Worker takeover plan for SR Technics

THE local workforce and management of Swiss airline maintenance company SR Technics are considering forming a limited company to take over the operation at Dublin Airport, it has emerged.

SR Technics is in the midst of a consultation process with the 1,135 staff it has told are to lose their jobs. It has already agreed to give the leasehold for its properties back to Dublin Airport.

Nevertheless the workers are still hoping a buyer can be found to keep the company in operation.

However, in a document seen by the Irish Examiner, proposals have been put forward that would see workers and local management take over the operation.

The document, proposed by Dermot O’Loughlin of SIPTU, suggests, amongst other things, that:

Dublin Airport Authority recovers the lease from SR Technics.

The Government allows the company use of the hangers rent free for a three-year period.

The local airline industry helps by providing indicative support for the survival effort — Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Aer Arann and Cityjet.

The equipment in SR Technics facilities are retained and the assistance of the IDA sought.

“The decision to shut down the SR Technics facility at Dublin Airport, with the loss of 1,135 jobs, has serious implications for the future of aviation in Ireland,” Mr O’Loughlin said in the document. “The skill sets built up over 50 years will be lost without urgent action by Government, unions, workforce and industry.

“We must all play a part. In the first year alone the exchequer stands to lose €52 million as a consequence of losing this specialist industry.”

He broke that figure down as €20m in social welfare payments, €10.31m in employee PAYE and PRSI, €6.35m in employer PRSI and €15.12m in exchequer redundancy rebate.

“This is a skilled workforce with valuable technical knowledge experience and work quality,” he said. “The labour cost of €70 per manhour is 20%-25% above present market prices for the industry. Reduced cost, quality production can bring success and save jobs and skills.”

He asked all SR Technics workers to promote the plan with local TDs and to sign a petition to the Transport Minister and the Taoiseach.