Airlines were preparing for the possibility of severe disruption to their schedules today as the dispute involving baggage-handlers at Ryanair worsened. Intending passengers were advised to contact the airlines they are travelling with.
SIPTU last night asked its 4,000 members at Dublin Airport not to pass the baggage-handlers' picket at the three main entrances to the airport today.
The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, expressed "serious concern" last night "at the prospect of major disruption at, or even closure of, Dublin Airport tomorrow". He called on the parties to the dispute to "pull back from the brink" and warned that the escalation "could have the most serious consequences and leave a lasting mark on current partnership arrangements".
The escalation came after 22 of the striking Ryanair baggage-handlers claimed they had been locked out by representatives of Ryanair management when they reported for work yesterday.
A SIPTU spokesman last night said Aer Rianta cleaning staff and Aer Lingus cargo-handlers had already gone on strike. He said Aer Lingus check-in staff and loaders would not work today and airport police would not search travellers as they entered the airport.
The spokesman said bus drivers would not pass the entrance pickets either. A meeting of Aer Rianta members of the union had earlier decided not to pass the picket.
"Over 1,000 workers have already indicated that they will not pass the picket, and there are indicators that as people become more aware of the situation more and more will join the protest. The momentum for this action is spontaneous and the direct result of the massive over-reaction of the Ryanair management," the spokesman said.
While SIPTU has asked all 4,000 of its members to recognise the picket today, individuals must decide what action to take.
Airport staff were last night sceptical about how many would refuse to pass the picket this morning as the union recommendation came late.
An Aer Lingus spokesman said it would try "to carry out as normal a schedule as could be expected in the circumstances", but would have to "wait and see what the circumstances are in the morning".
In a "holding statement" released late yesterday evening Aer Rianta expressed its regret "to passengers who have experienced inconvenience because of disruption associated with the Ryanair industrial action".
"As a number of meetings which may impact on the provision of services are still ongoing, it is not yet possible to give further information. Passengers intending to fly from Dublin Airport tomorrow [Saturday] should maintain contact with the airline with whom they have made their travelling arrangements," the statement said.
The dispute deteriorated yesterday as striking Ryanair baggagehandlers staged a picket at the airport entrances to protest at what they said was a lock-out from their place of work. They said that when they arrived yesterday representatives of Ryanair management told them their security clearance had been withdrawn. They said management told them they were no longer insured for work, and could not have access to their place of work or their break room.
They proceeded to picket an area known as Post 4 near the Ryanair hangar. Airport police asked them to move on after 90 minutes. They then staged a picket at the three main entrances to the airport, and this was still in place last night.
A Ryanair spokesman yesterday denied there was "any lock-out of Ryanair baggage-handlers at the airport". He added: "Security clearances will be restored to each of these employees once they confirm they will resume normal work."
The airline expects its schedule to operate normally today.
