Irresponsible airline announces lay-offs
by Niall Shanahan
 
Fórsa official Angela Kirk said “We understand the scale of the crisis facing the industry and its airlines, but it’s totally irresponsible to of Aer Lingus to abandon efforts to negotiate a solution and plan for a future recovery."
Fórsa official Angela Kirk said “We understand the scale of the crisis facing the industry and its airlines, but it’s totally irresponsible to of Aer Lingus to abandon efforts to negotiate a solution and plan for a future recovery."

Last week’s Aer Lingus announcement that it plans to lay off staff, reduce hours and cut pay from 21st June has been branded premature by Fórsa.

 

The airline subsequently sent a video to its Shannon cabin crew, telling them that they were to lose their jobs.


The union, which represents cabin crew, pilots and middle-managers in the airline, said there was still ample time to explore and negotiate alternative cost-saving options, at a time when unprecedented public support for payroll costs remains in place.


The Government’s coronavirus-related wage subsidy scheme remains in place until 21st June, but it’s widely expected to be extended beyond that date.


In a meeting last week, Aer Lingus management told unions it would extend current pay arrangements until 21st June. But it said it would take unilateral measures, including lay-offs and cuts to hours and pay, immediately after that.


On Wednesday this week (27th May) management used a video message to staff to announce the layoff of all Shannon cabin crew.


Fórsa official Angela Kirk said the company’s move was premature: “The effect of Covid-19 is not just an issue for Aer Lingus and its staff. It’s the most significant crisis for the entire Irish aviation industry in a generation, and it has the potential to adversely affect the commercial connectivity of the country.


“We understand the scale of the crisis facing the industry and its airlines, but it’s totally irresponsible to of Aer Lingus to abandon efforts to negotiate a solution and plan for a future recovery. Shutting the door on discussions with at least month of state-subsidised wage supports in place is not the way to solve our enormous shared challenges,” she said.


Fórsa said it would continue to work to protect staff, and maintain jobs and spending power, in the airline and across the sector to the greatest extent possible.


The group of Aer Lingus unions, which also includes Siptu, Connect and Unite, has told the airline it must continue to honour all existing collective agreements, and that any proposed measures must conform to the terms of those agreements.

 

 

 

 

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