'No threat' to flights from airport security dispute

There are fears of a new industrial dispute at Dublin airport after management introduced extra security staff.

Shop stewards representing 600 security staff met this morning to discuss the appointment of 13 extra staff and other outstanding issues.

Siptu shop steward Dermot O'Loughlin told ireland.comthat the issues were much bigger than the 13 new posts: "We are unhappy that these posts were advertised before any agreements on payscale, conditions or rosters was discussed but there are ongoing problems with management not following the agreements that have been negotiated."

"There are some of the 600 security staff who have had outstanding issues with management for over 18 months with no sign of resolution," he added

From the meeting this morning Siptu shop stewards have agreed to write to management: "Essentially we will be seeking firm reassurances by return that the company will comply with all existing agreements and desist from taking current unilateral actions," said Mr O'Loughlin

An emergency general meeting of all members of the airport police, security and fire services will take place next Thursday.

"If the company fails to respond positively it is highly probably that a serious ballot for industrial action will be called," concluded. Mr. O'Loughlin.

Vincent Wall, spokesman for the Dublin Airport Authority, said there was no danger to flights in and out of Dublin this weekend, and claimed the story had been

blown "out of proportion".

He told ireland.comthat Siptu are claiming a grievance over the posting of vacancy notices for the new security staff that the airport hope to recruit: "They claim they were not notified in accordance with agreed procedures."

Mr Wall went on to rule out the possibility of disruptive action this weekend. "Even if Siptu held a ballot for industrial action it would take time, and there are a whole sequence of possible events before it comes to a strike."

Mr Wall said passengers on domestic flights should check in at least 60 minutes before flights. Other passengers should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before take-off, except for transatlantic passengers who need to check-in two hours before their flight.

The new channel is necessary after tighter security led to longer waiting times for passengers going to the departures area. "At these busy periods the new security measures have had a disproportionate impact on domestic flights, where overall journey times are more comparable to other competing modes of transport," Mr Wall said.

"The new channel is located at the existing A departure gate area in the passenger terminal and will be clearly signposted," he said.