Airline workers ballot on strike action
Hundreds of Aer Lingus workers are balloting on industrial action this weekend in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Siptu Union representatives are angry at what they claim are cost-saving proposals at Aer Lingus, which will see changed hours of work, the elimination of some allowances and tampering with pay scales.
Officials are balloting for industrial action up to and including strikes which could begin by the middle of next month.
"There is more that needs to be achieved but that won't be achieved by the pressure and bullying tactics of the company," branch organiser Christy McQuillan said.
He accused bosses of failing to consult workers about improving profitability at the airline.
It has said that it will alter terms and conditions for staff hired after Thursday because costs are out of line with competitors.
“It is all being done outside our industrial relations procedure agreement. Any change to be negotiated has to be subject to consultation and agreement,” Mr McQuillan added.
“They are throwing out the rule book on that and they are saying it is going to happen and we are not going to be able to put it to the Labour Relations Agency or the Labour Court and it’s also in breach of our national social partnership agreement.”
The adjustments, which would see changes to working rosters and eliminate some unsocial hours allowances, are contained in a 48-page document published by the airline.
Both sides left a meeting last night with no resolution to the dispute.
Last autumn Aer Lingus was floated on the stock market and was subject to a takeover bid from rival Ryanair.
Aer Lingus said there would have to be savings in the aftermath of the bid, which would have made Ryanair owner Michael O’Leary the dominant airline owner in Ireland.
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