NBRU Theatens All-Out Train Strike In Dispute Over Driver Training

Train passengers around Ireland could be facing travel chaos in the near future after the National Bus And Rail Union announced plans to ballot drivers on the prospect of an all-out strike.

According to the Irish Independent, the dispute is as a result of a row of driver training. The company is accused of forcing drivers to train other drivers.

In a statement, the NBRU referred to what it calls Iarnród Éireann's 'unprecedented attack on longstanding industrial relations procedures by forcing changes to terms and conditions (within the training regime), without agreement.

#BREAKING @NBRU_DUBLIN to ballot train drivers for all out strike action. @3NewsIreland pic.twitter.com/uCHtS5SN9g
— Zara King (@ZaraKing) February 5, 2018

Any potential strike would affect commuter and DART services. General Secretary of the NBRU Dermot O'Leary said:

"The fact is that the agreed training regime at the Company is currently one of a voluntarist nature, and is solely at the discretion of the individual driver.

"The decision to break this agreement by forcing actual changes to terms and conditions onto workers is both unprecedented and contrary to how disputed matters should be addressed within our dispute procedures."