Union threatens to ground air passengers in pensions row

Siptu is once again threatening to ground thousands of Aer Lingus passengers, possibly as early as the end of this month, over what it described as the airline’s decision “to abandon all meaningful and reasonable negotiations” on the ailing pension scheme.

There is a dispute between the airline and the union as to events in the Labour Relations Commission on Thursday, which led to Siptu warning yesterday that industrial action was highly likely.

Siptu, along with other unions representing Aer Lingus staff, met with management of the airline and the Dublin Airport Authority, whose staff are also members of the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme.

Dermot O’Loughlin, Siptu sector organiser at Aer Lingus, claims there was a breakdown in the discussions when Aer Lingus representatives refused to meet directly with unions representing the staff pension committees.

He said the company was also refusing to attend the Labour Court in relation to the pension scheme which is in deficit to the tune of almost €748m.

However, Aer Lingus said that on Thursday, the company was asked for and provided clarifications on some aspects of proposals that had been made at the LRC.

“The LRC requested that we engage with the trade unions’ actuarial advisors on Monday and Tuesday of next week,” it said.

“This is planned to take place. October 18 has been provisionally set as the next date for the engagement of the parties at the LRC.

“Claims that Aer Lingus refused to meet with trade union representatives or has in any way withdrawn from or disrespected the process are entirely incorrect. Aer Lingus is at a loss to understand why Siptu has issued misleading statements of some apparent breakdown.”

The expectation is that any industrial action will not take place until after the October bank holiday weekend. SIPTU said it was still in meaningful negotiations with Dublin Airport Authority so, at this stage, the action will be confined to the airline.