Talks aimed at averting strike action by Dublin Bus drivers take place today.

The unions representing staff say it is only fair that bus drivers and Luas drivers are paid the same wage.

NBRU General Secretary Dermot O’Leary remains cautious ahead of today’s meeting with Dublin Bus management.

He said: “I don’t want anyone having expectations that cannot be met, whilst we go in there with an open mind, I don’t want to be party to a charade that gives an expectation to commuters – and indeed my own members – that something can be resolved today.

“But as I said already and I stress, I can’t stress enough, that Dublin Bus need to have the restraints unshackled if you like, and they should be given the department to come in and negotiate and approve that.”

Drivers are due to walk off the job in three 48-hour stoppages this month – on the 8th and 9th, 15th and 16th, and the 23rd and 24th.