SIPTU recruited 62 Ryanair baggage handlers late last year. When the company refused to discuss a pay claim, SIPTU balloted them for industrial action. Fifty-one voted, of whom 31 supported strike action, 18 voted against and two spoiled their ballots.
Nine members, all tug-drivers, decided to work normally when the strike began on January 9th. When the strike was called off on March 8th, 39 baggage-handlers were still in dispute. Five have since been sacked but SIPTU is seeking their reinstatement as part of any resolution of the dispute.