Labour Court rejects extra payment for Bus Eireann school bus drivers

The Labour Court recommended no additional payment to Bus Eireann drivers over changes to school opening and closing times. It also urged the company to give drivers advance notice of schedule changes where possible. The recommendation was signed on 30 April 2019. The National Bus & Rail Union and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union said early Friday closing disrupted drivers’ other work and earnings, and sought additional remuneration or alternative arrangements. Bus Eireann relied on an agreement requiring flexibility when school times change. The Court said the agreement did not provide for the requested review and drivers should adhere to its terms. It also said the taxable nature of earnings did not warrant an additional payment.