ICTS reject appeals from sacked security staff

Of the 24 security staff at Belfast International Airport who were dismissed following a one-day strike last month, all but one have had their cases thrown out on appeal.

The dismissals were made after 42 staff employed by ICTS, the private firm supplying security staff to Belfast International Airport, mounted a strike on May 14 in protest at pay and conditions.

The security staff contend that their union, the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (AGTWU), had informed them that the strike, which was held on was legal. However, the workers were subsequently sacked by for gross misconduct. They immediately lodged an appeal.

ICTS yesterday maintained that the union undertook not to hold a strike on the day, thus making the industrial action illegal. It is expected that the staff will now pursue a wrongful dismissal claim at an Industrial Tribunal.

The ICTS staff had been in protracted negotiations demanding better pay and conditions, and following a series of failed talks strikes were held on May 7 and May 14. The May 7 action was legal and involved over 100 members of staff, the May 14 action, which involved 42 staff, was deemed illegal – a claim which the ICTS say is backed by the AGTWU.

However, the root of the problem – the dispute over pay and conditions – progressed somewhat on Tuesday when ICTS presented a revised package to union representatives.

ICTS spokesman Ben Lewis said: "We have had very positive talks with a national representative of the union and one of the full-time officials.

"I remain hopeful that the pay deal will be settled within the very near future."

He added that there was renewed hope that problem could be resolved, as there had been "compromise" on both sides, and a "willingness on the part of the union to reach a settlement".

(GMcG)