Sir, - The Ryanair dispute is indeed, as Padraig Yeats stated, "the litmus test of social partnership".
The licensing system for employers suggested by Mr Yeates deserves our consideration.
However, this dispute is only the tip of the iceberg as far as rank and file trade unionists are concerned. The rise in employment in the information technology and computer and telecommunication business has brought very little recruitment to unions. Attempts to recruit workers are being thwarted by employers who, like Ryanair, say they prefer to deal directly with their own staff.
Michael O'Leary himself has stated that he has no problem with his staff joining a trade union, but he and other employers refuse to negotiate with the unions or even abide by the Labour Court.
This dispute is receiving massive public support, and there is no doubt that the longer it goes on the stronger that support will become. Workers have realised that as well as being producers they are also consumers and the example of the support for the Dunnes strike should serve as a reminder to Mr O'Leary of how strong that constituency is when it is mobilised. - Yours, etc.,
From John Dunne
Secretary, The Workers' Party Trade Union Group, Parnell Street, Dublin 1.