Air Traffic Controllers union examines Labour court report

The Trade Union IMPACT, who represent air traffic controllers, has received a recommendation from the Labour Court in relation to the dispute with the Irish Aviation Authority over staffing levels in Air Traffic Control.

Its initial response is that there are positive elements in the court’s recommendation.

The court has recognized and acknowledged that there is a recruitment programme which will see an increase in the number of Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs).

The detail of the recommendation is being scrutinized tonight ahead of meetings tomorrow in the Dublin, Shannon and Cork centres.

IMPACT has also sought a meeting with the Irish Aviation Authority tomorrow morning, in order to establish the timescale for recruitment of additional ATCOs.

As an interim measure, the court has recommended a stand-by and call-in arrangement which involves stand-by 12 times a year, limited to 14 hours duration.

Participating ATCOs will be required to attend on not more than eight occasions in any year.