SIPTU MEMBERS at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have voted by two to one to support a “cost-recovery programme” that will see the loss of up to 300 permanent and more than 100 temporary jobs.
The deal, aimed at cutting the authority’s wage bill, was agreed after months of discussions with union representatives leading to an agreement being reached at the Labour Relations Commission.
It is also being voted on by other unions who represent some of the workforce. Siptu represents most of the authority’s employees.
Siptu members have also accepted a pay freeze until 2011. The deal involves workers at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports, although the bulk of the authority’s workforce is at Dublin airport.
The programme, which should lead to savings of some €40 million, was agreed after it emerged last year that the DAA was facing losses of €70 million.
Siptu organiser Dermot O’Loughlin said the cost-recovery programme was accepted by 1,121 to 541 votes in a ballot of members at the three airports.
“I welcome this decision by Siptu members at the DAA. We sincerely believe these proposals have the potential to provide sustainable quality jobs.
“In addition, they provide a realistic platform to ensure that staff are favourably positioned for all future challenges,” he said.
A DAA spokesman said it could not comment as other unions were still voting on the matter and it had not been officially informed of the Siptu decision.
The agreement includes an employee recovery-investment contribution scheme which will be introduced as an alternative to pay cuts with effect from February 1st.
Under the scheme, employees will invest a percentage of their earnings and will recoup the monies after three years or when the company is restored to profitability.
The agreement also includes a voluntary severance scheme, and the union will enter discussions with the company on the pay, terms and conditions which will apply to new DAA staff.
A €1 million once-off fund will be set aside and will be paid out to participating staff if the agreed cost-recovery target is met.
An internal disputes tribunal will be established that will comprise one senior union official, one senior manager and an independent chairman, to be agreed. The tribunal will adjudicate on any disputes between the parties regarding the recovery programme.
Overall, the authority employs more than 3,000 people. Employment in Dublin airport is currently around 1,800.
