The Taoiseach has said the proposed industrial action by workers of Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann, set for May 1 “should be called off”.

Enda Kenny has appealed to unions at Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus to call off planned strike action, saying the way to resolve the issue is through negotiations and not industrial action.

“The strike should be called off, in my view” he said.

“One of the objectives of the LRC negations, which were quite intensive, was to enable the vast majority of employees to remain within Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.

“And in addition those employees who might transfer would have their terms and conditions and their pension benefits maintained,” he added.

The National Bus and Rail Union is planning the action on May 1st in the ongoing row over job conditions.

It is in protest at plans to privatise up to ten percent of routes.