Not just in Ireland
Firstly the IAA is obligated to recover its operating costs from it customers - the airlines, so we know who will pay. IAA would seem to be doing the right thing especially when at least one local carrier is on its knees.
Second the ATCO's are well paid by any standard, and usually the work hours are not to onerous. And where else do you get a non contributory pension of 30%!?
Go on strike? Make a fuss about new equipment? keep your head down, keep quiet and hope no-one finds out more like!
Third its not just ireland. In Spain where controllers are paid rather more (perhaps double Ireland) the public have recently become aware of this "gravy train"
There was a piece in the Spanish News last week about controllers now being targettted to abuse by angry tax payers, daubing paint on controllers houses, vandalising cars etc...
Chickens will come home to roost in Ireland and elsewhere.
I predict an unpleasant year or two for the ATCO fraternity.
Katy