100,000 Face Disruption as Rail action set to Escalate

RAIL workers have threatened to escalate their industrial action and could go on an 'all-out strike' if Irish Rail does not reverse its controversial pay cuts.

Strike action by the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) yesterday caused travel chaos for some 60,000 people, including thousands of GAA fans from Kerry and Mayo whose travels plans to see their sides in action in Croke Park were thrown into disarray.

Another 100,000 passengers are expected to be affected by today's action, which will see Siptu workers at the semi-state also take to the picket lines.

Further actions by the unions are set for September 7 and 8 as well as September 21 to coincide with the All-Ireland football and hurling finals, but the unions have now said the actions will be further escalated if the cuts remain in place by late September.

NBRU general secretary Dermot O'Leary told the Irish Independent an all-out strike action could be considered.

"We are having a review on September 23 and as far as the National Bus and Rail Union is concerned, we have a mandate for industrial action including all-out strike. If the company persists with the application of non-agreed pay cuts, we will look at that mandate again," he warned last night.

The dispute revolves around pay cuts, imposed by management at the semi-state, of between 1.6pc for those earning €56,000 and 6.1pc to workers on over €100,000 lasting for 28 months.