Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall has said he remains “optimistic” a resolution can be found in the ongoing bus drivers’ dispute.
However Mr Crookall acknowledged in keys he cannot identify specific progress made since strike action was announced.
Speaking in Keys, Mr Crookall confirmed negotiations are continuing between the Department of Infrastructure and Unite the Union, facilitated by the Manx Industrial Relations Service.
A further meeting took place at the end of last week.
Ballot
“There is a ballot up and coming,” Mr Crookall told members, though he said he had “no idea at all whether the union supported or not”.
Responding to questions from Jason Moorhouse about what progress had been made since the strike was announced, the Minister said: “I am optimistic, and I try to be positive, and I can’t tell them exactly what’s changed.”
He added: “Offers are made and then offers change in that. But I am positive still. We’re on the right foot, if you like.”
Rob Callister expressed frustration at the Minister’s responses, asking whether he genuinely had oversight of the situation.
Mr Crookall confirmed his updates came from officers following meetings, with the most recent briefing received yesterday afternoon.
With 62 days until the first TT practice races, Mr Moorhouse warned of growing frustration among local people and businesses. Mr Crookall acknowledged “everybody’s frustrated, because everybody would like to be using the buses.”
Julie Edge also raised questions about the cost of running reduced tram and train services, but the minister said he was not in a position to provide those figures.