The threat of large-scale disruption at Dublin Airport remains this evening after a cross-union meeting of about 50 shop stewards today decided to call a meeting of all staff next week.
While the immediate threat of disruption has receded, workers are understood to be strongly in support of baggage handlers at Cityjet Handling who are in dispute with the company over pay, conditions and the right to union recognition.
Staff at Cityjet Handling - a separate company from the airline - claim they are paid a third less than baggage handlers in other companies at the airport and say the company refuse to recognise their union, SIPTU.
But the company say the majority of staff do not want to join the union and are happy with representation structures already in place. In a statement this evening, the company said: "CityJet Handling employs 145 people and only 13 staff members have been looking for union recognition. Staff have made it quite clear to the union that they are not members of SIPTU and do not wish to join the union."
The number of SIPTU members at the company is a subject of dispute but SIPTU's Mr Dermot O'Loughlin says the issue of union representation has implications for all staff at the airport.
"Basic rights such as trade union representation and the right to negotiate better pay and conditions of employment are under threat," Mr O' Loughlin claims.
The union also claims strike breakers are being used by management to replace those who have been on strike since July.
Representatives of workers at Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta, Aviance, Servisair and FLS met this afternoon to discuss what form their solidarity action with colleagues at CityJet Handling might take.
Mr Dermot O'Loughlin, SIPTU Civil Aviation Branch official, said airport workers at Aviance and Servisair had voted by over 90 per cent to withdraw their co-operation and service of any aircraft which is handled by staff they say are strike-breakers at the airport.
SIPTU have in the past called for the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission or an agreed third party to bring the dispute to a conclusion.
The general meeting of staff at the airport has been set for next Wednesday.