Security staff strike could hit airport

DUBLIN Airport could be paralysed by a security staff strike over the October Bank Holiday weekend after workers yesterday raised the possibility of a total withdrawal of labour.

The threat of an all-out strike increased after workers hit out at the hiring of new reduced hours staff. Some 400 staff work as Airport Search Units (ASUs) at passenger screening areas, but 33 new part-time workers began yesterday.

SIPTU had written to the Dublin Airport Authority on September 9 requesting the postponement of any intake of ‘short hours’ staff, who cover peak times until a review of current hours worked was completed.

But in a letter sent by SIPTU to the Human Resources director at Dublin Airport Authority yesterday, it accused the DAA of failing to listen to the request.

In a ballot of ASUs last week, 291, or 94%, voted in favour of industrial action.

However, while a one-hour stoppage or a work-to-rule was thought the most likely course of action, in light of yesterday’s developments there has been a growth in calls for a full work stoppage. Strike notice would have to be served, with some workers calling for action over the Bank Holiday.

SIPTU Branch Secretary Dermot O’Loughlin said the introduction of new staff yesterday had come as a complete surprise and many workers felt they were being treated with “contempt.”

He also claimed the introduction of the new staff was “bizarre” as it would cost the company more than if existing staff had worked overtime.

“This has made people’s resolve even greater. They are very annoyed and some people are looking at it that this is pure contempt for their concerns.

“It’s going to take a miracle for the airport not to close.”

The row centres on the hiring of additional part-time ASUs.

Workers have argued that instead of drafting in new part-time ASUs, the extra hours could have been covered by existing ‘short hours’ staff.

The ASUs work in tandem with the Airport Police. In the event of an all-out strike by ASUs the Airport Police would not be able to fill in because of an agreement dating back to 1971.

A spokesman for the Dublin Airport Authority said the company was still confident that passengers would not be affected by the row.

He said: “The company is aware of concerns amongst its ASU staff at the process by which agreed new ‘short hours’ positions are being filled, and will discuss these concerns with their appropriate staff representatives.”