Airport strike hangs in the balance

THIS week’s industrial action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports hangs in the balance today as SIPTU seeks further clarifications from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan on guarantees given to workers.

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.