Aer Lingus unions ballot for job cuts strike action

Unions at Aer Lingus will ballot workers on possible strike action today over management plans to slash the workforce by a quarter.

SIPTU officials at the state airline called on workers to fight proposals to turn the carrier into a low-cost operator.

Management has proposed a three-year plan to cut the workforce by 1,300 and enter the low fares arena as part of radical restructuring and cost cutting.

Unions have said they were prepared to fight for one of the highest pay-off deals yet for thousands of Aer Lingus staff who face redundancy.

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

Company bosses have said the airline was on target to hit profits of almost €100m for this year.

SIPTU national industrial secretary Michael Halpenny said the union would fight for nine weeks of pay for every year served at the company, for 1,325 workers.

It was also reported workers who stayed on at the company would push for a 10% pay rise after the cuts.

Mr Halpenny said the first priority was to ensure all change at the airline took place by agreement. It is thought airline bosses would resist calls for such a high pay-off.

The result of the ballot is not expected before 4pm.