Unions warn of strike at Aer Lingus

AER Lingus could face strike action at the height of the summer holiday rush if it tries to push through its controversial Programme for Continuous Improvement 2007 (PCI07) by August 1.

A letter has been sent to senior members of both Impact and Siptu saying the company has nominated that date for the implementation of its cost-cutting drive that will see workers’ pay cut and conditions altered. The changes would affect working hours, holidays and overtime for the staff.

According to Aer Lingus the average pay at the airline is €72,500 and there are baggage handlers earning as much as €110,000 through overtime and shift allowances. It will not allow that to continue.