Aer Lingus staff to halt work tomorrow
Major disruption is expected at Dublin and Shannon Airports tomorrow as Aer Lingus workers strike over Government plans to privatise the State airline, it emerged tonight.
SIPTU notified management their members intend to walk off the job for more than an hour tomorrow morning disrupting dozens of flights and thousands of passengers.
“This will result in delays to flights due to arrive and depart during that period. However, passengers are advised to check-in as normal and it is hoped to minimise disruption as much as possible,” the airline said.
The stoppage will last from 9.45am to 11am at both Dublin and Shannon airports.
Six inbound and two outbound flights will be directly affected by the industrial action but it is expected to have a knock-on effect to services throughout the day.
Talks were held throughout today between union leaders and Aer Lingus management but failed to resolve major issues of pay, pensions, working conditions and job security following privatisation.
The airline is expected to be floated on the stock market in the autumn.
“A considerable level of progress has been made to date with all trade union groups and we are making every effort to bring all outstanding issues to a conclusion in a timely manner,” the airline went on to say.
“Our commitment on job security and protection of terms and conditions of employment are comprehensively detailed in an Aer Lingus Charter, which is the outcome of extensive negotiations with all of the Union groups at Aer Lingus.”
Talks are ongoing with SIPTU, and the company said it was confident agreement can and will be reached with all parties to the satisfaction of all our employees.
“Significant progress has been also made on the issues of pensions and a generous proposal has been offered to relevant staff recognising their change agreements and service to the company,” Aer Lingus said.
“In addition all staff will receive a service related bonus. With regard to staff shareholding negotiations are also in the final stages.”
SIPTU has threatened to hold all-out strike action if its concerns are not addressed before the sell-off.
Aer Lingus also apologised to its customers for the disruption and inconvenience caused.
