[Article] Train unions to rail against new breath test law for drivers

Victor

Train unions to rail against new breath test law for drivers
From:The Irish Independent
Wednesday, 30th April, 2003
Ben Quinn

TRAIN drivers will be breathalysed by gardai for the first time under radical new laws.

But the plan is likely to place Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan on a collision course with train drivers' unions this summer.

At present, doctors appointed by CIE carry out tests on drivers who may then be subject to disciplinary action if found to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Changes to the law as part of a new legislation will result in the random testing of drivers and others at all levels of the rail service.

It is understood however, that Mr Brennan is determined to introduce the move which would result in any train drivers who drink or take drugs on duty facing prosecution. But the department is concerned that the introduction of the new measures could result in clashes with the unions.

Mr Brennan outlined amendments to other parts of the Railway Safety Bill at a meeting of the Oireachtas Select Committee on Transport yesterday.

He signalled his intention to tackle overcrowding in carriages and set safe legal limits on passenger numbers, even if it resulted in disappointed commuters being left at platforms.

Fine Gael Transport spokesperson Denis Naughton tabled amendments claiming routine inspections of the rail line will be reduced from every three days by foot, to just once a fortnight by vehicle.

He and Labour's transport spokesperson Roisin Shortall also warned that, in its current form, the legislation would permit the management of train companies to "hang their employees out to dry" during investigations into accidents.

An amendment by Deputy Shortall said employees being questioned about safety would be entitled to be accompanied by a trade union representative or lawyer.

In support, Deputy Naughton said he was aware of a level crossing in Roscommon, where 10 or 12 separate trains had crashed through gates which had been shut at the time, resulting in a number of "narrow escapes".

If the proposed legislation was in place, he added that drivers would be questioned about such incidents without the company of a lawyer or trade representative, while the company would have its full legal and public relations resources at its disposal.

Mr Brennan said the intention of the legislation was to prevent routine inquiries from becoming over-complicated, or becoming bogged down for weeks or even years in "tribunal-land".

He added it was unavoidable for lawyers to be involved at more serious stages in investigations and during tribunals.

Sinn Fein TD Sean Crowe, said the issue had to be seen in the context of what he claimed were problems between staff and management at Irish rail.

He referred to a report earlier this year in the Irish Independent about an internal study at Ianrod Eireann alleging a climate of victimisation, bullying and harassment.

"There is suspicion there and it is going to get worse unless people who go into inquiries can have the support of their union or somebody who is neutral," he added.

dmeehan

the unions response to this beggars belief
if their members are taking drugs while driving a train then lock them up! i cannot believe that the union is not backing this initiative. they are sending out a signal that implies their members are druggies or drunks and even worse when they are driving a train

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: