This article is from page 5 of the 2006-09-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 5 JPG
CRUCIAL talks aimed at averting strike action at Shannon Aerospace will take place today.
The development came after the Labour Court clarified a recommendation it made in relation to the dispute last July.
SIPTU and management at the aircraft maintenance company, which employs 800 staff, have agreed to meet today following several rounds of talks last week.
Shannon Aerospace maintains that it requires cost offsets to enable it to pay the last two phases of the national agreement, Sustain-
ing Progress. An independent assessor exam ined these issues and reported last January that “the company is entitled to and needs off-setting costs”.
On July 6 last, the Labour Court recommended that the parties should enter into discussions “and take a balanced approach towards agreeing cost offsetting measures in return for payment of the increases due under Sustaining Progress”. While the company accepted that recommendation, SIPTU rejected it.
On Friday, the Labour Court stated that payments under Sustaining Progress should be disposed of before talks on ways of offsetting cost could take place.
According to the Labour Court, “The company has indicated it has other issues which need to be addressed in terms of its cost structure and its viability going forward. The Labour Court is of the view that once payment of the Sustaining Progress has been disposed of and agreed, these issues should be addressed as part of Labour Relations Commission facilitated talks. The court continues to be available to the parties in these circumstances.”
SIPTU has welcomed the clarification stating that it would be “happy to enter talks with the company on the basis of the Labour Court clarification.”
A fortnight ago, the almost 800 workers at the aircraft maintenance company were placed on protective notice. Strike notice issued to the company remains in place.
Shannon councillor, Geraldine Lambert (FF) said she was pleased that both sides were engaging in talks.
“As far as I’m aware there is goodwill on the part of the workers I have spoken to and a willingness to look at a possible solution so I would hope that management would reciprocate.”