The Transport Minister Paschal Donoghue has critcised the threatened strike action by unions at Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.
Minister Donoghue says SIPTU and the NBRU withdrew from mediation talks which were making progress on employment security.
In a statement this evening he said the negotiations were focused on protecting the terms and conditions of any employees who transfer to other bus operators.
He said it was also made clear during the LRC talks that bus-workers pensions provisions would also be maintained.
Earlier SIPTU said bus drivers are prepared to strike for several days unless theyÂ’'re given guarantees on work conditions.
The union has given the Department of Transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann until April 24th to provide assurances about tenure and security of employment.
The dispute stems from plans to privatise 10 percent of bus services.
The National Bus and Rail Union has already said it will mount a day of action on May 1st, including work stoppages.
Sector organiser with SIPTU Willie Noone says theyÂ’ll mount a major dispute if workers don't get a guarantee from the bus companies by April 24th:
