The Luas tram system in Dublin is coming towards the end of a two day strike with no services having operated on either Thursday 11th and Friday 12th February. The strike was called by the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (Siptu) as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.
The union are seeking an eye watering 40% pay rise as their members believe they are underpaid – particularly when compared to workers doing similar jobs on Irish Rail. A spokesman from the union did say that they were willing to negotiate a settlement and that the rise could be spread over seven years.
Transdev – the operator of Luas – responded by stating that the claim was excessive with a 700,000 euro loss (£551,000) experienced last year.
A further 48 hour strike is due to be held next week.