Air traffic controllers and bosses clash over jobs

AIR traffic controllers and their employer are on a collision course that could lead to strike action as a dispute deepens over the lack of jobs for newly qualified controllers.

The country’s 300 controllers are being balloted to decide whether they should take industrial action up to and including a full scale strike, which would bring Irish air travellers to a standstill. IMPACT’s ATC branch executive is strongly recommending its members in Cork, Dublin and Shannon vote for industrial action. Ballot papers were issued on Tuesday and are due to be returned by midday, August 18.

“After that it will be up to us what range of measures we are going to take,” said Patrick Nochtor, branch general secretary. He added that the executive is willing to pursue the matter through the labour court or any other industrial relations mechanism. But the executive will have the mandate to serve notice to strike.