Following complaints of sick leave being treated as misconduct, Aer Lingus members have launched a major survey to investigate company management of sick leave absences.  

The issue is already a top priority for the branch, with 130 members responding within the first 30 minutes of the survey going live. 

The survey launch has been supported by new assistant general secretary, Nicola Coleman, who has taken over responsibility for Cabin Crew members across Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and Emerald. Nicola brings extensive industrial experience to the role, having previously served as an advocate in SIPTU’s Workers’ Rights Centre and spent a decade as national organiser with the NUJ. 

Nicola criticised the airline's current approach, stating that: “Automatically triggering formal disciplinary procedures for illness is fundamentally flawed.” 

She emphasised that being sick should never be treated as misconduct. She said: “By completely bypassing the required informal stages, the company is failing to adhere to its own established disciplinary procedures.” 

The rapid surge in survey responses proves that fair treatment regarding sick leave remains a critical concern for our Cabin Crew members. 

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