The board of Bus Éireann has agreed to sign off on the company’s 2016 financial statements and formally approved a budget for 2017, along with a new Business Plan.
The plan critically relies on the implementation of cost saving measures which the operator has agreed with staff as part of a Labour Court recommendation.
Aidan Murphy, Chairman of Bus Éireann, said: “After a very difficult period, the board welcomes the presentation of a viable business plan, which has been formally approved, to enable management to advance a significant plan of progressive revenue enhancing and cost saving initiatives required for the business. This will, I believe, also form the basis of achieving a sustainable future for Bus Éireann.
“This company has a very proud heritage of providing a quality service to customers across Ireland over the past 30 years and I am now confident that we will continue to build on our past success to provide a sustainable and progressive service for all of our customers, staff and stakeholders into the future.
“I now look forward to management and staff working together to successfully implement the measures recommended by the Labour Court.”
The Irish Times reported that the 17-page Labour Court recommendation had included proposals for cuts of 10% to earnings over €60,000, freezes on increments, and the closure of Dundalk maintenance garage. Bus Éireann staff represented by the NBRU voted 67% in favour of the recommendations.
Irish Transport Minister, Shane Ross, said: “I am pleased that all trade unions have voted to accept the recommendation and that management and employees can now move on with building a successful and sustainable future for Bus Éireann.”
Dermot O’Leary, NBRU general secretary, said: “The acceptance of the Labour Court is just the beginning of the process to repair a company that has been damaged by Government policy. The protection of the earning capacity of our members remains paramount.”
