Passengers were advised today to remain prepared for delays at Dublin airport after talks over a dispute involving air traffic controllers failed to resolve the issue yesterday.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said air traffic control was working as normal today but a spokeswoman warned that while there have been no delays to date, they were "still quite possible, particularly at peak times".
The controllers withdrew from a voluntary overtime arrangement yesterday over understaffing and its impact on rosters. The controllers had been providing cover at short notice for illness and other absences but have now refused to do so until more staff are recruited.
Some new trainee controllers were recently recruited but will not be available until late next year due to the training needed. Efforts to recruit qualified controllers on a contract basis has also begun but it will take some months after recruitment before they can work.
Impact trade union described yesterday's meeting with management as "largely positive," with progress on some issues, but said "significant differences" remain.
"Air traffic control staff will continue to work their normal shift rotations, but will not volunteer for overtime until further progress is made on the issue of staff shortages," the union said.
The IAA have referred the dispute to the Labour Relations Commission arguing staff have taken unofficial action and are breaching the local agreement and social partnership.