Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
129. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he has had engagements or plans to engage with organisations (details supplied) in relation to the proposals for work practice changes namely the new ways of working proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42277/21]
View answer141. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that maintenance in Dublin Airport is to be outsourced to third-party contractors; if he will ensure that further privatisation of services such as cleaning and security does not occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42602/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 141 together.
In the first instance, the matters being referred to by the Deputy are industrial relations matters and therefore, a matter for the Company, the employees and the trade unions concerned.
In response to the severe impacts of COVID-19 on the daa, in 2020 the Company embarked on a restructuring of the business and the introduction of new work practices.
It has reached agreements on new ways of working with some 93% of staff (c. 2,100 employees). Where daa has not reached agreement with unions and staff in relation to the introduction of these new work practices, the Company has engaged with the industrial relations institutions of the State, including the Labour Court.
In this regard, I have been informed that following engagement with the Labour Court, some Unions and staff have not accepted the Labour Court recommendation regarding daa’s introduction of new work practices, and as a result, the Company advised staff in these areas that it was commencing engagement in relation to the provision of front-line maintenance services by a third-party provider.
I have been informed that this may result in the transfer of staff and their activities to a third party, however, no final decision had been made in this regard. I am also advised that daa continues to seek engagement with the trade unions in relation to this matter.
