Unions at Shannon Airport have overwhelmingly rejected restructuring plan for the airport which would have ensured cost savings of €10 million a year.
The company was seeking over 200 voluntary redundancies, increased flexibility in work practices and rosters, and plans to outsource its catering division.
It is understood that margin of rejection was over 80% against the proposal, which also included redundancy terms of up to 10 weeks' pay per year of service, extra incentives for over 60s, and a €10,000 payment to staff remaining with the company.
SIPTU's National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said the vote reflected the concerns of workers about the future of jobs at Shannon and the role played by Shannon in the western region.
A spokesperson for Shannon Airport said its initial response was extreme disappointment at the outcome. It will comment more fully when appropriate.
The Labour Relations Commission is expected to contact both management and unions to review the situation.
Approval of the restructuring programme is seen as an essential step in the Government's plan to break up the three airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon into separate, competing companies.
