Translink: Union warns of industrial action over threat to jobs

Last month the public transport corporation, which runs NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Metro, announced it was aiming to make £20m in savings as part of its Covid-19 recovery plan.

Unite trade union revealed that there was a threat of around 54 compulsory redundancies.

Yesterday the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) said it had issued the company with a formal letter of dispute over the threat. TSSA primarily represents members in management, though says it wishes to protect all jobs.

The union is meeting Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, on Monday and is urging her to take action to de-escalate the dispute.

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, said: “The ball is now well and truly in Translink’s court. We have been clear from the off that we will not tolerate compulsory redundancies but so far have not been given the assurances needed to avoid industrial action.

“No one must be forced out of a job, that is a red line for our union and rightly so given the immense effort of our members who have done so much to keep our country moving during this pandemic.”

He added: “Nobody wants to go into dispute, but our union will fight tooth and nail to stop any compulsory redundancies at Translink.”

A spokeswoman for Translink said changes were necessary. “Due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the resulting impact on revenues, Translink carried out an internal review to reduce operating, overhead and management costs, targeting £20m, whilst maintaining front line services,” she said.

“This review is a necessary step towards ensuring a sustainable public transport network to support communities, the environment and the economic recovery in Northern Ireland post Covid-19.”

The company is also proposing withdrawing from the Ulsterbus Tours. “We aim to reduce the impact to employees as far as possible and are committed to maintaining front line services. We are currently involved in a process of consultation with employees and trade unions,” she added.

In April, Translink told Stormont’s infrastructure committee it needed a £100m injection to continue providing public transport following a 90% drop in passengers.

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