SIPTU is seeking an urgent meeting with Servisair in Britain because the company has been using a secret camera at Dublin airport to compile evidence for disciplinary procedures against employees.
Servisair provides baggage handling services for several airlines in Dublin and has 11 security cameras to monitor baggage. The company installed a 12th camera near the toilets and time clock, however, without notifying staff. Footage from this camera is now being used in disciplinary procedures. It is understood that the evidence relates to alleged clocking-in irregularities. SIPTU civil aviation branch secretary Mr Paul O'Sullivan said that the union regards installation of the new camera as "a very serious invasion of privacy. We have written to the head of personnel in the UK seeking an urgent meeting."
He said the this kind of action covert surveillance and disciplinary activity, has characterised the company since the end of last month's dispute", when the company had to concede significant pay rises.
So far 10 per cent of the 90 baggage handlers in Servisair are facing disciplinary procedures, including three of the six union negotiators during the dispute. Only a minority of cases involve evidence from the secret camera.
Management declined to comment, but in a circular to staff it said the camera was intended to enhance security. "However the camera did prove useful in identifying certain times and dates during recent disciplinary hearings. As the location of the camera was revealed, it will be replaced by a standard camera to eliminate this security black spot."