FORSA has accused Aer Lingus of using workers at Shannon Airport as a “pawn in a wider game”.
It comes as Aer Lingus staff are to receive a pay cut of up to 70% and a reduction in working hours, after unions failed to accept the airline’s new workplace reform programme by the 6pm deadline yesterday evening.
In a video message to workers, airline CEO Sean Doyle said that because the deadline wasn’t met, the proposals were now off the table.
An agreement had been reached over the weekend that would see lay-offs at Shannon averted, with staff facing pay cuts and reduced hours in line with a fall-off in flights, as well as changes to work practices.
FORSA Spokesperson Bernard Harbour has been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill that the withdrawal of proposals is unacceptable, but they’re willing to go back to the talks table with the airline to resolve the matter.
Aer Lingus have issued the following statement:
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 21st June.
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.
