Solidarity solution sought in IAA
by Niall Shanahan
 
Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the cost savings and the union counter-proposals reflect the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry.
Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the cost savings and the union counter-proposals reflect the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that full salaries will be paid to staff up to the end of June.

 

The company has said it will seek to introduce €2m in cost containment measures from 1st July, which would include proposals to lay off 115 operational staff, initially for a four-month period.

 

Fórsa and other unions have presented a counter-proposal based on a set of solidarity measures to avoid lay-offs and provide the required savings. Discussions on these proposals have been taking place this week.

 

Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the cost savings and the union counter-proposals reflect the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry.

 

“Across all employments in aviation we’re facing a very considerable challenge, one which all of the parties concerned fully comprehend.

 

“Our approach here is to maximise the potential to retain jobs and protect pay on the principal of solidarity within the workforce. We need to prepare the ground for an eventual recovery in aviation activity. Any measures agreed now will be 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 sector,” he said.

 

The talks continued this week as transport minister Shane Ross said his department had established an expert taskforce on recovery in the Irish aviation industry. Fórsa has argued for State supports to the sector – including airports, airlines and related operations – since coronavirus-related health measures effectively shut down the industry in March.

 

The aviation task force has been asked to prepare an aviation recovery action plan, setting out recommendations for consideration by Government, by 10th July.

 

Read Fórsa’s advice on returning to your workplace 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.

 

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