Ireland

Luas strikes cancelled ahead of pay row talks

Trade union Siptu said two planned four-hour stoppages on the capital's tram system on Thursday and Friday will no longer go-ahead
Trade union Siptu said two planned four-hour stoppages on the capital's tram system on Thursday and Friday will no longer go-ahead Trade union Siptu said two planned four-hour stoppages on the capital's tram system on Thursday and Friday will no longer go-ahead

LUAS strikes threatening to cause havoc for commuters, Bruce Springsteen fans and the Republic's soccer supporters over the coming days have been cancelled.

Trade union Siptu said two planned four-hour stoppages on the capital's tram system on Thursday and Friday will no longer go-ahead.

The postponement comes as union chiefs agree to meet with Luas operators Transdev at the Labour Court over an ongoing row about pay.

Owen Reidy, of Siptu, confirmed they would take part in the talks on Thursday.

"Given this welcome initiative from the Labour Court the work stoppages by Siptu Luas drivers scheduled for Thursday May 26 and Friday May 27 have been cancelled," he said.

"Siptu will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."

The planned strikes - which were to take place between 3pm and 7pm - threatened transport disruption on Friday particularly, with Bruce Springsteen playing a sold-out Croke Park gig and Ireland taking on the Netherlands at the Aviva stadium.

Other planned strikes are due to take place in June while Leaving Certificate exams are on.

Three grades of staff in Luas have already accepted a new pay deal after weeks of talks and industrial action.

They will reportedly get wage increases of around 13% up to September 2019, taking their salaries to around 51,000 euro at the top end before a bonus and overtime is paid.

However, drivers and Transdev bosses have yet to resolve their differences.