Airline rejects pension claims

AER LINGUS claimed yesterday that it has no obligations to former Team Aer Lingus employees, who are claiming unpaid pension entitlements.

Some 600 staff members of SR Technics — the aircraft maintenance operation formerly known as Team Aer Lingus — claimed earlier this week that they were owed a combined €30 million in unpaid pension entitlements. They were reportedly threatening Aer Lingus with legal action.

The complaints surround the fact that the workers in question are not included in new pension funds which Aer Lingus is establishing as part of its flotation process.

In a statement made yesterday Aer Lingus said that it had no obligation to pay. “The company has sought legal advice in relation to this matter, which has confirmed that it has no liability with regard to pension claims by employees of SR Technics.”

“Aer Lingus took the decision to provide enhanced funding for both current and retired Aer Lingus employees by setting up two supplementary funds. These funds are outside the main scheme.”

The airline’s supplementary funds are designed to guarantee current and former employees inflation-linked pension rises in the next few years.

The problem has arisen because many of the SR Technics staff had previously worked for Aer Lingus.