Translink faces industrial action over redundancies

TSSA has raised the prospect of industrial action at Translink after the transport union issued the company with a formal letter of dispute over the threat of compulsory redundancies.

The union has been calling for assurances from Translink that there will be no compulsory redundancies over plans to cut over 50 jobs as part of a drive to reduce costs by up to £20m.

The union is meeting Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, on Monday (12th Oct) and is urging her to take action to avert escalation of the dispute.

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, said: 

"The ball is now well and truly in Translink’s court. We have been clear from the off that we will not tolerate compulsory redundancies but so far have not been given the assurances needed to avoid industrial action.

"No one must be forced out of a job, that is a red line for our union and rightly so given the immense effort of our members who have done so much to keep our country moving during this pandemic.

"Translink’s plans are ill conceived and reckless – something we will reiterate to Nichola Mallon next week. Nobody wants to go into dispute, but our union will fight tooth and nail to stop any compulsory redundancies at Translink.

"I sincerely hope that we can avoid industrial action of any kind and find an alternative way forward for our members and the people of Northern Ireland."