Irish Rail affected by Bus Eireann strike

[daodao]

Many Irish provincial rail services on 24/3/17 have been cancelled as rail staff will not cross picket lines.

The update below from IR on 25/3/17 states that further disruption is not anticipated.

See http://www.irishrail.ie/news/rail-services-bus-eireann-dispute

Iarnrod Eireann does not anticipate further disruption arising from the Bus Éireann dispute.
Update: 06.30hrs, Saturday 25th March
Iarnród Éireann advises customers that all services are operating on all routes today Saturday 25th March,
We do not anticipate further disruption arising from the Bus Éireann dispute. Iarnród Éireann is not a party to this dispute.
Refunds From disruption on Friday 24th March:

• Customers who booked on a train yesterday that has been affected can travel on an alternative service for free today, where available, using the same ticket.
• Customers who did not travel yesterday and who made alternative arrangements, please email reservations@irishrail.ie for a full refund for your rail ticket. You don't need to print your tickets, just email us your reservation number and we will do the rest.

Intending customers should note:

• Bus Éireann tickets are not valid on Iarnród Éireann services during this dispute.
• Higher demand is expected on rail services. Customers with flexibility should travel outside busiest times.

We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused from yesterday's disruption.

 

[duesselmartin]

So in effect, both are in strike?

 

[berneyarms]

Irish Rail services back to normal today.

 

[F Great Eastern]

So in effect, both are in strike?

No, not at all, just picketing at shared entrances, it did not effect all services.

 

[berneyarms]

No, not at all, just picketing at shared entrances, it did not effect all services.

Not quite true.

Drivers in Cork decided unilaterally not to work in support of the BE drivers - no pickets were in place.

Similarly in Limerick there was an alternative entrance left clear of pickets but Irish Rail drivers decided not to turn up for work in support of BE drivers.

Crazy stuff led by several hotheads - pretty much par for the course in some of the provincial locations.

 

[Michael.Y]

I went over for the football via Rosslare expecting to catch the 0720 to Connolly. When we left the ferry IR's website said the service would run. By the time we got the short distance to the station, it had been cancelled.

I then decided to rebook my return ferry to come via Holyhead the next day so as to not risk being stranded on the wrong side of the Celtic Sea!

 

[berneyarms]

I went over for the football via Rosslare expecting to catch the 0720 to Connolly. When we left the ferry IR's website said the service would run. By the time we got the short distance to the station, it had been cancelled.

I then decided to rebook my return ferry to come via Holyhead the next day so as to not risk being stranded on the wrong side of the Celtic Sea!

Rosslare was one of the shared locations where BE had pickets and the locally based IE drivers decided upon the spur of the moment when they turned up for work not to actually work.

It was quite simply wildcat action.

 

[Groningen]

Celtic Sea

I thought it is called the Irish Sea, no between Fishguard and Rosslare it is the St George's Channel.

 

[berneyarms]

I thought it is called the Irish Sea, no between Fishguard and Rosslare it is the St George's Channel.

Correct.

The Celtic Sea is to the south of Ireland.

 

[Michael.Y]

Whatever it's called, I was still on the wrong side of it!

 

[F Great Eastern]

There was more disruption this more do to wildcat strikes and secondary picketing from BE workers.