UNION HITS OUT AT AER LINGUS THEFT CLAIMS
Siptu demands talks with bosses over ‘extremely concerning’ allegations
SIPTU union chiefs have demanded a meeting with Aer Lingus after it claimed staff are stealing from flyers and damaging property.
In a letter to employees, the airline said thefts and damage to company property was “significantly above the industry norms”.
The national carrier plans to install more security cameras at Dublin Airport and begin random security patrols.
Siptu said its members and representatives in Aer Lingus are “extremely concerned” by the allegations. The union is demanding bosses produce evidence on which to base the claims.
A spokesman said: “We will seek to ensure the good name and reputation of union members and all workers in
Aer Lingus are protected and fully vindicated from any such outrageous claims.
“Such blanket character assassination is unacceptable and the union has called on management to provide evidence as to whether there is any basis to the claims and to follow appropriate procedures, due process and, if required, report them to the authorities.”
Last night Aer Lingus did not say if chief executive Stephen Kavanagh would be available for talks. But it said it recognised “the overwhelming majority of our colleagues behave in an exemplary manner”.
But the airline defended its decision to increase surveillance, insisting other airlines have taken similar measures. A spokesman said: “The unfortunate Aer Lingus chief Stephen Kavanagh reality is a tiny subset of our 4,500 colleagues behave in a manner that falls below the required standard. This is wholly unacceptable.
“This is not an issue that is unique to Aer Lingus. However, most other airlines have already taken the necessary measures to counter such behaviour.
“We have taken steps in recent weeks to bring our security in line with industry standard practices and proportionate to the purpose of securing our premises, our property and the property of our guests.”