Bus drivers who take part in today's strikes will not be allowed to return to work afterwards.
The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure's chief executive, Nick Black, says they made the decision to 'lock out' participants in the industrial action because it wants to run the same timetables all day, not chop and change.
The drivers' union Unite has hit out at the move, saying it will trigger further disruption and could bring buses to a standstill.
Mr Black has issued this response:
Strikes are scheduled to take place 7.30am-9.30am and 3pm-5pm.
Alternative arrangements are in place to make sure the public can still get around
The Island's heritage railways are set to take some of the passenger burden, but during peak hours only, mainly for commuters and school children.
Reduced bus services - running on Sunday timetables - are also set to be operated.
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