In this issue:
New deal for SIPTU bus drivers and public
SIPTU President welcomes new legislation on collective bargaining
March in support of Dunnes Stores workers
Zero-hour contracts
Health workers rally for pay restoration
Health Pay Conference
YES Equality video
BNM unions support decision by ESB to continue to use peat to fuel power stations
Major investment in Bausch and Lomb plant in Waterford
SIPTU book launch - A City in Civil War: Dublin 1921-1924
Workers Rights Centre
James Connolly Commemoration
SIPTU supports protest by former Ulster Bank workers
SIPTU West Cork District Council says ‘Yes’ to Equality
Workers call on UCC President to intervene in Tyndall National Institute dispute
Bob Crow 'Seat'
8th Annual George Brown Commemoration Weekend
Yes to Equality
Summer School on the Arts and Human Rights 2015
Sinn Féin and Labour candidates for Carlow Kilkenny By Election on 22nd May
Bus deal protects workers and users
Global Labour Column
Public spending should be prioritised over tax cuts
Roger Casement's legacy
Mother Jones Festival 2015
Young Workers Network
Fairshop
Docklands Book Sale
SIPTU Members Home Insurance
SIPTU Travel Insurance
Get up to 80% off* Car Insurance
taxback.com - 10% Discount
SIPTU Basic English Scheme
Larkin Credit Union
Fair Hotel
Supporting Quality
Fair Hotel
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New deal for SIPTU bus drivers and public

A 48-hour work stoppage by SIPTU drivers in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, scheduled to begin on Friday (15th May), has been deferred following agreement between union representatives, management and Department of Transport officials.The agreement was reached at talks facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), which concluded in the early hours of Thursday, 14th May.

The agreement deals effectively with the SIPTU six point agenda for decent work and the maintenance of good public transport services which formed the basis of the union’s engagement in the talks process.

The agreement includes;

An assurance that no current employee will be required to compulsorily transfer to a new contractor when 10% of bus routes are put out to private tender in 2016.
The introduction of a Registered Employment Agreement which will protect bus workers’ terms and conditions of employment.
An agreement by the National Transport Authority that the tendering process will be examined on the basis of the “most economically advantageous tender” and that labour costs will not be “the sole criteria”.
A statement by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe to the LRC that it is not the “intention of the Oireachtas” to tender the remaining 90% of routes after 2019 when the current contracts come to an end.
Under the agreement, private operators will also have to comply with proposed legislation protecting public service provision  and the terms and conditions of transport workers or face sanctions, including possible loss of contract.  It was also agreed that public transport companies will not have to carry any legacy costs arising from the tendering of routes to private companies.
SIPTU Construction and Utilities Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “We believe that if all sides honour their obligations and work collectively in a progressive way there will be no need for further industrial action.

“This agreement vindicates the SIPTU approach to this dispute. From the start we have been focused on the future of public transport.  We have always wanted to protect decent jobs in the sector and reach agreement on a number of policy issues.”

He added: “These issues have been dealt with in this agreement, which if implemented in good faith, provides a solid basis for the future of a public transport system that benefits both workers and the general public.

“We have always been of the view that the SIPTU six-point agenda had to form the basis of the future for public bus services and we believe this agreement ensures this is the case.”
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