Aer Lingus redundancy package announced

Aer Lingus has announced the details of their £40m severance package to its employees to cut 2000 jobs.

Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, Willie Walsh said that four weeks basic pay per completed year of service up to a maximum of two years would be offered to general category staff.

An early retirement scheme will be offered to pilots over the age of 48.

However, if insufficient applications are received the company will have no option but to make compulsory redundancies.

Trade union SIPTU, represents almost 4000 workers at Aer Lingus.

Its spokesperson, Noel Dowling says the move towards seeking compulsory redundancies is a step in the right direction and must be seen as “some sort of success”.

However, he added that SIPTU was “not finished with this process yet”. Trade union Impact represents 2,500 cabin crew, pilots and middle management employees.

Its spokesman, Bernard Harbour is telling his members to study the package carefully and to not do anything too hasty. He said if any further investment comes into the state airline, it could mean a better redundancy package.

The package was revealed ahead of a teatime meeting between union leaders and Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern at government buildings.