In a message to members earlier this month, the Fórsa Aer Lingus Cabin Crew branch executive outlined a number of issues that the union believes could disadvantage staff involved in formal proceedings. 

The union has written to Aer Lingus seeking urgent engagement and calling for immediate clarification and changes to the practices in question. 

Among the concerns highlighted is the company’s practice of “de-identifying” documents used during investigations and disciplinary meetings. According to the branch update, this can involve removing names or other identifying details from documents and correspondence, which may prevent members from seeing the full context or source of evidence being used in cases that affect them. 

The union has also raised concerns about the role of HR in investigation processes, warning that the department may be encroaching on the work of independent officers tasked with conducting inquiries. In addition, the branch executive highlighted the possibility that statements made by members during witness meetings could later be converted into formal accusations against colleagues without the witness’s knowledge or consent. 

Fórsa assistant general secretary Lisa Connell has set out these concerns to the airline, describing the potential practices as prejudicial to members and incompatible with fair procedures. Reporting on the issue, The Irish Times noted that the union has called for an urgent meeting with Aer Lingus management and has warned that such practices could undermine workers’ ability to defend themselves in disciplinary processes. 

Pending clarification from the company, Fórsa is advising members not to attend any formal meeting without union representation. Members attending witness meetings are also advised to clearly state that they do not consent to their statements being used for any purpose other than the witness meeting itself. 

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