The union recognition dispute at Ryanair is likely to escalate after a meeting of striking baggage handlers today. The dispute will also be discussed by the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the executive of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions at meetings this morning. The PLP is expected to approve the introduction of a private member's Bill on union recognition by its enterprise, trade and employment spokesman, Mr Tommy Broughan.
The Bill is likely to call for binding arbitration in recognition disputes, if conciliation fails. This goes much further than the report of the Government's high-level group on union recognition, which recommended a voluntary code.
Mr Broughan is expected to propose that, where a company refuses to accept a Labour Court recommendation, the case can be referred to the Circuit Court for enforcement. Mr Broughan is already on record calling for mandatory sanctions and said last week that the "unreasonable attitude" of companies like Ryanair made legislation inevitable.
Yesterday the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, renewed her call for Ryanair to avail of third party help to resolve the dispute. Her initiative was welcomed by SIPTU official, Mr Paul O'Sullivan, who said the union was still ready to refer the dispute to the Labour Relations Commission.
SIPTU continued to claim yesterday that a significant number of flights listed in Ryanair's winter schedule had been cancelled.