Airport strikes to cause travel chaos
The industrial action at Dublin, Cork and Shannon follows the suspension of 15 air traffic controllers – 10 in Dublin and five in Shannon – for failing to co-operate with disputed new work practices involving new technology. In response to the suspensions, the controllers’ union IMPACT said it would carry out a work stoppage through mandatory meetings today between 2pm and 6pm in Dublin and Shannon and between 4pm and 6pm in Cork.
According to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the move will effectively shut all three airports as no flights will be able enter or leave the country during this period. Flights through Irish airspace are also expected be affected. The issue of the new work practices had been under discussion at the Labour Relations Commission and is due to be referred to the Labour Court. Members of the union voted by a majority of 99% not to co-operate with the new work practices until agreement could be reached. IMPACT said staff should not be suspended while negotiations were ongoing. The union claims workers are not opposed to new work practices, but rather the way in which they have been introduced.
