AER LINGUS has admitted it is making preparations for disruptive strikes in spite of further assurances by cabin crew that they will not ground the airline unless provoked by management.

Aer Lingus cabin crew have overwhelmingly voted for industrial action in a row over changes to working arrangements, it was revealed tonight.

AER LINGUS cabin crew will complete a ballot on industrial action by August 9, with disruption in airline services a possibility later that month.

AER Lingus may be forced to ground flights in the coming weeks after cabin crew decided to ballot for industrial action up to and including strikes in a dispute over working hours.

SIXTY-FIVE Aer Lingus cabin crew staff on temporary contracts were sent text messages by the company informing them their jobs were gone because of changes to the airline’s winter schedule.

Aer Lingus is laying off 55 cabin crew staff blaming planned cuts to its winter schedule, it emerged tonight.

AER LINGUS cabin crew are being balloted for industrial action over what a trade union claims is a malfunctioning rostering system and the failure by management to make temporary staff permanent.

CABIN crew at Aer Lingus have reached a deal with management that will save the airline’s Shannon base and retain Irish cabin crew on transatlantic routes.

AER LINGUS cabin crew yesterday told the company it will not allow them to cut its rest time on long-haul flights — and any attempt to force it through as part of cost-saving measures would be met with appropriate action.

A TRADE union representing staff at Aer Lingus has called for an independent investigation into the alleged bullying culture at the national airline.

Aer Lingus profits were soaring when the controversial plan to push staff out was drawn up, writes Paul O’Brien.

A three-year Aer Lingus restructuring plan will not work without the support of unions and staff, union leaders claimed tonight.

THE first day of strike action by Aer Lingus cabin crews passed off without major disruption yesterday as hired in crews and aircraft covered nine out of every 10 scheduled flights.

AER LINGUS cabin crews would lose out financially if they were to accede to changes sought by the company, the IMPACT trade union said yesterday.

Aer Lingus has said it will be business as usual over the Bank Holiday weekend, despite strike action by cabin crew.