There are fresh calls for the Transport Minister to intervene amid fears the Bus Éireann strike could spread to Irish Rail and Dublin Bus.

SIPTU has warned it will ballot its CIE members to strike in solidarity with their colleagues after indications Bus Éireann may be considering compulsory job losses.

Meanwhile, workers from across the sector are expected to take part in a lunchtime protest today to coincide with Minister Shane Ross's appearance at the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Speaking after a union meeting earlier this week, SIPTU Sector Organiser Willie Noone said: “The representatives agreed that the protest should be supported as it is a means of highlighting the failure of the Minister to take responsibility for the dysfunctional state of the public transport service.

"We are encouraging members of the public and of the union, including those who work in the public transport sector and are available, to attend the protest," he added.

Workers at Bus Éireann began their all out strike last Friday in protest against the company's proposed cost-cutting measures.

The company has said the measures are necessary to avoid insolvency, but unions have refused to agree to proposed changes to workers' pay & conditions.

Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Imelda Munster yesterday criticised the 'inaction' of Minister Ross.

She said: “I am asking the Minister, for the umpteenth time, to do his job and facilitate talks between all stakeholders to find a solution here. That means unions, Bus Éireann management, the National Transport Authority, and the Department of Transport.

“He has been burying his head in the sand for too long. Ordinary members of the travelling public are suffering because of his inaction. It’s time he stood up to the plate and did his job.”