SIPTU members employed as firefighters at Sligo Airport have ended their industrial action following an agreement with management to formally recognise the union for collective bargaining.
They ended the industrial action late yesterday after the trade union received correspondence confirming that the airport board decided to accept SIPTU members' request for collective bargaining through their union.
SIPTU organiser Andrew Clune said the trade union members welcomed the development and look forward to working with airport management in improving its members' living standards, enhancing job quality and long-term job security.
Industrial action, which commenced at 8am yesterday involved a ban on overtime, maintenance work, and other measures.
SIPTU said the dispute arose following management’s initial refusal to engage in collective bargaining with the staff’s trade union representatives.
The trade union’s aviation sector organiser, Niall Phillips, said the resolution marked a shift in industrial relations from a dispute towards a structured, collaborative framework.
"Recognition disputes such as this are avoidable if the Government provides workers in this State with the same rights as their colleagues across Europe to collective bargaining," he said.
Mr Phillips added that studies continue to show the vital role that collective bargaining plays in enhancing job security, in tackling inequality, enhancing competitiveness and positively impacting productivity and innovation.
He added: "SIPTU members are committed to ensuring that the new agreement translates into tangible improvements and a stable operational environment for Sligo Airport."
