Liam Coyne

Proposed LUAS strike must be avoided – Liam Coyne.

The Social Democrats Liam Coyne has called on all parties to immediately recommence talking to each other so the proposed LUAS strike for Thursday and Friday can be averted.

“Even at this late stage I believe it is not too late, even at this late stage, for the sides to get talking to each other,” he said.

Liam also called on Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe to “do all in his power” to get the parties to talk to each other.

The LUAS carries some 90,000 people per day and the planned two day action is predicted to cause traffic chaos around Dublin, and in particular in Dublin South Central,  said Liam.

Two more days of stoppages are planned for later this month. The dispute centres around a claim by the workers for a pay increase which the company says it cannot meet.

“Unfortunately at this moment in time it looks like the strike will proceed ahead as planned, which is a pity as it will no doubt cause widespread disruption.”

Liam believes the best option is for both sides to return to the Workplace Relations Commission, despite the fact talks between them at that forum broke down.

“I understand where both parties are coming from but I would urge both the workers and their representatives and the employer Transdev to return to the negotiation table and hammer out an eleventh hour deal.”