A collective bargaining agreement has been reached between Sky Handling Partner, which was previously a non-union employer, and SIPTU, after several months of negotiations with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The deal provides for trade union recognition for collective bargaining purposes at the ground handling contractor which provides services at both Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport.
Over many years, there have been previous attempts by SIPTU to secure recognition at the company but the current successful organising initiative began in early 2024, with several requests to management for meetings to discuss pay and conditions. However, it was only when threatened with industrial action that the company came to the table to engage in serious negotiations
In May, SIPTU members in Sky Handling Partner issued a statement saying that they were considering a ballot of our members for industrial action. Less than a month later, SIPTU representatives began to engage in talks with management at the WRC. SIPTU Organiser, Jerry Brennan, said: “The attitude at these talks was constructive on both sides, with the company realising the value for itself and its workers of operating a proper system of collective bargaining.”
In October, the collective bargaining agreement, including dispute procedures and deduction of union subscriptions at source, was signed off by the company and SIPTU representatives.