Aer Lingus strike threat over cabin crew rosters

Cabin crew at Aer Lingus have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action up to strike, over what their union described as "erratic" rostering at the airline.

After members voted 97% in favour, Impact trade union said the action would be activated if Aer Lingus management “fails to agree the implementation of a revised roster for short-haul services, and to implement acceptable time-off arrangements after long-haul flights”.

It said the ballot also called for action if there were further breaches by management of existing collective agreements, and if the company failed to implement an outstanding Labour Court recommendation on supervisors’ contracts.

Union official Michael Landers said the ballot result indicated the depth of feeling among his members. “The current roster patterns are best described as erratic,” he said.

“We have sought consultation with management on the implementation of a more sustainable and predictable roster which is already in place for pilots and which many other airlines also have in place for cabin crew.

“But management simply haven’t engaged with us, and today’s result demonstrates the frustration of cabin crew as a result.”

He said rosters are subject to changes at short notice and many cabin crew were struggling to maintain caring arrangements for times when they were on duty.

“Cabin crew have reported incidences of extreme fatigue among crew, necessitating medical attention. It cannot continue like this,” he said.

The cabin crew have sought a similar roster to those for pilots at the airline — five work days followed by three rest days. Impact said currently, cabin crew can work up to 60 hours in a seven-day period, resulting in shift patterns of six working days and one rest day, followed by six more working days.

The members were also balloted for action over the ongoing dispute over the ailing Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme pension scheme which is currently more than €700m in deficit. That ballot passed with over 96% in favour.

Impact said its cabin crew branch committee will meet in the coming days with its divisional executive to discuss the options for industrial action.

Aer Lingus management said last night it was aware of the Impact ballot. “We have not been notified of any planned industrial action and continue to engage with the Impact cabin crew representatives to address their concerns,” it said.

Meanwhile, Impact members working at South Dublin County Council have balloted in favour of industrial action following a decision by management to abolish “acting” positions.

The union claims the management decision effectively orders staff who have been acting above their grade, to continue to perform senior duties but on a lower pay rate. Staff at the local authority voted in favour of industrial action by a margin of 86%. The form of industrial action to be taken is expected to be announced next week.