Hopes high for an end to dispute

TALKS brokered by the Labour Relations Commission could today settle a dispute which has seen 180 workers on strike since last Friday.

The employees, who are affiliated to SIPTU, and who form the majority of the 250-strong workforce of the aircraft maintenance company, took industrial action late last week after their company bosses tried to introduce new arrangements for their pension scheme.

A large proportion of staff at the SIFCO aircraft turbine maintenance plants downed tools at two plants in Cork. The factories affected are at Blackrock and Carrigtwohill.

SIFCO had sold off part of its Blackrock operation to another company and had proposed, under the conditions of sale, that a new pension scheme would be introduced, which the unions claim would not have guaranteed employees fixed increments.

After six hours of talks yesterday with the LRC, SIPTU’s branch organiser, John Pearson, said a compromise could be at hand.

While he declined to reveal exact details of the offer, it is understood that mid ground has been found which the union will recommend to its members.

The company, which has a proud tradition of servicing engines of some of the world’s most famous airlines, got into conflict with unions when it proposed pension alterations at its Blackrock plant.

The dispute spread, unexpectedly, when the company proposed to introduce similar alterations for its employees in Carrigtwohill.

SIPTU said that the proposals would not guarantee fixed pensions, but instead link them to performances on volatile stock markets.