Aer Rianta unions move closer to strike

UNIONS opposing the break-up of Aer Rianta will today decide what form of strike action to pursue following Transport Minister Seamus Brennan’s rejection of a union proposal for an independent review of his plans.

As Mr Brennan prepares to bring legislation required for the company’s break-up before the Dáil, representatives from SIPTU, Impact, Mandate and the TEEU unions will this morning gather at Dublin Airport to decide the nature and timing of industrial action.

All unions voted overwhelmingly for strike action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports during the summer by a margin of more than 80%.

Between them, the unions represent the majority of the 3,574 Aer Rianta workers, including 763 who work for Aer Rianta’s hotel group.

SIPTU’s national industrial secretary, Michael Halpin, said strike action could be avoided without a significant turnaround on Mr Brennan’s part.

“There are issues there which are giving rise to deep concern, such as the lack of guarantees over job security and unemployment and the outright rejection of an independent chair for discussions,” he said.

Although union sources were reluctant to predict what form of strike action would be decided on, the possibility of disrupting preparations for the EU presidency, due to commence in January, will be high on the agenda.

Several unions have already warned that they would be prepared to time any strikes to coincide with the anticipated increase in official EU traffic as Ireland holds numerous meetings here as EU president.

However, Mr Brennan sent a clear message to Aer Rianta unions at the weekend by announcing the legislation required to form the boards of Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports was now ready and would be presented to the Dáil in the near future. He expected the three authorities to be in place in a matter of months and vowed that he would not be backing down on his plan for Aer Rianta.