Staff at the SR Technics aircraft maintenance plant at Dublin Airport have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new proposals aimed at resolving the row over work practice reforms.
Siptu staff at the SR Technics aircraft maintenance plant at Dublin Airport voted in favour of new proposals put forward by the union at a meeting this morning.
Following acceptance of the proposals, SR Technics has agreed to refer its dispute with the 21 aircraft handlers to the Labour Court, or some other third party, for binding arbitration.
The decision means the company should be able to notify Aer Lingus that it can meet the terms of a new 10-year contract and thereby safeguard its future.
On Friday, the employees, who are members of the trade union, Siptu, rejected new work arrangements the company says are vital to allow it to sign the contract with the airline.
Under the proposed work practice reforms, aircraft handlers would have had to operate 12-hour shifts and carry out refuelling work which was previously performed by other personnel.
Some 200 staff at company, who are members of the Unite trade union, voted to accept the plan.
SR Technics said on Friday that without an agreement on work practice changes agreed by all staff, it could not sign a new contract for line maintenance with Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus has told the company that if it is not in a position to sign the new contract by the beginning of June, it would have to seek alternative arrangements.
SR Technics lost three other contracts with Aer Lingus earlier this year, and it is understood the company believes the line maintenance deal is vital for its future.
Speaking this afternoon, Siptu Branch organiser Pat Ward said that the handlers had voted overwhelmingly for the proposal at a meeting this morning.
"Fortunately we have now succeeded in resolving the impasse and helping to secure the future viability of the plant and its 1,200 workers."
He added: "The use of binding arbitration is provided for in the agreement we have with the company.
"The handlers are willing to be trained up to undertake the task while awaiting the outcome of the arbitration."