, I met the unions regarding the matter and I instigated a process through the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, to respond to the issues the union leaders raised on behalf of their members. The Deputy asked about the terms and conditions of existing employees. I reiterate the statement I made yesterday, that no worker whose route goes to tender and is transferred to another company would be required to transfer as a result. I have dealt with the terms and conditions issues raised by unions on behalf of their members. Yesterday morning, I briefed the Cabinet because I take it as a very serious issue for workers and for the travelling public. Millions of euro will be lost to both companies and millions of journeys will be affected if the seven days of action go ahead. Given that I have dealt with all the issues regarding terms and conditions, why should the strike go ahead based on something that might happen in four years' time?

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