Strike action looms for frustrated Aer Rianta workers

Political Reporter

A meeting of up to 400 Aer Rianta workers gathered at Dublin Airport yesterday to hear from local TDs.

However, of the 11 Fianna Fáil TDs invited, none attended, resulting in angry criticism of the government from workers and opposition politicians.

Although Fianna Fáil's Sean Haughey sent union representatives a letter stating his "total opposition" to Mr Brennan's plans to break up the profit-making company, he did not respond to requests to elaborate further last night.

Addressing yesterday's meeting, Barry Nevin of SIPTU's civic aviation branch said workers would vote against local TDs who failed to support them.

"Your ignorance will be rewarded and we intend to deliver against Fianna Fáil at the next local and European elections," he warned.

A recent union survey found that 90% of all Aer Rianta workers live in the five Dublin and one Meath constituencies represented by the 22 TDs invited to yesterday's meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Labour's transport spokesperson Rosin Shortall accused Fianna Fáil of running from the hard questions. "There are serious legal implications about this which I believe will not be allowed by the EU at the end of the day," she said.

"Aer Rianta has been a profitable and dynamic company that has contributed hugely to the development of transport infrastructure in this country. Its management and workers have shown they can compete at a world class level," Ms Shortall continued.

Independent TD Finian McGrath accused the government of showing a lack of courage to deal with the political debate. "Them not showing up shows there is a complete lack of real courage to deal with the political debate," he told the gathering.

Fine Gael's Richard Bruton said his party was open to the suggestion of three separate companies being formed from Aer Rianta but said the government had so far failed in its responsibility to consult with workers.

Joe Higgins who urged the Aer Rianta workers to take their fight into the political arena by fielding candidates in next year's local elections said he believed the break-up of the company would be a first step to privatisation.

Junior health minister Ivor Callely, who did not attend yesterday's meeting, acknowledged the strength of the powerful Aer Rianta lobby in the area but backed the government's position.

Venting her frustrations at yesterday's meeting, Aer Rianta cleaning worker Mary McCabe said she and her colleagues were prepared to stand up to any moves to break up their company. "We're taking the kid gloves off and if the minister wants a street fight, we'll give it to him," she said.