Airports expect chaos as unions talk tough

AIR travellers are facing major delays at the country’s three main airports today as workers intensify their opposition to the Government’s plan to break up Aer Rianta.

There was substantial confusion last night over the level of disruption expected at Dublin, Shannon and Cork as a result of the meetings of SIPTU members just after lunchtime.

Aer Rianta has no contingency plan in place yet, as it is not clear how many of SIPTU’s almost 2,000 members in the airport management authority will attend the meetings, from 2pm to 4pm.

According to SIPTU officials, there is considerable anger among workers at the manner in which the Government proceeded with its plans, and a high turnout is expected.

Although the union has insisted that emergency cover will be provided, this may not be enough to keep the airports operating properly.

It now seems certain that members will mandate the union to ballot on strike action against Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan’s proposals to make the three airports independent and scrap Aer Rianta.

Aer Rianta is advising passengers to show up on time for their flights, but a spokesperson said the company could not anticipate what will happen at the airport.

Yesterday, Minister Brennan said he was available to meet unions, and maintained that the airports will grow once they are made independent, resulting in more jobs.

But SIPTU President Des Geraghty called for an independent public examination into the proposed break-up of Aer Rianta.

The proposed break-up would create three non-viable firms out of one very viable and very profitable company, he said.

While SIPTU is accusing the Government of pressing ahead with a Ryanair agenda, Minister Brennan also welcomed reports that Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary is planning to introduce up to 30 new routes once the break-up is complete.

“The purpose of doing this is to get in more airlines and more routes, so I am very pleased to hear that,” the Minister said.

But the Minister also denied suggestions that the European Commission would block his plan to start

“Putting an end to a monopoly and bringing in a competitive situation is surely at the heart of European policy rather than the opposite.

“In any case the legal situation is that all that debate is with Dublin as that is where it is today so that is not any big change. I am only recognising the reality,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism John O’Donoghue yesterday backed calls from Kerry-based from political, tourism and trade union interests in Kerry that the Great Southern Hotel group should not be privatised.

Under the airport restructuring plans, the group will be owned by Dublin Airport, leading to fears that the hotels will be sold.

Launching a history of the Killarney GSH, A Star Reborn, the Minister said he would favour the retention of the hotel in State hands.

“I think it’s in the interests of the industry that the hotel remains in public ownership,” he said.