Members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) at Bus Eireann have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over anticipated changes to the Expressway service.

The union members are concerned management will make changes to its Expressway service after the General Election.

The ballot does not mean industrial action is certain, but rather will begin if changes at Expressway are enacted without agreement of workers.

“Our members have sent a strong message to both their employer and the Government with regard to the future of Expressway,” General Secretary Dermot O’Leary said.

“Keeping workers guessing in relation to their future in order to facilitate a General Election Campaign is an abdication of the duty of care that Bus Éireann owes to its workforce,” he added.

The staff are concerned that changes to the Expressway service could result in job losses and cuts in pay and conditions.

Mr O’Leary added that both “the current regime” and whoever sits in the next Government “would be well advised to heed the concerns of Bus Éireann staff, their families and the Communities they serve across the length and breadth of the Country as they peddle their political promises on the doorsteps.”

Bus Eireann has responded this evening to assure staff they "have no intention of taking unilateral action."

A company spokesperson said "reports of an imminent strike or disruption to the business at this time, are unwarranted.

The company added that they have "always engaged with staff and unions in a two-way discussion about issues that affect the business" and will continue to do so through the "normal industrial relations process."