Ballot on strike action at Dublin Airport

Passengers using Dublin Airport could be facing delays if staff at Cityjet Ground Handling vote in favour of strike action when…

Passengers using Dublin Airport could be facing delays if staff at Cityjet Ground Handling vote in favour of strike action when the result of a ballot is announced on Monday.

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We are satisfied we can accommodate the needs of the workforce without the requirement of a trade union
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A spokesperson for Cityjet Group Handling Limited

The dispute is over pay and conditions but SIPTU, the union representing the ground staff, are not recognised by the company which was sold by the airline, Cityjet, late last year.

The union say they have signed up around 130 of the 150 people employed by Cityjet Ground Handling and that if the industrial action is approved by the membership, they will serve seven days strike notice.

However, the company say they believe the union has far fewer members than it claims and that it is in ongoing discussion with staff to resolve their difficulties.

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"We are satisfied we can accommodate the needs of the workforce without the requirement of a trade union," a spokesman said.

Cityjet Group Handling Limited provides ground services to Aer Arann and the charter-flight company Air 2000, as well as Cityjet.

The Air France-owned airline was bought by another French company, Groupe Crit creating two separate companies.

A Labour Court hearing on the dispute on June 20th was attended by SIPTU but the company did not attend, sending a letter instead.

The company has indicated its willingness to attend a Labour Relations Commission hearing after the matter was referred there by the Labour Court, provided it does not prejudice their position on union recognition.

They have informed SIPTU they will hold the union responsible for any losses incurred by industrial action.