Ryanair has let go another two of its SIPTU ground-handling staff after they failed to complete successfully their probationary period. This brings to five the total number of SIPTU members who have lost their jobs since the end of their 10-week strike two months ago.
Twelve probationers had their employment reviewed by the company on Thursday and 10 were offered permanent contracts, nine of whom had been involved in the strike.
SIPTU official Mr Paul O'Sullivan said yesterday his members had been denied fair process because the company had refused their request to be represented by the union. He said: "It strains credulity beyond belief that all the probationary ground-handlers who have failed to obtain permanent contracts are SIPTU members".
The no-victimisation clause was central to resolving the strike at Dublin airport. It had been underwritten by the Taoiseach and it meant that all Ryanair employees, strikers and non-strikers alike, should be treated in the same way, he said.
A spokeswoman for the company denied Ryanair was in breach of the peace formula. The company had honoured its commitment that involvement in the work stoppage would not be taken into account when candidates for permanent jobs were being assessed.