MINISTER FOR Transport Noel Dempsey backed a Fine Gael call for the extension of a no-strike clause to a greater number of essential services.

“In this day and age, both management and unions should be able to resolve their difficulties through the normal industrial relations mechanisms of the State,’’ said Mr Dempsey.

“I encourage them to do so and encourage the trade union movement to engage with management to try to ensure that happens.’’

He was replying to Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd, who suggested that a no-strike clause apply to airport staff.

Mr O’Dowd said that while he greatly welcomed the decision not to proceed with a recent airport strike, the key issue was a no-strike clause for everyone involved in critical transport infrastructure, such as airports.

People had cancelled business deals and transport plans because of the threatened industrial action, he said. “It is not good enough, in the 21st century, that anyone can threaten such a strike at such a critical period,’’ Mr O’Dowd added.

“Basically, it constitutes economic sabotage and we must opt for no-strike clauses for those involved in critical transport infrastructure.’’

Mr Dempsey said he also welcomed the fact that the strike had not gone ahead. However, he accepted Mr O’Dowd’s comments that even the threat of an industrial dispute that might close an airport had a disruptive effect.

Mr Dempsey said that while a no-strike clause was in operation in respect of fire and police and emergency services during the lifetime of the existing agreement with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), he would welcome its extension across the entire range of essential services.

The Minister said the DAA had statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. The preparation of a contingency plan, in the event of a strike, was a matter for it. In fulfilling its remit, the DAA sought to ensure the maintenance of continuity of service across the wide range of services it provided to airlines and passengers.

“I understand the DAA has strategies, policies and contingency plans to deal with unforeseen events and managing crisis situations, including those situations where service is disrupted,’’ Mr Dempsey added.

“A key aim of the DAA is to have systems that reduce the potential for disruption in the first instance and where the disruption occurs to manage the safety and security of passengers and airport employees.’’

Labour spokesman Tommy Broughan said he wanted to comment on the great dignity shown by workers in Dublin airport across a number of companies.

Recently, he added, Aer Lingus workers had negotiated a complete downgrading of their jobs and conditions to help the company survive.