Press Release

City of Derry Airport forced to close due to strike action

Friday 11 July 2008

A spokesperson for Derry City Council said that council made a strong case to representatives from UNITE, to make council staff that work at the airport, exempt from its forthcoming strike action on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July. Council are extremely disappointed that an agreement could not be reached with the union and as a result City of Derry Airport has been forced to suspend its services from midnight on Tuesday 15 July until midnight on Thursday 17 July.

The City of Derry Airport apologises for the disruption to passengers and stresses that this is an exceptional situation and would welcome the support of passengers and airlines at this time.

Speaking about the closure Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver said that he deeply regretted that an agreement could not be reached with UNITE.

He continued, " Derry City Council has been negotiating intensely with UNITE to try and secure exemption for airport staff. Council have made UNITE fully aware of their concerns about the ramifications for the airport, its passengers and the local economy if the facility is forced to close. Council have tried to support both unions with the planned strike action next week and it is regrettable that such accommodation was not reciprocated."

An update for passengers directly affected by the closure will be issued as soon as it is made available. Passengers will be able to access updates on a regular basis through the airport website www.cityofderryairport.com and through local radio stations.

Ends

For further information contact Marketing and Communications, Derry City Council Telephone 028 7137 6504

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page