Layoffs and pay cuts at Aer Lingus
AER Lingus is to implement mass layoffs and pay cuts of more than 50% for staff.
In a worrying late twist for workers at the airline, Aer Lingus yesterday withdrew an offer to put its drastic financial cuts on hold.
The airline, which was described as ‘disgraceful’ by one TD for its decision, said its Covid Crisis Recovery Plan would have halted the cuts, but it withdrew the deal just two hours after staff were sent ballot papers to vote on it.
Union bosses were furious, accusing Aer Lingus of being ‘heavy-handed’ and saying its move was ‘unnecessary’.
The airline workers’ union, Fórsa, said ballot papers were sent out to members at 4pm, but that the deal was withdrawn by Aer Lingus just two hours later before staff had a chance to vote on it.
An Aer Lingus spokesman said:
Airline’s conduct ‘is a disgrace’
‘Throughout this crisis Aer Lingus has been communicating directly with our employees.
‘We have already communicated with them on an individual level as we align working hours and pay with the amount of work that needs to be done.
‘If accepted, the Covid Crisis Recovery Plan document that had been put to the ICTU Group of Unions would have prevented the planned implementation of reductions in pay below 50% and the lay-offs that were to come into effect from June 21. Unfortunately Aer Lingus has not received the required confirmation of acceptance from all of the unions within the ICTU Group of Unions.
‘Aer Lingus will now progress with the implementation of the planned layoffs and reductions to working hours and pay. Aer Lingus will also progress with the implementation of the work practice and work organisation changes.’
Aer Lingus chief Seán Doyle addressed staff on Monday in a video message and insisted the proposals offer had lapsed and the airline would look at implementing the cuts. He also insisted the changes were ‘absolutely required in the context of the unprecedented crisis that we face’.
Fórsa spokesman Niall Shanahan said ballot papers were sent to members yesterday at 4pm, but by 6pm the deal was withdrawn.
He said Aer Lingus was ‘running the risk of permanent damage to relationships by behaving as they have done over the last 24 hours’.
Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith condemned the move to unilaterally implement cuts in pay, conditions and jobs at the airline and said it was ‘classic bully-boy tactics designed to shock and awe workers into submission’.
Labour TD Duncan Smith, whose Fingal constituency covers Dublin Airport, called on the airline to reverse its decision and said: ‘It is a disgrace the way Aer Lingus has conducted itself.’
Travel industry expert Eoghan Corry said: ‘Aer Lingus is settling down for the long haul on this [the effects of the pandemic]... I expect the cuts won’t be as extreme as are being proposed.’