Unions representing drivers at Dublin Bus are seeking a 30% pay increase – to match the pay deal Luas drivers just secured.

Unions had watched the outcome of the pay dispute at Transdev with interest, as they have been seeking parity with tram drivers for some time.

The National Bus and Rail Union have said bus drivers have not had a pay increase in eight years.

General Secretary of the NBRU is Dermot O’Leary: “We’ve been seeking pay parity with the Luas from the very first day we put the claim in which is February this year.

“Obviously the most recent pay war has increased that gap and we are not a bit put out by people saying why are putting in a pay claim –it is justified.

There are tram drivers and bus drivers across Europe who are getting paid one and the same.

“Our members haven’t been paid a pay rise in over eight years. Others have gotten pay increases.

“Plus the fact the Dublin buss is very much a company that is back in profit.”