Luminous jackets gleamed among the Aer Lingus long green coats as SIPTU operatives and clerical staff protested outside Shannon Airport in intermittent sunshine yesterday.
In between, the 350 Shannon-based staff suffered seasonal showers and skirted a long puddle as they trudged up and down during the four-hour shift each took on the picket line. Bus Eireann drivers, coming from nearby Ennis and Limerick, refused to pass the picket, dropping their passengers at the airport entrance.
Overhead, an Aer Rianta advertisement ominously stated: "Don't Pay More", but it had more to do with airport shopping than the pay policy of its sister company.
The manager of Aer Lingus, Shannon, Mr Tom McInerney, said about 3,000 passengers spread over 20 flights were disrupted during the 24-hour stoppage. Incoming transatlantic flights arrived and 790 passengers disembarked. Seven empty planes left the State for the US yesterday evening for return flights. Mr McInerney said about 240 tonnes of fuel would be used on these trips.
"While the customer is the one who is being affected today, in the long term it is Aer Lingus and the staff of Aer Lingus who are going to feel the effects of this type of action," he said.
The protesters were defiant, however, saying they worked to build up the company in the early 90s. They insisted the pay differential between them and cabin crew was inequitable.
"We were always on a par with the cabin crew. They have passed us out now. We are trying to retrieve lost ground," Mr Martin Forde, chairman of the Shannon clerical section, said.
About 50 staff who were on a day off had turned up to join the picket, he said. Bay Global, an air freight agency, provided sandwiches and Mars bars at midday. Ms Valerie Keane, a member of the check-in staff, said she felt insulted when she heard the cabin crew function was specialised.
"I am getting paid peanuts working shift work constantly.
"I am not in a position to buy a house on my own. Even buying a car at this stage is a hardship," she said.
Ms Aileen Cherry, a temporary worker, said check-in staff got more hassle than cabin crew. "I think when people enter an airport, they become more agitated."
In Cork, an estimated 2,000 passengers were affected by the strike and were forced to make alternative travel arrangements, writes Dick Hogan.
All Aer Lingus flights to Britain, Europe and between Cork and Dublin were cancelled.
However, Ryanair services continued to operate, as did British Airways scheduled flights to Birmingham and Gatwick airport in London. Aer Aran flights also continued to operate, as did the Air Wales service.