EU talks threat as Aer Rianta strike looms

THE Aer Rianta strike aimed at disrupting the visit of EU Justice Ministers here on Thursday is likely to go ahead unless workers get a firm commitment on job security today from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

SIPTU, the trade union threatening the disruption, said yesterday unless Mr Brennan gives them a legal or contractual guarantee that there will be no compulsory redundancies, then the two-hour stoppage will go ahead.

"I am not confident that the strike can be averted at this stage, but I would always be hopeful," SIPTU president Jack O'Connor said last night.

Mr O'Connor wrote to Mr Brennan last week seeking clarification on his commitment to no "compulsory redundancies" at Aer Rianta after the airports are broken up into three independent companies.

The minister has also promised there would be no diminution in the terms and conditions of Aer Rianta employees.

But SIPTU wants the minister to spell out how Aer Rianta workers' jobs will be secured, either through legislation or through contractual or collective agreements, Mr O'Connor said.

"These are the three best ways that we can see of protecting workers' jobs but if they can come up with a better way we will look at it," he said.

Asked if the Aer Rianta workers were demanding a job for life, Mr O'Connor said: "We never used that term we just want to know how long the protection of no compulsory redundancies will last."

Mr Brennan is due to provide Mr O'Connor with clarification on job security, pensions and terms and conditions of employment in a letter today.

But a spokesman for Mr Brennan would not say last night if this letter would include a guarantee of a job for life.

"The minister will give assurances that there will be no compulsory redundancies and the letter should satisfy the leadership of SIPTU," the spokesman added.

However, it is understood the guarantee of a job for life will not be enshrined in legislation because this could cost the Government millions in compensation payments to workers in other semi-state bodies.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Mary Harney said yesterday she was disappointed by SIPTU plans to go ahead with Thursday's stoppage.

Ms Harney said no jobs were at risk and she appealed to workers not to go ahead with the action.

She said the break-up was necessary because Shannon and Cork airports were not working to their full potential. "The break-up of a monopoly will allow decisions to be made on the basis of what is best for the region," Ms Harney added.