Finance Minster To Engage Directly With Aer Lingus Over Shannon Layoffs

Photo © Shannon Group

Aer Lingus is being called on to make a clear statement outlining its commitment to Shannon Airport.

The airline this week informed cabin crew staff of temporary layoffs between June and August, while their counterparts at Dublin and Cork Airport received significant pay cuts.

The Taoiseach has now asked Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to engage directly with Aer Lingus on the matter.

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Earlier this week, Aer Lingus informed staff at Shannon Airport that they’re being laid off from June 21st until August.

The airline hasn’t been operating any services from Shannon since the beginning of the pandemic, despite continuing services from Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

Aer Lingus employs 90 cabin crew and 60 ground crew in Shannon, and while there are layoffs announced there, in Dublin and Cork staff have been informed of reduced rosters and significant pay cuts, but not job losses.

The changes are to take effect from June 21st, when the government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme is due to end, but that date is likely to be extended for some industries that will still be affected by COVID-19, including aviation.

SIPTU, which represents cabin crew and some ground crew in Shannon, has entered talks with Aer Lingus, to ensure that staff here won’t be worse off than their counterparts in other airports.

SIPTU Aviation Organiser Tony Carroll says they’ll continue to fight for pay certainty for union members and he hopes some clarity will be provided on whether the Wage Subside Scheme will be extended.

Clare’s Fine Gael TD has raised the matter with the Taoiseach, who in turn asked Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to engage directly with Aer Lingus about the matter.

Joe Carey believes the airline’s lack of commitment towards Shannon is disappointing and is calling on management to make a clear statement about its future intentions, particularly surrounding the Heathrow and US routes.

Deputy Carey has highlighted the importance of the Aer Lingus flights in terms of foreign direct investment and the tourism industry in the region.

He insists that questions need to be answered.

Aer Lingus declined comment in response to Deputy Carey’s remarks, when contacted by Clare FM.