Siptu to consider calling off strike

Siptu will this morning decide whether to call off the industrial action which could close the country’s airports next Monday and accept an invitation for talks with employers at the Labour Relations Commission.

LRC chief executive Kieran Mulvey yesterday issued a series of proposals to both Aer Lingus and Dublin Airport Authority management, as well as Siptu, on how the sides might begin to tackle the mounting pension deficit for employers, which is in excess of €700m.

As part of the recommendations he wants to discuss with the sides on Friday, Mr Mulvey asked that ahead of those talks Siptu would agree not to follow through with its threat of strike action.

Also ahead of tomorrow, he asked Aer Lingus to withdraw its threat to sue Siptu officials and members for any losses which might occur if the stoppages were to go ahead. The airline, which has described Siptu’s proposed action as unlawful, estimated that cost could be as much as €2m per day.

Finally, he asked the DAA not to proceed with seeking a High Court injunction to stop the action. The application to the court is due to be heard tomorrow.

Sources have indicated that while the proposals from the LRC are broad, parts may well be unpalatable to key elements of both workforces.

Certainly they may not go far enough to see Siptu shop stewards in both companies call off next Monday’s action when they meet starting at 8am today.

One source said more cost savings within the companies, in addition to those made in recent years, form a part of the recommendation.

Dublin Airport Authority said it was studying the LRC recommendation very carefully.

Aer Lingus reiterated that it was still willing to engage in the process with the LRC.

Neither management would confirm whether or it not they would be accepting Mr Mulvey’s invitation to talks on Friday.

If Monday’s action by Siptu proceeds, ground staff, airport emergency and security staff, and a number of Aer Lingus staff plan to stage staggered two-hour work stoppages across the three airports. DAA officials have said the action is designed to ensure there will not be sufficient numbers of airport police, firemen, and members of the airport search units throughout the day meaning the airports will effectively have to close.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said a renewed focus was necessary to avoid the proposed industrial action which, he said, would cause huge inconvenience to the travelling public.