Airport strike hangs in the balance
A letter from Mr Brennan clarifying promises of no compulsory redundancies and job security for Aer Rianta staff during the Government's planned break-up of the company was received by SIPTU yesterday. However, SIPTU leaders and the union’s Aer Rianta representatives last night postponed until today a final decision on whether the clarifications were sufficient to call off a two-hour stoppage on Thursday.
After almost five hours of talks at Dublin airport last night, SIPTU officials decided to reconvene later today before making a final decision on whether or not to call off strike action.
In the meantime SIPTU general president, Jack O'Connor said he would be seeking further clarification on certain matters contained in yesterday's letter from the Department of Transport. Pending further clarifications and the conclusion of today's meeting, industrial action remains in place.
Thursday's stoppage is timed to cause disruption to an informal meeting of EU justice and home affairs ministers in Dublin, but would also affect up to 70,000 routine travellers.
Mr Brennan's letter promised that Aer Rianta would not be privatised and confirmed that the Government would guarantee the current terms and conditions of all Aer Rianta staff in new legislation. The letter also confirms that no compulsory redundancies will be sought during and after the break up of the company.
“I can confirm my willingness to enact in legislation arrangements to ensure that existing Aer Rianta employees will not be brought to lesser terms and conditions of employment than they now enjoy,” Mr Brennan's letter reads. “There will be no compulsory redundancies arising from the restructuring process. Compulsory redundancy is not a feature of state sector employment, since we are able to deal with adaptability and change within the partnership model.”
In addition, Mr Brennan said he was willing to enter into discussions with unions on the dual gateway status of Shannon Airport and provide unions with key financial information on the business plan to break up Aer Rianta. Mr Brennan said he was also willing to preserve trade union representative rights and collective bargaining rights in legislation.
However those promises are conditional on SIPTU re-engaging in talks being chaired by Labour Relations Commission (LRC) facilitator, Tom Pomphrett. Aer Rianta's other union, the TEEU, Mandate and IMPACT, are currently engaged in the LRC talks.
Meanwhile, Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary called on the Government and Aer Rianta to keep airports open on Thursday by calling in the Army if necessary. “It is time the Government called in the army to maintain the security and fire services, and call a halt to these airport closures and trade union sabotage of Ireland's national interest.”
