Off the Rails

Wisconsin Bookwatch, Oct, 2004

Off The Rails

Brendan Ogle

Currach Press/Dufour Editions, dist.

Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007

1856079066 $29.95 1-800-869-5677

Off The Rails: The Story Of Ilda by Brendan Ogle tells of the Iarnrod Eireann (the national Irish train service) which, in the summer of 2000, experienced a three month lock out affecting 188 drivers and over 40% of the driving grade. The employees involved were all members of the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association, with whom the Iarnrod Eireann was refusing to deal. Off The Rails examines why and how ILDA formed, the course of the Iarnrod Eireann's lawsuit against them through the Supreme Court and appeal, the interworkings of politics and industrial relations, and much more. An intriguing account, not only of railroad-related negotiations, but also customs and machinations unique to Ireland's governmental institutions. Off The Rails is very ighly recommended reading for railroad enthusiasts.