Representatives of Fórsa’s Air Traffic Control branch will meet AirNav management next Tuesday (3rd March) under the Internal Dispute Resolution Board (IDRB) process, following agreement on an agenda which, the union said, creates a realistic opportunity to resolve current staffing and pensions challenges within a structured and time-bound engagement. 

The talks will focus on two linked issues. The first is management’s continuing reliance on overtime to cover staff shortages. This is exacerbated by a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers globally. Fórsa’s position remains that routine service delivery cannot depend on members working overtime. The union has also said that sustainable staffing levels must be put in place. The second issue is the need to resolve outstanding pension matters. 

Recent media reports of intermittent airspace closures at Dublin and Cork airports have highlighted the operational impact of these pressures. Fórsa has said these disruptions are directly related to staffing shortages and the growing dependence on overtime and call-ins to maintain services, reinforcing the case for long-term solutions rather than emergency cover arrangements. 

There are also signs of movement on pensions. Management has confirmed that payment has issued to the IAA to cover arrears linked to the 10% element affecting staff previously employed there, and that it is prepared to engage on remaining industrial relations issues. Management has also clarified that funds currently being released in the company balance sheet will remain within the organisation. 

AirNav ATC representative Andy Mullins said the agreed agenda creates space for progress: “The fact that we now have a clear and structured agenda for the IDRB gives us a genuine opportunity to address both staffing pressures and the pensions issues our members have raised. Our priority is a solution that reduces the current over-reliance on overtime, and that puts the service on a more sustainable footing, which would create a working environment that attracts and retains staff.” 

The challenges facing Irish air traffic control are reflected internationally. The European Transport Workers’ Federation has recently warned that chronic understaffing in parts of Spain is increasing fatigue and safety risks, underlining that shortages of qualified controllers are a global problem rather than a uniquely Irish one. 

Fórsa assistant general secretary David Field said the union remains focused on securing a negotiated outcome: “Members want safe staffing levels and fair treatment on pensions. With an agreed agenda now in place, the IDRB process gives us a real chance to make progress, and we are approaching next week’s meeting in that spirit.” 

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