ONGOING commercial hardship will see the loss of 150 jobs at Dublin Airport it was revealed last week.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is seeking 150 voluntary redundancies as part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing its cost base.
Initially, the redundancies will only apply to areas being restructured, which include retail and passenger services at Dublin Airport’s Terminal One, and the Asset Management and Development division.
However, applications from staff in other areas may be considered if funds are available. The closing date for applications is June 22.
The DAA say the redundancies are necessary as its airports continue to face major commercial challenges as a knock-on affect from the recession and high unemployment, which has dramatically influenced consumer spending.
As a result, the public are travelling less, and spending less in retail outlets and car parks.
Staff were also warned that all other future severance or early retirement schemes announced in the future would be less financially beneficial than the redundancy scheme revealed last week.
The DAA redundancy announcement came just one day after the Government announced plans to separate Shannon Airport from the DAA structure and merge it with Shannon Development.
Dublin North Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) was among those disappointed and concerned to hear of the job losses.
“I understand the company has already given a commitment that any job losses will be through voluntary redundancy and early retirement but I am urging the company to engage fully with workers and their representatives in the days ahead,
? he stated.
“The fact that these redundancies are initially being sought in the retail and passenger services sectors reflects a downturn in passenger numbers and passenger spend.
“This is why we need to refocus efforts on attracting tourists and investment into the country.
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According to Senator O’Brien, it is vital that workers who don’t wish to leave on voluntary redundancy packages are properly supported in the continuation of their career.
A spokesperson for the DAA said that attempts to stabilise its financial position have not been enough to get the company back on a solid footing.
“Consumer sentiment remains weak in Ireland and the UK, which is a key destination for air travel to and from DAA airports, is in recession,
? a spokesperson said.
“The 2010 Cost Recovery Programme helped stabilise the DAA’s financial position, but the external economic environment has not improved and it is necessary for the company to take further steps to make its business even more efficient,
? the DAA spokesperson said.
“A restructuring process is currently underway in several specific business units within the company and to facilitate this process, a limited voluntary severance scheme and voluntary early retirement scheme has been introduced.
“The company has communicated with staff representatives in relation to the restructuring plans in recent days.
“DAA remains committed to maintaining good quality sustainable employment levels consistent with market demand, but it has to continue to take steps to address specific issues within its overall cost base.
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