Cost savings agreed at IAA
by Niall Shanahan
 
The two unions presented a counter-proposal designed to avoid the compulsory lay-offs while providing the required savings.
The two unions presented a counter-proposal designed to avoid the compulsory lay-offs while providing the required savings.

Fórsa and the AHCPS (Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants) have reached an agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) designed to achieve €2 million in savings over the next four months. The IAA has seen a significant collapse in revenues since March due to Covid-19.

 

The union represents about 600 IAA staff across a range of grades including air traffic controllers, engineers, maritime radio operators, safety inspectors, and administrative and management grades.

 

The agreement will see current hourly pay retained, while staff earning over €38,500 will work a 4.5-day week. A voluntary scheme for special leave arrangements will also be established.

 

In a circular to members, Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the IAA had initially proposed placing 116 operational staff on four months’ special leave at 40% of salary, or an across-the-board 10% pay cut.

 

The two unions presented a counter-proposal designed to avoid the compulsory lay-offs while providing the required savings. Johnny said the approach taken by unions was collaborative and designed to achieve these objectives while achieving the required cost-savings between July and October.

 

To ensure the measures are temporary, the agreement includes review dates in September and October.

 

Johnny said the outcome maximised the potential to retain jobs and protect pay, while preparing the ground for an eventual recovery in aviation activity.

 

“The measures now agreed are designed to facilitate pay and jobs recovery in line with the recovery of the industry, and this is similar to the approach we’ve sought to adopt in other employments in the aviation sector,” he said.

 

Johnny said the agreement reflects the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry, and the demands of the industry as it attempts to recover: “Under the current arrangements some members may be called upon to work normally at certain times during the period of the agreement due to the demands of business and infrastructural needs.

 

“While this is not something we wanted, our members understand that there are aspects of the company’s business that will require full attendance from some staff. The staff panel recognises that members in this position are making the ultimate act of solidarity with their fellow workers, and we have thanked our members for this ultimate demonstration of trade union solidarity and unity.

 

“All of the parties concerned fully comprehend the scale of the considerable challenge in aviation. The industry is responding to an unprecedented, once-in-a-generation crisis,” he said.

 

Watch RTÉ’s report about the effect of Covid-19 on the aviation industry was broadcast on Tuesday (23rd June). Fórsa official Johnny Fox talks about the IAA agreement and the approach taken by unions in other employments HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

LikeLike (2) | Facebook Twitter