Industry and Employment Correspondent PASSENGERS on flights serviced by Servisair baggage-handlers may be restricted to hand-carried luggage from Easter because of a pay dispute between SlPTU and Servisair which threatens the operation of normal baggage-handling facilities.
SIPTU says it is balloting for strike action because of a failure to agree new rates of pay in 12 months of negotiations. Servisair baggage-handlers are paid £4.30 an hour, rising to £4.50 after five years. Aer Lingus rates for baggage-handlers start at £4.80 an hour.
The company provides baggage-handling on a number of scheduled services as well as on holiday charters.
"Our members are in a very low category. Their aspirations are modest and, when fully met, would still leave them on low pay, the SIPTU civil aviation branch secretary, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, said yesterday.
Members were still willing to be extremely flexible, he said. "All they want is a decent wage for the skilled work they do.
A spokesman for the company declined to say which airlines it serviced. But among the scheduled flights from Dublin Airport, Servisair is listed as covering are - City Jet, BA-Express-City Flyer and Crossair. Charter customers include Air 2000, Britainair, Translift and Air Europa.
The company spokesman said the company was refraining from comment as it was awaiting the outcome of the ballot. This is expected to be known within to days. If strike action is approved it would be likely to begin in the week before Easter.