Dublin Airport could close from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday if widespread strike action goes ahead. Flights could suffer significant delays.
Workers in Aer Rianta, Aer Lingus, Servisair and other companies are expected to walk off the job in sympathy with 150 British Midland workers who have been on strike for the last four weeks.
The strikers want a better compensation package for transferring to a new employer, Gatwick Handling International.
A shop steward for the Airport Police and Fire Service, Mr Barry Nevin, confirmed last night that a one-hour stoppage was planned for Monday.
He said the withdrawal of fire and police cover meant there was a possibility of the airport shutting down.
"But we are not aiming at a shutdown. This is a protest at strike-breakers being brought in by British Midland to prolong a dispute," he said.
"People are trying to be sensible about this by stopping work during the lunch hour. Demand for action has come from the ground level."
Mandate staff at Aer Rianta shops and some IMPACT members are expected to join SIPTU members and craftworkers in the one-hour stoppage. There are no immediate plans to escalate Monday's action, but the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union is expected to place secondary pickets on Aer Rianta premises on Tuesday.
British Midland is awaiting the outcome of last Thursday's Labour Court hearing. Yesterday a spokesman appealed to the ATGWU to do likewise.