A protest at Belfast International Airport could be escalated if 22 sacked security guards are not reinstated, union chiefs warned today.
Almost 30 people, including 17 of the dismissed workers, demonstrated at the main entrance to the terminal building at Aldergrove today.
Visitors to the airport were given leaflets and informed of the reason behind the dispute, but flights were not disrupted.
The action was called in protest at the sacking of the security guards following a dispute over pay last year.
The sacked staff claim management chose to sack 22 of the 44 people involved in the dispute because they had complained about lax security measures at the airport.
Mr Maurice Cunningham of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union (ATGWU) said the workers wanted the dispute settled as soon as possible, but were determined to see it through.
The protesters arrived at the airport shortly after 5 a.m. and were to stay in place until lunchtime.
Mr Cunningham said the sacked staff had the full backing of their union.
PA