With strike action averted, a new issue now exists on the industrial relations horizon of Aer Lingus. As reported by RTE, Aer Lingus is suing SIPTU for damages incurred as a result of threatened industrial action that was due to take place. The four-hour strike was blocked on Wednesday when the High Court issued an injunction to the Dublin Airport Authority restraining SIPTU from carrying out the stoppage.
In proceedings issued today, Aer Lingus is seeking damages under a number of headings, including breach of contract and conspiracy. It also claims that SIPTU has unlawfully interfered with the airline's trade or business.
The company is also seeking damages for loss and damage, which it said was inflicted by unlawful means. SIPTU said it will "vigorously resist" the legal proceedings.
The airline is seeking a declaration from the courts that;
-
the secret ballot held by SIPTU ahead of the threatened strike was unlawful.
-
no valid trade dispute exists between Aer Lingus and SIPTU in accordance with industrial relations law, and that the industrial action was not in contemplation or furtherance of any such trade dispute.
-
SIPTU has failed to comply with a collective agreement and failed to exhaust procedures provided for in that agreement.
The legal documents were served on the union this morning. Aer Lingus has told SIPTU's Pensions Policy Advisor Dermot O'Loughlin that it is holding him personally and SIPTU fully responsible and liable for loss and damages it sustained. The full article can be viewed here. We have previously looked at the issue of strike action and over the last number of years it has become more and more prevalent in Irish workplace relations, most recently with Dublin Clampers recently voting on strike action. The Aer Lingus disputes is perhaps one of the bitterest and longest running disputes in modern-day and this most recent announcement is sure to further stoke the fires between Management and the Unions.
