The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) today accused air traffic controllers of trying to sabotage the economy by participating in a work stoppage which will close the country’s main airports.
In a statement, ISME called the stoppage "despicable, self-serving, and an action which will cause irreparable damage to the image of the country at a time when our business competitiveness is already challenged".
Chief Executive Mark Fielding said the stoppage "could not come at a worse time for an economy on its knees".
“The work stoppage is a scurrilous attempt to hold the country to ransom, sabotage the economy and take advantage of the vulnerability of passengers."
Fielding called on Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to immediately implement contingency measures.