Air controllers suspend overtime ban

The threat of disruption to flights at Dublin airport receded today after air traffic controllers resumed overtime duties.

Earlier this week, the Irish Aviation Authority said there a strong chance flight schedules could be disrupted after controllers refused to do overtime in a dispute over staffing and rosters.

The controllers had been providing cover at short notice for illness and other absences but on Wednesday withdrew from the voluntary arrangement saying more staff were needed.

Some new trainee controllers were recently recruited but will not be available until late next year due to the training needed. Efforts to recruit qualified controllers on a contract basis has also begun but it will take some months after recruitment before they can work.

The controllers stood down their action at the request of the Labour Relations Commission which has invited both parties to coniclliation talks next Wednesday.

© 2008 ireland.com