Union blocks extra fire crews from UK

AIRPORT firefighters' representatives are blocking plans by the Public Services Department to bring in relief cover to make sure the airport stays open this weekend as the school half-term holiday begins.

A bleak scene at the airport yesterday afternoon. It could be miserable again this weekend for families trying to get away for a half-term break unless negotiations guarantee full fire cover, currently being blocked by the union. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0718407)

An airport management spokesman said yesterday that the crews' union, Unite, had been contacted last Wednesday with a request that it accepted through a third party that its members would agree to contract firefighters being brought in to maintain minimum cover.

'As yet, that agreement has not been forthcoming,' said the spokesman. 'Efforts to contract in cover will continue, but it will be subject to the union's agreement.'

Unite regional industrial organiser Ron Le Cras was unavailable for comment or to explain why, if there really is no industrial dispute as claimed, he is blocking the use of additional UK crew.

A spokesman for the firefighters said, however, that he was unaware of any attempt to stop contract labour being brought in and he would have known if such a move had happened.