The aviation industry was among the first to feel the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and while Fórsa officials continue to talk to employers about optimum measures to protect jobs, details of different approaches by employers in the industry are emerging. Attention is now turning to how the State’s Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme may be applied to affected aviation workers.

The Irish Congress of trade Unions (ICTU) has completed an analysis of the scheme and is satisfied it has a solid legal foundation, following press commentary yesterday.

DAA

Unions met with management at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) this morning (Friday). Fórsa official Johnny Fox explained: “The DAA had already committed to paying salaries of staff up to 12^th April, with staff taking a week’s annual leave before then. Today we got further clarity, and salaries will continue to be paid until 25^th April with staff taking an additional two days annual leave.”

Johnny said a further meeting will take place next week in order to discuss necessary arrangements beyond 25^th April. The company is to engage with the Revenue Commissioners in the meantime to assess how the State’s Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme might be used to assist DAA staff.

Shannon

Fórsa members at the Shannon Airport Authority are to be placed on a three-day week from Monday (30^th March). Fórsa, SIPTU and Connect met with management today (Friday) and a further meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday (31^st March). Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting Shannon Airport Authority is also to engage with the Revenue Commissioners about the Wage Subsidy Scheme.  Johnny said a further report will be issued to members following Tuesday’s meeting.

Aer Lingus

In a conference call with unions today (Friday) management at Aer Lingus confirmed that they had registered to participate in the Wage Subsidy Scheme and they were in the process of seeking clarity as how the scheme might be applied to further support the income of workers in Aer Lingus. Fórsa represents cabin crew, pilots, management grades, IT technicians, professional and admin grades at the airline.

In a notice to members issued today unions said: “The company have confirmed that, next week, people will be paid a minimum of 50% of their gross wages. A further conference call has been arranged for next Tuesday morning and it is hoped that at that stage that we will we be in a position to provide more detailed information including what, if any, action members should take to secure entitlements from social welfare.” The group of unions at Aer Lingus is comprised of representatives of SIPTU, Fórsa, Connect and Unite.

IAA

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is also continuing to pay salaries. Fórsa represents the IAA’s air traffic controllers, engineers and maritime radio officers who are currently in a 14-day quarantine in preparation to join “tiger teams”. These teams will go into lock down in the control towers for three-week periods, working, eating and sleeping on site on a 24/7 basis.

Unions representing staff at the IAA (Fórsa and the AHCPS) are continuing to talk to IAA management, while both parties are continually assessing the situation in the aviation industry both here in Ireland and across Europe.