SIPTU MEMBERS AT Shannon Development have balloted for industrial action.

The move comes after the Government confirmed that Shannon Airport and Shannon Development are to merge, leading to the creation of 850 jobs.

SIPTU sector organiser Jane Boushell said that union members at Shannon Development have balloted for strike and industrial action “by an overwhelming majority” in response to the failure of management to provide guarantees to staff following the decision to break up the agency.

She said:

Following the recent Government decision to break-up Shannon Development and transfer its assets and some of its staff to a new aviation company, SIPTU members sought specific guarantees in relation to terms and conditions of their employment (including pensions). They also sought an assurance that they would enjoy the continued protection of the terms of the Croke Park Agreement and the resolution of specific outstanding industrial relations issues.

Boushell continued that as these guarantees have not been forthcoming, a ballot for strike action and industrial action has taken place.

These ballots are overwhelmingly in favour of taking action as a result of the failure of the employer to furnish the guarantees sought and will be actioned should any unilateral attempt be made to implement the proposed transfers without agreement.

The government said on 3 December that it has decided to grant Shannon Airport full independence from Dublin Airport Authority on December 31 2012 and merge it with a restructured Shannon Development. They will then form a new publicly-owned, commercial entity in 2013.

Read: 850 jobs promised as Shannon Airport and Shannon Development to merge>