The Expert Panel has this week presented its Final Determination on the resolution of the industrial relations issues in the Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme (IASS) dispute, which affects staff at Shannona and Dublin airports, to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
This arises from the request of the two Departments to the Expert Panel last December to make contact with the Dublin Airport Authority (negotiating on behalf of Shannon Airport Authority (SAA)) and the unions to clarify industrial relations issues of concern to them as a result of the Expert Panel’s June 2014 Report and to facilitate engagement on those issues.
In its latest Report, the Expert Panel has recommended that, within the total capital contribution already committed by DAA/SAA for active members, there should be some redistribution to improve the position of those closest to retirement age and the lower-paid staff in the companies.
In addition, the Expert Panel makes recommendations regarding the retirement age and the introduction of medical/fitness testing for the Airport Fire and Police Service staff.
The Report states that the unions have confirmed that the June 2014 Report, together with this Report, will be put to an immediate ballot/reballot of all members to be conducted as quickly as possible.
The Report also states that the unions ‘confirmed that it will be made clear to members that this outcome is the absolute best that can be achieved in negotiations’.
Ministers Donohoe and Bruton once again thanked the Panel members (Brendan McGinty, Peter McLoone, Laura Gallagher and Eugene McMahon) for their contribution and commitment in completing this Final Determination.
Minister Donohoe added: ‘ would also like to thank the unions and management for their constructive engagement on these matters. Now that the unions themselves recognise that this is the absolute best that can be achieved, I now urge all concerned to vote for a positive outcome in the ballot. This will mean that the IASS issues can be resolved once and for all and that staff in the DAA and SAA will finally have clarity and certainty about their future pension arrangements”.
