Threats of a strike at Dublin airport by catering staff have been averted following talks between management and unions yesterday. Fiona Gartland reports.
Management at Gate Gourmet Ireland Ltd has reached agreement with Siptu's civil aviation branch representatives not to introduce change in the terms and conditions of their 200 employees without negotiation. They have also promised to pay wage increases due to staff under the Sustaining Progress agreement.
Staff had voted to strike in June, when the company said that it could not afford to pay the national wage agreement and would be introducing changes in pay and conditions.
The issue was awaiting resolution through the Labour Relations Commission, but staff had feared that management would try to force through changes without further negotiation.
Gate Gourmet supplies 5,000 meals a day to 40 flights at Dublin airport and a strike by its Irish workforce would have caused extensive delays.
The company's UK branch was at the centre of chaotic scenes in Heathrow airport last weekend when its staff there went on strike and food could not be supplied to many airlines, including British Airways.
Gate Gourmet Ltd was accused of causing the strike when an internal document, suggesting that management should provoke strikes so that it could replace existing staff with cheaper foreign labour, was leaked. The company denied that the suggestion was implemented.
Andy Cook, human resources director of UK and Ireland said that the company is pleased that it now has an agreement with the union that will ensure a stable future for the years ahead.
Siptu civil aviation branch official, Pat Ward said that a joint working committee will be established to examine the company's restructuring proposals as well as a reward package for workers co-operating with change.
"Management has given an absolute commitment that there will be no changes to employment conditions without consultation and agreement," he said.
"The terms of reference are to be agreed between the union and management."