Unions have told management at Dublin Bus that they have a narrow window to come forward with new proposals to avert strike action by the end of the month.

After a day of talks with their members, SIPTU Divisional Organiser Owen Reidy says three grades have already decided to take action and they are now waiting to see what their remaining members decide.

“We expect the majority of them to vote in favour of this action. And I think not a moment should be lost.

“The Dublin Bus management should this week initiate a new talks process with a view to making an improved offer to build on the work of the labour court recommendation so we can try and avoid any hardships for the hard-pressed travelling public, and any damage to the reputation of the company, that’s what our wish is but we can’t do that on our own.”