[Article] 'Choo-choo flu' threat to Luas

Victor

http://www.thepost.ie/web/DocumentView/did-906071361-pageUrl--2FThe-Newspaper-2FSundays-Paper-2FNews.asp

'Choo-choo flu' threat to Luas
31/10/04 00:00
By Niamh Connolly Public Affairs Reporter

Disgruntled Luas drivers are pushing for an unofficial "choo-choo flu'' in the run-up to Christmas - similar to the Garda "blue flu'' - as complaints grow about staff shortages and rostering problems at the tram company, Connex.

Tensions rose at the company last week following a spate of accidents involving trams and other road users. At least five accidents occurred during an eight-day period.

Drivers have rejected two separate sets of proposals for rostering in the run-up to the busy Christmas holiday period, prompting Siptu to call a special meeting at the Red Cow Inn today.

The meeting to discuss rostering and other grievances will be attended by Luas staff and Connex management, as well as Siptu representatives.

"Morale is low, especially with all the stresses of these crashes in the past week," said aLuas source. "There's a lot of other issues, such as rostering hours, work practices and changing procedures. A few of us were talking about a 'choochoo flu'. This would be a last resort action, especially with all the stresses of these crashes in the past week." A total of 103 drivers have so far been recruited for the two tram lines to Tallaght and Sandyford.

Drivers work an average 39 hour week over a rolling four week period, which can give rise to a 50-hour working week and ten-hour shifts, Luas sources said.

A no-strike clause in Luas drivers' contract of employment prevents any industrial action. Siptu spokesman Noel Dowling said this contract was no different in its effect to he peace clause in the na[t]ional wage agreement. He added that he was unaware of any plans for a campaign of sickness, which would consti[t]ute unofficial action.

A new work schedule by management due to come into effect tomorrow was rejected by drivers two weeks ago on he grounds that it would lead o additional weekend shifts. Dowling said: "Rostering is being dealt with. It arises from [t]he fact that Luas only went live on the Red Line recently, and people were not working their full range of duties when it was being tested. It's unlikely that you will get a roster to suit all people."

A spokesman for Connex reje cted claims of staff shortages and anticipated a positive outcome at today's meeting. "We are a reasonable organisation so I cannot see why this would not be the case," he said.

So far, 12 of the 24 trams available are in operation on the Tallaght line. Connex said this would increase to 16 trams and later 24 "when the population is more familiar with the system''.