Dublin Airport could face high-season strike

DUBLIN Airport could be hit with strike action at one of its busiest times of the year, as a dispute between a sky handler and its staff threatens to escalate.

SIPTU has claimed Sky Handling Partners is refusing to give a commitment that it will honour existing terms of employment for staff transferring to it from Aviance.

SIPTU organiser Jason Palmer said: “The proposed transfer of FlyBe and Turkish Airlines’ ground handling operations from Aviance to Sky Handling Partners poses a serious threat to the rights of workers because we have not yet received confirmation that the new employer will comply with Transfer Of Undertakings legislation.

“The new operators, Sky Handling Partners, have not yet confirmed their acceptance of the rights of the workers being transferred or agreed that they will honour existing terms and conditions. This leaves our members very anxious about the future, especially in these difficult times.

“If Sky Handling Partners refuses to accept it’s responsibilities under the TUPE legislation it will leave the union with no option but to embark on a vigorous campaign to protect the legitimate rights of our members.”

At present Sky Handling Partners has the ground handling operations for a number of airlines travelling through Dublin Airport including Aer Arann, City Jet and Air France. Therefore, any strikes by its staff could ground the airport to a virtual halt.

A spokesman for Sky Handling Partners said it was studying documentation it had received from Aviance after being awarded the Turkish Airlines and FlyBe ground handling contract at Dublin.

“We have noted Aviance’s claim that the transfer of these contracts comprises a relevant transfer under the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) regulations 2006. SHP only received these letters yesterday and we are examining them with our legal advisers. We will be responding to Aviance in due course.”