People Before Profit TD Brid Smith has welcomed another large vote for industrial action by Dublin bus drivers who are members of SIPTU. This follows a similarly large majority in favor of industrial action in the other major union, the NBRU.
Deputy Smith said the votes represented a great example of workers standing up after many years of cuts, wage freezes and austerity measures.
“The case for a decent pay rise for all workers is very stark, but especially with Dublin Bus workers; over 8 years of a pay freeze, with cuts to earning’s of 6 million euro on top of two major cost cutting plans; their case is totally justified”.
She also pointed out that the company had posted over 23 million euro in profits over the last three years despite huge cuts in public funding over the last 8 years.
Deputy Smith urges other workers to understand that that it is in their interests to support the battle of Dublin Bus workers.
“The establishment in this country are terrified of workers standing up for themselves after the years of austerity. That is why they will try to foster divide and rule and play workers against each other. I would urge all workers to support the bus drivers. A victory for them can inspire other workers to seek decent pay rises and put some fairness back in to this so called recovery”.1001980_654590657954175_3704541394509848734_n (2)