This article is from page 17 of the 2007-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
PROVISIONAL agreement from the unions on the Shannon Airport cost restructuring agreement has been welcomed by management at Shan- non Airport and by the Dublin Air- port Authority (DAA).
“On the basis that this agreement delivers the €10m in annual cost sav- ings required, and that it has the full support of the LRC, the trade unions and management, we welcome it as a significant first step towards ensuring Shannon Airport’s financial viability and safeguarding its role as a key economic generator for the west of Ireland,” said Pat Shanahan, Execu- tive Chairman of Shannon Airport.
“Shannon Airport faces many busi- ness challenges including the advent of Open Skies and growing competi-
tion from other airports.
“But if this agreement is approved by staff, we can establish the cost base and flexibility that will enable Shannon to compete successfully and secure a vibrant future for the airport, its customers and staff,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare TD Tony Killeen said that the provisional agreement had “enabled management and work- ers to develop and market the facility in partnership.”
The minister said he was hopeful that the deal would shortly lead to full services, including fully opera- tional bars, shops and restaurants.
According to Minister Killeen, “The reaching of a provisional agree- ment between managers and unions at Shannon Airport on a revised cost-
cutting plan is amajor breakthrough for everyone involved, as well as the passengers using the airport.”
He called on all the union members who would be balloted on the issue to “carefully consider the deal that has been presented to them and I look forward to a favourable outcome for all parties involved.”
Minister Killeen said that accept- ance of the deal by workers would result in Shannon moving one step closer to becoming an independent airport.
“I believe that a strong independ- ent Shannon Airport will be well placed to win a significant share of new passengers and services that will become available when up to 20 additional U.S. gateways are open to business to Shannon,” he said.