The Department of Tourism and Leisure is hoping to reach a successful conclusion to a pay dispute involving bus inspectors.

There has been a year of discussions with the union Prospect about terms and conditions for five inspectors, and four depot supervisors.

The DTL wants to amalgamate the roles so the allocation of work would be fairer, and overtime costs reduced.

Political member with responsibility for public transport Graham Cregeen, MHK, says while there is scope for settlement, the union needs to understand in the present circumstances there is no new money available.

There has been a threat of industrial action, and Mr Cregeen says if it can't be avoided, everything possible will be done to minimise the impact on the travelling public.

Meanwhile, Prospect is welcoming the department's willingness to discuss the issue, as Beth Espey reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Negotiating Officer Angela Moffatt says the union is "categorically not seeking to increase costs".

In fact they are looking for the absolute opposite, namely a reduction of overtime costs caused by operational problems which their members are being forced to cover.

She says this has been stopping members from doing the job they are paid for.

Ms Moffatt says the DTL has been under budgeting for several years, and this is the first time she has been involved in a dispute which could save money and improve efficiencies.

She also believes the resolution of the operational issues needs to be a priority.

As a former HR manager within the department, she says she is aware of the situation facing them, and is offering the minister or Mr Cregeen the chance to "sort this out face to face, without sparring in the media".

She concludes by saying Prospect sees industrial action as the last and worst resort.