Media

The Irish Aviation Authority is extremely disappointed with IMPACT Trade Union for issuing notice of strike action by their Air Traffic Controller members for a 24 hour work stoppage to take effect on Thursday next, the 28 February 2008. This follows a number of weeks of sporadic unofficial action.

This is despite an invitation by the Labour Court to both IMPACT Union and the Irish Aviation Authority to attend a Labour Court Hearing on Monday next, the 25 February 2008.

The Authority, notwithstanding that the issues of rosters and call-in / overtime payments at the heart of this dispute are being referred for adjudication to the Labour Court, regards the IMPACT action as a blatant breach of industrial relations procedures, including the current National Agreement T-2016 and the Continuity of Service Agreement.

Safety is the Authority's highest priority and we will ensure that aircraft and passenger safety is not jeopardised by any disruptive action by air traffic controllers.

The Authority appeals to IMPACT and to the Controllers to desist from this totally unnecessary disruptive action which will cause great inconvenience to airlines and the travelling public and to await the outcome of the Labour Court process.