by Louise Doyle
DONEGAL consumers hoping to do a little Christmas shopping over the border this weekend could be hampered by ongoing industrial action being taken by Translink over a dispute about pay.
Three unions, Unite, GMB and Siptu have already taken part in a 24-hour bus and rail strike in the north in a row over pay.
They claim their current salary is not in line with inflation.
Just days after the industrial action caused chaos, the three unions extended their strike dates. Bus and rail services were suspended on Friday, December 15 and yesterday.
Services are also expected to be suspended on Friday, December 22 – normally one of the busiest Christmas shopping days.
Bus Eireann’s Expressway Route 64 from Galway to Derry takes in Ballybofey, Letterkenny, Manorcunninghamn, Newtowncunningham, Killea and Derry. It’s final destination is Foyle Street Bus Station.
The Donegal News asked Translink if Foyle Street Bus Station in Derry will be open for cross-border Bus Eireann services during the forthcoming industrial action. In response, a Translink spokesperson advised all passengers to check services before travelling.
“Bus stops in Foyle Street Bus Station and outside the depot in Foyle Street may be used by services not operated by Translink, including a number of cross-border services.
“Intending passengers are advised to check on the departure point on arrival at Foyle Street station.”
Public transport union members have vowed to continue industrial action beyond December if their pay dispute with Translink does not end.
In a statement, Translink pleaded with union members not to “damage people’s livelihoods this Christmas”.
“We are disappointed with this decision by our union colleagues which will disrupt bus and rail services that so many of our passengers rely on particularly at this busy time of the year,” the company said.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster said he “honestly fears” that job losses or closure of businesses may occur following strikes.
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