Union rejects proposals to plug DAA pension hole

A committee representing Siptu members at Dublin Airport Authority has rejected "expert panel" proposals on how to address the €780m hole in the pension scheme of the DAA, Aer Lingus and the Shannon Airport Authority.

The expert panel was appointed by the Government, Ibec, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to review the Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme.

Last month, it recommended that Aer Lingus pay €146.7m towards the pensions of its current staff — €36.7m more than recommended by the Labour Court in 2013.

The Dublin Airport Authority was told it should pay €57.3m — €7m more than the court proposed.

However, the recommendation still meant that members would suffer a loss in benefits from the scheme and it is understood that is why Siptu’s committee at the DAA rejected it.

Meanwhile, Impact, the cabin crew union at Aer Lingus, yesterday confirmed it will proceed with an information campaign and a ballot on the report of the expert group.

Meetings between unions and management will take place shortly to discuss the final proposals received from Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority.