Siptu battles ‘misinformation’ on proposed DAA pay deal as voting continues

Aviation

The DAA hopes to push through a 'payroll simplification' package for its staff in Dublin alongside a 10.3pc pay rise over three years. Photo: Getty Images

Fearghal O'Connor

Voting has begun on a key DAA pay deal following claims by trade union officials that they had to battle what they claimed was “misinformation” circulating among staff.

The airport authority is looking to push through a “payroll simplification” package for its staff in Dublin – alongside a 10.3pc pay rise over three years.

But despite the proposed pay hike – which would also see new entrants’ pay rise up to 25pc – tensions have risen around some of the measures.

Longer-serving staff in particular, who joined before a new style of contract was introduced to coincide with the lower-cost staffing of Terminal 2, feared that payroll changes could erode their advantageous contracts, while newer staff were disappointed the new deal would not grant them roster duty allowances (RDAs) or paid breaks like their colleagues.

“To suggest that paid breaks and RDAs are achievable should these proposals be rejected is unrealistic and insincere,” said a memo to staff by trade union Siptu, issued after a series of explanatory briefings with staff in Dublin Airport’s North Terminal. The union and the company have both insisted the proposed deal would have no negative financial impact on pay or terms and conditions.

“During these briefings it has become evident there is some misunderstanding and misinformation circulating,” said the memo.

“We are hoping in this correspondence to clear up some of this confusion and hopefully make the proposal more understandable.”

Balloting on the proposal began last Monday and will continue until next Sunday with votes counted the following day.

“The briefings were well attended and the proposal explained in detail. Any misunderstandings were rectified and overall the feedback from members was positive. Early indications suggest the proposal will be accepted,” said Siptu aviation sector organiser Niall Phillips.

A DAA spokesman said the company was aware its “trade union partners are communicating directly with employees that will benefit from the pay proposals and that representatives are answering any queries in advance of balloting by their members.”

“The proposals have been broadly well received and we await the outcome of the ballot for acceptance this month,” he said.