A strike threat and court action could be looming at Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus.

SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union have today withdrawn their involvement in long running talks on the privatisation of some routes.

The union says the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport - who were also involved in the discussions at the Labour Relations Commission - have failed to give any assurances on what will happen to workers if the plans to privatise 10 per cent of all bus routes go ahead.

The NRBU says it now intends to serve notice of High Court proceedings against the implementation of the Government's privatisation policy.