Bus Éireann Company News

Bus Éireann Meeting

6 November 2009: A meeting was held on 05 November 2009, with Bus Éireann. During this meeting a number of questions were put to the company for clarification. The company were requested to present their proposals in a clear and transparent manner.

During the discussions the company did answer a number of questions put to them. The Unions put forward the view that their members did accept that there was a downturn in economic terms, but the company proposals did not clearly spell out what exactly the company required in terms of change in terms and conditions.

The Unions put forward the view that the proposals of " Superior Duty", "Monthly payment of salary" and "self-certification of illness" were of considerable concern for our members. The rest of the proposals were also of concern. The Unions stated they would not rule out any proposals, if they had real cost savings for the company, and no loss of jobs, or devaluation of terms and conditions to our members.

The company put forward the idea of "Voluntary Redundancy" and that they are contemplating putting out a "Expression of Interest Letter" to our members. The company could not at this stage give any terms of the proposals of the "Letter".

The Unions expressed the view that the company could not simply request a expression of interest without members knowing the terms of such a proposal. The company took our views on board and may come back to the next meeting , 1 December 2009 with some ideas of terms.

1. If you receive a letter from the company requesting a reply , remember that you are not under any obligation, nor is the company, to accepted or reject, a proposal of interest. This simply means that the company would project what amount of "Voluntary Redundancy" you may be looking at, if you accepted a offer made to you.

2. Be advised that Unions are taking the view that this will be a collective agreement, and members are advised not to enter into individual negotiations with the company regarding any " Voluntary Redundancy" payments.

Jim Kavanagh: Acting Senior Irish Organiser

Registered Office: Nerney's Court, Off Temple Street, Dublin 1