1,600 Aer Lingus staff show interest in redundancy deal
The semi-State is seeking to shed 1,325 jobs as part of a radical restructuring plan aimed at converting the airline into a low-fares carrier to rival Ryanair.
The redundancy package on offer involves nine weeks’ pay per year of service, with a minimum payout of €40,000.
The level of interest in the package means the battle over the future of the national carrier will now centre on whether remaining workers accept work practice changes sought by the company.
SIPTU immediately threatened strike action if too many concessions are sought from remaining staff. SIPTU national industrial secretary Michael Halpenny warned that unions would not let remaining workers suffer because of changes to work practices.
“If people fear draconian measures are going to be introduced by the company, don’t worry. We’re not going to let that happen.
“Certainly industrial action is not ruled out if the company gets a rush of blood to the head,” he said.
On Monday, SIPTU will inform staff which issues require further discussions at local level in the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court.
IMPACT spokesman Bernard Harbour said the remaining workers would have to make up for the 1,300 leaving the company.
“There is a very real fear and uncertainty among staff about what their work lives will be,” he said.
Aer Lingus chief executive Willie Walsh said applications would be considered next week but warned that over-subscription meant not everyone could now be accepted for redundancy.
Promising fare reductions next year of between 10% and 20%, Mr Walsh said changes would have to be delivered in tandem with unions to deliver low cost services.
“I accept that it is an extremely difficult and challenging time but I believe that the staff and the trade unions have faced up to change.
Unions are due to meet with the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
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