Poll: Were Dublin Bus drivers right to strike even if it harmed the economy?
Business groups and other critics argue that the ongoing industrial action is hurting sales for shop owners in the capital.
THE NATIONAL BUS and Rail Union (NBRU) met with the Workplace Relations Commission today in a bid to settle an ongoing pay dispute at Dublin Bus that has so far seen six days of strike action.
The NBRU agreed to suspend the strike for this week in order to engage in discussions with Dublin Bus.
It is not clear yet whether the further 11 days of strike action scheduled for October will go ahead.
Drivers had voted for strike action after the Labour Court recommended an 8.25% pay increase over three years – a third of what they say they are owed.
Strikes are rarely popular with customers because they disrupt normal services, while employers want to avoid them because they are costly.
Business groups warned that the industrial action is having a knock-on effect on trade in the capital, with the Small Firms Association claiming it will significantly impact a busy time period for many small businesses.
Retail Excellence Ireland also said that the strikes were hurting shop owners and claimed that last Friday and Saturday’s industrial action resulted in at least a 25% drop in sales for retailers in the capital.
With that in mind, we’re asking readers: Were Dublin Bus drivers right to strike even if it harmed the economy?
Note: This article was updated to reflect the NBRU’s decision to call off strike action on 27 and 28 September.
