THE TRADE union Siptu is to put new proposals today to about 20 aircraft handlers at the SR Technics aircraft maintenance plant at Dublin airport in a bid to resolve the row over work practice reforms which is threatening the future of the company.
On Friday, the staff concerned rejected new work arrangements the company says are vital to allow it to sign a new 10-year contract with Aer Lingus. Sources close to the company, which employs 1,200 people, maintained its future was uncertain following the rejection of the reforms.
Siptu branch organiser Pat Ward said last night existing agreements with the company allowed for the matter to be referred to the Labour Court for a binding ruling.
In a statement issued last night after a meeting of the committee which represents the aircraft handlers, the union said it had identified a mechanism it believed could resolve the current impasse at SR Technics. It said the details would be provided to the staff today.
Siptu said it would be seeking an immediate meeting with management following its discussions with the aircraft handlers. A spokeswoman for SR Technics said its management was available to meet with Siptu.
SR Technics said on Friday that without an agreement on work practice changes agreed by all staff, it could not sign a new contract for line maintenance with Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus has told SR Technics that if it is not in a position to sign the new contract by the beginning of June, it would have to seek alternative arrangements.
SR Technics lost three other contracts with Aer Lingus earlier this year, and it is understood the company believes the line maintenance deal is vital for its future.
Under the reform proposals, aircraft handlers have been asked to supervise refuelling operations in addition to their existing duties. Union sources have argued the staff are paid much less than the personnel who carry out this work.
Craft workers at the company on Friday accepted changes to their working arrangements.
On Saturday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen urged all parties to work together to resolve the dispute.
