Fórsa is balloting members of the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) branch in a vote that will run from the 10th to 15th of January.

Following intense negotiations between Fórsa’s ATC branch and AirNav Ireland mediated by Kieran Mulvey, the parties reached agreement on a deal covering a call-in scheme, scale re-alignment, and improved pay for student air traffic controllers.

The ballot was issued to members with a recommendation to accept the agreement. 

An explanatory note has been circulated to members outlining the key components of the deal, including an enhanced call-in scheme and pay-scale alignment that will start with a €3k increase on 1st January 2024 with the balance to be paid on 1st January 2025.

The call-in scheme will be reset from 1st January 2024. Those who signed up last July can do so again and will keep the balance of the 2023 call-in allowance that staff are entitled to receive. This represents a benefit of circa €2300 to members.

Andy Mullins, Secretary of Fórsa’s ATC branch, said: “It is our view that we have brought this process as far as it can go. We cannot achieve anything further on alignment or other retention measures at this table.”

Fórsa assistant general secretary Derek Kelleher said: “This agreement represents significant progress. If approved by members we will be able to focus on our next set of priorities in the year ahead, from negotiating new collective agreements to improving access to job share and enhanced family friendly conditions.” 

Fórsa represents approximately 5000 employees in airlines, airports, air navigation bases, aviation regulatory bodies, and air traffic control. 

Balloting is underway and will finish on 15th January 2024. If you are eligible to vote but have not received your email ballot please contact servicesandenterprisesinfo@forsa.ie  

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