The NBRU and Siptu unions have agreed to suspend balloting train drivers for strike action.

The move is to facilitate talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

A joint statement from NBRU general secretary Dermot O’Leary and Siptu assistant divisional organiser Paul Cullen said: “We have agreed to suspend our members’ ballot for industrial action in deference to a request from the WRC to attend for intensive discussions around a range of issues concerning our loco/Dart drivers, the Labour Court had previously recommended that an independent investigation should be undertaken in relation to our members legitimate claims for a reduction in the working week and a material recognition of past productivity, all sides have agreed that the contentious issue of driver training will also be on the agenda.

“The subsequent independent report will now form the basis for our discussions, it is incumbent on all sides to fully contribute towards a resolution to the long, drawn-out saga of overdue improvements to Loco/Dart drivers terms and conditions, failure to reach agreement will inevitably lead to both unions coming under pressure to resolve the issue/s through the medium of industrial action.”