Aer Rianta - Workers Prepare to Take on Government

by Cllr. Clare Daly (Aer Lingus Shop Steward)

AS WE go to press, Aer Rianta workers in Dublin, Cork and Shannon are balloting for industrial action in response to the Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan's announcement that he intends to break-up the company and replace it with three independent companies.

While the Minister has attempted to portray this step as something which poses no threat to the jobs and conditions of the workers or the status of the companies, no guarantees have been given, forcing the workforce to take him on.

The Minister's decision was announced in a fanfare that this was a great thing, good for competition, good for consumers. This is absolute nonsense.

Privatisation around the corner

There is only one reason for the move - to prepare the company for privatisation. Aer Rianta has been the jewel in the crown of the semi-states, a highly successful company that has paid hundreds of millions of euro in dividends to the exchequer, provided relatively decent employment for its 2,400 workers, and provided an excellent service to the public. What benefit is there from breaking it up?

Cork and Shannon will never compete with Dublin, because of their location. This move raises a question mark over the ability of these airports to survive.

The fact that Dublin has been saddled with the total Aer Rianta debt puts it at a disadvantage when linked to the government policy of a second private terminal at Dublin airport. All three new companies have been told that they can expect no financial investment from the government.

The only reason for the move is to prime Aer Rianta for privatisation. The effect of this will be to reduce the number and quality of the jobs. Also the government's own reports have stated that airport charges will need to be increased to make it attractive to private investors. This will inevitably be passed onto customers.

The only winners will be the businessmen who will take it over. Rather than the revenue generated from the company going back to the taxpayer, it will line the pockets of the McEvaddys, or Michael O'Leary, or any such government puppet master who wants to get their hands on the spoils.

Government offensive

Aer Rianta cannot be seen in isolation. It is part of the neo-liberal offensive by this rotten government on public services, and their drive to privatisation. It follows the ongoing privatisation attempts in Dublin Bus, Aer Lingus Catering, An Post and so on. There must be a concentrated effort to bring these struggles together to take on this hated government.

Ireland's hosting of the EU Presidency next year can be an important focal point to link these issues and put the government under pressure. A series of lightening one-day transport strikes could shake them to their foundation.

This is the most determined attempt at the theft of the assets of taxpayers and must be met with a forceful response. We must make a stand to protect jobs and prevent this robbery.