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.