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An unidentified drag queen waves a rainbow flag during an LGBT rights demonstration in front of the Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest (Bela Szandelszky/AP)

Hungary plans to hold a referendum over its controversial LGBT law

It comes as the government is under fire over findings it used malware to spy on opposition figures.

HUNGARY’S GOVERNMENT WANTS to hold a national referendum in an effort to show public support for a law that the European Union says discriminates against LGBT people.

The government says the legislation aims to protect children, but many have criticised it as an attack on LGBT rights.

In a video posted on Facebook today, prime minster Viktor Orban said the referendum was necessary to counter strong opposition to the measures by the EU, which he said had “abused its power” by launching legal action against Hungary over the law.

“Brussels has clearly attacked Hungary in recent weeks due to its child protection law,” Orban said. “When the pressure against our homeland is so strong, only the common will of the people can defend Hungary.”

Orban has remained defiant on the issue, even as he faces increasing scrutiny at home and abroad over democratic backsliding and allegations of spying.

The law passed last month by Hungary’s parliament bans the depiction of homosexuality or gender reassignment to minors in school education programmes and media content.

Its passage set off a heated confrontation between Orban’s right-wing government and the 27-member EU, which argued it discriminates against LGBT people and contravenes the bloc’s fundamental values.

The referendum, Orban said, will feature five questions. They will cover such issues as whether children should be introduced to topics of sexual orientation in schools, and whether gender reassignment should be promoted or depicted to children.

It will also ask whether gender reassignment procedures should be made available to minors, he said, and urged Hungarians to vote “no” to each of the questions.

embedded261060010 Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

The announcement of the referendum comes as Orban, a frequent critic of the EU, faces intense pressure on several fronts ahead of elections next spring that are forecast to be the closest since he came to power in 2010.

His government is under fire over findings by an international investigation published last weekend that it used powerful malware to spy on critical journalists, politicians and business figures through their smartphones.

Opposition lawmakers have demanded an inquiry into the alleged spying by the parliament’s national security committee, but delegates from Orban’s Fidesz party indicated they will prevent the committee from convening, calling the reports “unfounded”.

Other high-ranking officials have refused to confirm or deny that the government used the spyware against Hungarian citizens.

Minutes after the announcement of the referendum, several opposition parties called for a boycott of the vote.

Peter Jakab, president of the right-wing party Jobbik, called the referendum plan a “clear diversion” from the spying allegations.

The president of the centrist Momentum party, Andras Fekete-Gyor, said it was “a mockery of democracy and nothing more than gratuitous hate-mongering”.

Yesterday, the EU’s executive commission issued a report on EU members’ adherence to the rule of law, where it outlined the erosion of democratic standards in Hungary, including inadequate anti-corruption measures and a deterioration of media pluralism.

The Commission has also opted to withhold payment of billions of euros in EU economic recovery funds to Hungary until it implements judicial reform and strengthens anti-corruption frameworks, according to European justice commissioner Didier Reynders.

Orban cast the moves as an attempt by the EU to force Hungary to amend its controversial law on the depiction of homosexuality, though the rule of law report made no mention of that legislation.

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    Mute Dara Smith
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:24 AM

    Sick of BE, sick of the drivers, sick of the unions and sick of paying for taxis every day. If it’s not sorted today, let BE collapse. The sooner they start the process of replacing BE then the better

    1362
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    Mute Dark Knight
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:35 AM

    @David Mc Nally: the unions have no problem keeping the number of drivers down to keep wages up. So how do you feel about the unemployed people going into mortgage default who can’t get a job with BE just so the drivers can have inflated wages. Totally contradicting yourself

    682
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    Mute Dara Smith
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:36 AM

    @David Mc Nally: what about those of us who are down an extra 100 euro a week through no fault of our own? Taxis cost be 142 euro last week as apposed to my 37 euro weekly BE ticket? I’m down approx 300 euro since this started. I’m not going to miss work by any circumstances but don’t take the moral high ground with me. It’s easy say I support the drivers but when it’s financially taking its toll, then yes, I Am sick of it and want it finished. And private buses aren’t an option for me

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    Mute Leanne Griffin
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:36 AM

    @David Mc Nally: Why should he pay for taxis every day so drivers can have €23 per hour instead of €20? The strike has crippled some people financially and most of them are not bus drivers, most of them have nothing to do with this argument.

    262
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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:38 AM

    @David Mc Nally: the union is quite happy for 120 staff to lose there jobs. Clearly the unions care about there families

    176
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    Mute Leanne Griffin
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:58 AM

    @Dara Smith: Dara, from what I’m seeing from his posts we’re supposed to carry the financial burden and be happy to do it, for don’t you know that this is the first time in Irish history that a company has had to make some cost saving measures to try to keep the company afloat and the workers in jobs?? We should count ourselves lucky that we can help them by being financially squeezed ourselves when this fight has nothing to do with us!

    112
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    Mute jane
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:13 AM

    @David Mc Nally: they have decent pay already. Overtime shouldn’t be something they have a right to.

    212
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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:21 AM

    @David Mc Nally: you fail to mention anything about the 120 workers who will he screwed by the union and lose there jobs. Do you think they’d rather be on the dole or take a pay cut?

    94
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    Mute Ian McNally
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:34 AM

    @David Mc Nally: If a worker is not performing they definitely deserve a pay cut. Talk to anyone who uses Bus Eireann and ask how they think the drivers perform versus the private operators.

    Bus Eireann have lost alot of passengers in the last 20 days to these same private operators that they will never get back due to the lower ticket costs, more professional service and sticking to an actual timetable.

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    Mute Dark Knight
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:36 AM

    @David Mc Nally: I think you need a reality check with regards what decent pay actually is

    111
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    Mute DubDon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:37 AM

    @Dara Smith: so when something is financially affecting you it’s disgraceful- but when these workers were going to be financially affected it’s ok? – that’s what’s wrong here it doesn’t matter what happens so long as I’m not affected syndrome!!!
    I don’t fully agree with the strike but I agree less with people who only loan about it because their pocket is hit and not a care for the workers or their families !!!

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:42 AM

    @David Mc Nally: because the company will go to the wall otherwise and they will all lose their jobs. It’s very simple. It’s exactly what happens to the rest of us in companies where we can’t blackmail the taxpayer to throw more money at us. If they don’t like the revised package then get a job with a private operator. You keep talking about a decent wage. What is your definition of a decent wage? They are on a very good package as it stands.

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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:28 AM

    @David Mc Nally: so David your happy for workers to get sacked rather than take a pay cut?

    43
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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:07 AM

    @Dara Smith:
    Always support the bus drivers and F the begruders.

    20
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    Mute Margaret Lane
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:10 PM

    Let BE collapse and leave people unable to get to work, college, hospital appointments permanently? Put college students in a position where some may have to drop out? Have people lose their jobs due to inability to get work? Leave rural people to pay for taxis in order to get their weekly groceries? Because private bus companies will not service unprofitable routes and there will always be people unable to drive – too young, various disabilities, etc.

    19
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    Mute jimmy bray
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:13 PM

    @Dara Smith: let’s hope your employers don’t come looking for cuts in your terms and conditions.. although from your comments you would just roll over and take it

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    Mute jimmy bray
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:15 PM

    @Dark Knight: totally deluded.take off your tin foil hat for a while

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    Mute Declan Murtagh Sr.
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:22 PM

    @Dara Smith: paying for taxis that must take a big slice out of your salary, that’s the reason for the BE strike, think about it.

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    Mute Declan Murtagh Sr.
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:24 PM

    @Dara Smith: that must take a big slice out of your salary, that’s what the BE strike is all about, think about it

    5
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    Mute Ben Coughlan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:24 PM

    @Dark Knight: we’re about two percent away from full employment, it’s almost as difficult to not have a job, even if you’ve no marketable skills, the casuals scheme will maintain social welfare while you work your way up. Take bus or truck driving, there are a tonne of private companies hiring drivers right now, B.E. or other state companies aren’t the only employers.

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    Mute Tom Malone
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:24 PM

    @Dark Knight : You are confusing me. Workers are keeping the number of drivers down so that’s a bad thing and blame the workers? But Management wants even fewer drivers so that’s a good thing?

    Explain to me why I shouldn’t think your comments are just ideological rants with only casual or coincidental connection with fact

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    Mute Tom Malone
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:28 PM

    @Dan Smith The fundamental question is who is to blame for your extra costs. I’d rather see a genuine discussion of the reasons for the strike than posts alternating between government and worker bashing. Please folks – Play the ball, not the man

    5
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    Mute Cindy Crawford
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:28 PM

    @Dara Smith commented: I’m sick of people condemning the Bus Eireann workers for trying to stop the company reducing their remuneration packages. The managers will probably give themselves a congratulatory pay increase after the dispute is resolved.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:36 PM

    @David Mc Nally: If they lose their jobs, it will be their own fault. They withdrew their labour in order to continue the unsustainable practices of having a huge pool of drivers on standby just in case one of their colleagues went sick and they also have a guaranteed overtime payment when most don’t even work the basic hours.

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    Mute Squarepeg01
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:46 PM

    @David Mc Nally: well if they won’t do their jobs…

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    Mute rmcd66
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:48 PM

    @David Mc Nally: he’s getting more thumb s then u

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    Mute Stouts O Shea
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:51 PM

    @David Mc Nally: are you for real’ the company is losing money and you think the taxpayer should keep gold plated drivers in jobs??? Get real ,. Bring on the private sector

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:05 PM

    @Tom Sullivan: Can you tell me where you get your figures that “most” don’t work basic hours.

    4
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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:29 PM

    @Dara Smith: oh too have the luxury of being sick of taking a taxi. I hope the replacement for bus eireann meets your idotic expectations!!. This is Ireland, it will only get worse not better. You will have the NTA issue licences to private operators who will give an early morning and a late evening service and leave you stranded for the rest of the day!!

    5
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    Mute John Sheehy
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:35 PM

    @David Mc Nally: are you aware on average the drivers were being asked to cut out overtime losing around 1000 euros a year. The 30% cuts were fabricated by SIPTU. They were still earning on average 47k a year. Some drivers were offered pay increases.
    The company also wanted to stop the fraudulent abuse of sick pay to essentially earn triple time for sick days.

    18
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    Mute Cindy Crawford
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:01 PM

    @Bernie commented: Get a car, then you won’t be stranded.

    1
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    Mute Shawn O'Ceallaghan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:26 PM

    Whos next? Luas? Bus Drivers? Train?

    2
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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:34 PM

    @Ian McNally: My local private operator is more expensive, by a couple of euro per return ticket. I won’t be going back to Bus Eireann.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:35 PM

    @Mary McDonagh Faherty: Bus Eireann’s own statements on the issue. That’s where I get those figures from.

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    Mute Sean Fleming
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:46 PM

    @Dara Smith: you don’t get free passes when you get a taxi

    1
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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 14th 2017, 10:49 AM

    @Tom Sullivan: Can you post a link? Because I can’t seem to find that anywhere

    1
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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 14th 2017, 3:50 PM

    @Mary McDonagh Faherty: I’m sure if you look you’ll find them. Bus Eireann have stated previously that the average driver works between 5 and 6 hours a day and gets paid for 9 1/2 hours. The basic hours are 8.

    1
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    Mute YouHaveGotToBeJoking
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:30 AM

    Bus drivers, Train drivers, LUAS “drivers”…if you want more money go and get a degree and get off your high horses.

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    Mute YouHaveGotToBeJoking
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:20 AM

    @David Mc Nally: I am sure there are plenty of people out there that would work for the money any of these drivers are (were) on prior to their industrial action. If these drivers want to keep pushing for more and more money they can sod off and get a job that pays more while at the same time allowing other people desperate for work to sit behind the wheels of these buses and trams who would glady work for their already inflated wages.

    344
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    Mute DubDon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:42 AM

    @YouHaveGotToBeJoking:
    If I’m not mistaken these workers and don’t forget it’s not just drivers – aren’t actually looking for a pay rise they are looking to maintain their pay…

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    Mute Bean Ui Mise
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:45 AM

    @YouHaveGotToBeJoking: condescending in the extreme.

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    Mute YouHaveGotToBeJoking
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:45 AM

    @DubDon: You’re right, granted, my comment was more so a generic comment more so based on the DB and LUAS folk.

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    Mute michael menton
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:20 PM

    @YouHaveGotToBeJoking:
    Typical bullshit comment.

    10
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    Mute Alan O'Rourke
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:36 PM

    @David Mc Nally: I love reading your comments David; keep them coming. They’re making for great reference material in my thesis on prehistoric Neanderthals.

    22
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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:37 PM

    @DubDon: They are looking to maintain an entitlement to overtime pay when they don’t work overtime. I can guarantee you nobody forced to use their services can enjoy working conditions like that.

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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:54 PM

    @David Mc Nally: yes because everyone goes to college to learn Shakespeare, not to learn things we actually need like medicine, business, engineering.

    If they wont do the job there are thousands who will.

    19
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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:07 PM

    @Tom Sullivan: You do realise there were around 50 new work terms that they were told to take it or leave it. Not just the overtime issue?

    9
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    Mute Lilyvanschtump Whitey
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:20 PM

    @YouHaveGotToBeJoking: take it you have a degree, very uneducated comment , who knows what drivers have a degree!!!!!

    9
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    Mute Sam Harms
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    Apr 14th 2017, 10:44 AM

    @David Mc Nally: I know we do, i never said we don’t. My point is that we do need buses and therefore if the current bus drivers aren’t willing to accept change in order to save the company, and their jobs, then there are thousands of people who would happily take those jobs.

    2
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    Mute Buster VL
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:56 AM

    Well done Shane Ross, for holding firm.

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    Mute Neal, not Neil.
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:53 AM

    @Buster VL: A.K.A. Sitting on his bum doing absolutely nothing, because supposedly the only thing a minister is able to do is write cheques, and they have no other powers or skills.

    129
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    Mute John Weldon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:03 AM

    @Neal, not Neil.: What do you suggest he should have done??

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    Mute Stuart Keogh
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:43 AM

    @John Weldon: He could of at least attended the meetings. I can see commentators arguing how these drivers can justify any wage increase (whether theres any merit to that argument ir not) but no ones questioning shane ross justifying his salary when hes the minister for transport and declaring its not his problem….

    37
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    Mute John Weldon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:47 AM

    @Stuart Keogh: What could he have done at the meetings? The WRC has people that have trained and studied for their roles as mediators/negotiators. If Ross had attended the unions would have said that he sat there and did nothing. Would you expect Paul Kehoe to turn up to a siege and try to negotiate with the terrorists because he is the minister for defense?? Or would you expect the expert negotiators to do the negotiations??

    61
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    Mute Martin Lintzgy
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    Apr 13th 2017, 1:26 PM

    @Neal, not Neil.:
    Shane did was he was supposed to do.. NOT write out a cheque.
    The finance minister has other priorities for taxpayers hard-earned, and it is NOT to line bus drivers pockets.

    1
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    Mute
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:46 PM

    @Buster VL: It seems to me Ross has been a disgrace during this debacle. It has gone on for 21 days an outrage. If I were a tourist I would not visit a country that takes so long to sort stuff out and could leave me stranded with no public bus service.

    5
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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:39 PM

    Don’t ever go to France Buster.

    11
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    Mute Ben Coughlan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:33 PM

    @John Weldon: became part of the arbitration process, i.e. his job. If the minister of health refused to engage while a nurses stroke was on then a new minister would be put in place overnight.

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    Mute Ben Coughlan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:34 PM

    @Stuart Keogh: nail on head.

    1
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    Mute Ben Coughlan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:36 PM

    @Cian O Donoghue: France suffered a loss of 300m in tourism revenue due to the air traffic controllers strike. Small cakes for France, but there is a knock-on effect.

    1
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    Mute Sara Elia López
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:23 AM

    I hope they end the bus drivers gravy train.

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    Mute Bean Ui Mise
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:40 AM

    @Sara Elia López: ignorant talk. Starting at 5.30am on some shifts and finishing after midnight on others. Dealing with the public is probably no picnic either.

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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Apr 13th 2017, 1:33 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: So what? Nurses and doctors, and even some Gardai have similar working hours

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    Mute John Mullins
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:18 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: how is it ignorant? Good pay for unskilled work. Dealing with the public is though but no excuse. Early/late hours big deal, i had to go to istanbul for work last year and had little or no choice…i didn’t go on strike though! As for the other ejits blue shirt comment its great to see some people can’t move past their grandparents prejudices.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:38 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: Firefighters only get paid a fraction of what the bus drivers receive and have to work just as unsocial hours. They also put themselves in harms way every time they do their job.

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    Mute Tony Hartigan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:54 PM

    @Sara Elia López: such ignorance these men were not willing to take a huge cut in their wages that is what this strike about. This company is top heavy with management.
    PS. Sara Elia would you have an opinion on GOBSHIITE politicians receiving €5000 pa increase

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    Mute Stouts O Shea
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:54 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: bull scutter no driver works them hours they can’t , tachometer won’t allow ,if they are then customer s lives are at risk

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:30 PM

    @Sara Elia López: what gravy train?

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    Mute
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:43 PM

    @David Mc Nally: Look over your messages and see how you are trolling people with abuse. I do not want my time wasted by reading abuse. Make your point and keep to the evidence otherwise you will be reported.

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    Mute Thomas Murphy
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:51 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: lots of people work shift, what’s your point?

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    Mute Veroníca
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:34 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: i get last bus home if working late and they deal with drunks junkies u name it… its not the handy number ppl think it is.. there responsible for everyone on that bus & to ensure the safety as well.. yes some drivers are not friendly but the ones that are make it worthwhile.

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    Mute Alan Y. Hsu
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:49 PM

    @Bean Ui Mise: United States and Irish doctors work 24 hours shift several times a week with less pay than bus drivers.

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    Mute Peter Mc Hugh
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:43 AM

    The drivers acted with no dignity during this strikes, and shame on the NBRU for stating they have. Illegal secondary pickets, intimidation of other companies drivers, disgusting acts.

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    Mute AlanH -AFC
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:07 AM

    @Peter Mc Hugh: let’s be clear , the secondary strike by BE staff though regrettable WAS not illegal.
    But don’t let facts blur the journal claptrap.

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    Mute CeannairBlue
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:47 AM

    @AlanH -AFC: Then a law needs to be passed to MAKE it illegal – or at least sack the selfish t***s who meant hardworking people couldn’t get to our jobs.

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    Mute Peter Mc Hugh
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:50 AM

    @AlanH -AFC: The secondary pickets were illegal. You can picket your own place of work. You cannot picket other companies unless you believe your employer are using those other companies to bypass your strike, which is not the case here. It’s why the NBRU was tripping over itself with the speed it denounced the secondary pickets.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Apr 13th 2017, 11:35 AM

    @AlanH -AFC:

    Regrettable…….says it all about your attitude

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    Mute jimmy bray
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:20 PM

    @Peter Mc Hugh: try keep to facts there was no secondary pickets they did not block any driver from going to work any driver that wanted to work were able to do so

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    Mute Peter Mc Hugh
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:45 PM

    @jimmy bray: Jimmy, do you think people are blind? Or did you not see any of the many photos of BE drivers picketing the entrance of places they do not work at? There were secondary pickets, they were illegal, and the actions of the NBRU and Unions through this strike were anything but dignified.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:41 PM

    @AlanH -AFC: As Dublin Bus was not helping Bus Eireann to sidestep the effects of the industrial action, the limited provision for secondary picketing in the Industrial Relations Act was overstepped. The pickets were illegal.

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    Mute Buster VL
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:59 AM

    Solidarity with the suffering working commuters.

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    Mute Abcd
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:45 PM

    Shane Ross was busy partying with Amanda Brunker.

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    Mute Buster VL
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:49 AM

    Close down bus eirearnn.
    Contract the private companies to operate subvention routes.

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    Mute vNblxOSQ
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:40 AM

    This is another sector being privatised and another race to the bottom for low wages, no pension zero hour type employment.
    I know these guys are over protected but privatisation of public services does not work for Joe Public.

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    Mute Ian McNally
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:49 AM

    @vNblxOSQ: explain how its a race to the bottom when they were offerred a raise in the original deal? And no overtime is not part of core pay so that loss does not count

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    Mute Buster VL
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:52 AM

    @vNblxOSQ:
    Be drivers Race to the top for wages = race to the bottom for service.

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    Mute Ian McNally
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:49 AM

    @David Mc Nally: Yeah sometimes that happens in a commercial enterprise like the Expressway service. BE suggested scrapping Expressway but unions also refused that as an option too, its quite clear all they are looking for is more money which is simply impossible since Expressway cannot legally receive public subvention

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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Apr 13th 2017, 12:18 PM

    @David Mc Nally: But why do you think overtime should be an entitlement for them? Anyway, why are they doing overtime in the first place?

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:39 PM

    @vNblxOSQ: If it is privatised you can thank the staff and the unions for that, as they are playing a leading role in the process.

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    Mute Lilyvanschtump Whitey
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:25 PM

    @Buster VL: especially dealing with people like you, management is top heavy , even managed a few promotions during the strike, would you work for zero hours contract……….

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    Mute Abcd
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:00 PM

    @vNblxOSQ: Why can’t ALL unions especially the public sector unions campaign for a proper LIVEABLE wage for the lowest paid workers in Ireland. Every single public sector employee is in a union or has access to these very POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE unions, while only 15-20% max of private sector workers have employers, who will even bother to recognise an INEFFECTIVE union. The only thing most new & existing private sector jobs offer is the min wage for every hour you work. You can forget any overtime or weekend bonuses,sick pay etc

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 14th 2017, 3:53 PM

    @Lilyvanschtump Whitey: Management needs to be thinned out too. As they say, a fish rots from the head. If there are serious inefficiencies among the drivers, then you can be sure that even more serious inefficiencies exist at management levels.

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    Mute Arthur Wells
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:15 AM

    Jesus, these bus drivers earn more per hour than intern doctors in Ireland or the United States. It’s unbelievable.

    One has to go through 5+ years of degree and scoring high in their leaving certs, while the other just get a bare pass in their certs and doesn’t have to go to college at all.

    All these old bus drivers with contempt of the general public all belong in the same club, stuck in their ancient ways of running things at a loss. Time to restructure it and make it better suited for the present times.

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    Mute Abcd
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:13 PM

    ALL SITU members should contact their union rep or the main office & request a reduction in your fee as they don’t want to fund the Labour Party. You are perfectly within your rights to only pay for representation & not pay the part of the fee that goes to the Labour party. Plenty of people have done this as has been highlighted on liveline. These SIPTU members rightfully didn’t want to fund the deceitful Labour party especially after Labour sold out the most vulnerable workers & groups in society

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    Mute Scundered
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:53 AM

    They all deserve to lose their jobs, self entitled rats. These type of people are very damaging to the economy of Ireland, affecting thousands of innocent people.

    Get a bike, walk, car share, do what you can to sink them. Let’s return the favour.

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    Mute Alan keena
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:18 AM

    It’s the unions that are keeping them on strike. The drivers want to get back to work as they are 3 weeks without pay at this stage

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    Mute jimmy bray
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:21 PM

    @Scundered: FG troll

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    Mute Cindy Crawford
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:06 PM

    @Scundered commented: The government are damaging our economy. There are lots of people who have a car, therefore don’t have to rely on public transport. Think about it.

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    Mute Mike Howard
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:19 AM

    If their back today – it’s just in time for their triple time and day off in leu , just because it’s over the Easter !
    This has to stop – triple time and days off are past !
    We done Management and well done Minister for holding firm – Shame on u spongers at SIPTO.

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    Mute Bobbyjoe
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:58 AM

    @Mike Howard: ill be working easter monday for treble time..or maybe ill work for double time and a day in lieu..decisions decisions…

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    Mute Gavin Redmond
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:09 AM

    I’m very surprised the board haven’t entered this money pit of a company into examinership, this process can only be days away. Tax payers can not keep pumping money in. The issues has been ongoing since 08 and finally it has exploded.

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    Mute Michael McLoughlin
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:17 AM

    Drivers keen to get their premium payments for working the Easter weekend. Not as much motivation to work the other days

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:30 AM

    Hopefully finally over. Government need to introduce state subvention back.

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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:25 AM

    @Cyril Butler: No they don’t.

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    Mute John Weldon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:05 AM

    @Cyril Butler: Bus Eireann are making a profit on the routes that are subvented, so why would the govt need to raise it??

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    Mute Scundered
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:21 PM

    I would be happier to see them lose their jobs instead, and start a new company with people who want to work.

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    Mute Richard Murphy
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    Apr 13th 2017, 11:11 AM

    Bus wan.kers

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    Mute colin dales
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:08 PM

    Ah how nice of them.
    And just in time for triple time over Easter.That’s a hell of a coincidence.

    This isn’t over either they’ll be back out soon after they review their proposals and find something to complain about,leaving other workers in the lurch again.saps.

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    Mute Lilyvanschtump Whitey
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:28 PM

    @colin dales: facts facts facts which you have none of

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    Mute mursim
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:55 AM

    Bus Eireann management needs to be sacked immediately.

    BE must be fully renationalised.

    A private, for profit company cannot be allowed to run the entire public transport system.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:47 PM

    @mursim: Bus Eireann is nationalised. How can it be renationalised when it has not yet been privatised?

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    Mute Paul McElligott
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:36 PM

    David Mc Nally Are u actually for real. They earn double the minimum wage. About five times what a trainee guard earns and you want to give them more. What fairytale world do u live in that you think this is acceptable.

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    Mute Gav Quinn
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:55 PM

    @Paul McElligott: how is it your place to decide someone else’s salary?

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 14th 2017, 3:55 PM

    @Gav Quinn: As a taxpayer who is subsidising this mess, it is very much his place. How is your place to tell him it is not?

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    Mute Kyle Ocallaghan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 2:26 PM

    I get bus eireann almost every day no I say just fire the lot of them. Most of them look down their noses at you when you get on to pay the fare and that’s if they even stop at the bus stop for you. Then when they over 30 minutes late god forbid you ask them why they’ll probably kick you off. They are some of the rudest people I have ever come across. All they are, are glorified taxi drivers

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    Mute Des Doran
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:16 PM

    It’s not over ,
    Just suspended,

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    Mute _doesnotcompute
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:02 PM

    “they have shown tremendous dignity throughout what has been an extremely difficult dispute”

    LOL!!! except for the wildcat strike

    “we would also like to take this opportunity to thank members of the travelling public for their massive support and understanding through what has been a difficult time for them in having to make alternative travel arrangements for their daily commute.”

    LOL!! These guys are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think they’ve had massive support and understanding from Joe Public.

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    Mute mursim
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:00 AM

    State subvention to the public transport system must be fully restored.

    BE Management must be sacked. In its entirety. Immediately.

    The free market cares about nothing except profit. It cannot be entrusted to run a vital service like public transport.

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    Mute John Weldon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:06 AM

    @mursim: The routes that are subvented already make a profit. I don’t think you know what you are talking about.

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    Mute mursim
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:35 AM

    @John Weldon: And that profit is being used in its’s entirety to fund the loss making routes.

    Do you understand the concept of public transport being a requirement and not a luxury?

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    Mute John Weldon
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:50 AM

    @mursim: The loss making arm of Bus Eireann does not serve any public service routes. Do you understand the concept of public and commercial??

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    Mute Kevin McCarthy
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:15 PM

    Most people would like to go on strike when we don’t like work changes but unfortunately we don’t live in that fantasy land.

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    Mute denis daly
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:35 PM

    Bus w@nkers

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    Mute Barrsball Rebel
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    Apr 13th 2017, 11:32 AM

    Lots of ignorant White Collar lepers on here who are happy to collect their easy money and bonuses in their comfy zones yet when BE Workers fight for the right to protect their Salaries the White Collar lepers deem this as unjust.

    Lets remember that the current Pay Structure at BE was approved by Management and by the Transport Dept..

    Would these White Collar lepers be of the same opinion if the Government dropped a dollar from the Old Age Pensions…

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:52 PM

    @Barrsball Rebel: What a disgusting comment. There are many people who have put as much as twice a BE drivers annual salary into their own education and who have to work for less than a BE worker is paid. Unfortunately for them, they are not in jobs where they can hold the entire country by the ba11s, so they have to accept what they are paid or find another job. They are also paid only for the hours they work. Outside of the gilt-edged public sector, there is no such thing as guaranteed overtime.

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    Mute Paul McElligott
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:27 PM

    Greed is an awful thing. Almost as bad as holding a country to ransom. Do they actually believe you have to be skilled to do their jobs. Sack the lot of them for their unsanctioned strike

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:40 PM

    @Paul McElligott: can you actually drive a bus? can you deal with people who think the bus is driven by remote contol and not by an actual human being, deal with cash which is leaving you open to robbery (which happens to drivers) open to attack by irrated people who think the bus in for their personal use and not an actual public service (see the driver who now has a permanent scar across his face from a knife attack by a passenger). If greed is wanting to get paid for the job you do and not have a company who can just at the drop of a hat say we are cutting your wages and you have to put up it it. Who exactly do you think was going to sanction their strike? The company, the NTA,the Minister? grow up!!!!

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:25 PM

    @Bernie: just like a waiter in a restaurant same level same customer service expected although with bus drivers it’s few and far between Bernie your deluded

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    Mute Brendan McCaffrey
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:19 PM

    “Massive support”

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    Mute _doesnotcompute
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:04 PM

    @Brendan McCaffrey: yes, I ROFL’ed at that one!!!

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    Mute NeilGoochFerriter
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:09 PM

    What happens to those with tax saver yearly tickets ? Do we get refunded for the days of strikes or do those days get added on at the end of the year?

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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:15 PM

    @NeilGoochFerriter: yes under EU law you are entitled to receive a refund.

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    Mute Gillian Galligan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:46 PM

    100% support the BE drivers. People need to read the facts before posting their BS. The drivers were striking to maintain their terms and conditions not looking for more money. They’re also fighting to keep the routes to small towns that private operators won’t drive through leaving many stranded.

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:56 PM

    @Gillian Galligan: the private operations and BE are driving depending on the licenses they have been granted.

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:10 PM

    @Gillian Galligan: their ts&cs aren’t affordable. Adapt or lose your job. It’s a decision that very many companies and their employees have faced. The Labour court clearly sees this with it’s recommendation of 200 voluntary redundancies, 10% salary cuts over 60K and sliding pay rates. The unions either accept or the company will be would up over time.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:56 PM

    @Gillian Galligan: Their terms and conditions are untenable. Guaranteed overtime payments regardless of hours actually worked. Can you name ONE private sector business where that nonsensical system operates?

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    Mute Katlyn Fischer
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:09 PM

    “Tremendous dignity”… “massive support”

    Did Sean Spicer write this?

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    Mute Leanne Griffin
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    Apr 13th 2017, 2:40 PM

    So, where are these recommendations?

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    Mute _doesnotcompute
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:04 PM

    @Leanne Griffin: Probably won’t be made public until after the langers vote on it

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    Mute Catherine Mc
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:20 PM

    @Leanne Griffin: on RTE text

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    Mute Noel Mc Brearty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:35 PM

    Wages got to a level in the good times that are simply not sustainable now. People get used to a standard of living according to their income and its not easy taking a cut but they are not the only people who have had to do it.

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:45 PM

    @Noel Mc Brearty: do you know that the bus workers have had no pay rise since 2008? They have taken two pay cuts in the past 9 years.

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:51 PM

    @Bernie: bless. I took a pay cut in 2010 at the same time USC was introduced just like many workers in the country. Unpleasant yes, but the good times came to an end and now they are hopefully returning, the drivers seem intent on liquidating their own company with old-world restrictive work practices and pay demands they think they’re entitled to. They don’t fly planes or perform open heart surgery – they drive a bus IN BUSLANES.

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:02 PM

    @Bernie: they are totally overpaid they should get more pay reductions they are bus drivers

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:15 PM

    @Bernie: welcome to the party Bernie. Do you think the rest of us haven’t and we’re not pampered by a union with a tax payer guardian angel on our shoulder to bail us out. Most of us don’t get overtime either. It’s the real world outside of the state protected cocoon that those who feel entitled live in.

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    Mute Tim Nelligan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:22 PM

    @howisthat: Jaysus…..

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:06 PM

    @Gerry Carroll: bless gerry if you think buses only run in Dublin. Bus lanes??? What a nice idea. We will only operate services in cities. Remember this is now going to be a third pay cut for the drivers

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:33 PM

    @Bernie: sorry Bernie, you’re looking for empathy for a group of staff that have avoided the reality of a non subsidised work environment. Sad to see their union apparently willing to sacrifice jobs to redundancy in order to divvy out the salary savings into the pockets of those lucky enough not to be made redundant. I presume there’s an expectation of taxpayers providing even more money to fund redundancy payments.

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:49 PM

    Ballless rebel even if your in cork you should be able to see through the bleedin obvious
    The company is insolvent because there is no demand and the workers are over paid probably by 20%
    It’s a dead duck that should be privatised demand and supply will dictate where the service is and how much and siptu with all its millions in reserves can continue to build up the Labour Party again

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    Mute Gav Quinn
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:58 PM

    @howisthat: What’s your job and salary? Tell us, so how we can see how great you are; sitting, typing comments all evening.

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:47 PM

    Will be interesting to see how the unions portray that as a win. Still, with the mindset in the drivers there’s still the expectation of additional taxpayers cheque being written to put even more taxpayers money directly into the drivers pockets. Also with a company insolvent or very close to it, the redundancies will they presume also be paid out of taxpayers funding. If they vote to refuse the recommendation then put out the lights lads on your way out. Greed has done for you.

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:23 PM

    @Gerry Carroll: why would you treat the bus drivers any differently to bank staff when talking of redundancy payments? Remember when state owned banks offloaded people?

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:28 PM

    @lavbeer: because we the taxpayers have already been paying to subsidise the bus drivers via PSO payments. We the taxpayers now own some or all of some banks because of the biggest fiscal mistake in the history of the State with the bank guarantee. Not comparing oranges with rotten apples at all.

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:55 PM

    @Gerry Carroll: so no issue with a bank transferring monies to the pension fund? Banks loosing 50m a day didn’t have statutory redundancies. They were state funded

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:49 PM

    @lavbeer: and they were supposedly overseen by a regulator that was ineffective at best, incompetent or complicit at worst. The difference here is that Bus Eireann management have seen, flagged and acted to prevent BE going bust. The cushioned (literally) drivers however are in denial and believe there should be more and more public money out into their pockets. Not on!!

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:03 PM

    @Gerry Carroll: em. A little late no?

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    Mute Catherine Mc
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:19 PM

    There is a more detailed report on RTE text. Delighted for the drivers.

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    Mute DPentony
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:23 PM

    No point in going back to using the service & abandoning your current replacement travel arrangements when the ballot will be rejected anyway.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:58 PM

    @DPentony: I certainly won’t be, despite the higher fares. The drivers on the private service I use are pleasant and helpful, unlike those with BE.

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    Mute DPentony
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:03 PM

    @Tom Sullivan: I agree same here, on the routes served by both Bus Eireann & a private bus company, the private company are doing in better, that’s the reality.

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:40 PM

    The average salary of a bus driver in the Uk which is 4 X size of Ireland is 21k stg these fools who never bettered themselves in school never went to college but poked on by the biggest parasite in the country SIPTU who top management earn well over 100k want to earn a ridiculous salary for what they do
    On the radio all the Muckas delighted because they can blame dublin for their pathetic lives

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    Mute Barrsball Rebel
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    Apr 13th 2017, 3:45 PM

    @howisthat: Lots of ignorant White Collar lepers on here who are happy to collect their easy money and bonuses in their comfy zones yet when BE Workers fight for the right to protect their Salaries the White Collar lepers deem this as unjust.
    Lets remember that the current Pay Structure at BE was approved by Management and by the Transport Dept..
    Would these White Collar lepers be of the same opinion if the Government dropped a dollar from the Old Age Pensions…

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    Mute Lilyvanschtump Whitey
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:32 PM

    @howisthat: and there we go again , how do you know they never went to school or college?????????

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:09 PM

    @Lilyvanschtump Whitey: I didn’t say they didn’t go to school but they ended up at a certain level for certain reasons and now they are a bus driver so…

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:12 PM

    @David Mc Nally: ain’t trolling just spelling out the hard facts that you and your buddies are in denial

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:55 PM

    @Barrsball Rebel: Your comments are nothing short of disgusting and childish. The company is in financial difficulties. Like any company in that situation, difficult decisions need to be made. They included doing away with the ridiculous notion of “guaranteed overtime” as well as reducing the number of drivers who sit scratching their arses waiting for one of their comrades to call in sick. The alternative is the dole queue.

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:05 PM

    @howisthat: Wow. What ‘level’ is that exactly?

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    Mute ......
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:25 AM

    Bus eireann are currently recruiting in poland

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    Mute Matt Donovan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 12:07 PM

    @……: BUS EIREANN IS LOOKING FOR MECHANICS IN POLAND

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    Mute Gav Quinn
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:12 PM

    I always say how right wing and Americanised the Irish are, look at these comments.

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    Mute Kieran Graham
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    Apr 13th 2017, 10:39 AM

    Voluntary redundancy, modest pay rise, yadda yadda yadda

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:33 PM

    @Kieran Graham: where is the modest pay rise? there is no payrise!!!

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    Mute Bernie
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:45 PM

    @howisthat: dont see a waiter having to drive a bus worth €200000 with 53 people on it hoping to get home safe and watch for idiot drivers on the road while keeping a cool head. Customer service at its best.

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:56 PM

    @Bernie: Bernie stop making drivers out to be formula one stars they are bus drivers period

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    Mute Gerry Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2017, 9:28 PM

    @Bernie: they drive in bus lanes for pity’s sake. How hard can it be to keep between the kerb and the white line. Pampered beyond belief.

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    Mute Aron Walker-Moran
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:07 PM

    I support the drivers to fight for there rights but 21 days is rediculous, why did this issue take so long to resolve, the bus and Luas didn’t take this long, people have lost there jobs due to not being able to go to commute, not to mention kids in rural areas that missed school.

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    Mute Bobbyjoe
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:04 PM

    Now that the dispute is suspended will the “sack them all” brigade be as vocal to their driver about it face to face when they crawl back to Bus Eireann.

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    Mute Dark Knight
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:45 PM

    @Bobbyjoe: imagine they will say nothing…..especially not thank you!

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 14th 2017, 3:59 PM

    @Bobbyjoe: I for one won’t be crawling back to Bus Eireann. I’ll be sticking with the private alternative where the buses are clean, the staff friendly and helpful, the service on time and the journey fast.

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    Mute Patrick
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    Apr 13th 2017, 4:19 PM

    Never mind folks. Soon your buses & trains will be Privatised & you can watch your fares go up 3x the amount you now pay & the service will still be sh*** just like the UK!

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    Mute howisthat
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    Apr 13th 2017, 5:14 PM

    @Patrick: they have gone up every year because we subsidise over paid bus drivers they all thought that they hit the gravey train when Luas started to pay obscene salaries to guys that move a handle up and down for 8 hours a day

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    Mute Emma Watson-Peel
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:14 PM

    For those saying BE drivers should get a degree and then get a better paid jobs, if everyone gets a degree, then ppl with those will be offered lower salaries!, who will drive the bus’s that sections of society that cant or wount drive need to go about their lives?, please campaign for equality in education, some ppl with very high IQ’s cant pass exams as they cant pass exams cause they dont have support they need in school, SLD’s of all kinds are have been under resourced in Irish schools for decades, lots of those ppl are the ones operating the transport self assumed educated ppl will need at some stage in their lives. As for the so called minister for transport, #votersleftstandingatbusluastrainstopsbygovtmins.#wouldntgetawaywithpublicallydoingnothinginmyjob.

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    Mute Tom Sullivan
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    Apr 13th 2017, 7:00 PM

    @Emma Watson-Peel: Egalitarianism is a nonsensical notion that, like socialism, is all very well in theory but doesn’t work out well in practice. Without inequalities there can be no competition. Without competition there is no progress.

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    Mute Stiofán Ó Cearnaigh
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:36 PM

    By reading the comments i can see the drivers have the public backing……what a mess

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 14th 2017, 7:21 PM

    @Tom Sullivan: No Tom. Bus Eireann previously said the drivers drive for an average of 5.5 hrs. They didn’t say they don’t work for a full 9 hours. So, no, Bus Eireann didn’t say they only work 5 hrs

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    Mute Johnybgud
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    Apr 16th 2017, 3:04 AM

    This has been the most I’ve read without making a comment? But 4 starters Tom ‘o’ Sullivan something tells me you’re an exgruntiled employee of BE big time!! The new CEO of BE even rowed back on what you keep spouting about spare drivers working hours? No one in the company drives that little amount of time and gets paid 9 half hours.. seriously man you’ve no idea how wrong you are on this one.€20.11 its a start for giving up your family time to unsociable hours? I reckon we’ve already picked you up in the last few hours and you welcomed the driver back! Or am I telling a porky? Cause with everything I’m reading that you’re posting I’m lost? PS we miss your custom!!!!!

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    Mute Mark McRae
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    Apr 13th 2017, 6:24 PM

    @Buster VL:

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    Mute Mary McDonagh Faherty
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    Apr 13th 2017, 8:55 PM

    @Cian O Donoghue: :-) yes after strike action! Hmmmm…..

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