SIPTU baggage-handlers are due to escalate their action against Ryanair today, by increasing their work stoppages from three to six hours per shift. The union is also to make a detailed submission to the Labour Court on its claim for recognition and increased pay.
The Democratic Left TD, Mr Pat Rabbitte, and two trade unions, MSF and the National Union of Journalists, yesterday called on travellers to boycott Ryanair.
Mr Rabbitte said the issues involved were of enormous importance. If not resolved, it could undermine the entire system of social partnership created over the past decade.
Not only should airline customers show their disapproval by refusing to fly with Ryanair, but Government Departments should exercise a "similar right of choice," he said.
MSF national secretary Mr John Tierney said yesterday that Ryanair was in "flagrant breach of the letter and the spirit of Partnership 2000. This is all the more unacceptable at a time when Ryanair claims to be one of the most profitable airlines in Europe and has awarded its executives multi-million pound bonuses and share option benefits."
Until Ryanair management was prepared to honour Partnership 2000, Mr Tierney said, trade unionists "should boycott this airline."
The Irish executive of the NUJ passed a motion yesterday calling on the Government to introduce legislation to "ensure the right of each worker to trade union representation" and for "punitive sanctions against employers who refuse to recognise this fundamental human right."
It called on members not to use the airline "as long as it refuses to recognise the right of workers to be represented by a trade union".