The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure says the decision to lay off around a hundred bus drivers at the weekend was the only way to break a stalemate in talks over terms and conditions.
The drivers will now have to reapply for their old jobs – but the main bone of contention, paid lunch breaks, won’t be included in the new contracts.
Nick Black of the DCCL acknowledged the move could lead to industrial action.
But he says long-running discussions with the drivers and their union were getting nowhere.
Improving Island's whistleblowing policies like 'turning an oil tanker', says PSC
Old Castletown Road to close for over two weeks
Fewer property sales in January but average price rises
Manx team competes in 'Olympics' of Sheep shearing in New Zealand
Sign up for Isle Listen 'Castle to Castle' challenge