Shannon Town Councillor, Mayor Patricia McCarthy has expressed frustration with “unofficial” industrial action being taken by Air Traffic Controllers at Shannon  Airport.

The action undertaken by air traffic controllers is believed to be in an effort to confront their employers, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), over staffing levels at the airport, employees are understood to be wanting the IAA to address continued staff shortages.

However the action is amounting to severe frustration for cargo operators at Shannon Airport as the Air Traffic Controllers employ wildcat strikes without the approval of their union.  A situation that is not only deemed as unofficial industrial action, but also a circumstance that is causing delays, uncertainty and considerable difficulties for the cargo operators at Shannon.

In a communication with Freightscene.com, Councillor McCarthy said that “The stoppages are impacting on all flights during the period of the stoppage, causing delays.  Cargo flights have been delayed as well as passengers.” 

Councillor McCarthy expressed concern that the industrial action would be detrimental to local airport businesses, saying that “Logistics companies are getting concerned particularly as the stoppages are unplanned.”  Councillor McCarthy also emphasised that as delivery targets are not met, customers may become dissatisfied with the services offered at Shannon Airport.

In an effort to end the dispute, Councillor McCarthy has now called on the Air Traffic Controllers to end their unofficial action and allow for the utilisation of Industrial Relations procedures to resolve the issues in dispute.

Article by Findlay Osborn

With thanks to: Councillor Patricia McCarthy - Mayor of Clare 

Source: Dunphy Public Relations

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