To Paddy Doherty & Martin Nolan
18th June 2014

Re: Privatisation of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann Routes

I refer to the above and previous correspondence regarding the potential staff surpluses associated with the Government decision to privatise our members’ jobs.

You will be aware from our previous correspondence that we have expressed concern with regard to the blasé attitude of the NTA towards staff concerns.

Their responses to-date typically involves “affected staff will transfer under TUPE”.

It has now got to a stage where this phrase has become the mantra for the NTA in response to all staff related questions from whatever quarter, be they company, union, media or politically initiated.

In the meantime our members’ and staff in general are flummoxed as to what exactly is meant by TUPE and how it will affect them.

We are now to request that you will by return set out exactly how staff will be treated in the event of the company not being successful in being awarded the contract for the 10% portion of your existing business.

The detail being requested here essentially starts with drivers on the affected routes and should also include your view on how many ancillary or associated staff will be affected in this scenario.

Notwithstanding the foregoing you can be assured that our campaign of opposition to the principle of privatising 10% of publicly owned bus routes will continue unabated.

Yours Sincerely
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DERMOT O’LEARY
General Secretary