The Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, has called on both sides in the Ryanair strike over union recognition to allow the Government's Labour Relations Commission to "ascertain independently matters of fact in dispute".
Mr Kitt said the failure to agree on the number of people involved and rates of pay made it difficult to help. SIPTU, which represents the striking baggage-handlers, is meeting representatives of the main political parties today and is expected to seek pledges of support ahead of the Dublin North by-election.
SIPTU appears to be prepared for a protracted dispute on an issue of principle, freedom of association for workers. The company seems equally determined to uphold its right to deal with all of its employees directly.
The union welcomed the Minister's statement and said it would be seeking a meeting with him.