Madam – Twenty-nine years ago, on August 3rd, 1981, more than 12,000 members of the US Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organisation walked off the job, setting off a chain of events that would redefine labour relations in America. In response to the walkout, then president Ronald Reagan issued one of the defining statements of his presidency. He said the striking air-traffic controllers were in violation of the law; if they did not report to work within 48 hours, their jobs would be terminated.
Reagan carried out his threat. The lasting reprecussions of his action is that unionised work stoppages in the US are 10 per cent of what they were before the strike.
Irish air traffic controllers are seeking a 6 per cent wage hike against a national backdrop of wage restraint and cuts in the effort to restore an element of economic stability. In addition, air traffic controllers contribute nothing to their generous pension entitlements.
Reagan’s actions, while harsh, sent out a message to those in unsustainably privileged positions who abused their power by holding the public to ransom for personal gain. It is incumbent on the Irish taxpayer to demand that the Irish Aviation Authority has similar resolve.– Yours, etc,
Madam, – As if the current fiscal barriers to attracting business to Ireland weren’t bad enough, the decision by the handsomely remunerated air traffic controllers to go on strike ensures we now have physical barriers to contend with also. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Isn’t it time Ireland updated its legislation to outlaw the types of action currently being taken by air traffic controllers? Democratic expression is a tenet of our Constitution but there need to be exceptions that protect the overall good of the nation. – Yours, etc,