Aer Lingus plan union talks over cost cutting plan
Aer Lingus tonight revealed it will enter talks with unions and industrial trouble-shooters over its €97m cost cutting plan.
More than 670 workers at the former State carrier face the axe as management aim to restructure the troubled airline.
The Government’s National Implementation Body (NIB) said it had considered the complex issues being discussed by both parties and recommended they hold talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).
“The Body notes that local discussions are continuing and that these will intensify this week,” it said in a statement.
“However, in order to maximise the potential of the progress made to date in these discussions and in an effort to successfully conclude negotiations, the NIB recommends to the parties that they avail of the services of the Labour Relations Commission for facilitated talks.
“The NIB believes that solutions need to be urgently found to the current difficulties.”
Aer Lingus wants to save almost €100m by 2011 through a range of measures, including cutting 676 jobs from its workforce of 3,900
Staff earning more than €35,000 a year also face pay cuts.
Aer Lingus said it accepted the NIB’s invitation and was focussed on achieving agreement with all staff groups in the week ahead.
Siptu, the State’s largest union; Impact, which represents cabin crews, its pilot branch Ialpa, and Unite, which represents skilled technical workers at Aer Lingus, have all agreed to enter talks by the weekend.
Unite regional officer Brian Gormley said negotiations were also ongoing with the airline.
“We are working through the issues raised by the company, such as wage reduction,” said Mr Gormley.
The NIB said discussions should be concluded within the earliest possible time frame.
“The NIB will review progress on all of the issues on Monday, 30th November,” it added.
