New pay measures at Aer Lingus
by Niall Shanahan
 
Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said the options presented by the company reflected a clearly dire situation, but seemed considered, flexible, and forward looking in the circumstance.
Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said the options presented by the company reflected a clearly dire situation, but seemed considered, flexible, and forward looking in the circumstance.

Fórsa has said that new pay terms at Aer Lingus, announced last week, and implemented from Sunday 27th September, were not agreed at the recent engagement at the WRC.

 

Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said: “No agreement was reached as part of the recent WRC process, though Aer Lingus has significantly improved its position on these initiatives as a result of those talks. This follows the intensive work of Fórsa’s Cabin Crew branch committee and the union's officials," she said.

 

Aer Lingus has returned Dublin and Cork cabin crew to rostered duties at 50% of pay from last Sunday (27th September). Shannon cabin crew have been returned to rostered duties at 40% of pay.

 

The measures follow discussions with Fórsa at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which concluded without agreement two weeks ago. All three bases continue to be affected by the collapse in demand for air travel as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

In addition to the new pay and roster measures, the airline set out details of a voluntary severance and extended career break schemes for cabin crew in all three bases, and an optional winter lay-off for Shannon-based crew.

 

Ashley  said the options presented by the company reflected a clearly dire situation, but seemed considered, flexible, and forward-looking in the circumstances.

 

She added: “However, the union continues to push for improved overall job protection, and has contacted the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, seeking to ensure that any state assistance to airlines is delivered on condition of protection against compulsory redundancies and off-shoring of work undertaken by Irish-based crew.”

 

The company said it will provide cabin crew staff with the necessary documentation for applicable income supports from the Department of Employment and Social Protection (DEASP). Exits under the terms of the airline’s voluntary severance scheme are to commence in November.

 

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

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