The Labour Relations Commission has invited both sides in the Aer Rianta dispute to talks today. The dispute, involving 400 police and emergency services personnel, threatens to close Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports from next Wednesday.
The workers involved are members of the Airport Police and Fire Service (AFPS). They are objecting to a reduction in the security role of the APFS, where US aircraft are concerned and the failure of staffing levels to keep pace with the rapid increase in traffic through Irish airports.
The union involved, SIPTU argued that there were increasing demands on its members caused by the rise in crime and drug related activities at airports.
Without AFPS Aer Rianta will not be able to provide the emergency service cover.