Aer Lingus plan needs worker support, unions warn

A three-year Aer Lingus restructuring plan will not work without the support of unions and staff, union leaders claimed tonight.

SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny claimed slashing the workforce by a quarter would not be supported by workers at the airline.

And he said it was not good enough for management to think they could imitate Ryanair or EasyJet, boosting profits by sacking workers and exploiting those left behind.

“We have no interest in participating in a rationalisation plan whose main purpose is to facilitate privatisation and enhancing the wealth of a few individuals,” Mr Halpenny said.

“The employees of Aer Lingus will not allow themselves to be bullied in this situation.

“We have shown we are willing to adapt to change, to plan ahead and to anticipate the demands of a highly competitive marketplace.”

SIPTU added the union was committed to developing a viable airline that served the interests of the State’s economy and society, while protecting jobs.

Airline bosses, however, said they will consult with union chiefs on the new three-year plan.

It is understood the plan outlines slashing the workforce by 1,300 to 2,700 across Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.

The jobs would go from among cabin crew, baggage handlers, check-in staff, and the catering and cargo teams.

Company bosses have claimed it is part of a new strategy to move the country’s national carrier to a low fare operator.

But they added the airline was on target to hit profits of almost €100m for this year.

Mr Halpenny said SIPTU would not and could not support a business plan that was the first step on the road to privatisation.

He added unions would fight against the proposed changes and demand the carrier stick to social partnership models agreed at governmental level.

IMPACT assistant general secretary Christina Carney said it was thanks to the workforce that Aer Lingus had been turned away from bankruptcy to profitability.

“IMPACT members will continue to work for the success of the company. But we won’t accept the imposition of massive change without agreement,” Ms Carney said. “We will certainly resist any proposals for compulsory redundancies.”

IMPACT, which represents cabin crew, middle managers, and pilots said it would hold meetings with members around the country to advise them.

Arthur Hall, regional secretary of the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union said they were not interested in a short haul, short term, get rich quick scheme.

“We believe Aer Lingus must continue its primary task of providing an island economy with the range of services it needs to survive,” Mr Hall said.

“We are ready for change, but it must be change that is in the long term interests of the company, the employees and the country.”

Mr Hall added the Government should look at the New Zealand experience when the national carrier was sold for €550m only to be bought back for €1bn.