Aer Rianta row a threat to partnership, warns SITPU chief

THE confrontation between the Government and SIPTU over the break-up of Aer Rianta could result in the end of social partnership, the union’s president warned yesterday.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner today, SIPTU president Jack O'Connor said social partnership could be endangered should planned strike action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports escalate into a major stand-off.

"I have often criticised social partnership but it would be very regrettable if those who have conspired to bring this about were to succeed in removing social partnership as one of the options available for developing the economy and improving quality of life in our society," he said.