Aviance workers to hold ballot on rescue plan

Workers at the aviation ground handling company Aviance are to vote on a rescue plan aimed at saving around 150 jobs.

The proposals were put forward by the trade union Siptu at talks with management over recent days. The decision to hold the ballot follows a three-hour meeting at the airport this evening where "major cost cutting measures" were presented to the workforce.

Aviance, which is based at Dublin Airport, said yesterday that it was ceasing operations from March with the loss of 150 jobs.

However following talks with Siptu, new survival proposals were finalised with the company on this morning.
Siptu civil aviation sector organiser Dermot O' Loughlin described the discussions with the company as "positive".
He said that Siptu was hopeful that the new rescue proposals would be accepted by staff "and can thus secure the continuation of Aviance operations in Ireland".

"If they do it will allow us to protect good quality jobs at the airport and consolidate the position of the company going forward," he said.

The company had said yesterday that a recent review of its operations in Ireland revealed that its current cost base could not be sustained under the Dublin business model.

Aviance said that the proposed closure of its operation at Dublin airport was due, in part, to the economic climate, which had had a global impact on the aviation industry.

Mr O’Loughlin said the outcome of the ballot was “too close to call”. A result is expected after 4.30pm tomorrow.